International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

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11 pages, 346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Problems Experienced by Employees with Chronic Disease during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Dilaver Tengilimoğlu, Uğur Gönüllü, Oğuz Işık, Nurperihan Tosun, Aysu Zekioğlu, Onur Tengilimoğlu and Mustafa Younis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010578 - 5 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2569

Abstract

Chronic diseases served as a silent global epidemic before the pandemic, and individuals living with chronic disease now form one of the groups most affected by COVID-19. This study aims to determine the problems that employees with chronic disease face during the COVID-19 [...] Read more.

Chronic diseases served as a silent global epidemic before the pandemic, and individuals living with chronic disease now form one of the groups most affected by COVID-19. This study aims to determine the problems that employees with chronic disease face during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the study, data were collected from 952 individuals who live with chronic disease in Turkey. Of these, 76.6% of respondents worked for the public sector, a large majority of whom (67.7%) have worked full time during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that the COVID-19 fear level of employees living with chronic disease was higher than moderate (21.061 ± 7.607). When the variables affecting the COVID-19 fear level are listed in order of relative significance, eating problems, residing in the Mediterranean region, having asthma, and working as a female employee made the greatest impact, respectively. Necessary conditions of work should be provided to those living with chronic disease who could adapt themselves to working flexibly or working from home, so that they would not feel isolated from business life. This group should be provided with essential protective equipment, their working conditions must be reviewed and vaccination priority could be given to them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

12 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Postoperative Drip-Infusion of Remifentanil Reduces Postoperative Pain—A Retrospective Observative Study

by Yi-Hsuan Huang, Meei-Shyuan Lee, Yao-Tsung Lin, Nian-Cih Huang, Jing Kao, Hou-Chuan Lai, Bo-Feng Lin, Kuang-I Cheng and Zhi-Fu Wu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9225; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179225 - 1 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2016

Abstract

Development of remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia (RIH) postoperatively is an unpleasant experience that requires further treatment. This study assessed the effects of gradual withdrawal combined with drip infusion of remifentanil on postoperative pain and the requirement for rescue analgesics. A total of 559 patients receiving [...] Read more.

Development of remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia (RIH) postoperatively is an unpleasant experience that requires further treatment. This study assessed the effects of gradual withdrawal combined with drip infusion of remifentanil on postoperative pain and the requirement for rescue analgesics. A total of 559 patients receiving total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil were enrolled. All patients either underwent gradual withdrawal of remifentanil (GWR) or gradual withdrawal combined with drip infusion (GWDR) with a dose of 1 mcg·kg⁻¹ for 30 min after extubation. The numeric rating scale (NRS) and the requirement of rescue analgesics were assessed. The requirement for rescue analgesics was significantly lower in the GWDR group than in the GWR group (13.2% vs. 35.7%; p < 0.001). At the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU), patients in the GWDR group had a lower NRS pain score (p < 0.001). In addition, in the postoperative 2nd hour, patients in the GWDR group had a significantly lower NRS than the GWR group (beta, −0.31; p = 0.003). No remifentanil-related adverse effects were observed. We found that gradual withdrawal combined with drip infusion of remifentanil required less rescue analgesics and reduced pain scores. The new way of remifentanil administration may be effective to prevent RIH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

14 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Common Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Work Functioning of Active-Duty Service Members with a History of Deployment

by Patrick Richard, Nilam Patel, Daniel Gedeon, Regine Hyppolite and Mustafa Younis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8079; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158079 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2355

Abstract

This study used data from the Military Health System Data Repository to examine the association between mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and work functioning such as work duty limitations, hospital emergency room visits and inpatient admissions for active-duty service members (ADSMs). Further, this [...] Read more.

This study used data from the Military Health System Data Repository to examine the association between mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and work functioning such as work duty limitations, hospital emergency room visits and inpatient admissions for active-duty service members (ADSMs). Further, this study assessed the role that common symptoms of mTBI play in work functioning. Multivariate results showed that having a mTBI diagnosis is not a major factor that results in being “released with work duty limitations”. However, findings from these regression models also showed that the interaction of mTBI with cognitive and linguistic symptoms resulted in odds of 3.63 (CI: 1.40–9.36, p < 0.01) for being “released with work duty limitations” and odds of 4.98 (CI: 1.16–21.39, p < 0.05) for having any emergency department visits compared to those with no diagnosis of mTBI and none of these symptoms. Additionally, the interaction of mTBI with sleep disturbance and chronic pain showed odds of 2.72 (CI: 1.31–5.65, p < 0.01) and odds of 11.56 (CI: 2.65–50.44, p < 0.01) for being “released with work duty limitations” compared to those with no diagnosis of TBI and none of these symptoms, respectively. Further research is needed to investigate the association between mTBI and duration of time off work to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effect of mTBI on work functioning in the Military Health System. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

20 pages, 1584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Gaming Disorder in the Effect of Narcissism on Happiness in Children

by Orhan Çevik, Orhan Koçak, Mustafa Z. Younis and Elif Çevik

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 7137; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137137 - 3 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5005

Abstract

We aimed to determine the relationship between gaming disorder, narcissism, and happiness levels of children between the ages of 9 and 15. This study was based on the compensation theory. The sample consists of 461 boys who continue their education in public schools [...] Read more.

