Coronavirus Anxiety Research Articles

Perceptions of recommended vaccinations before and during pregnancy among women – analysis of the influence of health locus of control and coronavirus anxiety

Perceptions of recommended vaccinations before and during pregnancy among women – analysis of the influence of health locus of control and coronavirus anxiety

The Frequency of Health Anxiety, Coronavirus Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder in Patients With Tinnitus During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Impact of Pandemic on Tinnitus.

This study aimed to examine the frequency of anxiety disorder, coronavirus anxiety and health anxiety in tinnitus patients during the pandemic and also, determined the psychophysiological impact of COVID-19 on tinnitus. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary central pandemic hospital from 15 July 2021 to 15 December 2022. In total, 124 patients with tinnitus and 77 healthy controls participated in the study. The sociodemographic data, a set of valid and reliable assessment instruments were used to measure outcomes of anxiety disorder, coronavirus anxiety, health anxiety and severity of tinnitus. Patients with tinnitus were found to experience higher levels of coronavirus anxiety, health anxiety and anxiety disorder than controls (p < 0.05). In tinnitus patients, the frequency of coronavirus anxiety was 22.6% and anxiety disorder was 18.5%. Notably, the levels of tinnitus severity were moderate to severe in more than half of the patients (51.6%) and also most of them (81.3%) reported that the severity of tinnitus during the pandemic was higher compared with the pre-pandemic. Tinnitus patients had high levels of anxiety disorder, coronavirus anxiety and health anxiety. In line with these findings, it was evaluated that there was a relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic with psychological problems and tinnitus. Therefore, the predominance of tinnitus symptoms at presentation should not lead the clinician to neglect the underlying psychopathological problems in these patients.

The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy in reducing the symptoms of complicated grief, corona disease anxiety, and improving the quality of life in the survivors of the deceased due to COVID-19

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is an infectious disease that has threatened the physical and mental health of people and in many cases leads to death. The present study investigated the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in reducing the symptoms of complicated grief, and corona disease anxiety, and improving the quality of life in the survivors of the deceased due to COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research method was an experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up with a control group and random assignment to the intervention and the control groups. Thirty-eight people who met the study criteria were selected as a sample and assigned to the two intervention and control groups using a simple randomization method (19 people in each group). Measures included the complex grief scale, the coronavirus anxiety scale, and the short form of the World Health Organization quality of life scale. Then, mixed analysis of variance was used to compare the average variables between the two groups. Also, the independent t-test was used to compare the mean quantitative outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: The results showed that there were significant changes over time between the experimental and control groups (with a small effect coefficient) in complicated grief symptoms (P &lt; 0.05), corona disease anxiety (P = 0.001), and quality of life (P = 0.001). Also, the results of all three variables showed that there were significant differences between pre-test and post-test (P &lt; 0.05) and between pre-test and follow-up (P value &lt; 0.05), but the difference between post-test and follow-up was insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: ACT has significant effects on reducing the symptoms of complicated grief and corona disease anxiety as well as on improving the quality of life in the survivors of the deceased due to COVID-19.

Anxiety Disorder in Jordan during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aims: To determine the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder among university students in Jordan and its relationship with different socio-demographic factors and coronavirus-related anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Over a period of four months, a cross-sectional research design was implemented using a Google Forms online survey, which was comprised of questions relating to socio-demographic factors, chronic illnesses, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item questionnaire, and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. The survey was conducted with 470 participants. Results: The prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder was found to be 41.3%, with females (n=155) being approximately four times more susceptible than males (p=0.000). Individuals with chronic medical conditions or those taking chronic medication were found to be at a higher risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder (63%, p=0.007 and 65.7%, p=0.002 respectively). Unexpectedly, participants living alone (n=15, 24.2%) were less likely to experience generalized anxiety disorder (p=0.003) compared to those living with family (n=179, 43.9%). Lastly, compared to the smoker group, generalized anxiety disorder was more common in the non-smokers (33.3% vs 43.8% respectively, p=0.048). Conclusions: Due to the burden of the current pandemic and its correlation with socio-demographic factors and chronic illnesses, the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder among university students has increased significantly. Therefore, there is a pressing need to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of generalized anxiety disorder.

