Musculoskeletal Pain and Non-Classroom Teaching in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the Impact on Students from Two Spanish Universities

The lockdown, due to the coronavirus, has led to a change in lifestyle and physical activity in Spanish university students. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and changes in physical activity and self-perceived stress in the student bodies of two Spanish Universities during the lockdown. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 1198 students (70.6% women). The main instruments used for measuring were the Standardized Kuorinka Modified Nordic Questionnaire and the Perceived stress scale (the questionnaire regarding the practice of physical activity). A reduction in the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (p < 0.001) was identified in the sample of men and women, an increase (12.5%) in the frequency of carrying out physical activity from moderate to frequent, and the preference for strength training (15.1%), especially among women, was identified. All of this may be taken into account by health institutions when implementing measures to encourage physical activity in both suitable amounts and types, which improves the quality of life of the students.

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Musculoskeletal Pain and Teleworking in Times of the COVID-19: Analysis of the Impact on the Workers at Two Spanish Universities

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18010031 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 31

Author(s):

Óscar Rodríguez-Nogueira ◽

Raquel Leirós-Rodríguez ◽

José Alberto Benítez-Andrades ◽

María José Álvarez-Álvarez ◽

Pilar Marqués-Sánchez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Musculoskeletal Pain ◽

Musculoskeletal Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Scale ◽

Occupational Risks ◽

Health Institutions ◽

Spanish Universities ◽

The Government ◽

The Impact

The special situation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and the confinement imposed by the Government, has given rise to numerous changes in working habits. The workers at the universities have had to start a period of teleworking that could give rise to consequences for the musculoskeletal system. The objective of this article is to analyze the impact of the confinement on the musculoskeletal health of the staff of two Spanish universities. A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out on the workers. Data was taken in April–May 2020 and included: The Standardized Kuorinka Modified Nordic Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale and another one on sociodemographic data. This study comprised 472 people. The areas of pain noted during the confinement period concluded that it was less in all cases (p < 0.001). The frequency of physical activity carried out increased significantly during the period of confinement (p < 0.04), especially in women. The type of physical activity done was also seen to modify during this period (p < 0.001), with a preference for strength training and stretching exercises. In conclusion, the confinement gave rise to changes in the lifestyle and in the musculoskeletal pain of the workers at the universities. All of this must be taken into account by health institutions and those responsible for the Prevention of Occupational Risks at Spanish universities.

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Participation in physical activity decreased more in people with rheumatoid arthritis than the general population during the COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study

Rheumatology International ◽

10.1007/s00296-021-05054-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Christopher Balchin ◽

Ai Lyn Tan ◽

Oliver J. Wilson ◽

Jim McKenna ◽

Antonios Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

Exercise Equipment

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions have significantly reduced population-wide physical activity (PA) levels. However, the impact of the pandemic and relevant restrictions on PA participation, and any potential barriers to it, in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not clear. Furthermore, we are unsure if any such PA changes have affected their body weight, mental wellbeing, and/or quality of life (QoL). Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of the lockdown on PA participation in people with RA, versus people without RA. Participants (n = 128; RA = 27, non-RA = 101) completed a self-administered online survey, which included questions on PA, body weight, mental wellbeing and QoL. PA participation during lockdown was significantly lower among RA versus non-RA participants (p < 0.001). Additionally, a similar profile of results was found where more RA participants vs non-RA participants reported reduced habitual PA (59% vs 33%) and increased body weight (59% vs 35%). Mental wellbeing scores were similarly low in both groups during lockdown (RA: 20.8 ± 4.2; non-RA: 22.2 ± 3.4, p = 0.080). Matched group comparisons identified similar trends to full sample analyses. In the first months of the lockdown, more people with RA reported decreased PA participation and increased body weight than their non-RA counterparts. Access to exercise equipment and facilities appears to be the main cause for these results. Looking beyond COVID-19, specific PA promotion for people with RA will be required to prevent a pandemic of inactivity.

