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Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on...
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Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Coronaviruses (CoV) and COVID-19 Pandemic".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 145802

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Roberta Ferrucci

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, via A. di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
Interests: behavioral neuroscience; neuropsychology; cognitive neuroscience; motor learning; memory consolidation; neural plasticity; neuromodulation; Parkinson disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In 2020, a year defined by the emergence of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, national healthcare systems were seriously challenged. The short-term, health-related consequences of the pandemic include increased mortality, physical and mental health issues, reduced access to medical care, challenges to hospital capacity and practices, and a need for new and radical practices for preventing the spread of the disease. However, increasing concern has been raised about the long-term health consequences. Reduced access to healthcare services could impact the progression of chronic diseases; prolonged national lockdowns could increase the incidence of mental health problems (anxiety, depression, and stress) and other health-related issues (such as obesity and sexuality); social isolation could increase the rate of cognitive decline in the elderly, as well as impairing the development of social skills in the young. The pandemic has also had significant socioeconomic consequences (such as a significant downturn in the global economy, job losses, business failures, etc.); these could, in turn, constitute significant risk factors for physical and mental health problems in both the short and long term.

This Special Issue, titled “Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health”, will feature original research, reviews, short reports, and/or opinion pieces focused on 1) the direct and indirect effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health (in both special clinical populations and the general population); 2) the impact of the pandemic on the accessibility and practices of healthcare services, with a focus on proposals for the implementation of new practices (such as telemedicine, telepsychotherapy, etc.); 3) the assessment and discussion of long-term outcomes in terms of health, healthcare, and broader socioeconomic consequences; 4) the effects of the pandemic on at-risk populations (such as older people, minorities, people with disabilities, and health workers).

Dr. Roberta Ferrucci
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Cognition
  • Sexuality
  • Stress
  • Mental Health
  • Physical Health
  • Telemedicine
  • Anxiety
  • Neurophysiology
  • Quality of Life

Published Papers (45 papers)

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14 pages, 1613 KiB  
Article
A Remote Assessment of Anxiety on Young People: Towards Their Views and Their Different Pet Interaction
by Daniele Giansanti, Mariacristina Siotto, Giovanni Maccioni and Irene Aprile
Healthcare 2022, 10(7), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071242 - 03 Jul 2022
Viewed by 1931
Abstract
The lockdown was imposed in Italy on 9 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Restrictions severely limiting individual freedom were indispensable to protect the population and reduce virus diffusion. Italian people had never before experienced similar restrictions that undoubtedly tested psychological health. [...] Read more.
The lockdown was imposed in Italy on 9 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Restrictions severely limiting individual freedom were indispensable to protect the population and reduce virus diffusion. Italian people had never before experienced similar restrictions that undoubtedly tested psychological health. After 1 week, we developed an electronic survey to collect demographic data and information on the presence of pets and the type of interaction with them and to administer a self-assessment anxiety test. A total of 3905 subjects, pet owners and non pet owners, filled in the electronic survey; 652 (16.7%, mean age 21.6) of them were young subjects, adolescents, and university students. The study first showed the feasibility and success of the technological solution used, capable of providing, at a distance, structured information on the participants and quantitative data on the psychological condition. Second, it reported that 23.1% of the youths showed anxiety above an attention level during the lockdown, in line with other studies. Third, it indicated, based on the outcome of the self-assessment test, that the pet presence could have a positive effect in mitigating the psychological impact and encourage to continue and deepen these investigations. Fourth, it reported positive feedback from the participants on the procedure, found useful during the pandemic and for the post-pandemic future. The study highlights the importance of investing in these solutions based on mobile technology and useful both for mental health and to deepen the investigation of the impact of the pet presence on the human psychology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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8 pages, 251 KiB  
Article
Level of Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland—A Cross-Sectional Study
by Anna Zalewska, Monika Gałczyk and Katarzyna Van Damme-Ostapowicz
Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10061123 - 16 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1379
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the level of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. Methods: The online survey was conducted among Polish adult citizens (204 respondents) with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. The level of depression was assessed [...] Read more.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the level of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. Methods: The online survey was conducted among Polish adult citizens (204 respondents) with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. The level of depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory in Polish. Results: Depressive symptoms of moderate or severe degree appeared in about every fourth person. Women were characterised with higher mean depression scores. In the group of men, significant correlations were found between mental condition and age—the higher the age, the higher the values of depression measures. Those who were asymptomatic with SARS-CoV-2 had the best results—a lack of depression, while those who were fully symptomatic had the worst results—major depressive disorder. Conclusions: There is a need for further research and monitoring of mental health in specific population groups. It is necessary to plan preventive measures to prevent the negative effects of the pandemic, especially in women. Specialist support should be implemented during and after the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
9 pages, 473 KiB  
Article
An Investigation into the Pressures Experienced by Medical Masters Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on the Perceived Stress Scale-14 and Its Alleviation Methods
by Heyu Meng, Jianjun Ruan, Yanqiu Chen, Zhaohan Yan, Xiangdong Li and Fanbo Meng
Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10061072 - 09 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1596
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as a traumatic event during which time medical students have been required to perform dual roles both as students and as medical workers. In this study, we aimed to use the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) to judge [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as a traumatic event during which time medical students have been required to perform dual roles both as students and as medical workers. In this study, we aimed to use the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) to judge the pressures on medical students and to identify effective ways to relieve these pressures. In this cross-sectional study, the subjects were recruited under informed consent according to the Declaration of Helsinki. Students undertaking Masters degrees at the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University were randomly selected and data were collected through questionnaire surveys. Our data showed significant differences in the levels of pressure experienced by Masters students (p < 0.05). In the student population that showed increased pressure, females were significantly more stressed than males (p < 0.05). In addition, the pressures persisted after a holiday period (p < 0.05) but were reduced by undertaking recreational activities. The psychological pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic were higher in female medical students compared to males. We showed that recreational activities including chatting with friends reduced psychological pressures in female medical students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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13 pages, 263 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Telemedicine on Parkinson’s Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Italian Online Survey
by Fabiana Ruggiero, Linda Lombi, Maria Takeko Molisso, Giorgio Fiore, Eleonora Zirone, Roberta Ferrucci, Elena Pirola, Marco Locatelli, Sergio Barbieri and Francesca Mameli
Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10061065 - 08 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1624
Abstract
Traditionally, medical care and research in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been conducted through in-person visit. The recent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly impacted the delivery of in-person clinical care. We conducted an online survey to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on [...] Read more.
Traditionally, medical care and research in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been conducted through in-person visit. The recent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly impacted the delivery of in-person clinical care. We conducted an online survey to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on access to telehealth care, interviewing both PD patients and neurologists. Survey responses were collected from 1 March to 31 May 2021 through an anonymous, self-reported questionnaire, on the ‘Qualtrics’ platform. In total, 197 patients and 42 neurologists completed the survey. In our sample, 37.56% of PD patients and 88.10% of neurologists reported having used alternatives to in-person visits, while 13.70% of PD patients and 40.48% of neurologists used telemedicine. Data showed that respondents were generally satisfied with the use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The relational dimension between patient and neurologist seems to be the factor that most positively affected the telemedicine experience, contributing greatly to a more patient-centred care. Current findings suggest the need to improve the access to telehealth services for patients with PD. The technology has the potential to improve the care of frail patients, especially when availability of face-to-face visits is limited. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
13 pages, 437 KiB  
Article
The Psychological Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Patients Attending a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Umar Abdul Ali, Nadia Iftikhar, Hafsa Amat-ur-Rasool, Mehboob Ahmed, Javeria Hafeez and Wayne G. Carter
Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10061049 - 05 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1857
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a damaging impact on global health. Post-infection, patients may experience mental health difficulties and therefore require suitable psychological treatment and support. The objective of this study was to identify the psychological impact of COVID-19 on patients who were [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a damaging impact on global health. Post-infection, patients may experience mental health difficulties and therefore require suitable psychological treatment and support. The objective of this study was to identify the psychological impact of COVID-19 on patients who were recovering from the physical effects of the disease, and to examine socio-demographic correlates within one month of treatment at a tertiary healthcare facility in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was employed that utilized the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5. A questionnaire was administered to 250 patients, with data collected over three months. Mild to extremely severe scores of depression, anxiety and stress were reported by approximately 43%, 52% and 42% of participants, respectively, and 8% developed PTSD. The incidence of depression, anxiety, stress or PTSD was not significantly associated with gender, age or previous interaction with COVID-19 patients. Depression was significantly associated with levels of education, severity of COVID-19 disease and a patient’s current condition. Anxiety was associated with healthcare worker status. The severity of disease and a patient’s current condition were also linked to the levels of anxiety, stress and the presence of PTSD. Collectively, these results indicate that a high percentage of patients recovering from COVID-19 experience psychological distress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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13 pages, 299 KiB  
Article
Students’ Mental Health, Well-Being, and Loneliness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-National Study
by Tore Bonsaksen, Vivian Chiu, Janni Leung, Mariyana Schoultz, Hilde Thygesen, Daicia Price, Mary Ruffolo and Amy Østertun Geirdal
Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 996; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10060996 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4414
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, much research has been devoted to assessing mental health in a variety of populations. Students in higher education appear to be particularly vulnerable to experiencing reduced mental health. The purpose of the study was to assess whether higher education [...] Read more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, much research has been devoted to assessing mental health in a variety of populations. Students in higher education appear to be particularly vulnerable to experiencing reduced mental health. The purpose of the study was to assess whether higher education students experienced poorer mental health compared to the general population and examine the factors associated with students’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-national sample of students (n = 354) and non-students (n = 3120) participated in a survey in October/November 2020. Mental health outcomes among students and non-students were compared with independent t-tests. Multiple linear regression analysis and general linear estimation were used to assess the impact of student status on mental health outcomes while adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Students reported poorer mental health than non-students. The difference in mental health between students and non-students was bigger for participants aged 30 years or older. More social media use was associated with poorer mental health outcomes. In conclusion, students had poorer mental health than the wider population. Aspects of life as a student, beyond what can be attributed to life stage, appears to increase mental health problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
18 pages, 314 KiB  
Article
The Effect of a Tele-Health Intervention Program on Home-Dwelling Persons with Dementia or MCI and on Their Primary Caregivers during the Stay-at-Home-Order Period in the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: Evidence from Taiwan
by Yi-Ling Lai, Wen-Yi Chen, Lin-Ying Hsu and Chin-Hua Fu
Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10060969 - 24 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1806
Abstract
Background: The Taiwanese government implemented a stay-at-home order that restricted all community-based health promotion activities for the elderly by shutting down all community care centers from May 2021 to August 2021 to control the spread of COVID-19. Community-based dementia care centers were barely [...] Read more.