Caregivers of individuals with borderline personality disorder: The relationship between leading caregiver interventions and psychological distress/positive mental well-being.

Burden and psychological distress are higher in informal caregivers (ICs) of people with severe emotional and behavior dysregulation who have been given a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) compared with non-caregivers. The current cross-sectional study examines the difference in outcomes of ICs of people with BPD who have received the intervention Family Connections (FC) and who also led interventions for other caregivers (caregiver-leaders) compared with those who have attended FC but not led caregiver interventions (non-leader-FC participants). The sample for this research is from a larger study (Hayes etal., 2023, Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 10, 31). Data for 347 participants who self-reported receiving FC and completed the McLean Screening Instrument for BPD-Carer Version, the Brief COPE, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Kessler Psychological Distress scale, the WHO-5 Well-being Index, and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale were analyzed. The results found that being a caregiver-leader was associated with higher positive mental well-being and lower psychological distress compared with non-leader-FC participants. Being a caregiver-leader was also associated with significantly greater use of the coping strategy of positive reframing and lower use of behavioral disengagement and self-blame than non-leader-FC participants. The study provides preliminary evidence that for those who have received FC, becoming an intervention leader is associated with better outcomes than caregivers who do not become leaders and provides support for caregiver-led rollout of FC across services.

Cardiac rehabilitation patient perspectives during COVID-19 pandemic: quantitative and qualitative study.

This study aimed to quantitatively assess stress, anxiety and obsessive thinking related to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and qualitatively appraise perceptions in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing cardiac rehabilitation (CR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used mixed-methods design in patients referred for CR in 2 centres which delivered uninterrupted service during COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), COVID-19 Stress Scale (CSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and in-person interviews (combination of a priori questions and probing) were used to evaluate patient experience and perceptions with COVID-19 and the healthcare services during pandemic. In total, 109 patients (mean age 59 ± 10, 20% women) were included in quantitative part and in 30 of them we conducted the in-person interviews. About a quarter of patients met HADS threshold for anxiety and depression while CAS and OCS results demonstrated extremely low possibility of coronavirus related dysfunctional thinking (3%) and anxiety (2%). The CSS indicated the most prevalent concerns were related to COVID-19 vaccines safety (60%) and fear of getting infected (60%). During interviews, patients perceived the CR as well as health care providers as safe, trustworthy and with enough support to avoid or manage COVID-19 related health risks. Overall, patients reported AMI affected their lives more than the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 related stress and anxiety were relatively low and mostly related to general views of infectious disease. CR was perceived safe and trustworthy in terms of primary disease and COVID-19. This mixed-method study included 109 patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent cardiac rehabilitation during the COVID-19 and focused on their experience and perceptions with COVID-19 and the healthcare services during pandemic.-Patients reported acute myocardial infarction affected their lives more than the COVID-19 pandemic.-The COVID-19 related concerns were mostly related to general views of infectious disease (vaccine safety, fear of getting infected) whilst cardiac rehabilitation was perceived safe and trustworthy environment during COVID-19.

Decline in academic performance and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey among Sapienza University of Rome students.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to the education system, leading to changes in student academic performance and mental health. The aim of this study was to evaluate variables relating to changes in academic performance and mental health during the pandemic. We carried out a cross-sectional study from 28 February 2022 to 13 April 2022, during the free SARS-CoV-2 screening campaign offered by Sapienza University of Rome. A structured questionnaire was constructed to explore the decline in academic performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), a validated self-reporting mental health screener of dysfunctional anxiety associated with the coronavirus crisis, was used. A sample of 1,134 students was enrolled. A total of 25.4% of the participants reported a decline in academic performance. In addition, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale scores revealed that 133 (11.5%) students had a dysfunctional anxiety problem due to COVID-19. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that being a senior student (aOR: 0.70 95% CI: 0.52-0.96) and having good financial status (aOR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47-0.88) decrease the likelihood of a decline in academic performance, while not being Italian (aOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.29-3.48), having felt the need for psychological support (aOR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.87-3.55) and being enrolled in a science/technology faculty (aOR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.27-2.57) were more likely to result in a decline in academic performance. Our results show that the pandemic has affected academic performance. The COVID-19 emergency highlighted the importance of considering mental health and economic status in policymaking to effectively support students.