We aimed to determine the relationship between gaming disorder, narcissism, and happiness levels of children between the ages of 9 and 15. This study was based on the compensation theory. The sample consists of 461 boys who continue their education in public schools in Istanbul. In the study, a mixed research design, which nests qualitative data into quantitative, was used. In addition to the scales and sociodemographic form, the Draw-a-Person test was also used to better understand children’s inner world. According to the findings, there is a significant relationship between gaming disorder and narcissism and happiness levels in children. Accordingly, as narcissism increases in children, the gaming disorder level increases, and happiness decreases. We also found a mediation effect in the impact of narcissism on happiness through gaming disorder. According to the results, we think that the problem is not caused by the individual but by society. For a solution, we recommend making more macro-level social work interventions within the framework of system theory instead of the current medical model in combating gaming disorder. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

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19 pages, 1431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Family Influence and Academic Satisfaction on Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy and Happiness

by Orhan Koçak, Namık Ak, Sezer Seçkin Erdem, Mehmet Sinan, Mustafa Z. Younis and Abdullah Erdoğan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5919; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115919 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 24710

Abstract

Careers are a reality of life that need to be considered as multi-dimensional in today’s modern societies. Choosing a career is a complex process that coincides with high school and university ages, creating psycho-social stress. Considering the literature, the effects of different environmental [...] Read more.

Careers are a reality of life that need to be considered as multi-dimensional in today’s modern societies. Choosing a career is a complex process that coincides with high school and university ages, creating psycho-social stress. Considering the literature, the effects of different environmental factors have been revealed in separate studies. This study examines both individual and environmental factors together. By adopting a quantitative research method, we collected cross-sectional data through online questionnaires from 1130 university students. The association of family influence and academic satisfaction with happiness through career decision self-efficacy was meaningful using gender, age, income, and parents’ education as control variables. Family influence and academic satisfaction were positively correlated with career decision self-efficacy and happiness. In conclusion, we found that family influence and support, students’ work, and academic satisfaction are positively significant in terms of the career process and happiness. It was understood that the career reality should be considered with a holistic view that includes family, school, and work experience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

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14 pages, 1646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Response, Anxiety and Behaviour during the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

by Amani Salem Alqahtani, Meshael Mohammed Alrasheed and Ada Mohammed Alqunaibet

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4628; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094628 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2727

Abstract

This study aims to investigate public response attitude, anxiety, practices and trust in the authorities’ mitigation plan during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. A national cross sectional phone survey was conducted among Saudi residents aged 16 years and above. A total of [...] Read more.

This study aims to investigate public response attitude, anxiety, practices and trust in the authorities’ mitigation plan during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. A national cross sectional phone survey was conducted among Saudi residents aged 16 years and above. A total of 90,421 (45.2%) individuals participated in the study. Of those, the overall rate of COVID-19 correct knowledge was 82% (mean: 9.84); social media was the most reported source of knowledge. Younger age, low levels of education and foreign residents were associated with poor knowledge. Overall, 49.5% scored 5 or more on the GAD-7 test, indicating anxiety symptoms, 19.2% of them scored 10 and above, suggesting moderate to severe anxiety. Majority of participants (>78%) trusted and supported the interventions implemented by the government to control COVID-19. Social distancing practices among participants was as following, 72.5% stayed at home and avoid going out for nonessential business and 49.5% avoided attending social events and family gatherings. Trust in authorities, being anxious, worry and levels of knowledge about the disease, were the most common factors affecting adoption of the recommended practices. Continuous evaluation of public response about COVID-19, and the effectiveness of protective measures is essential to better inform policy-makers and identify ways of encouraging behaviour change among public during pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

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14 pages, 318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Financial Burden of Cancer on Families in the United States

by Patrick Richard, Nilam Patel, Yuan-Chiao Lu, Regine Walker and Mustafa Younis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3790; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073790 - 5 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2273

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between a diagnosis of cancer and the likelihood of having any out-of-pocket costs (OOPC) and medical debt, and the amounts of OOPC and medical debt, at the household level. We used the 2013 Panel Study of Income Dynamics, [...] Read more.

