scholarly journals The Effects of the COVID19-Related Lockdown Are Modulated by Age: An Italian Study in Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1051
Author(s):  
Mariangela Cerasuolo ◽  
Serena Malloggi ◽  
Francesca Conte ◽  
Benedetta Albinni ◽  
Oreste De Rosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Sleep Habits ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Developmental Factors ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Children’S Sleep ◽  
The Impact

Although the issue has been repeatedly explored, data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s sleep quality are inconsistent. To clarify these discrepancies, here we investigate possible age-related differences. During the lockdown, 112 parents of toddlers (0–3 years, N = 61) and pre-schoolers (4–5 years, n = 51) completed an online survey including the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Sleep-related items required an additional retrospective judgment, referring to the pre-pandemic period. During the lockdown, sleep schedules were delayed in both age groups whereas sleep quality (CSHQ total scores) improved in pre-schoolers but not in toddlers. Between-groups comparisons revealed that, prior to the lockdown, pre-schoolers showed worse sleep quality than toddlers, whereas this difference disappeared during home confinement. Also, pre-schoolers’ sleep timing was advanced before the lockdown and delayed during the lockdown relative to toddlers’. Our data highlight a significant modulation of age on the impact of the pandemic crisis on sleep, with pre-schoolers experiencing greater effects than toddlers. This profile suggests that factors affecting sleep features have different weights at different ages: sleep patterns would be mainly determined by developmental factors (i.e., biological drive) in younger children, whereas environmental factors (e.g., major lifestyle changes) would have a stronger effect on older ones.

scholarly journals Smart Home Adoption: The Impact of User Characteristics and Differences in Perception of Benefits

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 393
Author(s):  
Soojung Chang ◽  
Kyeongsook Nam
Keyword(s):  
Smart Home ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Smart Homes ◽  
User Characteristics ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Home Service ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Impact

Despite the various benefits offered by smart homes, they have not yet been widely adopted by mainstream users. This study was designed to identify user perceptions in the association between smart home service preference and adoption and to identify factors affecting the adoption and service preferences of smart homes. In order to achieve the goal of the study, an online survey was conducted among 400 potential users in the Republic of Korea. The main findings are as follows: First, there were considerable needs for the services that can support the independent lives of residents, such as safety and convenience services, among all age groups. Second, the study findings suggested that those who preferred environmental control service most were more likely to become relatively active adopters. Third, a significant association between the preference for smart home services and the intention to use was identified. Finally, the study findings suggested that the number of service preferences and adoption was not directly proportional. The findings reported in this study can improve the overall understanding of the process of adopting smart homes, and can provide important insights into user-centered strategies to promote the adoption of smart home services.

Effects of Quarantine Due to the COVID-19 on Sleep Duration and Quality in Algerians

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-193
Author(s):  
Kacem Abdelhadi ◽  
Houar Abdelatif ◽  
Zerf Mohamed ◽  
Bengoua Ali
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Italian Version ◽  
Sleep Timing ◽  
Algerian Population ◽  
Significant Change ◽  
The Impact

SummaryThis study tests the impact of COVID-19 on sleep of Algerian population before and during the COVID-19 quarantine by an estimated online survey, adapted from the PSQI Italian version. Including 1210 participants (age between 18-60 years old). The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22.0 software. Our results showed a significant change in sleeping quality during quarantine, the sleep timing markedly changed, we also noticed additional use of sleeping medications. Algerian scientists recommend to build public awareness and to provide necessary information regarding Algerian sleep quality, especially for Algerian adults.

scholarly journals Analysing the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on everyday travel behaviour in Germany and potential implications for future travel patterns

