Coronavirus Disease 2019 Prevention Measures Research Articles

Psychological impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on health professions students at the University of Zambia: a cross-sectional study.

the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has negatively impacted the mental health of students across the globe. In Zambia, little is known about the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare students. This study assessed the psychological impact of COVID-19 on health professions students at the University of Zambia. this cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2021 to October 2021. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with anxiety and depression among the participants. Data were analysed using Stata 16.1. of the 452 students, 57.5% were female, with the majority aged between 19 and 24 years. Overall, 65% (95% CI: 60.5-69.4) experienced anxiety, while 86% (95% CI: 82.7-89.3) experienced depression. Participants whose income was affected were more likely to experience anxiety (aOR; 2.09, 95% CI: 1.29-3.37) and depression (aOR; 2.87, 95% CI: 1.53-5.38). Anxiety was associated with difficulty in observing the COVID-19 preventive measures (aOR; 1.84, 95% CI: 1.21-2.81). Being depressed was associated with having a chronic condition (aOR; 3.98, 95% CI: 1.67-9.50) or a relative or friend who died from COVID-19 (aOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.06-3.70). many students experienced anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 third wave of infections. This calls for mitigation measures because continued anxiety and depression can affect the academic performance of students. Fortunately, most of the associated factors are modifiable and can easily be targeted when formulating interventions to reduce anxiety and depression among students.

Trends of Internet Search Volumes for Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis.

BackgroundThe effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on public mental health has been increasing. Additionally, the underlying psychological stressors remain unexplored, and few studies have been conducted nationally on the social distancing measures. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the psychological impacts of the implementation of social distancing measures by analyzing the Internet search trends of major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms.MethodsUsing Naver® Trends’ relative search volumes (RSVs), we analyzed the average search volumes and trend changes of 16 terms, adopted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 criteria for diagnosing MDD. An interrupted time-series analysis was performed using the data from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. Furthermore, changes in RSVs, according to the intensity of the social distancing measures implemented from January 1 to December 31, 2020, were determined using Wilcoxon rank sum tests.ResultsOf the 16 terms, the search trends of ‘feeling guilty’ (P < 0.001) and ‘wanting to die’ (P = 0.002) showed a significant increase as of February 29, 2020, when the social distancing measures were officially implemented. Additionally, the average search volumes for ‘hopelessness’ (P = 0.003), ‘sexual desire’ (P < 0.001), ‘insomnia’ (P = 0.002), ‘hypersomnia’ (P < 0.001), ‘restlessness’ (P < 0.001), and ‘feeling lethargic’ (P < 0.001) increased significantly. Moreover, gender analysis showed that the average search volume of ‘depressed mood’ (P = 0.033) and the trend of ‘impaired concentration’ (P < 0.001) increased in males only. However, the average search volume of ‘feeling lethargic’ (P = 0.001) and the trend of ‘feeling guilty’ (P = 0.001) increased in females only. The average search volumes for ‘depressed mood’ (P < 0.001), ‘impaired concentration’ (P = 0.038), and ‘indecisiveness’ (P < 0.001) were significantly higher during the enforcement of level 2 or higher social distancing measures.ConclusionOur results reported the negative effect of COVID-19 preventive measures on public mental health in South Korea, especially for MDD symptoms. Moreover, the findings suggested the utility of Naver Trends as a feasible big data source to assess future mental health crises.

Challenges Affecting African Countries in the Fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Interventional Strategies in Low-and Middle-Income Countries

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused many global challenges, especially in resource-constrained countries. Africa, a continent with a large number of low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), shares this burden disproportionately compared to developed countries. Here we review some of the major challenges African countries face in the fight against COVID-19 and propose some mitigation measures. Studies have reported low adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures in most African countries. Additionally, there has been a shortage of healthcare workers, inadequate surveillance and diagnostic tools, unavailability of drugs in healthcare facilities, increased wrong beliefs, myths, misinformation and misconceptions about COVID-19 and vaccinations, and an already existing burden of infectious and non-infectious diseases across the African continent. Despite being very challenging to implement across African countries, telehealth is a critical solution to offer healthcare services during disease outbreaks. Many African countries have faced challenges in the fight against COVID-19. The training of healthcare workers (HCWs) must be strengthened to help address the shortage. In addition, African countries should strive to invest in research and capacity-building to be self-reliant regarding diagnostic tests. Thus, there is an urgent need to address the challenges faced by African countries in this fight, which may even include increased collaborations with other countries.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Literature Review