Background: The Taiwanese government implemented a stay-at-home order that restricted all community-based health promotion activities for the elderly by shutting down all community care centers from May 2021 to August 2021 to control the spread of COVID-19. Community-based dementia care centers were barely able to provide dementia care services during that period. Methods: The data used in this study were collected from a community-based dementia care center that was able to continue their dementia care services through a Tele-Health intervention program. The difference-in-differences methodology was applied to evaluate the effects of the Tele-Health intervention program on home-dwelling persons with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and on their primary caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The Tele-Health intervention program significantly increased the well-being of the participants and their primary caregivers, but the negative correlations between the Tele-Health intervention program and family functioning were also found to be significant. Conclusions: The significant substitution (negative) effects between the Tele-Health intervention program and family functioning raises the concern that promotion of the Tele-Health intervention program comes at the potential cost of a loss of family functioning. Policymakers should be cautious when considering the Tele-Health intervention program in response to pandemics and demographic transitions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
12 pages, 278 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Pandemic and Teachers’ Classroom Safety Perception, Anxiety and Coping Strategies during Instructional Delivery
by Frank Quansah, James Boadu Frimpong, Francis Sambah, Prince Oduro, Stephen Kofi Anin, Medina Srem-Sai, John Elvis Hagan, Jr. and Thomas Schack
Healthcare 2022, 10(5), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10050920 - 17 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2528
Abstract
Several professionals, including teachers, have been engrossed in fear of the worst happening due to COVID-19 and the rapidly evolving nature of the virus affecting the perception of safety in any working environment. This study examined teachers’ perception of classroom safety, anxiety, and [...] Read more.
Several professionals, including teachers, have been engrossed in fear of the worst happening due to COVID-19 and the rapidly evolving nature of the virus affecting the perception of safety in any working environment. This study examined teachers’ perception of classroom safety, anxiety, and coping strategies during instructional delivery in senior high schools in Ghana. Adopting the cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach, a convenient sample of 174 senior high school teachers in the Cape Coast Metropolis completed a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression. The findings showed that teachers perceived their classroom environment as unsafe during instructional delivery amidst COVID-19 and reported modest to extreme levels of anxiety. Further, teachers with a high level of COVID-19 anxiety were found to utilize active coping strategies to manage stressful situations. The reported unsafe working environment in schools during pandemic times highlights the critical role of supportive working environments for teachers’ mental and psychological wellness. School counseling psychologists, school welfare officers, and school health coordinators should collaborate to implement interventions (e.g., social emotional learning; resilience strategies) that promote the wellbeing of teachers and a safe working environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
13 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
Associations between Fear of COVID-19, Depression, and Internet Addiction in South Korean Adults
by Jung Jae Lee and Sun-Hwa Shin
Healthcare 2022, 10(5), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10050861 - 06 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2336
Abstract
This study investigates the associations between Internet addiction and psychological distress, including fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and depression in South Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. A population-based cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 14 to 18 May 2021. Potential adult [...] Read more.
This study investigates the associations between Internet addiction and psychological distress, including fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and depression in South Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. A population-based cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 14 to 18 May 2021. Potential adult survey respondents aged 20 years or older were randomly extracted from one of the largest online survey panels in South Korea, matching the South Korean national demographic proportions (i.e., region, gender, and age). Subsequently, 1155 participants were included in the study. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the participants’ characteristics and analyze the adjusted odds ratios (aORs). Of the South Korean adults, 11.17%, 15.15%, and 37.23% were at risk of Internet addiction, COVID-19 fear, and depression, respectively. Internet addiction was positively associated with COVID-19 fear (aOR = 3.25, 95% CI [2.10, 5.04]) and depressive symptoms (aOR = 6.40, 95% CI [4.15, 9.86]). Addictive Internet use was significantly associated with psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The development of public health strategies that mitigate addictive Internet use and increase eHealth literacy will be useful for securing the public’s psychological well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
9 pages, 567 KiB  
Article
Increased Safety Behavior and COVID-19-Related Fear in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis during the Pandemic
by Anke-Verena Benecke, Kira Leandra Schmidt, Hannah Dinse, Adam Schweda, Lisa Jahre, Madeleine Fink, Benjamin Weismüller, Nora Dörrie, Matthias Welsner, Eva-Maria Skoda, Alexander Bäuerle, Venja Musche and Martin Teufel
Healthcare 2022, 10(5), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10050858 - 06 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1318
Abstract
People with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) face great challenges during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research found equal levels of distress in pwCF and healthy controls (HC). The current study aimed to investigate the mental health burden and safety behavior in pwCF. Sixty-nine adult [...] Read more.
People with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) face great challenges during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research found equal levels of distress in pwCF and healthy controls (HC). The current study aimed to investigate the mental health burden and safety behavior in pwCF. Sixty-nine adult pwCF and sixty-nine propensity-score-matched HC participated in this study. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing distress, generalized anxiety, depressive symptoms, COVID-19-related variables, self-reported adherent safety behavior (ASB), and dysfunctional safety behavior (DSB). PwCF showed equal amounts of distress (W = 2481.0, p = 0.669), depressive symptoms (W = 2632.5, p = 0.268), and generalized anxiety symptoms (W = 2515.5, p = 0.565) compared to the HC. COVID-19-related fear (W = 1872.0, p = 0.028), ASB (W = 1630.0, p = 0.001), and DSB (W = 1498.5, p < 0.001) were significantly elevated in pwCF. The pwCF estimated that the probability of suffering from symptoms (W = 954.5, p < 0.001), experiencing a severe course (W = 806.5, p < 0.001), or dying (W = 1079.0, p < 0.001) from COVID-19 is significantly higher than that of the HC. ASB was associated with a CF diagnosis, COVID-19-related fear, and a subjective level of information (R2 = 0.414, F(13, 124) = 6.936, p ≤ 0.001). DSB was associated with a diagnosis of CF and COVID-19-related fear (R2 = 0.196, F(13, 124) = 3.169, p ≤ 0.001). The data suggest that pwCF show functional and adequate behaviors towards the risk caused by the pandemic. Therefore, functional coping behaviors may provide advantages in addressing pandemic challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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10 pages, 288 KiB  
Article
Psychosocial and Physical Predictors of Stress in University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study
by Nutsupa Ubolnuar, Nongnuch Luangpon, Krittipat Pitchayadejanant and Sirirat Kiatkulanusorn
Healthcare 2022, 10(5), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10050786 - 23 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1872
Abstract
Currently, university students are at a high risk of stress due to university adjustment, educational interruption, and alterations in daily life because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the relationship of psychosocial and physical factors with stress in university students during the [...] Read more.
Currently, university students are at a high risk of stress due to university adjustment, educational interruption, and alterations in daily life because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the relationship of psychosocial and physical factors with stress in university students during the pandemic. Demographic, psychosocial, physical, and self-perceived stress level information were obtained from 409 Thailand university students. A multiple regression analysis was performed, with stress level as the dependent variable and gender, age, study period, study program, social support, self-esteem, health literacy, health behavior score, sedentary behavior, and physical activity (PA) as independent variables. Most participants had moderate stress levels (68.9%), high self-esteem (83.9%) and social support (66.5%), fair health literacy (41.1%) and health behavior (32%), sedentary lifestyle (85.3%), and PA-levels lower than 600 min per week (57.46%). The regression analysis showed that 45.7% of the variability in stress level was predicted by self-esteem, study period, social support, travel domain of PA, and health behavior. COVID-19 and the attendant restrictions resulted in moderate levels of stress in Thailand university students. High self-esteem, long duration of study, great social support, and having healthy behavior may contribute to the prevention of stress in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
11 pages, 623 KiB  
Article
The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 among a Sample of Italian Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Follow-Up Study
by Veronica Nisticò, Giulia Fior, Raffaella Faggioli, Alberto Priori, Orsola Gambini and Benedetta Demartini
Healthcare 2022, 10(5), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10050782 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1600
Abstract
The strict lockdowns imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic brought an increase in levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in the general population. However, in a previous study, our group found that individuals with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (HF-ASD) reported an increase in [...] Read more.