An exploratory analysis of the association between coronavirus anxiety and teacher burnout

This study was an exploration of COVID-19 anxiety and its relationship with teacher burnout. The study was a cross-sectional survey research design with a convenience sample drawn from a population of K-12 public school teachers. A non-parametric statistical test, Kruskal-Wallis, showed a statistically significant difference in teacher burnout across the three grade levels: χ2 (2, N = 61) = 6.20, p = .045. Teacher burnout was lowest amongst elementary school teachers (M = 47.00) when compared to middle school (M = 74.00) and high school teachers (M = 71.00). Implications include a need for increased administrative support and decreased stress levels for teachers.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the training on "Home care of COVID-19 positive/suspicious patients" given to nursing students: A quasi-experimental study.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of education on home care of infected or suspected COVID-19 patients on the levels of knowledge, anxiety, and awareness of nursing students in Turkey. The study is in quasi-experimental design. A sample of 158 volunteer students studying nursing at a private university in Turkey was formed. Data were collected using, descriptive information form, "Coronavirus Anxiety Scale," "COVID-19 Awareness Scale," and the "Knowledge of COVID-19 Home Care Test." Pre-test was performed before the participants received education. Post-test was performed seven days after the intervention. SPSS version 25.0 was used for data analysis. "TREND checklist" was used for quasi-experimental/non-randomized evaluations to report the findings of the study. Anxiety levels decreased and the levels of awareness and knowledge on COVID-19 increased after receiving education on home care of infected or suspected COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001), indicating the effectiveness of the education. Education on home care of infected or suspected COVID-19 patients was an effective method to reduce anxiety and increase knowledge and awareness in nursing students. To contribute to community health, home care training can be given to nursing students, other people receiving home care, or providing home care to COVID-19 patients, infected or suspected COVID-19 patients.

Modeling the structural equations of the corona anxiety level based on psychological hardness and physical activities in the treatment staff of Ilam Province with the mediator role of professional identity.

The increase in deaths due to COVID-19 has increased anxiety among the treatment staff. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to model the structural equations of the anxiety level of corona based on psychological hardness and physical activities in the treatment staff of Ilam province with the mediator role of professional identity. Based on the purpose, the method of this research is applied and based on how to obtain the data it is descriptive-correlational. The statistical population of the research includes all the treatment staff of Ilam province, with the number of 1900 people who were selected using Morgan's table, 320 people with the stratified sampling method as the sample. To collect the data, four standard questionnaires were used: Alipour et al. (2020) coronavirus anxiety questionnaire, Kiamarsi et al. (1998) psychological hardness, Baecke et al. (1982) physical activity, Hao et al. (2014) professional identity, and their validity and reliability were also confirmed. To analyze the data, from the indicators of descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient test and structural equation model method (SEM) were used using SPSS and Amos software. The results of the research showed that psychological hardness, physical activities, and professional identity have a significant and inverse effect on the anxiety caused by corona, and the mediator role of professional identity in the relationship between physical activities and corona anxiety was confirmed, but this role was not confirmed in the relationship between psychological hardness and corona anxiety. To reduce the anxiety of the coronavirus in the treatment staff, the managers of the health and treatment centers of Ilam province should pay special attention to the employees' perceptions of psychological hardness, physical activities, and professional identity and provide them with the opportunity to create sports activities.

Quality of life and associated factors for community health workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in northeastern Brazil

In this study, we evaluated the quality of life (QoL) and associated factors of community health workers (CHWs) in different urban settings as a contributor to the preparedness of Brazilian primary care for future sanitary emergencies. The sample included 1935 CHWs from 4 state capitals and 4 inland municipalities in northeastern Brazil. Information was collected on QoL (WHOQOL-BREF), work routines, sociodemographics, direct and indirect exposure to violence, general self-efficacy, social support (MSPSS), mental health (SRQ-20) and coronavirus anxiety. The data were subjected to multiple linear regression analysis (α = 5%). In the state capitals, the factors associated with loss of QoL were poor mental health, lack of training, uncertainty about occupational biosafety, and lack of adaptation of services to tend to patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Among the inland municipalities, the main factors were coronavirus anxiety, poor mental health, lack of adaptation of services, lack of training, and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). A high MSPSS (family and friends) score and self-efficacy had positive impacts on QoL in both urban settings. Our results highlight the need for investment in permanent education, PPE, social support, and mental health care for CHWs.