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the global population, especially the vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, indigenous people, and people with disabilities. Restriction and limited access to education, health, and public services due to measures taken to cope with the pandemic have made life even more difficult for people with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual ones. People with intellectual disabilities were not counted as a high-risk population, thus being excluded in most public health measurements that are done to encounter the pandemic. Several investigations have been conducted to explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children, women, and the elderly, yet very few discussed how pandemics affected people with intellectual disabilities. This article is a review of existing literature using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords like “COVID-19” and “intellectual disabilities” which was conducted in Pubmed, Web of Science, Mendeley, Google Scholar and ResearchGate to find related studies. Here we reviewed studies on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with intellectual disabilities, including access to education, healthcare, public services, and other related concerns. We also discussed the inclusivity of COVID-19 prevention and control measures taken so far and how it should be designed to accommodate people with intellectual disabilities. This review is expected to provide an insight for the stakeholders and policymakers to employ better and more inclusive approach in the management of pandemic to ensure the wellbeing and rights of people with disabilities in general and people with intellectual ones in particular.

Real-Time Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Care and Treatment of Patients with Tuberculosis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background:There were global concerns and predictions that Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) would severely affect tuberculosis (TB) care and treatment services in resource-constrained countries. This study aimed to assess the real-time impact of COVID-19 on clinical care and treatment of patients with TB in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods:This was a facility-based, multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted in 10 health centers with high TB clients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Participants were patients with TB who have been attending TB clinical care and treatment in the COVID-19 pandemic period. Data were collected using adapted, interviewer-administered questionnaires to investigate the impact of COVID-19 in their routine care and treatment.Result:The study included a total of 212 consented participants. Study participants who missed appointments for medication refill were 40 (18.9%). The most important predictors of missed appointments were fear of COVID-19 [AOR = 4.25, 95% CI (1.710–25.446)], transport disruption [AOR = 8.88, 95% CI (1.618–48.761)], lockdown [AOR = 6.56, 95% CI (1.300–33.131)], traveling costs [AOR = 10.26, 95% CI (1.552–67.882)], and personal protective equipment costs [AOR = 11.15, 95% CI (2.164–57.437)]. The most costly COVID-19 preventive measures that caused financial burden to the patients were face mask [107 (50.5%)], disinfectant [106 (50%)], and sop [50 (23.6%)]. The participants were well aware of the recommended COVID-19 preventive measures. Their perceived most effective preventive measures were the use of face mask (90.1%), frequent hand washing with soap and use of disinfectant (83.0%), avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands (77.8%), and stay at home (75.5%).Conclusions:COVID-19 significantly hampered the clinical care and treatment of patients with TB. The impact was primarily on their appointments for scheduled medication refills, clinical follow-ups, and laboratory follow-ups. Fear of getting infected with COVID-19, limited access to transportation, reduced income for traveling to health facilities, costs for personal protective equipment and traveling to healthcare facilities, and the lockdown were the major determinants. The impact could be mitigated by reducing the number of visits, rationing personal protective equipment as feasible, compensating travel expenses, providing health educations and community-based TB services, and maintaining TB services.

Self-Reported Obsession Toward COVID-19 Preventive Measures Among Undergraduate Medical Students During the Early Phase of Pandemic in Jordan.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated precautionary measures have substantial impacts not only on the medical, economic, and social context but also on psychological health. This study aimed to assess the obsession toward COVID-19 preventive measures among undergraduate medical students during the early phase of the pandemic in Jordan.Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed between March 16, 2020 and March 19, 2020. Socio-demographic characteristics were collected, and self-reported obsession toward COVID-19 preventive measures was assessed using a single question.COVID-19 knowledge, risk perception, and precautionary measures were evaluated using scales. Using the chi-square test, Student t-test, and one-way ANOVA, we assessed the differences in the obsession of students with socio-demographic characteristics and scores of the scales.Results: A total of 1,404 participants (60% were female participants) completed the survey with a participation rate of 15.6%. Obsession with preventive measures was reported by 6.8%. Obsession was significantly more common among women (9.2%) than men (3.3%) and students who attended COVID-19 lectures (9.5%) than those who did not attend such lectures (5.8%) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.015, respectively). Obsessed participants reported significantly higher levels of COVID-19 knowledge (p = 0.012) and precautionary measures (p < 0.001). COVID-19 risk perception had a mild effect size difference but with no statistical significance (p = 0.075). There were no significant differences in the academic levels of participants (p = 0.791) and universities (p = 0.807) between students who were obsessed and those who were not.Conclusions: Obsession is one of the significant but unspoken psychological effects of COVID-19 precautionary measures among undergraduate medical students. Medical schools should be equipped with means to handle pandemic psychological effects.