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Quality of Sleep among Portuguese Anaesthesiologists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Acta Médica Portuguesa ◽

10.20344/amp.11468 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (10) ◽

pp. 641

Author(s):

Francisco Valente ◽

Catarina Batista ◽

Vânia Simões ◽

Inês Tomé ◽

Alexandre Carrilho

Keyword(s):

Sleep Quality ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Quality Index ◽

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Quality Of Sleep ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Scale ◽

Factors Associated

Introduction: Sleeping is essential to maintain proper relationships with others, keep alertness, and execute responsibilities, among many other functions. In the medical profession, there are several studies linking sleep deprivation with a decrease in responsiveness, cognition and attention. With this study we intended to characterize the sleep pattern of Portuguese anaesthesiologists and identify independent factors associated with sleep quality in this population.Material and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study of senior and resident anesthesiologists working in Portugal was carried out through an online questionnaire. Individuals working exclusively in intensive care units, emergency departments or with previously diagnosed sleep disorders were excluded. Socio-demographic data, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Perceived Stress Scale were applied. Statistical significance was assessed using the Mann-Whitney test and the chi-square test. A multivariable analysis was performed to examine the association between the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and certain variables.Results: Among 256 respondents, 46.1% reported “poor” quality of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5). Within these individuals, 77.1% slept less than 7 hours per night (p < 0.001). Excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale > 10) was present in 41.0% of the sample, and the median Perceived Stress Scale score was 17.0. The independent factors associated with worse quality ofsleep were the number of working hours/week (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1,01 to 1,06), perceived stress (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.26), taking sleep medication (OR 14.72, 95% CI 5.55 to 39.08), and sleep hours/night (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.42).Discussion: This fraction of Portuguese anaesthesiologists presented a poorer quality of sleep, with excessive daytime somnolence, perceived stress and higher sedative use compared to previously studied populations.Conclusion: Our study characterizes sleep patterns and identifies potential risk factors linked to sleep disturbances in a sample of Portuguese anaesthesiologists. Government and institutional policies can endorse sleep hygiene practices and habits, promoting healthier working environments.

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Asupan Zat Gizi Makro, Aktivitas Fisik dan Tingkat Stress dengan Kejadian Hipertensi pada Dewasa (18-60 Tahun)

Jurnal Ilmiah Kesehatan ◽

10.36590/jika.v2i2.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 83-92

Author(s):

Erlyta Windi Mulyasari ◽

Mia Srimiati

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Perceived Stress Scale ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Purposive Sampling ◽

Stress Scale ◽

Food Recall

Berdasarkan data Riskesdas (2013) prevalensi hipertensi di Indonesia pada umur ≥18 tahun sebesar 25,8%. Jawa Barat termasuk provinsi lima terbesar yang memiliki prevalensi hipertensi tertinggi sebesar 29,4%. Berdasarkan data dari Dinas Kesehatan Kota Depok (2016) hipertensi merupakan penyakit yang banyak dialami oleh masyarakat Kota Depok. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara asupan zat gizi makro, aktivitas fisik dan tingkat stress dengan kejadian hipertensi di Wilayah Kota Depok. Desain penelitian cross sectional study. Sampel penelitian 80 orang dengan pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling. Asupan zat gizi makro diperoleh dari wawancara food recall 1x24 jam, aktivitas fisik dari pengisian International Physical Activity Questionnare (IPAQ) dan tingkat sress dari pengisian kuesioner Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Uji korelasi menggunakan spearman ordinal. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa tidak terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara asupan karbohidrat dengan kejadian hipertensi. Terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara asupan protein dan lemak, aktivitas fisik, tingkat stress dengan kejadian hipertensi. Semakin tua umur seseorang, maka semakin berisiko untuk menderita hipertensi.

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The impact of the use of a footrest on the quality of chest compressions. A prospective, randomized, cross-sectional study

Postępy Nauk Medycznych ◽

10.25121/pnm.2018.31.3.133 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Jolanta Majer ◽

Sandra Pyda ◽

Jerzy Robert Ladny ◽

Antonio Rodriguez-Nunez ◽

Lukasz Szarpak

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Chest Compressions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

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Correlation of Altmetric Attention Scores with Citations in Major Pharmacy Journals (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.13129 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Dave L Dixon ◽

William L Baker

Keyword(s):

Citation Count ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Scientific Output ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Promotion And Tenure ◽

Article Type ◽

Key Factor ◽

Number Of Citations ◽

The Impact

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.