This study examined the relationship between a diagnosis of cancer and the likelihood of having any out-of-pocket costs (OOPC) and medical debt, and the amounts of OOPC and medical debt, at the household level. We used the 2013 Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a continuous, representative panel survey that collects demographic, economic, and social data in the United States. The analytic sample included head of households and their spouse (if married), 18–64 years old. Two-part models were used. The first part consisted of logistic regression models and the second part consisted of generalized linear models with logarithmic link and a gamma distribution. Logistic regression results showed odds of 2.13 (CI: 1.27, 3.57, p < 0.01) for any OOPC and odds of 1.55 (CI: 0.93, 2.58, p < 0.1) for any medical debt for households in which either the head or spouse (if married) reported a diagnosis of cancer compared to those that did not report a diagnosis of cancer. Likewise, results from the second part of the model for households with a positive amount of OOPC showed an exponentiated coefficient of 1.73 (CI: 1.33, 2.25, p < 0.01) for households in which either the head or spouse (if married) reported a diagnosis of cancer compared to households without a diagnosis of cancer. This study shows that a diagnosis of cancer places a financial burden on families, particularly with all types of debt, in the United States even after controlling for differences between households with a diagnosis of cancer and those without a diagnosis of cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

27 pages, 7764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Risks, Preventive Behaviours and Respiratory Illnesses at the 2019 Arbaeen: Implications for COVID-19 and Other Pandemics

by Farah Al-Ansari, Masoud Mirzaei, Basma Al-Ansari, Mohammad Basim Al-Ansari, Mohammed Saeed Abdulzahra, Harunor Rashid, Grant A. Hill-Cawthorne, Mustafa Al Ansari, Joel Negin and Katherine Conigrave

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3287; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063287 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3345

Abstract

COVID-19 poses grave challenges for mass gatherings. One of the world’s largest annual gatherings, Arbaeen, occurs in Iraq. We studied respiratory symptoms and risk and protective factors using representative sampling of Arbaeen pilgrims in 2019 to inform prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Structured sampling [...] Read more.

COVID-19 poses grave challenges for mass gatherings. One of the world’s largest annual gatherings, Arbaeen, occurs in Iraq. We studied respiratory symptoms and risk and protective factors using representative sampling of Arbaeen pilgrims in 2019 to inform prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Structured sampling was used to recruit walking pilgrims. A questionnaire asked about respiratory symptoms, risk, and preventive factors, including hygiene-related resources of toilet facilities. The commonest symptom reported by the 1842 participants (63.3% male, 36.7% female) was cough (25.6%). Eating in mawkibs (rest areas) with indoor kitchens and drinking only packaged water were associated with lower risk of cough (AOR = 0.72, CI = 0.56–0.94; AOR = 0.60; CI = 0.45–0.78, p < 0.05). Facemask use was associated with increased risk of cough (AOR = 2.71, CI = 2.08–3.53, p < 0.05). Handwashing was not protective against cough, or against (one or more of) cough, fever, or breathlessness in multivariate analysis. Toilet facilities often lacked running water (32.1%) and soap (26.1%), and had shared hand towels (17%). To reduce risk of respiratory infections including COVID-19 during Arbaeen or other mass gatherings, needs include running water, soap, and hygienic hand drying options or hand sanitiser. Education on proper handwashing and facemask approaches and monitoring around food preparation and eating spaces are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

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22 pages, 435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extreme Temperatures and Firm-Level Stock Returns

by Jingbin He and Xinru Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2004; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042004 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2563

Abstract

By linking stock returns with weather conditions from 2007 to 2019 in China, we study how firm-level stock returns react to extreme temperatures. Based on a multivariate ordinary least squares regression model with fixed effects, empirical results show that firm-level stock returns decrease [...] Read more.

By linking stock returns with weather conditions from 2007 to 2019 in China, we study how firm-level stock returns react to extreme temperatures. Based on a multivariate ordinary least squares regression model with fixed effects, empirical results show that firm-level stock returns decrease with exposure to extreme temperatures. We further explore the heterogeneity in the temperature-return relation to enrich our understanding of the economic mechanism behind it. The impact of extreme temperatures on abnormal stock returns is more pronounced in smaller, younger, more volatile, less profitable firms and firms with more intangible assets. The results indicate that the investor mood likely plays a role in the extreme temperature effect. The impact of extreme temperatures holds after addressing a series of concerns. Overall, our paper provides additional firm-level evidence on the environment-induced mood effect in the stock market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