Compliance with COVID-19 Preventive Measures and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Antenatal Care at Public Health Facilities of Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious and cause for the death of many people worldwide. Due to physiological immunosuppressive state and mechanical alteration, pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe illness and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes from COVID-19 than non-pregnant women. Compliance with the preventive measures is essential to control COVID-19 related consequences. Therefore, this study aimed to assess compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public facilities of Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 30, 2021 among 402 pregnant mothers. Data were collected via a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. Then, entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for data analysis. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables with p < 0.05 were declared as statistically significant and the strength of statistical association was measured by adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsOf the total 396 participants, 222 (56.1%) of women had a good compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures. Maternal age (25–34 years) [AOR: 1.926; 95% CI (1.084, 3.421)] and (≥35 years) [AOR: 3.018; 95% CI (1.53, 5.952)], husband educational status [AOR: 3.68; 95% CI (1.55, 8.737)], had current chronic disease [AOR: 2.516; 95% CI (1.297, 4.883)], and knowledge [AOR: 5.484; 95% CI (3.057, 9.838)] were significant predictors to have good compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures.ConclusionAlthough COVID-19 is a global and national agenda, compliance towards its preventive measures was not sufficient enough. Therefore, scale-up the community awareness via media campaign is crucial which will eventually improve compliance. Furthermore, those women who had no pre-existing chronic diseases and those in the young age group should be given special consideration.

Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Jiangxi, China: A retrospective observational study.

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Jiangxi Province, China, from January 21 to April 9, 2020.COVID-19 epidemic information was obtained from the official websites of the Jiangxi Provincial Health Committee, Hubei Provincial Health Committee, and National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. ArcGIS 10.0 was used to draw a map of the spatial distribution of the cases.On January 21, 2020, the first COVID-19 confirmed case in Jiangxi was reported. By January 27, COVID-19 had spread rapidly to all cities in Jiangxi. The outbreak peaked on February 3, with a daily incidence of 85 cases. The last indigenous case reported on February 27. From January 21 to April 9, a total of 937 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported, with a cumulative incidence of 2.02/100,000. Of those, 936 patients (99.89%) were cured, and 1 (0.11%) died due to COVID-19. The COVID-19 epidemic trend in Jiangxi was basically consistent with the national epidemic trend (except Hubei). Throughout the epidemic prevention and control phase, Jiangxi province has taken targeted prevention and control measures based on the severity of the spread of COVID-19.The COVID-19 epidemic in Jiangxi was widespread and developed rapidly. In less than 1 month, the epidemic situation was effectively controlled, and the epidemic situation shifted to a low-level distribution state. All these proved that the COVID-19 prevention and control strategies and measures adopted by Jiangxi Province were right, positive and effective.

COVID-19 Risk Assessment for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Introduction: As of June 7, 2021, the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread to more than 200 countries. The global number of reported cases is more than 172.9 million, with more than 3.7 million deaths, and the number of infected individuals is still growing rapidly. Consequently, events and activities around the world were canceled or postponed, and the preparation for sporting events were greatly challenged. Under such circumstances, about 11,000 athletes from ~206 countries are arriving in Tokyo for the 32nd Summer Olympic Games. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to assess the occurrence and spread risk of COVID-19 for the Games.Objectives: To explore effective prevention and control measures for COVID-19 in large international events through simulations of different interventions according to risk assessment.Methods: We used a random model to calculate the number of initial infected patients and used Poisson distribution to determine the number of initial infected patients based on the number of countries involved. Furthermore, to simulate the COVID-19 transmission, the susceptible-exposed-symptomatic-asymptomatic-recovered-hospitalized (SEIARH) model was established based on the susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) mathematical model of epidemic diseases. According to risk assessment indicators produced by different scenarios of the simulated interventions, the risk of COVID-19 transmission in Tokyo Olympic Games was assessed.Results: The current COVID-19 prevention measures proposed by the Japan Olympic Committee need to be enhanced. And large-scale vaccination will effectively control the spread of COVID-19. When the protective efficacy of vaccines is 78.1% or 89.8%, and if the vaccination rate of athletes reaches 80%, an epidemic prevention barrier can be established.