The strict lockdowns imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic brought an increase in levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in the general population. However, in a previous study, our group found that individuals with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (HF-ASD) reported an increase in their psychological wellbeing and a decrease in their daily tiredness, in relation to the social distancing measures imposed during the first Italian lockdown (between March and May 2020). In this follow-up study, conducted during the “second wave” of COVID-19, we included the same group of individuals with HF-ASD and evaluated their levels of stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD-related symptoms, tiredness, and perceived wellbeing; moreover, we compared our results to the ones we obtained during the first lockdown on the same population. We found that individuals with HF-ASD experienced higher levels of the aforementioned psychiatric symptoms during the second lockdown, with respect to the first one. These levels positively correlated with their scores at the Autism Quotient subscale Attention Switching: hence, we speculated that these symptoms might be due not only to the prolonging of the social distancing measures, but also to the uncertainty that HF-ASD participants started experiencing at the end of the first lockdown. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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17 pages, 1006 KiB  
Article
Temporomandibular Disorders, Bruxism, Perceived Stress, and Coping Strategies among Medical University Students in Times of Social Isolation during Outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic
by Klara Saczuk, Barbara Lapinska, Adam Wawrzynkiewicz, Alicja Witkowska, Heber Isac Arbildo-Vega, Monika Domarecka and Monika Lukomska-Szymanska
Healthcare 2022, 10(4), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10040740 - 15 Apr 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3443
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caught universities along with their students off-guard, enforcing online education. Fear of the unknown, disinformation, and isolation resulted in an increased stress level in the entire population. Medical university students are particularly endangered with high stress levels and developing TMD. [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic caught universities along with their students off-guard, enforcing online education. Fear of the unknown, disinformation, and isolation resulted in an increased stress level in the entire population. Medical university students are particularly endangered with high stress levels and developing TMD. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are of multifactorial etiology, and manifest with jaw dysfunction, masticatory muscle tension or pain, as well as headache. Though bruxism can act as an exacerbating factor for TMD, stress can also play crucial role in the onset. The study aimed to measure occurrence of TMD and bruxism symptoms in the medical student population, asses the stress level, and evaluate adopted stress-coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. A survey study was performed among 1018 students at Medical University of Lodz during April 2020. A self-designed questionnaire for screening TMD and bruxism symptoms, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Brief-COPE questionnaires were applied. TMD and bruxism symptoms were observed in the majority of subjects during social isolation. The perceived stress levels were significantly higher in those experiencing TMD and bruxism symptoms. Mostly maladaptive, emotion-focused coping strategies were chosen by study subjects experiencing high levels of stress. Choosing Self-Blaming as a coping strategy is the strongest predictor of perceived stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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7 pages, 630 KiB  
Article
From the Lab to Real Life: Monitoring Cardiorespiratory Fitness during the COVID-19 Pandemic through Wearable Devices. An Exploratory Longitudinal Study on Healthy Participants
by Francesco Luciano, Valentina Cenacchi, Luca Ruggiero and Gaspare Pavei
Healthcare 2022, 10(4), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10040634 - 28 Mar 2022
Viewed by 1917
Abstract
COVID-19 containment measures hampered population cardiorespiratory fitness (which can be quantified as peak oxygen consumption (V.O2peak)) and the possibility to assess it using laboratory-based techniques. Although it is useful to ascertain the V.O2peak recovery after [...] Read more.
COVID-19 containment measures hampered population cardiorespiratory fitness (which can be quantified as peak oxygen consumption (V.O2peak)) and the possibility to assess it using laboratory-based techniques. Although it is useful to ascertain the V.O2peak recovery after lockdowns, the community and most scientific institutions were unable to evaluate it. Wearable devices may provide the opportunity to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness outside of the laboratory, without breaking self-isolation; herein, we explore the feasibility of this approach. Fifteen healthy participants were tested every 2 weeks for 10 weeks during a reduction of containment measures after a strict lockdown. Physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). V.O2peak was estimated through a previously validated test based on the speed of a 60 m sprint run, the baseline-to-peak heart rate (HR) variation, and the velocity of HR decay after the sprint, and measured through a wearable HR monitor. Participants increased physical activity from the end of lockdown (1833 [917–2594] MET-min/week; median [1st quartile–3rd quartile]) until the end of follow-up (2730 [1325–3380] MET-min/week). The estimated V.O2peak increased by 0.24 ± 0.19 mL/(min*kg*week) (regression coefficient ± standard error). Based on previous knowledge on the impact of inactivity on V.O2peak, our study indicates that a 10-week period of reducing the stringency of containment measures may not be sufficient to counteract the detrimental effects of the preceding lockdown. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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13 pages, 339 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with Loneliness in Rural Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on Connection with Others
by Hiyori Hanesaka and Michiyo Hirano
Healthcare 2022, 10(3), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10030484 - 04 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
The spread of COVID-19 is considered to have strengthened people’s awareness of others. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced connection with others among older adults and increased loneliness. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting loneliness among older adults in rural areas [...] Read more.
The spread of COVID-19 is considered to have strengthened people’s awareness of others. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced connection with others among older adults and increased loneliness. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting loneliness among older adults in rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on the connection with others. The target group included 932 rural Japanese adults, aged 65–74 years. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted. Valid responses were obtained from 405 participants (valid response rate: 43.5%). A multiple regression analysis was performed using the forced entry method with loneliness as the dependent variable. The independent variables were those showing significant associations with loneliness based on the univariate analysis. Sex (β = −0.139), economic situation (β = −0.103), neighborhood ties (β = −0.260), independent view of self (β = −0.213), interdependent view of self (β = 0.171), and communication through phone (β = −0.128) were significantly associated with loneliness. Connection with others and subjective views of the relationship between self and others were associated with loneliness in situations where one was more aware of the behavior of oneself and others in an infectious disease pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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10 pages, 663 KiB  
Article
Changes in Physical Fitness during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown among Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study
by Ting Zhou, Xiangyu Zhai, Na Wu, Sakura Koriyama, Dong Wang, Yuhui Jin, Weifeng Li, Susumu S. Sawada and Xiang Fan
Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020351 - 11 Feb 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2735
Abstract
The negative impact of COVID-19 on physical activity has been improved, while the research on changes in physical fitness that may be caused by physical inactivity is still scarce. This study aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on physical [...] Read more.
The negative impact of COVID-19 on physical activity has been improved, while the research on changes in physical fitness that may be caused by physical inactivity is still scarce. This study aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on physical fitness, and the impact of initial physical fitness indicators on their changes during the lockdown in adolescents. A longitudinal study including 265 adolescents aged 14.1 ± 0.4 years old was conducted in China. Physical fitness measurement at baseline and follow-up were respectively measured before (November 2019) and after the lockdown (July 2020). Several physical fitness indicators including aerobic fitness (i.e., 800-m or 1000-m run) and explosive force (i.e., 50-m sprint) deteriorated during the lockdown. Whereas the performances of vital capacity, flexibility (i.e., sit and reach), and muscular strength (i.e., pull-ups) were significantly improved during the lockdown. Furthermore, the reduction in physical fitness for adolescents with higher physical fitness before the lockdown was greater than that for others. These findings may contribute to the development of targeted intervention strategies for physical fitness promotion during the lockdown caused by the public health emergency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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14 pages, 331 KiB  
Article
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Lifestyles of University Students: A Spanish Online Survey
by Cayetana Ruiz-Zaldibar, Laura García-Garcés, Ángel Vicario-Merino, Noemí Mayoral-Gonzalo, Marta Lluesma-Vidal, Montserrat Ruiz-López and David Pérez-Manchón
Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020309 - 05 Feb 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2633
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the perceived changes in lifestyle behaviors among Spanish university students during COVID-19-related confinement. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional survey study was conducted during April 2020. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were then obtained. The FANTASTIC questionnaire was used [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to investigate the perceived changes in lifestyle behaviors among Spanish university students during COVID-19-related confinement. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional survey study was conducted during April 2020. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were then obtained. The FANTASTIC questionnaire was used to assess the lifestyles of the 488 participants who took part in the study. Of the participants, 76.3% were female. Overall, the lifestyles of university students significantly deteriorated during the period of confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. University female students were especially affected compared to their male fellows (p = 0.010). For women, social and family relationships (p < 0.001), personality (p < 0.001), interior (p < 0.001), and career (p < 0.001) were the aspects that worsened during confinement. For men, lack of physical exercise (p < 0.001), social and family relationships (p < 0.001), and career (p = 0.002) were affected to a greater extent. In both cases, confinement was a protective factor against the consumption of tobacco, toxins (p < 0.001), and alcohol (p < 0.001). Gender (p = 0.008) and obesity (p = 0.044) were the two factors that most affected the change in the score of the FANTASTIC questionnaire. Spanish university students’ lifestyles worsened during the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those of women, who were the most affected. Some aspects, such as those related to social and emotional behaviors, were deeply affected, while confinement could be a protective factor against previous toxic habits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
10 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Nursing and Telemental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Antonio José Sánchez-Guarnido, María Gonzalez-Vilchez, Rosario de Haro, Magdalena Fernández-Guillen, Mireia Graell-Gabriel and Valentina Lucena-Jurado
Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020273 - 30 Jan 2022
Viewed by 2191
Abstract
Measures taken to reduce the rate of contagion during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain led to the interruption of nursing interventions for many patients with serious mental illness (SMI), while others stayed in touch with their nurses telematically. However, [...] Read more.