15 pages, 964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Psychological Consequences of COVID-19 Fear and the Moderator Effects of Individuals’ Underlying Illness and Witnessing Infected Friends and Family

by Orhan Koçak, Ömer Erdem Koçak and Mustafa Z. Younis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041836 - 13 Feb 2021

Cited by 85 | Viewed by 8970

Abstract

The COVID-19 virus has become a fearful epidemic for people all over the world. In Turkey, long quarantine periods and curfews have increased both physical and psychological problems. Due to the rapid spread and substantial impact of the COVID-19 virus, different psychological effects [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 virus has become a fearful epidemic for people all over the world. In Turkey, long quarantine periods and curfews have increased both physical and psychological problems. Due to the rapid spread and substantial impact of the COVID-19 virus, different psychological effects were observed among different segments of society, such as among young people, elderly people, and active workers. Because of fear caused by the COVID-19 virus, it is thought that depression, stress, and anxiety levels have increased. It is estimated that there are more psychological issues for people with poor health and others whose friends or family became ill or have died because of COVID-19. To explore and test the situation mentioned above, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Turkey with 3287 participants above 16 years old. We measured COVID-19 fear, along with anxiety, stress, and depression levels (DASS21) and demographics. Firstly, we tested whether COVID-19 fear predicts stress, anxiety, and depression. Secondly, we investigated if the effect of COVID-19 fear is stronger for those who have underlying illness and for those whose friends or family became ill or have died because of COVID-19. The results showed that women and 16–25 years old youths have higher COVID-19-related fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. Furthermore, we found a significant relationship between COVID-19 fear and stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as significant moderation effects of having an underlying illness and having friends or family who were infected or have died. These results show the importance of implementing specific implementations, particularly for vulnerable groups, to minimize the psychological problems that may arise with the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

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11 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hand Hygiene Knowledge, Perception, and Practices among Domestic Visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Al Madinah City Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Hashim A. Mahdi, Hamza M. Assaggaf, Mohammad Alfelali, Omar B. Ahmed, Radi Alsafi, Ramon Z. Shaban, Robert Booy and Harunor Rashid

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020673 - 14 Jan 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3833

Abstract

This study aimed to assess hand hygiene knowledge, perception, and practices of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Al Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. Using a self-administered electronic questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among domestic residents, who visited the mosque between 31 July [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess hand hygiene knowledge, perception, and practices of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Al Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. Using a self-administered electronic questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among domestic residents, who visited the mosque between 31 July and 3 August 2020. Participants’ demographic data, hand hygiene knowledge, perception, and practices were collected. Four hundred participants aged 18–65 (median 36) years completed the survey, of which 215 (53.8%) were female. The visitors’ mean knowledge score about hand hygiene was 6.4 (± standard deviation (SD) 1.35) of total 12. Most participants (392, 98%) were aware of the role of hand hygiene in preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); nevertheless, 384 (96%) said hand hygiene lowers body immunity and 316 (79%) thought <60% alcohol is sufficient for hand disinfection. Males had a higher knowledge score than females (6.46 (±1.41) vs. 6.14 (±1.27), p = 0.02) and, visitors who had no formal education scored higher than those with post-graduate education (6.88 (±1.45) vs 5.73 (±1.12), p = 0.01). Washing hands with soap and water was the predominant method practiced after a meal (365, 91.7%), after toilet visit (354, 88.5%), after touching a surface (262, 65.7%), after waste disposal (332, 83.2%), and when hands were visibly dirty (357, 89.5%). Al Madinah visitors had moderate knowledge about hand hygiene, but demonstrated some knowledge gaps and negligence in practice that are crucial to curb the spread of COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

Review

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19 pages, 403 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impacts of an Exercise Intervention on the Health of Pancreatic Beta-Cells: A Review

by Shuang Zhang, Yaru Wei and Chunxiao Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7229; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127229 - 13 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2124

Abstract

There is an increasing consensus that exercise is a medicine and that regular exercise can effectively improve and prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Islet cells are the endocrine of the pancreas and vital to the development of diabetes. Decades of developmental research [...] Read more.

There is an increasing consensus that exercise is a medicine and that regular exercise can effectively improve and prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Islet cells are the endocrine of the pancreas and vital to the development of diabetes. Decades of developmental research in exercise intervention and the health of islet cells confirmed that exercise exerts beneficial effects on the function, proliferation, and survival rate of islet cells. However, the precise exercise reference scheme is still elusive. To accomplish this goal, we searched and analyzed relevant articles, and concluded the precise exercise prescription treatments for various species such as humans, rats, and mice. Each exercise protocol is shown in the tables below. These exercise protocols form a rich pipeline of therapeutic development for exercise on the health of islet cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Health and Infection)

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