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktoriya Kolarova ◽  
Christine Eisenmann ◽  
Claudia Nobis ◽  
Christian Winkler ◽  
Barbara Lenz
Keyword(s):  
Public Transport ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Travel Behaviour ◽  
German Population ◽  
Travel Patterns ◽  
Home Office ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction The global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having a great impact on all areas of the everyday life, including travel behaviour. Various measures that focus on restricting social contacts have been implemented in order to reduce the spread of the virus. Understanding how daily activities and travel behaviour change during such global crisis and the reasons behind is crucial for developing suitable strategies for similar future events and analysing potential mid- and long-term impacts. Methods In order to provide empirical insights into changes in travel behaviour during the first Coronavirus-related lockdown in 2020 for Germany, an online survey with a relative representative sample for the German population was conducted a week after the start of the nationwide contact ban. The data was analysed performing descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Results and Discussion The results suggest in general an increase in car use and decrease in public transport use as well as more negative perception of public transport as a transport alternative during the pandemic. Regarding activity-related travel patterns, the findings show firstly, that the majority of people go less frequent shopping; simultaneously, an increase in online shopping can be seen and characteristics of this group were analysed. Secondly, half of the adult population still left their home for leisure or to run errands; young adults were more active than all other age groups. Thirdly, the majority of the working population still went to work; one out of four people worked in home-office. Lastly, potential implications for travel behaviour and activity patterns as well as policy measures are discussed.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on wellbeing and cognitive functioning of older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah De Pue ◽  
Céline Gillebert ◽  
Eva Dierckx ◽  
Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt ◽  
Rudi De Raedt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
The Impact

AbstractCOVID-19 took a heavy toll on older adults. In Belgium, by the end of August, 93% of deaths due to COVID-19 were aged 65 or older. Similar trends were observed in other countries. As a consequence, older adults were identified as a group at risk, and strict governmental restrictions were imposed on them. This has caused concerns about their mental health. Using an online survey, this study established the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults aged 65 years or older, and which factors moderate this impact. Participants reported a significant decrease in activity level, sleep quality and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression was strongly related to reported declines in activity level, sleep quality, wellbeing and cognitive functioning. Our study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the mental health of older adults. This implies that this group at risk requires attention of governments and healthcare.

Effects of Aging on Musical Performance in Professional Orchestral Musicians

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dianna T Kenny ◽  
Tim Driscoll ◽  
Bronwen J Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
Orchestral Musicians ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: The physical and psychological demands of playing a musical instrument are likely to be affected by age-related decline in function, including physical, cognitive, psychological, and organ-related changes. However, the complex neurophysiological demands of playing a musical instrument may delay many normal aging-related changes. AIM: This study compared professional classical musicians of different ages, using a range of physical and psychological measures, to discover how increasing age might affect work performance and to identify possible risk and protective factors for physical and psychological health as the musicians age. SUBJECTS: 377 professional orchestral musicians from eight Australian orchestras (70% response rate), ages 18 to 68 yrs (mean 42.1). Multiple standardized physical and psychological tools were used to evaluate the impact of age on a range of physical and mental health variables. RESULTS: Age was not statistically associated with frequency or severity of performance-related musculoskeletal disorders, ratings of perceived exertion, QuickDASH scores, use of beta-blockers, workplace satisfaction, and most psychological tests. Differences were observed on SPIN (social anxiety) scores, with lowest scores in the oldest age group (10.66 in 55+ yrs vs 17.83 in 18-30 yrs, p=0.016). Older musicians had higher BMIs and fewer practice sessions per day than younger musicians and also were more likely to consume alcohol on 5+ days/wk (44% vs 9%, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Advancing age does not appear to exert undue negative impacts on physical and psychological health or performance capacity of professional orchestral musicians. However, dwindling numbers in the older age groups may suggest a "survivor" effect, whereby those who develop significant age-related decrements may cease professional performance at earlier ages. Longitudinal studies on the professional trajectories of professional orchestral musicians are needed to explore this question further.

scholarly journals Association between sleep disorders and child violence assessed in Southern Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. e39466
Author(s):  
Lilian Bertoletti ◽  
Fernanda Cristina Scarpa ◽  
Michelli Osanai da Costa ◽  
Eduarda Correa Freitas ◽  
Luana Goulart Marin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Child Maltreatment ◽  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sleep Habits ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Experienced Child ◽  
Predominantly Female ◽  
Children’S Sleep