Measures taken to reduce the rate of contagion during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain led to the interruption of nursing interventions for many patients with serious mental illness (SMI), while others stayed in touch with their nurses telematically. However, published research into the impact of mental telehealth and the outcome of the changes that took place in the pandemic is very limited. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in nursing interventions received by severe mental illness (SMI) patients and to test whether telemental health (TH) has been effective in reducing relapses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: Information was gathered retrospectively from about 270 patients under treatment at 15 mental health day hospitals (MHDHs) in Spain during the year 2020. Results: Face-to-face nursing interventions were found to have decreased and TH interventions were found to have increased in the first few months of the pandemic. In the following months, TH interventions—especially those conducted by video call—helped reduce the number of relapses. Conclusions: TH helps provide news forms of effective telematic nursing interventions that reduce the number of relapses and admissions in patients with serious mental health disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
8 pages, 419 KiB  
Article
Potential Association between the Use of Anabolic Steroids and COVID-19 Infection
by Yusuf S. Althobaiti, Mohammed S. Alzahrani, Shahad M. Alhumayani, Shaima A. Assiry, Hadeel F. Aljuaid and Majed A. Algarni
Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020196 - 20 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6009
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are synthetic analogs of testosterone that can affect the immune system. Bodybuilders and sportsmen are at risk of abusing AASs. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between AASs use and coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This cross-sectional [...] Read more.
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are synthetic analogs of testosterone that can affect the immune system. Bodybuilders and sportsmen are at risk of abusing AASs. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between AASs use and coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This cross-sectional study included adults aged 18 years and above. Between 16 April and 23 June 2021, gym-attending participants completed an online survey. Multivariable analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression to identify factors associated with COVID-19 diagnosis and severity. Current use of AASs was reported in 7.5% of the 520 study participants. Approximately 20% of the study participants reported that they had contracted COVID-19, approximately half of whom reported moderate to severe disease. Contracting COVID-19 was reported more frequently by current users than by non-current users (35.90% vs. 18.92%, p = 0.011). Multivariable analysis revealed that contracting COVID-19 was nearly five times more likely among current users of AASs than among non-current users (OR = 4.89, 95% CI: 1.69–14.13). Current use of AASs was also associated with greater odds of moderate to severe COVID-19 disease (OR = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.04–13.21). Our findings suggest that the use of AASs could be an underlying risk factor for COVID-19 severity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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10 pages, 777 KiB  
Article
Super-Spreaders or Victims of Circumstance? Childhood in Canadian Media Reporting of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Critical Content Analysis
by Sarah Ciotti, Shannon A. Moore, Maureen Connolly and Trent Newmeyer
Healthcare 2022, 10(1), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10010156 - 14 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2078
Abstract
This qualitative research study, a critical content analysis, explores Canadian media reporting of childhood in Canada during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Popular media plays an important role in representing and perpetuating the dominant social discourse in highly literate societies. In Canadian media, the [...] Read more.
This qualitative research study, a critical content analysis, explores Canadian media reporting of childhood in Canada during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Popular media plays an important role in representing and perpetuating the dominant social discourse in highly literate societies. In Canadian media, the effects of the pandemic on children and adolescents’ health and wellbeing are overshadowed by discussions of the potential risk they pose to adults. The results of this empirical research highlight how young people in Canada have been uniquely impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Two dominant narratives emerged from the data: children were presented “as a risk” to vulnerable persons and older adults and “at risk” of adverse health outcomes from contracting COVID-19 and from pandemic lockdown restrictions. This reflects how childhood was constructed in Canadian society during the pandemic, particularly how children’s experiences are described in relation to adults. Throughout the pandemic, media reports emphasized the role of young people’s compliance with public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and save the lives of older persons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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13 pages, 1682 KiB  
Article
Factors That Shape Women’s Physical Activity: Development of the Reasons to Participate in Physical Activity Scale (RPPAS)
by Zhaohui Su, Dean McDonnell, Ali Cheshmehzangi, Jing Zhu, Junaid Ahmad, Sabina Šegalo and Claudimar Pereira da Veiga
Healthcare 2022, 10(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10010094 - 04 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2482
Abstract
(1) Background: Obesity could deepen women’s susceptibility to COVID-19 infections and deaths. While physical activity has the potential to improve women’s physical and psychological resilience to the pandemic, there is a dearth of research on factors that motivate women’s participation in physical activity. [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Obesity could deepen women’s susceptibility to COVID-19 infections and deaths. While physical activity has the potential to improve women’s physical and psychological resilience to the pandemic, there is a dearth of research on factors that motivate women’s participation in physical activity. Thus, to bridge the research gap, this study aims to identify factors that motivate women’s participation in physical activity. (2) Methods: An online survey on motivations for physical activity was developed and distributed to the participants. A total of 108 women offered complete answers (N = 108, 18–33 years old, Mage = 20.34 ± 2.42 years). Participants selected factors that promote their physical activity from a list of 34 factors from the Reasons to Participate in Physical Activity Scale (RPPAS) developed in this study. (3) Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed that factors that motivate women’s participation in physical activity are: enjoyment and gratification, consideration for other activities (i.e., exergaming), health benefits, networking opportunities, and appearance and performance. Multiple linear regression analyses indicate that only consideration for appearance and performance was significantly associated with participants’ physical activity levels after controlling for compounding factors. (4) Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the importance of appearance and performance in shaping women’s participation in physical activity. Furthermore, the results also emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding of factors that influence women’s physical activity levels. Future research could investigate how to leverage these motivators in tailored health interventions that aim to improve women’s physical activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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13 pages, 661 KiB  
Article
How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Effect Dental Patients? An Italian Observational Survey Study
by Gianna Maria Nardi, Roberta Grassi, Felice Roberto Grassi, Roberto Di Giorgio, Fabrizio Guerra, Livia Ottolenghi, Giovanna Acito, Nasrin Basari, Simone Bisegna, Lorella Chiavistelli, Roberta Cimarossa, Arcangela Colavito, Luigina Figlia, Claudio Gabrielli, Silvia Sabatini, Maciej Jedliński and Marta Mazur
Healthcare 2021, 9(12), 1748; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9121748 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2570
Abstract
The primary aim of this observational survey study was to assess patients’ attitudes toward clinical dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic; the secondary aim was to evaluate patients’ attitudes towards oral health by maintaining an appropriate lifestyle and oral hygiene at home. The [...] Read more.