Social Media Use, Psychological Distress and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding the COVID-19 Among a Sample of the Population of Pakistan.

This study was conducted to assess social media (SM) use, psychological distress, and knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among a sample of the population of Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Multan, Pakistan between April and May 2020. Demographics details, SM use, psychological distress, and KAP on the COVID-19 were investigated. A total of 800 respondents were analyzed out of which 33.5% (n = 268) were women. No gender-wise difference was found in the terms of SM use and duration of SM use. Women were prone to have psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress than men in the current COVID-19 pandemic. The mean knowledge score of men was significantly higher compared to women (18.69 ± 4.20 vs. 16.89 ± 3.04, p < 0.001), while the mean score of the attitude and practices on the COVID-19 prevention measures was significantly better in women (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). The psychological problems such as anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression scores (p = 0.033) were higher among women than men. The stress score was also higher in women but not significantly higher (p = 0.079). The knowledge was significantly correlated with attitude, anxiety, depression, and stress. The regression analysis showed that the COVID-19-related KAPs are the predictors of psychological suffering of an individual. The female gender was positively associated with anxiety and depression. The SM use was the predictor of the stress. Male respondents had significantly more knowledge of the COVID-19 than female respondents, but women had significantly better attitudes and practiced the COVID-19 prevention measures. Gender is a significant determinant of psychological distress and KAP about the COVID-19. The government has already taken significant steps to limit the spread of the disease; however, much more effort is required to tackle this COVID-19 pandemic.

Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors in Oromia regional state of Ethiopia.

Adherence to preventive measures of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was among the means to tackle the transmission of the virus. However, reluctance to implement the recommended preventive measures has been reported to be a major problem everywhere including Oromia Regional State. This research was aimed to assess the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors in the study area. Community based cross-sectional study was conducted. Sample of 2751 adults aged ≥ 18 years were used for the quantitative study. Also, 20 FGDs and 30 KIIs were conducted in the qualitative approach. The collected data were entered into Epi info version 7.2.0.1 and analyzed using STATA 15. The qualitative data were entered into NVivo version 12 for its organization. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between the study variables. Odds Ratio with its 95%CI was calculated and P- Value < 0.05 was used as a cut off points to declare the significance. The level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measure was 8.3. Age [AOR, 4.00; 95% CI: 1.50, 10.45], Illiterate AOR, 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.93], read and write [AOR, 0.26; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.72], attended primary [AOR, 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.70], occupation (AOR; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.96] and knowledge [AOR, 0.20; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.11] were factors associated with level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Political context, unemployment, livelihoods, and social events were mentioned as reasons for the poor adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. The overall level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in the study area was low. Age, level of education, occupation, and knowledge were factors associated with level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Activities to increase the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures should be implemented by the concerned bodies.

Exploring the Effects of Carpooling on Travelers’ Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Metropolitan City

Transportation accounts for more than a quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. Carpooling is a subset of the sharing economy, in which individuals share their vehicle with commuters to save travel expenses. In recent decades, carpooling has been promoted as a feasible alternative to car ownership with the potential to alleviate traffic congestion, parking demand, and environmental problems. Unstable economic conditions, cultural norms, and lack of infrastructure make cultural exchange activities and mobility habits different in developing nations to those in developed countries. The rapid evolution of sharing mobility has reshaped travelers’ behavior and created a dire need to determine the travel patterns of commuters living in megacities in developing countries. To obtain data, a web-based stated choice (SC) experiment was used in this study. It used mode-related variables, socioeconomic demographic variables, and a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) precautionary measure variable. Logit models, namely the mixed logit regression model (ML) and the multinomial logit regression model (MNL), were applied to analyze the available data. According to modeling and survey data, economic variables associated with modes of transport, such as trip time and trip cost, were determined to be significant. Additionally, the results revealed that commuters were more conscious of COVID-19 preventive measures, which was determined to be highly significant. The findings showed that the majority of residents in the COVID-19 pandemic continue to rely on automobiles and motorcycles. It is noteworthy that individuals with more than two members in their family and a travel distance of less than seven miles were more likely to prefer a carpooling service. This study’s findings will provide a basis for researchers to aid existing operators in the field of transportation, as well as offer guidelines for governments in developing countries to enhance the utility of transportation networks.