Aims: identifying sleep disorders (SDs) in children who experienced child maltreatment.Methods: the study evaluated the sleep pattern of 123 children (from 2 to 10 years old), who received assistance with child maltreatment, based on the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) – applied in a medical consultation after confirmation of the veracity of the child’s report of a violation. The study applied the questionnaire to children seen by doctors in the sector for 11 months.Results: among the children evaluated, 66.7% had SDs. The sample profile was predominantly female (59.3%) and aged between 4 and 7 years old (48.8%). Physical violence was found in 40.7% of the children, in addition to sexual (35.8%), psychological (24.4%), negligence (14.6%) and other types of violence (OTV) (4.5%). SDs are significantly associated with sexual, psychological and OTV (p=0.016). Regarding the subscales, there was a significant difference between the age groups in the bedtime resistance (BR) factor score (p=0.033). The BR characteristic typifies sexual, psychological and OTV. Sleep anxiety (SA) typifies more psychological, sexual and OTV. Night awakenings (NAs) typify psychological, sexual and physical violence. According to the type of violence, significant differences were found in SA (p=0.039), NAs (p=0.026) and BR (p=0.004).Conclusions: the outcomes highlight the association between SDs and child maltreatment. Certain types of violence have a greater negative impact on children’s sleep and correlate with specific SD.

scholarly journals Poorly recognized age-related downward deviation of the inguinal ligament

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205031211667556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yassir Nawaz ◽  
Mihir Barvalia ◽  
Gurinder Rana ◽  
M Zain Khakwani ◽  
Khizr Azim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Subjects ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Inguinal Ligament ◽  
Mean Deviation ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Age Related

Objective: To determine factors affecting actual inguinal ligament course in live human subjects. Introduction and hypothesis: Although the expected inguinal ligament course is supposedly a straight line extending from anterior superior iliac spine to pubic tubercle, the actual inguinal ligament course is frequently depicted a priori by a downward bowing dotted line. There are no studies in a live subject supporting this assumption. We hypothesized this assumption is indeed valid and is related to among other factors a lifelong effect of gravity and lax abdominal musculature on the inguinal ligament course. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 54 consecutive computed tomography scans of the abdomen and pelvis randomly distributed across all age groups. Actual inguinal ligament course was visualized by reconstructing images using Terracon software. Vertical distance from the lowest point of actual inguinal ligament course to the expected inguinal ligament course was measured. We used multiple linear regression analysis to study the correlation between degree of inguinal ligament deviation and several variables. Results: Actual inguinal ligament course was below the expected inguinal ligament course in 52 of 54 patients. The mean deviation was 8.2 ± 5.9 mm. Advanced age was significantly associated with greater downward bowing of the inguinal ligament (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Actual inguinal ligament course is often well below the expected inguinal ligament course; this downward bowing of the inguinal ligament is especially pronounced with advancing age. Operators need to be mindful as this downward bowing can lead to supra-inguinal sticks causing vascular complications.

scholarly journals 0962 Sleep and Daytime Functioning in Gifted and Twice Exceptional Children

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A365-A366
Author(s):  
R Théoret ◽  
L Bastien ◽  
R Godbout
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Internalizing Problems ◽  
Intellectual Development ◽  
Child Behavior Checklist ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Sleep Habits ◽  
Daytime Functioning ◽  
Twice Exceptional ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Children’S Sleep

Abstract Introduction Gifted (G) children display an asynchrony between intellectual development and social and emotional development. Twice exceptional (2e) children are G children with a neuropsychological disability. We compared the sleep and daytime behavior of G, 2e and typically developing (TD) children and we sought for group-specific relationships between sleep and daytime behavior. Methods 23 children were recruited: seven G (8.7 years old, SD = 1.7), six 2e (9.8 years old, SD = 1.8) and 10 TD children (10.0 years old, SD = 2.2). Giftedness was diagnosed with neuropsychological tools. The Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) assessed sleep quality, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) assessed daytime functioning. Sleep quality and its impact on daytime functioning was measured with a MANCOVA, with the CBCL’s three main factors as dependent variables (internalizing problems, IP; externalizing problems, EP and total problems, TP), children group as the independent variable and the CSHQ total score as the covariate. Results G, 2e and TD groups scored 39.86, 39.17 and 39.70 on the CSHQ, respectively (n.s.). The three groups were not different on the CBCL, with respective mean T scores of 57.86, 50.33 and 48.60 for IP, 56.43, 55.67 and 47.80 for EP and 55.29, 53.83 and 46.40 for TP. Pillai’s trace statistics disclosed a significant relationship between CSHQ and CBCL scores regardless of groups (p = 0.04) but the influence of sleep quality did not differ among the groups for any of the three factors. The CSHQ total score was positively and significantly related to IP (p = 0.03, r = 0.47); relationships were not significant for EP (p = 0.96, r = -0.01) and TP (p = 0.17, r = 0.31). Conclusion Sleep quality influences internalizing problems in children, without group-specific relationships, but this association does not seem to differ between gifted, twice exceptional and TD children. Support N/A