The primary aim of this observational survey study was to assess patients’ attitudes toward clinical dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic; the secondary aim was to evaluate patients’ attitudes towards oral health by maintaining an appropriate lifestyle and oral hygiene at home. The questionnaire was developed using Google Forms. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: Part A—geographic, demographic, and personal data; Part B—patients’ attitude toward oral health selfcare and lifestyle; Part C—patients’ attitude toward dental practice. This survey, conducted during the months of November and December 2020, enrolled 1135 subjects throughout Italy. All data were statistically analyzed. COVID-19 has changed patients’ approach to dental procedures. Most of the people interviewed lived in families, and their greatest fear was infecting a family member. Restrictive measures forced people to stay at home, which led to an increased consumption of various types of food, including cariogenic foods. People said they felt safe when they went to the dentist, but they also paid special attention to measures to prevent contagion. Among the measures that should be introduced in similar situations in the future, people wanted telemedicine, a phone recall, and the possible use of video clips for home oral care instructions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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15 pages, 612 KiB  
Communication
Associated Factors with Perceived Fear of COVID-19 among Vietnamese Hospital Healthcare Workers during Fourth Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Policy Implications for Interconnected and Social- and Personal-Based Health Support
by Quoc-Hung Doan, Nguyen-Ngoc Tran, Manh-Hung Than, Hoang-Thanh Nguyen, Van-San Bui, Dinh-Hung Nguyen, Hoang-Long Vo, Trong-Thien Do, Ngoc-Thach Pham, Tuan-Khanh Nguyen, Duc-Chinh Cao, Vu-Trung Nguyen, Thi-Mai T. Tran, Ba-Hien Pham, Anh-Long Tran, Van-Thuong Nguyen, Van-Thanh Nguyen, Xuan-Thang Tran, Thi-Lan Nguyen, Duc-Truong Lai, Quang-Hieu Vu and Satoko Otsuadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Healthcare 2021, 9(12), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9121713 - 10 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2311
Abstract
(1) Background: The present study measures the fear of COVID-19 among hospital healthcare workers and identifies several factors associated with increasing fear of COVID-19. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey was conducted on healthcare workforce recruited from the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The present study measures the fear of COVID-19 among hospital healthcare workers and identifies several factors associated with increasing fear of COVID-19. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey was conducted on healthcare workforce recruited from the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases from 1 October 2021 and 20 October 2021. We selected the participants who have been directly involved in diagnosing, treating, or providing nursing care to patients with COVID-19. The primary data was collected via sending the invitation directly to the participants, utilizing structured self-completed questionnaires. The seven-item fear of COVID-19 scale was used to measure the data. The responses of 208 hospital healthcare workers were included in the final analysis. (3) Results: Total score of COVID-19 fear was 19.62 (SD = 5.22). The COVID-19 fear score of 7 items ranged from 2.38 (SD = 0.83) to 3.21 (SD = 0.96). The lowest and highest scores were the item ‘My hands become clammy when I think about Corona’ and the item ‘I am most afraid of corona’ was the highest, respectively. Linear regression of the COVID-19 fear showed that the factors positively correlated with the fear of COVID-19 among hospital healthcare workers were: being influenced by the community (p = 0.001), feeling at very high risk of COVID-19 (p = 0.03), and experiencing traumatic stress with an academic event (p = 0.042). (4) Conclusions: Although these findings merit further elaboration, these preliminary findings suggest relatively great fear of the COVID-19 pandemic among Vietnamese hospital healthcare workers and that social and personal connections are necessary for maintaining the mental wellbeing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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11 pages, 465 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between the Infertility Specialist and the Patient during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Diana Antonia Iordăchescu, Florinda Tinella Golu, Corina Ioana Paica, Adrian Gorbănescu, Anca Maria Panaitescu, Corina Gică, Gheorghe Peltecu and Nicolae Gică
Healthcare 2021, 9(12), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9121649 - 28 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2040
Abstract
The doctor–patient relationship is fundamental in the treatment of infertility, due to the emotional implications of fertilization procedures. However, insufficient data are available specifically for this relationship. The general objective of the study is to establish the associations between the fundamental concepts that [...] Read more.
The doctor–patient relationship is fundamental in the treatment of infertility, due to the emotional implications of fertilization procedures. However, insufficient data are available specifically for this relationship. The general objective of the study is to establish the associations between the fundamental concepts that define the doctor–patient relationship: communication, empathy, trust, collaboration, compliance and satisfaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2020 and followed the methods of a quantitative analysis, collecting the data using questionnaires. The research plan was specific to path analysis with the mediation effect, in which the hypotheses were tested. The research group consisted of 151 women diagnosed with infertility, voluntarily recruited through online support communities. Findings demonstrate that affective empathy mediates the relationship between communication and trust in the doctor. In conclusion, this study draws attention to the importance of basic concepts in the relationship of infertility specialists with infertile patients. Thus, it is necessary for health care providers in assisted human reproduction to participate in programs for the continuous training of empathic communication skills, given the sensitivity of this diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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11 pages, 521 KiB  
Article
Association between Psychological Stress and Neck Pain among College Students during the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Pandemic: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study
by Amira Daher and Ofra Halperin
Healthcare 2021, 9(11), 1526; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111526 - 09 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3113
Abstract
The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) greatly affected people’s lifestyles. We used an online, cross-sectional survey during a COVID-19-related lockdown in Israel, with the aim of investigating the effects of such lockdowns on students’ self-perceived stress and neck pain (NP). College students ( [...] Read more.
The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) greatly affected people’s lifestyles. We used an online, cross-sectional survey during a COVID-19-related lockdown in Israel, with the aim of investigating the effects of such lockdowns on students’ self-perceived stress and neck pain (NP). College students (N = 295) completed questions on sociodemographic characteristics, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Perceived Stress Scale, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and NP frequency (four-point scale). Logistic regression models were calculated with the NDI as the dependent variable. In total, 35.6% of students experienced at least moderate NP-related disability (NDI ≥ 15), more during than before the lockdown. NP increased gradually, from a lifetime mean of 1.80 to a lockdown mean of 3.07 (χ2 = 316.72; p < 0.001). Students’ self-perceived stress was moderate, and 59.3% reported experiencing study-related stress. Higher levels of self-perceived stress, study-related stress, sitting >3 h/day, and a higher VAS score were associated with a higher risk of an NDI ≥ 15 (Nagelkerke’s R2 = 0.513, p < 0.001). The transition from on-campus to online learning seems to have exacerbated students’ NP, which was correlated to their study stress and lifestyles. These findings advocate for the need to promote the physical and mental health of students via e.g., mental health services and occupational and ergonomic consulting services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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10 pages, 680 KiB  
Article
Impact on Mental Well-Being and Resilience of Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions in Different Periods during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak in Taiwan
by Yu-Yin Kao, Yi-Chun Chen, Tsuen-Wei Hsu, Hua-Rong Zhong, Ben-Chung Cheng, Chien-Te Lee and Chen-Hsiang Lee
Healthcare 2021, 9(11), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111457 - 27 Oct 2021
Viewed by 1601
Abstract
Concerns over the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and control measures have affected the routine outpatient visits of individuals with comorbidities and their mental well-being. From October 2019 to August 2020, this cross-sectional study enrolled 135 patients who sought medical attention at a [...] Read more.
Concerns over the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and control measures have affected the routine outpatient visits of individuals with comorbidities and their mental well-being. From October 2019 to August 2020, this cross-sectional study enrolled 135 patients who sought medical attention at a medical center in Taiwan. This period covered the early (October to December 2019), peak (January to April 2020), and late (May to August 2020) periods of the COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan. The demographic data, social support data, activities of daily living (ADL), resilience scale scores, and mental well-being scale scores of the participants were compared. There were no statistically significant differences in the participation rate, demographic data, and social support data between the three periods. The correlation analysis confirmed significant negative relationships between the number of COVID-19 cases and outpatient department visits per month (r = −0.764, p < 0.001), emergency department visits per month (r = −0.023, p < 0.001), ADL (r = −0.257, p = 0.03), resilience scale (r = −0.390, p < 0.001), and mental well-being scale (r = −0.475, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan was associated with declines in the ADL, mental well-being, and resilience of patients who sought medical attention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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7 pages, 3782 KiB  
Article
Knee Pathology before and after SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An Analysis of 1139 Patients
by Riccardo Giorgino, Davide Maria Maggioni, Marco Viganò, Fabio Verdoni, Elisa Pandini, Cristiana Balbino, Nicola Manta, Roberto D’Anchise and Laura Mangiavini
Healthcare 2021, 9(10), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9101311 - 30 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1490
Abstract
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic drastically changed daily life activities and medical practice, leading to a reorganization of healthcare activities. People spent two months in home-isolation, changing their daily habits and undertaking a more sedentary lifestyle. Change in lifestyle is related to important consequences [...] Read more.