Investigation of the applicability of internet-based approach to subjective tinnitus

Background To ensure that subjective tinnitus patients develop positive attitudes toward tele-audiology. Aims/objectives This study investigates the appropriateness of the internet-based software in patients with subjective tinnitus. Material and methods Patients between the ages of 19 and 59 applying to the clinic with the subjective tinnitus filled in Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI) and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). Visual Numeric Scale (VNS) was applied to the patients to complaint of tinnitus. Parameter measurements related to hearing and tinnitus were performed clinically. After the evaluations, 54 participants were divided into two groups to receive the ‘Basic Information Material Service’ (BIMS) face-to-face and online. Afterwards, THI and VNS were used to determine the current status. Results There was no significant difference between the groups that received BIMS with 2 different methods (p > .05). A significant difference was found in the scores before and after BIMS in terms of THI and VNS (p < .05). A strong negative correlation was found between the duration of tinnitus and the change in THI. In addition, there is a stronger-negative relationship between the number of centers consulted and the informational benefit revealed by the scales. Conclusions and significance Online intervention is as effective as face-to-face interaction in the management of tinnitus.

Differential Anxiety Responses in Acute Myocardial Infarction vs. COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients.

Background and Objectives: Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about the psychological impact of disease-related anxiety on public health have risen. This study aims to compare general and death anxiety levels between acute coronary artery syndrome and COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 132 individuals, including acute myocardial infarction (MI), COVID-19 pneumonia patients, and healthy volunteers from Trakya University Hospital (Turkey), was analyzed. Validated scales like the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form, and Thorson-Powell Death Anxiety Scale (TPDAS) were employed. Demographic data such as age, gender, income levels, employment status, presence of a close relative with COVID-19, and whether participants followed COVID-19-related news were collected and compared across groups with significance level of 0.05 set for all analyses. Results: Among 41 COVID-19, 41 MI, and 50 healthy subjects, the pneumonia group showed highest COVID-19 anxiety (p = 0.01) and BAI scores (p = 0.008). Both COVID-19 and MI patients had significantly higher BAI and TPDAS scores compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Factors like female gender (p = 0.004), low education (p = 0.003), current employment (p = 0.008), and low income (p = 0.002) correlated with higher BAI scores. Low income (p = 0.001) and COVID-19 news exposure (p = 0.002) correlated with higher TPDAS scores. Males and married patients had lower anxiety scores (p = 0.008). High income, education, and employment reduced anxiety levels (p = 0.008). TPDAS scores decreased with higher income (p = 0.001), but increased in the MI group (p = 0.002) with COVID-19 news exposure. The multivariate linear regression analysis found that MI and COVID-19 pneumonia were associated with TPDAS; female gender, university education, and COVID-19 pneumonia with the Beck scale; and COVID-19 pneumonia with anxiety scores on the COVID-19 Anxiety scale. Conclusions: This research showcases differing anxiety patterns between illnesses such as MI and COVID-19 pneumonia amidst the pandemic, emphasizing the amplifying influence of media coverage on death-related anxieties. It underscores the imperative of targeted interventions and socioeconomic considerations in managing psychological consequences and formulating responsive public health strategies.

Postpartum Depression in Women Gave Birth in the Shadow of the Pandemic

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the level of postpartum depression and related factors in women who gave birth during the COVID-19 epidemic. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was carried out between January and April 2021 with 351 participants. Data collection instruments included an information form, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results: The average age of the participants was 28.37±6.74. The number of pregnancies was 2.68±1.48. Primary school graduates were 47.3%, and 92% were not working. 7% of the participants had an EPDS cut-off score of 10 or above. A difference was found between the groups in terms of education level, smoking, COVID-19 experience relative to COVID-19 status and CAS and OCS score average (p

Choosing a COVID-19 vaccination site might be driven by anxiety and body vigilance.