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Perceived Stress and Increased Food Consumption during the ‘Third Wave’ of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072380 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2380

Author(s):

Eduardo Sánchez-Sánchez ◽

Jara Díaz-Jimenez ◽

Ignacio Rosety ◽

Maria José M. Alférez ◽

Antonio Jesús Díaz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Third Wave ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Scale ◽

The Third ◽

Moderate Stress

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of people worldwide. An increase in perceived stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as increased food consumption. The aim of this study was to find the level of perceived stress and its relationship with increased food consumption during the “third wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. This was a cross-sectional study that employed anonline self-reported frequency of consumption questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. A total of 637 subjects participated and 83.6% of respondents had moderate or high stress—more prevalent in the female and young respondents. Moreover, 36.1% of respondents reported that they had increased the frequency of consumption of some foods, mainly nuts, snacks, and jellybeans, along with coffee, tea, cocoa, and soft drinks. Eating between meals was more pronounced in those with high stress (65.1%) than in those with moderate stress (40.4%) and low stress (20.2%). Furthermore, the respondents with high stress reported greater weight gain. Thus, the results show that the level of perceived stress during the ‘third wave’ of this pandemic increased food consumption.

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The impact of COVID-19 quarantine on dietary habits and physical activity in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11540-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Manar Abduljalil Bakhsh ◽

Jomana Khawandanah ◽

Rouba Khalil Naaman ◽

Shoug Alashmali

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Adult Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Future Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments around the world to impose strict hygiene and national lockdown measures, which in turn has changed the dietary and lifestyle habits of the world’s population. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether dietary and physical activity behaviors of Saudi Arabia’s adult population changed during the COVID-19 quarantine. Methods An electronic questionnaire which assessed changes in body weight, dietary habits, and physical activity of Saudi Arabia’s adult population (n = 2255) during the COVID-19 quarantine was distributed on social media between June and July 2020. To test the differences between changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors in relation to changes in body weight a Chi-square test was used. Results Over 40 and 45% of participants reported eating and snacking more, respectively, which led to weight gain in around 28%. Most participants reported that they consumed home-cooked (73%) and healthy meals (47%), while only 7% reported that they consumed foods from restaurants. Feelings of boredom and emptiness (44%) and the availability of time for preparing meals (40%) were the main reasons for changing dietary habits. Honey (43%) and vitamin C (50%) were the most consumed immune-boosting food and dietary supplement, respectively. COVID-19 also had a negative impact on physical activity, lowering the practice in 52% subjects, which was associated with significant weight gain (p < 0.001). Conclusion Assessing the changes to the population’s dietary habits and physical activity during the lockdown will help predict the outcome of the population’s future health and wellbeing after the pandemic.

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Prevalence and quality of life in high school pupils with acne in Serbia

Vojnosanitetski pregled ◽

10.2298/vsp1310935p ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 70 (10) ◽

pp. 935-939 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jelena Peric ◽

Natasa Maksimovic ◽

Janko Jankovic ◽

Biljana Mijovic ◽

Vesna Reljic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

High School ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Demographic Questionnaire ◽

Study Population ◽

Serbian Version ◽

The Impact ◽

Spearman’S Correlation

Background/Aim. Acne is a common problem in adolescent children with considerable emotional and psychological effects. The aim of this study was to determine the self-reported prevalence of acne and to assess its impact on the quality of life in high school pupils in Serbia. Methods. The cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2011 in two medical high schools in Serbia. Only pupils who gave a written informed consent to participate in the study (n = 440) were asked to fill in two questionnaires: short demographic questionnaire and Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), a disease-specific questionnaire measuring disability induced by acne. Internal consistency (tested by Cronbach?s alpha) and item-total score correlations (Spearman's correlation analysis) were used for reliability analyses. Results. The study population consisted of 440 pupils, 281 from Belgrade and 159 from Uzice. Among them 371 (84.3%) were girls and 69 (15.7%) boys, with similar sex distribution in Belgrade and Uzice. The total mean age of pupils was 16.48 years (SD = 0.55). Out of 440 pupils 228 (51.8%) self-reported their acne. The acne prevalence was significantly higher in pupils from Uzice (73.6%) than in those from Belgrade (39.6%). The overall mean CADI score for the whole sample was 2.87 ? 2.74, with the similar quality of life impairment in adolescents from Belgrade and from Uzice. The mean Cronbach?s alpha was 0.82. Conclusion. This study shows that the quality of life impairment due to acne is mild for the majority of the affected pupils. The Serbian version of the CADI is a reliable, valid, and valuable tool for assessing the impact of acne on the quality of life.

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