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic drastically changed daily life activities and medical practice, leading to a reorganization of healthcare activities. People spent two months in home-isolation, changing their daily habits and undertaking a more sedentary lifestyle. Change in lifestyle is related to important consequences in knee pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outpatient activity for knee pathologies before and after lockdown in terms of incidence, severity, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods: Medical records of patients with knee pathology in outpatient follow-up at IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi in Milan (Italy) were analyzed in the time frame 4 May–4 September 2020 and compared with patients examined between 4 May and 4 September 2019. Results: A significant increase of knee diagnoses associated to patellofemoral disorders in 2020 was found (p = 0.004). In addition, physiotherapy was significantly more prescribed in 2020 than in 2019 (p = 0.012). Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic lockdown did not drastically change knee pathology, but it may have had an impact on it, highlighting a summary worsening of patellofemoral disorders associated with other knee diagnoses. Further studies are required to validate this result. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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13 pages, 617 KiB  
Article
Resilience, Psychological Well-Being and Daily Functioning Following Hospitalization for Respiratory Distress Due to SARS-CoV-2 Infection
by Michelangelo Dini, Barbara Poletti, Sofia Tagini, Maria Rita Reitano, Elisa Allocco, Ketti Mazzocco, Gabriella Pravettoni, Bernardo Dell’Osso, Antonella D’Arminio Monforte, Stefano Centanni, Alberto Priori and Roberta Ferrucci
Healthcare 2021, 9(9), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091161 - 04 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2621
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s psychological well-being, and hospitalized patients could face an even greater risk of psychological distress. We aimed to study resilience in recovered COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge. We recruited 50 patients (38 males, aged 28–77) who were [...] Read more.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s psychological well-being, and hospitalized patients could face an even greater risk of psychological distress. We aimed to study resilience in recovered COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge. We recruited 50 patients (38 males, aged 28–77) who were hospitalized for COVID-19 between March and April 2020. Participants underwent a psychological assessment 5 months after hospital discharge. We administered the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25), Beck’s Depression inventory-II (BDI-II), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-form (STAI). We also evaluated the impact of persisting physical, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms on resilience. Patients reported low resilience in the months following hospital discharge (CD-RISC-25 score [mean ± SD] = 55.82 ± 20.76), compared to data from studies on the general population. Lower resilience was associated with mood disturbances in the months following clinical recovery (p = 0.005), persisting fatigue (p = 0.015), sleep changes (p = 0.046), and subjective cognitive complaints (p < 0.05). Recovered COVID-19 patients exhibit low resilience following hospital discharge, which affects psychological well-being. The presence of persisting symptoms following hospital discharge affects psychological resilience. Interventions tailored to increase resilience should be considered to improve quality of life for recovered COVID-19 patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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10 pages, 567 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Disease Leading to Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Exacerbation: A Romanian Retrospective Study
by Ioana Adriana Muntean, Irena Pintea, Ioana Corina Bocsan, Carmen Teodora Dobrican and Diana Deleanu
Healthcare 2021, 9(9), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091144 - 01 Sep 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4783
Abstract
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the exacerbation of various chronic diseases. Due to the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mast cells, we aimed to analyze the relevance of COVID-19 disease on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) clinical presentation and biological profile. [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the exacerbation of various chronic diseases. Due to the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mast cells, we aimed to analyze the relevance of COVID-19 disease on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) clinical presentation and biological profile. (2) Methods: This study is a retrospective case series of patients with CSU diagnosed and treated in the Allergy Department of the Professor Doctor Octavian Fodor RIGH, (Cluj-Napoca, Romania). Patients were assessed for disease activity and level of control with the weekly urticaria activity score and the visual analogue scale. Results were correlated with COVID-19 severity and with nonspecific markers of inflammation during and after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. (3) Results: SARS-CoV-2 impacted a significant proportion (33%) of the CSU patients, of which 71% developed a moderate-severe form of COVID-19. Most of the patients (68%) had moderate-severe forms of CSU and 65% took AH1 treatment (one dose, two-fold dose or four-fold dose). The rest of them (35%) received the second-line treatment (40.3% Omalizumab, 53% Prednisolone and 4.8% Cyclosporine). In Omalizumab treated group of UCS patients we observed that COVID-19 disease was not severe. We established a positive correlation between the severity of the infection and that of the CSU clinical presentation, with most bothersome symptoms of urticaria being experienced by moderate to severe COVID-19 CSU patients (47%). Inflammatory markers were positively correlated (p = 0.01) with a more severe clinical profile of CSU, in accordance with our hypothesis that the level of inflammation triggered by COVID-19 disease has a role in CSU exacerbation. The non-specific inflammatory markers, such as CRP, were positively associated with the UAS7 score (R2 = 0.363; p = 0.001). An increased rate of exacerbation of CSU was observed in moderate-severe COVID-19 infection. (4) Conclusions: COVID-19 disease can result in the exacerbation of chronic spontaneous urticaria, more likely in moderate to severe forms of infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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16 pages, 407 KiB  
Article
Korean Nursing Students’ Emotional Response Types to Pandemic: Application of Q-Methodology
by Mihyeon Seong
Healthcare 2021, 9(8), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9081080 - 22 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1669
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the emotional responses of nursing students to the COVID-19 pandemic and the characteristics of these responses using the Q-methodology. The focus of the Q-methodology is to discover research participants’ subjective viewpoints. In May 2021, 50 [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to investigate the emotional responses of nursing students to the COVID-19 pandemic and the characteristics of these responses using the Q-methodology. The focus of the Q-methodology is to discover research participants’ subjective viewpoints. In May 2021, 50 Korean nursing students from first year to fourth year were selected to participate in the study, and data were collected by asking them to classify 37 selected Q-statements in a normal distribution on a 9-point scale. In the final analysis, a P-sample of 38 nursing students was used. The emotional responses of the Korean nursing students were categorized into four types: self-protection (Type 1), pessimism about the current situation (Type 2), realistic optimism (Type 3), and developmental-seeking (Type 4). The four factors accounted for 39% of the total variance. The individual explanatory powers of the four factors were 8%, 12%, 13%, and 6%, respectively. Thus, the study explored the subjectivity of emotional responses of Korean nursing students to the pandemic. The study recommends considering the results for intervention programs that are designed to prepare nursing students for future health crises and pandemics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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17 pages, 631 KiB  
Article
Performance, Health, and Psychological Challenges Faced by Students of Physical Education in Online Learning during COVID-19 Epidemic: A Qualitative Study in China
by Rizwan Ahmed Laar, Muhammad Azeem Ashraf, Jin Ning, Peigang Ji, Ping Fang, Tianran Yu and Muhammad Naeem Khan
Healthcare 2021, 9(8), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9081030 - 11 Aug 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 13768
Abstract
The spread of COVID-19 has led students to take classes online (rather than face-to-face) worldwide, including in China. For this study, we conducted qualitative focus group discussions to identify the experience of and difficulties faced by online physical education students in higher education [...] Read more.
The spread of COVID-19 has led students to take classes online (rather than face-to-face) worldwide, including in China. For this study, we conducted qualitative focus group discussions to identify the experience of and difficulties faced by online physical education students in higher education taking online classes, including the impact on their physical activity performance, as well as some health problems they face while taking online classes during the quarantine period, such as weight gain, depression, and anxiety. Finally, utilizing Mayer’s learning model as a conceptual framework, we propose a method that addresses how to effectively manage an optimal future learning system for physical education students, both during and after the COVID-19 outbreak situation. During the isolation period of COVID-19, the required equipment for the participants was rarely available at home while attending the online classes, which inevitably reduced the number of physical education units that could be conveyed. This resulted in a transfer of attention from competition to underperformance, weight gain, and adverse psychological conditions. We conclude that it is important to review and systematize the methods of online physical education learning, particularly highlighting the cultural and educational characteristics of different countries, and to investigate the effectiveness of online physical education as a whole. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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19 pages, 1044 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Impact of Social Media Use on Everyday Emotion in Health Crises: A Study of International Students in China during COVID-19
by Ebenezer Larnyo, Baozhen Dai, Jonathan Aseye Nutakor, Sabina Ampon-Wireko, Ruth Appiah, Abigail Larnyo, Benedicta Akey-Torku and Edmund Nana Kwame Nkrumah
Healthcare 2021, 9(8), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9081011 - 06 Aug 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3910
Abstract
Social media has become a valuable tool in providing an opportunity to stay in touch with one’s social networks, providing reassurance and practical advice to individuals to pre-empt panic and rumors in COVID-19. However, the implications of social media use on the everyday [...] Read more.
Social media has become a valuable tool in providing an opportunity to stay in touch with one’s social networks, providing reassurance and practical advice to individuals to pre-empt panic and rumors in COVID-19. However, the implications of social media use on the everyday emotion (anxiety and depression) of users especially, international students, are not well understood. Thus, this study sought to examine the impact of social media use on the everyday emotion of international students in China during COVID-19. Using a structured online questionnaire based on modified questions from the generalized anxiety disorder 7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and social media use instruments, data were collected from 480 participants. Of the total responses received, 474 were further analyzed employing the Partial Least Squares Path Modelling (PLS-PM). This study showed a significant positive relationship between social media use and everyday emotion (B = 0.34, 95% CI (0.26, 0.44)). Additionally, self-rated anxiety and depression associated with social media use among international students were generally mild (n = 249, 52.50% and n = 350, 73.80%, respectively). Moderating effects revealed that age and sex do not significantly moderate the relationship between social media use and everyday emotion in COVID-19. Given the nature of social media among international students, who are also prone to suffering from anxiety and depression associated with social media use, the positive effect of social media use and everyday emotion, especially in COVID-19, has important implications for international students’ education stakeholders. Thus, gaining a deeper understanding of this relationship could enable them to harness social media and use it as a valuable tool to overcome the social distancing constraints in COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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12 pages, 2023 KiB  
Article
The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnant Women
by Ruxandra-Gabriela Cigăran, Radu Botezatu, Elma-Maria Mînecan, Corina Gică, Anca Maria Panaitescu, Gheorghe Peltecu and Nicolae Gică
Healthcare 2021, 9(6), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9060725 - 12 Jun 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3777
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has meant significant precautions and changes in delivering healthcare services. The aim of the study was to explore the lifestyle changes of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania, the changes in prenatal care and delivery during the [...] Read more.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has meant significant precautions and changes in delivering healthcare services. The aim of the study was to explore the lifestyle changes of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania, the changes in prenatal care and delivery during the pandemic and the psychological impact on women and to determine how healthcare providers can help them to overcome this period. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted anonymously and distributed among pregnancy-related groups from Romania, recruiting 559 study participants, between May and October 2020. A total of 559 pregnant women completed an online 26-item questionnaire but we only validated 557 responses for study. The survey included basic demographic questions, pregnancy-related questions, questions regarding the pregnant women’s lifestyle changes during the pandemic and their perception of the COVID-19 pandemic and questions which evaluated the impact of the pandemic on prenatal care and delivery in Romania. Results: The pandemic restrictions affected women’s routine activities regarding professional, familial and social life. Therefore, for pregnant women who were emotionally vulnerable, these restrictions had a great impact on their mental health. The majority of the study participants (78.8%, N = 439) were emotionally affected by the pandemic. The fear related to the possibility of having their pregnancy affected by the virus was dominant in the group (45.8%). A high number of women (69.5%) felt safe when they accessed health services, but private hospitals were considered safer (53.1%) compared to public hospitals (14.4%). The majority of participants (53.7%) used to have prenatal care in a private healthcare system. During the pandemic, preventive measures were associated with low confidence in the healthcare system. Of the total group of participants, 123 women (22.1%) gave birth during the pandemic. Of these, a majority of the study participants considered that it was very difficult for them to cope without their partner during the hospitalization and labor period. Conclusions: The main anxiety of pregnant women were related to threats to their lives and their baby’s health because of the uncertainty caused by pandemic. It is important to know that the restrictions and the changes in maternity care had a negative impact on them. This conclusion must be taken into account when preventive measures will be decided for helping them to get through such a period. Additionally, psychological support will be essential for improving the mental health of pregnant women and for preventing a negative outcome of the pregnancy. These feelings must be taken into account when preventive measures will be established during pandemic and a psychological support will be essential for improving their mental health for preventing negative outcome of pregnancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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15 pages, 1410 KiB  
Article
Long-COVID Syndrome? A Study on the Persistence of Neurological, Psychological and Physiological Symptoms
by Graziella Orrù, Davide Bertelloni, Francesca Diolaiuti, Federico Mucci, Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe, Marco Biella, Angelo Gemignani, Rebecca Ciacchini and Ciro Conversano
Healthcare 2021, 9(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050575 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 81 | Viewed by 9382
Abstract
Background: Emerging aspects of the Covid-19 clinical presentation are its long-term effects, which are characteristic of the so-called “long COVID”. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of physical, psychological, and sleep disturbances and the quality of life in [...] Read more.