The occurrence of COVID-19 led to the rapid development of several vaccines which were distributed around the world. Even though there had been a vast amount of information about both virus and vaccination, this process was potentially related to increased anxiety and thus affected the vaccination process. The present study examined anxiety levels and body vigilance in subjects reporting for COVID-19 vaccination at different vaccination sites. Instruments used included general socio-demographic questionnaires and specifically constructed ones such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), body vigilance scale (BVS), and coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS). A total of 227 subjects enrolled in the study reported mild GAD and CAS scores and relatively low scores on BVS. When the subjects were divided according to a vaccination site (under supervision and non-supervised), it turned out that subjects vaccinated under supervision were more anxious (higher GAD and CAS) and had their body vigilance increased. In conclusion, there is a need for highlighting the importance of efficient planning and organization of vaccination process, since to a certain extent it is driven by both anxiety and body vigilance.

Drinking to Cope With the COVID-19 Pandemic Mediates Pathways From COVID-19 Anxiety to Alcohol Use and Alcohol Myopia Consequences

Objective People may consume alcohol to cope with the stressors and anxieties of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study applied the self-medication hypothesis, tension reduction hypothesis, and alcohol myopia theory to understand COVID-19 alcohol coping as a mediator of the pathways from COVID-19 anxiety to alcohol use and alcohol consequences. Methods Participants (N = 477) were undergraduate college students. The mean age was 22.14 (SD = 5.66) years. Gender distribution included 73% females, 26% males, and 1% transgender. Racial categories included 70% White, 11% Latino, 5% Black, 5% Asian, and 9% multiracial. They completed the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, the COVID-19 Alcohol Coping Scale developed and validated in the present study, measures of drinking frequency and drinking quantity, and the Alcohol Myopia Scale to assess alcohol consequences. Results First, confirmatory factor analysis supported the measurement structure of the COVID-19 Alcohol Coping Scale. Second, a general structural equation model containing only latent factors provided evidence for the following pathways: COVID-19 anxiety to COVID-19 alcohol coping to overall alcohol use to alcohol myopia consequences. Third, a specific structural equation model separated the overall alcohol use factor into two measures of drinking frequency and drinking quantity. Results found that COVID-19 alcohol coping uniquely explained drinking frequency (but not drinking quantity), indicating that the pursuit of alcohol to cope with the pandemic was related to more frequent days of alcohol use but not more concentrated use on drinking days. Tests of indirect effects corroborated the mediational pathways in the explanatory models. Conclusions The research offers insights into understanding that the risk connections from COVID-19 anxiety to alcohol behavioral outcomes are mediated by alcohol use to cope with the pandemic.

Urban safety and psychological distress during the pandemic: the results of a longitudinal study.

In the last decades, a large body of literature has explored the topic of perceived safety and fear of crime in urban environments. The effects of psychological factors on such feelings have been studied, but rarely using prospective studies, and never when these factors intercept a worldwide dramatic event like the pandemic. This research aimed to analyze the variations of the feelings of urban safety during the pandemic, the role of resiliency and the effect of psychological stressors such as anxiety, stress, and depression. During 2019 and 2022, before and after the pandemic, a face-to-face interview was administered to the same group of 195 participants. The PUSAS scale was used to measure unsafety, the ER89-R to assess for resiliency, the DASS-21 to collect data about the general distress (anxiety, stress and depression), and the CAS scale was used to evaluate the specific coronavirus anxiety. Structural equation models were applied to test a theoretical framework grounded on the relationships between these measures. The research findings showed decreased feelings of unsafety across the pandemic, consistent with the literature. The positive effect of ego-resiliency was significant but only for its interaction with data collected before the pandemic, whilst stress and anxiety impacted unsafety in 2022 through different pathways. None of the symptoms of general distress influenced the concern about crime and sense of vulnerability, as the feelings of unsafety were found independent from the variations of the specific coronavirus anxiety. Although the research findings did not confirm the impact of coronavirus, they presented some facets that disconfirm what the literature reported about the relationships between psychological distress and fear of crime. Implications about measurement issues are discussed.