scholarly journals Lifestyle and Long-Term Smoking Cessation

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1179173X2096306
Author(s):  
Tove Sohlberg ◽  
Karin Helmersson Bergmark
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Smoking Initiation ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Swedish Health Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Term Maintenance

Background: Since smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, discouraging smoking initiation, encouraging smoking cessation, and exploring factors that help individuals to stay smoke free are immensely important. One such relevant factor may be the impact of lifestyle for long-term smoking cessation. Method: A representative sample of successful quitters was recruited for a study about smoking cessation. These respondents are now part of a 7-year follow-up with the overall aim of revealing factors affecting long-term smoking cessation. Descriptive analyses were carried out at baseline and at follow-up, as well as a further two-step cluster analysis to explore profiles of long-term smoke-free individuals. Results: A majority did not make any particular lifestyle changes, but among those who did, most adopted a healthier lifestyle and/or increased their quota of physical training, where permanent changes in this direction seem to promote a more enduring smoke-free life. Conclusions: Individuals who want to quit smoking should be encouraged to increase their level of physical activity. Swedish health care institutions should be able to provide support for this both initially and over time to promote the long-term maintenance of a smoke-free lifestyle.

scholarly journals Young Children's Exposure to and Ability to Eat Different Food Textures, as Reported by Parents (P11-119-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Smith-Simpson ◽  
Lisa Fries ◽  
Carolyn Ross
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Food Texture ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Age Appropriate

Abstract Objectives The objective was to identify the age at which parents expose their children to different food textures and how challenging the textures were for their child to eat. It was hypothesized that older children would be exposed to a wider variety of food textures and that parents would consider a larger proportion of these textures to be easy to eat. Methods Parents (n = 365) in Grand Rapids, MI, USA with a child aged 6–36 months completed an online survey. The survey had 37 questions, including 15 unique food texture categories with food examples (Table 1). Parents were asked how difficult each texture category was for their child to eat using a 5-point scale ranging from “Very Easy” to “Very Difficult”, plus an option for “My child hasn't tried this yet”. Children were divided into 5 age groups (6-8 months, 9–12 months, 13–18 months, 19–24 months, 25–36 months) for analysis. Across texture category and age group, data were analyzed using analysis of variance, with mean separation accomplished using Fisher's LSD (P < 0.05). Results A majority of children in the youngest age group (6-8 months) had only eaten foods described as creamy, dissolvable, or pureed. All of the texture categories had been served to a majority of 9–12 month-old children, except for “hard” and “tough meat”. By 18 months of age, a majority of children had tried all food texture categories except “hard”. Across all age groups, creamy, dissolvable, and puree were rated as easy and “tough meat” was rated as difficult. The other textures showed age-related differences, with parents of older children reporting the textures as easier to eat than those of younger children. Food textures were compared within the 9–12 and 13–18 month age groups, when most new food textures are introduced, and similar trends were observed. The easiest textures were creamy, dissolvable, puree and soft, followed by lumpy and juicy, then slippery, chewy, rubbery, and sticky. The most difficult textures were leafy, with skin, hard, tough meat and combination of textures. Conclusions When considering textures of the foods that comprise a well-balanced, healthy diet, many foods are difficult for children to eat. Preparing foods such as green vegetables specifically to have age-appropriate textures could improve consumption. Funding Sources Washington State Univ College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Emerging Research Issues Grant.

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