Background: Emerging aspects of the Covid-19 clinical presentation are its long-term effects, which are characteristic of the so-called “long COVID”. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of physical, psychological, and sleep disturbances and the quality of life in the general population during the ongoing pandemic. Methods: This study, based on an online survey, collected demographic data, information related to COVID-19, sleep disturbances, and quality of life data from 507 individuals. The level of sleep disturbances and quality of life was assessed through the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), respectively. Results: In total, 507 individuals (M = 91 and F = 416 women) completed the online survey. The main symptoms associated with “long COVID” were headache, fatigue, muscle aches/myalgia, articular pains, cognitive impairment, loss of concentration, and loss of smell. Additionally, the subjects showed significant levels of insomnia (p < 0.05) and an overall reduced quality of life (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the study appear in line with recent publications, but uncertainty regarding the definition and specific features of “long COVID” remains. Further studies are needed in order to better define the clinical presentation of the “long COVID” condition and related targeted treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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10 pages, 1181 KiB  
Article
Physical Activity during COVID-19 Lockdown: Data from an Italian Survey
by Matteo Guidetti, Alberto Averna, Greta Castellini, Michelangelo Dini, Daniela Marino, Tommaso Bocci, Roberta Ferrucci and Alberto Priori
Healthcare 2021, 9(5), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050513 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2663
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments to impose quarantines and lockdowns as containment strategy, raising concerns about mental health and low level of physical activity performed by quarantined populations. In this study, we assess the level of physical activity and psychological wellbeing in [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments to impose quarantines and lockdowns as containment strategy, raising concerns about mental health and low level of physical activity performed by quarantined populations. In this study, we assess the level of physical activity and psychological wellbeing in a sample of the Italian population during lockdown through an online format of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Psychological General Well-Being index—Short version (PGWB-S). Of 317 adult responders considered, most were female (61.2%), young adults (52.4%), living in little-to-medium size cities (80.1%) and with high-level education (62.8%). Most of our sample performed physical activity mostly during leisure time and domestic activities, and 60.9% were highly active. No interactions were found between physical activity and the demographic characteristics considered. Subjects performing high level of physical activity felt more energetic and vital than those with moderate (p < 0.0001) and low levels (p < 0.0001) of physical activity. Our participants performed enough activity to satisfy the WHO Guidelines, mainly due to domestic activity and activity performed during leisure time, with an overall moderately positive psychological reaction to lockdown. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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13 pages, 314 KiB  
Article
Burnout Status of Italian Healthcare Workers during the First COVID-19 Pandemic Peak Period
by Chiara Conti, Lilybeth Fontanesi, Roberta Lanzara, Ilenia Rosa, Robert L. Doyle and Piero Porcelli
Healthcare 2021, 9(5), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050510 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4831
Abstract
The pandemic of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has burdened extraordinary psychological stress on the healthcare workforce. The present survey aimed to examine the personal resources and psychological symptoms associated with burnout in 933 healthcare workers in Italy during the COVID-19 outbreak period. Sociodemographic [...] Read more.
The pandemic of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has burdened extraordinary psychological stress on the healthcare workforce. The present survey aimed to examine the personal resources and psychological symptoms associated with burnout in 933 healthcare workers in Italy during the COVID-19 outbreak period. Sociodemographic and occupational data, depression, anxiety, burnout, and post-traumatic symptoms, as well as psychological well-being, were cross-sectional assessed through an online questionnaire. A considerable part of the sample scored over the clinical levels of depression (57.9%), anxiety (65.2%), post-traumatic symptoms (55%), and burnout (25.61%). Working in the front-line (p < 0.05), being part of the medical staff (p < 0.05), experiencing lower levels of psychological well-being (p < 0.001), and higher levels of post-traumatic symptoms (p < 0.001) independently explained 38% of burnout variance. The healthcare industry, services, and professionals should be aware of the harmful effects of COVID-19 on healthcare workers and take adequate preventive measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
10 pages, 448 KiB  
Article
COVID-19-Related Fear, Risk Perception, and Safety Behavior in Individuals with Diabetes
by Venja Musche, Hannah Kohler, Alexander Bäuerle, Adam Schweda, Benjamin Weismüller, Madeleine Fink, Theresa Schadendorf, Anita Robitzsch, Nora Dörrie, Susanne Tan, Martin Teufel and Eva-Maria Skoda
Healthcare 2021, 9(4), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9040480 - 18 Apr 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3375
Abstract
(1) The aim of the study is to assess the psychological burden of individuals with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to matched controls. (2) Over the course of eight weeks, 9 April to 3 June 2020, 253 individuals with diabetes and [...] Read more.
(1) The aim of the study is to assess the psychological burden of individuals with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to matched controls. (2) Over the course of eight weeks, 9 April to 3 June 2020, 253 individuals with diabetes and 253 matched controls, using Propensity Score Matching (PSM), participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed an anonymous survey including demographics, depressive symptoms (PHQ-2), generalized anxiety (GAD-7), COVID-19-related fear, risk perception, and safety behavior. (3) While patients with diabetes expected their risk of infection similar to controls, they reported a higher probability of the occurrence of symptoms, severe course, and dying of COVID-19. Patients with diabetes showed no elevated generalized anxiety or depressive symptoms. However, they reported higher COVID-19-related fear and more adherent and dysfunctional safety behavior compared to controls. (4) From a public health view, it seems encouraging that despite the somatic risk condition, generalized anxiety and depression are not higher in patients with diabetes than in controls. Patients with diabetes report higher COVID-19-related fear, increased risk perception, and behavioral changes. This suggests that individuals with diabetes, as a significant risk group of severe COVID-19, show an adequate perception and functional reaction to the current pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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14 pages, 960 KiB  
Article
How Safety Climate Influences the Willingness to Stay of Nursing Staff during the COVID-19 Outbreak
by Ying Wang, Changyong Liang, Shuping Zhao, Yiming Ma and Yuguang Xie
Healthcare 2021, 9(4), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9040451 - 12 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2169
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 in China at the beginning of 2020 has made the problems that the aged care agency face with large mobility and high turnover of aged nursing staff become more serious. Aiming at this problem, this paper incorporates psychological capital [...] Read more.
The outbreak of COVID-19 in China at the beginning of 2020 has made the problems that the aged care agency face with large mobility and high turnover of aged nursing staff become more serious. Aiming at this problem, this paper incorporates psychological capital and social panic into the model from the perspective of the organizational safety climate and constructs a theoretical model of the mechanism of the effect on nursing staff’s willingness to stay in the context of the outbreak. Through a questionnaire survey in an aged care agency in Anhui Province, a total of 321 valid questionnaires were collected for empirical analysis. The results show that: (1) the safety climate of the organization has a significant positive impact on the transactional psychological capital and interpersonal psychological capital of nursing staff in the aged care industry and their willingness to stay; (2) transactional psychological capital and social panic have a significant positive impact on the willingness to stay of nursing staff, while interpersonal psychological capital has no significant impact on the willingness to stay; (3) the mediating role of transactional psychological capital and interpersonal psychological capital between the safety climate and the willingness to stay is established, and the moderating role of social panic between psychological capital and willingness to stay is also established. Finally, based on the research conclusions, corresponding countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to deal with the problems that occur in special periods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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13 pages, 917 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 and Mental Health: A Study of Stress, Resilience, and Depression among the Older Population in Pakistan
by Ayesha Mumtaz, Faiza Manzoor, Shaoping Jiang and Mohammad Anisur Rahaman
Healthcare 2021, 9(4), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9040424 - 06 Apr 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4657
Abstract
Extending studies of the adverse effects of SARS-2 coronavirus on general health consequences, this research explores complexities related to the mental health of the elderly as a result of pandemic-related stress. The study addresses this issue by using resilience theory to examine the [...] Read more.