Healthcare Workers' Anxiety Levels and Mindful Attention Awareness Towards the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: Mindful attention awareness and anxiety levels of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic were unknown. In this study, we aimed to measure the behavioral changes of healthcare workers together with their anxiety and mindful attention awareness levels during the pandemic. Methods: A brief mental health examination was conducted on healthcare workers who were actively involved in the COVID-19 pandemic to identify any dysfunctional anxiety issues associated with COVID-19. A survey containing behavioral changes, as well as a coronavirus anxiety scale and mindful attention awareness scale were administered to healthcare workers during the pandemic. Results: A total of 146 healthcare workers, 56.2% of women were included in the study. The coronavirus anxiety scale score values of the participants were a mean of 4±4.4 (Min=0-Max=20), and 13.7% of them had high levels of anxiety. The mean score for the mindful attention awareness scale score was a mean 59.4±13.9 (Min=22-Max=90). Females had higher coronavirus anxiety scale scores (p=0.003), but males had greater mindful attention awareness scale scores (p=0.001). It was determined that the coronavirus anxiety scale total scores averages of healthcare workers whose sleep (p=0.001), out-of-hospital clothing (p=0.006), and eating habits (p=0.017) changed during the pandemic were statistically significantly higher (p&amp;lt;0.05). Healthcare workers with higher coronavirus anxiety scores used more prophylactic drugs and supplements/vitamins after contact with COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Although the coronavirus anxiety scale score was below average and the mindful attention awareness scale score was above average, healthcare workers' behaviors changed during the pandemic. Coronavirus anxiety and mindful attention awareness scale levels affected the behaviors of healthcare workers. Psychosocial support programs must be provided to healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 status and related anxiety levels in cases undergoing total laryngectomy.

This study aimed to evaluate rate of the COVID-19 disease, its severity, mortality rate and anxiety levels in subjects who underwent total laryngectomy. The subjects who underwent total laryngectomy were included in the study. The data were first obtained retrospectively and then a telephone survey was applied. Anxiety levels was evaluated by the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). A total of 54 subjects were included in the study. Nine (16.7%) males were reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. Five (55%) of them were hospitalized; 2 of them (22%) were taken to intensive care units, and one subject (11%) died. Although a tendency to increase risk of COVID-19 disease in the tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis users (23.1% vs 14.63%) was observed, statistically difference was not significant. The average total CAS score was significantly higher in those who had COVID-19. The data documented that people who underwent total laryngectomy developed more frequent and more severe COVID-19 disease and had a higher mortality rate. Although no obvious variable was found, our data suggest that using a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis may be somewhat effective. Besides, our subjects presented very low anxiety about COVID-19.

Association Between Pandemic-Related Maternal Perinatal Anxiety and Early Postpartum Breastfeeding Success.

Prior studies have shown conflicting results on the impact of maternal anxiety on breastfeeding initiation and success. Furthermore, a substantial increase in maternal anxiety levels was shown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal perinatal anxiety induced by the COVID-19 pandemic and early breastfeeding outcomes. This cross-sectional study was conducted in two regional maternity hospitals, involving 220 first-time pregnant patients with a gestational age of ≥37 weeks. All patients had no current diagnosis of COVID-19 and no cases of COVID-19 in their close environment at the time of admission. At 24-48 hours postpartum or at the time of discharge, threefollowing scoring systems were employed: the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the LATCH (short for latch, audible swallowing, type of nipple, comfort, and hold) score. A LATCH score of ≥8 was chosen as the cutoff point for defining successful breastfeeding performance. Spearman's rank correlation was used to evaluate relationships between the CAS, STAI scores, maternal and infant factors, and LATCH scores. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups categorized as successful and unsuccessful in breastfeeding initiation. The mean total STAI score was 86.3±13.2, the CAS score was 1.07±1.91, and the LATCH score was 8.42±1.7. Although there was an increase in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Anxiety (STAI-S) scores compared to State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait Anxiety (STAI-T) scores, and the STAI-S score and CAS score were higher in the unsuccessful group, these differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.22 and 0.16, respectively). When we evaluated the correlation of the LATCH score with STAI total, STAI-S and STAI-T scores, CAS score, and maternal and infant factors, only the type of delivery showed a significant correlation with the LATCH score (p = 0.008). Early postpartum breastfeeding efficiency, as measured by the LATCH score, was only correlated with the type of delivery. No significant correlation was found between pandemic-related maternal perinatal anxiety and early postpartum breastfeeding success.