Extending studies of the adverse effects of SARS-2 coronavirus on general health consequences, this research explores complexities related to the mental health of the elderly as a result of pandemic-related stress. The study addresses this issue by using resilience theory to examine the effects of fear and exposure related to COVID-19 and depression. Besides, our study examines the moderating effects of self-efficacy in order to provide an understanding of how the coping abilities of the elderly may mitigate the effect of stress levels on mental health during pandemics. Our model is tested by analysing the survey data collected from Rawalpindi, a metropolitan city in Pakistan. The main results of the study confirm the positive association of pandemic-related fear and exposure virus with depression. However, self-efficacy shows a negative direct effect on depression, and the findings also confirm the moderation effect of self-efficacy on the fear of COVID-19 and depression, but the moderation effect of self-efficacy on COVID-19 exposure and depression is not supported. Based on the outcomes, some severe geriatric care policies that could weaken the pandemic-related fear, exposure to the virus, and depression are recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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Review

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14 pages, 746 KiB  
Review
Post-Pandemic Stress Disorder as an Effect of the Epidemiological Situation Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Daria Łaskawiec, Mateusz Grajek, Patryk Szlacheta and Ilona Korzonek-Szlacheta
Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10060975 - 24 May 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3772
Abstract
According to many experts in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, the destabilization resulting from the coronavirus pandemic may not be as noticeable now as it will be after the pandemic period is over. Undoubtedly, the fact that the surrounding reality is standardized [...] Read more.
According to many experts in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, the destabilization resulting from the coronavirus pandemic may not be as noticeable now as it will be after the pandemic period is over. Undoubtedly, the fact that the surrounding reality is standardized and normalized by many at present contributes to this. In the opinion of many researchers, the scale and degree of trauma experienced by society will only be noticed by many once the pandemic is over. Many also suggest that we will experience post-pandemic stress disorder. This literature review aims to bring together in one place the information that speaks to the nature of the problem, which is post-pandemic stress disorder. The main sections of the paper deal with exposure to the disorder in the general population and a review of the current literature on the subject. The second section deals with a group of medical personnel who are on the direct frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; it is assumed here that they are those who are at much higher risk of developing post-pandemic stress disorder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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15 pages, 2050 KiB  
Review
Literature Review of the Implications of Exercise Rehabilitation Strategies for SARS Patients on the Recovery of COVID-19 Patients
by Wei Cui, Ting Ouyang, Ye Qiu and Di Cui
Healthcare 2021, 9(5), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050590 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6590
Abstract
As a global pandemic, COVID-19 shows no sign of letting up. With the control of the epidemic in China, the proportion of patients with severe and critical diseases being cured and discharged from hospital has increased, and the recovery of COVID-19 patients has [...] Read more.
As a global pandemic, COVID-19 shows no sign of letting up. With the control of the epidemic in China, the proportion of patients with severe and critical diseases being cured and discharged from hospital has increased, and the recovery of COVID-19 patients has become an important issue that urgently needs attention and solutions. By summarizing the exercise rehabilitation strategies and progress of SARS in 2003, this paper analyzed the differences in clinical indicators and recovery characteristics of severe pneumonia caused by the two viruses, and provided comprehensive exercise guidance and intervention strategies for COVID-19 patients for rehabilitation and nursing by referring to the problems and treatment strategies in the rehabilitation and nursing work of SARS. In the post-epidemic period, China will build a multi-dimensional epidemic prevention system by improving the effectiveness of mass training and strengthening local risk prevention and control. This paper discusses the exercise rehabilitation strategy of SARS patients after recovery, which has guiding significance for exercise intervention and scientific fitness of COVID-19 patients after recovery during epidemic prevention period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 200 KiB  
Comment
Comment on Althobaiti et al. Potential Association between the Use of Anabolic Steroids and COVID-19 Infection. Healthcare 2022, 10, 196
by María-Jimena Muciño-Bermejo
Healthcare 2022, 10(7), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071172 - 23 Jun 2022
Viewed by 791
Abstract
Recently, Althobaiti, Y. S. and colleagues [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
13 pages, 585 KiB  
Systematic Review
Symptoms of Burnout Syndrome among Physicians during the Outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic—A Systematic Literature Review
by Roxana Mihaela Claponea, Lavinia Maria Pop, Magdalena Iorga and Raluca Iurcov
Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10060979 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3825
Abstract
Background: Studies in the recent decades show that the medical profession has a high risk to develop burnout due to constant exposure to mental and physical suffering or death. The pandemic period induced additional stress for healthcare professionals due to the likelihood [...] Read more.
Background: Studies in the recent decades show that the medical profession has a high risk to develop burnout due to constant exposure to mental and physical suffering or death. The pandemic period induced additional stress for healthcare professionals due to the likelihood of a high rate of infection, long working shifts, using protective equipment, staying away from family, implementing new medical procedures. The present study is focusing on assessing the prevalence of burnout among physicians working in the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, and discovering the main factors associated with burnout syndrome among the population of physicians. Material and methods: A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Wiley, and Google Scholar in November 2021. A total of 35 studies were eligible for the evaluation. Results: The samples ranged from 39 to 3071 physicians, and the overall burnout ranged from 14.7% to 90.4%. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with a high prevalence of burnout were the female gender, less experienced, not having children, and single marital status, associated with high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress in the female gender. The highest level of burnout among all the studies was 90.4% on a sample of physicians from the Republic of Korea, 80.2% among psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia, followed by a study in Ireland with a 77% level of burnout among senior and specialist physicians, and 74.7% prevalence of burnout for emergency physicians in USA. Conclusions: During the pandemic, the factors that contribute to burnout are the lack of personal protective equipment and the violence of issues related to organizational health; the high prevalence of burnout symptoms is associated with anxiety, depression, and stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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8 pages, 1549 KiB  
Brief Report
Assessment of Traffic Accidents in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic vs. Previous Years: A Preliminary Report
by Kazuki Shimizu, Peter Ueda, Cyrus Ghaznavi, Haruka Sakamoto and Shuhei Nomura
Healthcare 2022, 10(5), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10050860 - 06 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1750
Abstract
Beginning in April 2020, social distancing measures were implemented to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. We assessed whether traffic accident rates had decreased from April 2020 to December 2021 as compared with previous years. The analysis included 2,934,477 traffic accidents, and the [...] Read more.
Beginning in April 2020, social distancing measures were implemented to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. We assessed whether traffic accident rates had decreased from April 2020 to December 2021 as compared with previous years. The analysis included 2,934,477 traffic accidents, and the trend of decreasing rates of traffic accidents in recent years and seasonal fluctuations in traffic accidents were considered. The yearly change in the traffic accident rate between 2015 and 2019 was estimated, and the traffic accident rate in 2020 and 2021 was predicted. This was followed by the comparison of observed vs. predicted traffic accident rate. In 2020, the observed vs. expected rates of traffic accidents were lower in April to December 2020, and the rate of traffic accidents in Japan was 30–40% lower in April–May 2020 than would be expected based on trends from previous years. In 2021, rates of traffic accidents remained lower than expected between January and November, but the magnitude of decrease was not as pronounced. These findings could be explained by social distancing policies, including the declaration of the state of emergency, and the relaxation of public health and social measures over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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9 pages, 473 KiB  
Brief Report
Evidencing the Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Imposed Lockdown Measures on Fitness Status in Adolescents: A Preliminary Report
by Mirela Sunda, Barbara Gilic, Ivan Peric, Anamarija Jurcev Savicevic and Damir Sekulic
Healthcare 2021, 9(6), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9060681 - 05 Jun 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3875
Abstract
It was established that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreased physical activity levels, potentially leading to reduced physical fitness. The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on fitness indices in adolescents. We observed high school adolescents [...] Read more.
It was established that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreased physical activity levels, potentially leading to reduced physical fitness. The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on fitness indices in adolescents. We observed high school adolescents (33% girls; aged 15–17 years) divided into two cohorts. The first cohort (control; n = 48) included adolescents who were in school during the 2018/2019 year, while the second cohort (lockdown; n = 66) was observed during the school year 2019/2020 when COVID-19 lockdown measures were imposed. Variables included body height, body mass, BMI, sit-ups, and the 600 m dash. Both cohorts were tested at the beginning and at the end of the observed school years. A factorial analysis of variance for repeated measurements evidenced an improvement in sit-ups and the 600 m dash in the control, and a decrease of the same capacities in the lockdown cohort. In the lockdown cohort, a decrease in muscular fitness was more evident in boys than in girls. No differential changes between cohorts were evidenced in anthropometrics. Results suggest that the COVID-19 lockdown negatively influenced muscular fitness status in adolescents, especially in boys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Direct and Indirect Effects of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health)
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