Prevalence of COVID-19 amongst returning Students of University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

The causative agent of a mysterious pneumonia was identified as clustered of unexplained pneumonia, was identified as a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China and was named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization. There are thousands of infectious individuals worldwide and millions of deaths. A total number of 248 subjects (124 males and 124 females) of returning students of some Faculties of University of Port Harcourt were used. Questionnaire were used to collect some demographic data from the subjects while Standard Q COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit methods were applied for the screening. The subjects that gave consent were made to sit down comfortably with their head tilted back and nasal samples collected with COVID-19 swab stick. The swab was inserted into an extraction buffer tube and squeezed at the sides to extract the liquid. 4 drops of the extracted specimen were applied to the well of the Standard Q COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit. The result was read in 20 minutes and was recorded. All the results of the study read negative. This showed zero prevalence of COVID-19 disease amongst the returning students of University of Port Harcourt. This could be as a result of age, environmental factor or strong COVID-19 preventive measures within the campus. Nevertheless, continuous observance of COVID-19 preventive protocols, further COVID-19 screening tests amongst the staff and in a hospital, setting is strongly recommended.

Impact of interventions on the incidence of natural focal diseases during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Jiangsu Province, China

BackgroundDuring the period of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, strong intervention measures, such as lockdown, travel restriction, and suspension of work and production, may have curbed the spread of other infectious diseases, including natural focal diseases. In this study, we aimed to study the impact of COVID-19 prevention and control measures on the reported incidence of natural focal diseases (brucellosis, malaria, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome [HFRS], dengue, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome [SFTS], rabies, tsutsugamushi and Japanese encephalitis [JE]).MethodsThe data on daily COVID-19 confirmed cases and natural focal disease cases were collected from Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Jiangsu Provincial CDC). We described and compared the difference between the incidence in 2020 and the incidence in 2015–2019 in four aspects: trend in reported incidence, age, sex, and urban and rural distribution. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) (p, d, q) × (P, D, Q)s model was adopted for natural focal diseases, malaria and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), and an ARIMA (p, d, q) model was adopted for dengue. Nonparametric tests were used to compare the reported and the predicted incidence in 2020, the incidence in 2020 and the previous 4 years, and the difference between the duration from illness onset date to diagnosed date (DID) in 2020 and in the previous 4 years. The determination coefficient (R2) was used to evaluate the goodness of fit of the model simulation.ResultsNatural focal diseases in Jiangsu Province showed a long-term seasonal trend. The reported incidence of natural focal diseases, malaria and dengue in 2020 was lower than the predicted incidence, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The reported incidence of brucellosis in July, August, October and November 2020, and SFTS in May to November 2020 was higher than that in the same period in the previous 4 years (P < 0.05). The reported incidence of malaria in April to December 2020, HFRS in March, May and December 2020, and dengue in July to November 2020 was lower than that in the same period in the previous 4 years (P < 0.05). In males, the reported incidence of malaria in 2020 was lower than that in the previous 4 years, and the reported incidence of dengue in 2020 was lower than that in 2017–2019. The reported incidence of malaria in the 20–60-year age group was lower than that in the previous 4 years; the reported incidence of dengue in the 40–60-year age group was lower than that in 2016–2018. The reported cases of malaria in both urban and rural areas were lower than in the previous 4 years. The DID of brucellosis and SFTS in 2020 was shorter than that in 2015–2018; the DID of tsutsugamushi in 2020 was shorter than that in the previous 4 years.ConclusionsInterventions for COVID-19 may help control the epidemics of natural focal diseases in Jiangsu Province. The reported incidence of natural focal diseases, especially malaria and dengue, decreased during the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. COVID-19 prevention and control measures had the greatest impact on the reported incidence of natural focal diseases in males and people in the 20–60-year age group.Graphical

Effect of Knowledge/Practice of COVID-19 Prevention Measures on Return-to-Work Concerns; Attitudes About the Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Survey on Supermarket Staff in Huanggang, China.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate how knowledge and practice of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention measures affected concerns about returning to work among supermarket staff. Attitudes about the ability of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to prevent COVID-19 were also assessed.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Huanggang, Hubei Province, China from April 23 to 25, 2020. Participants were invited to fill out an electronic questionnaire on their cell phones.Results: The results showed that from 2,309 valid questionnaires, 61.5% of participants were concerned about resuming work. Major concerns included asymptomatic infection (85.01%) and employees gathering in the workplace (78.96%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the female gender, having school-aged children and pregnancy were risk factors for being concerned about resuming work, while good knowledge and practice of preventive measures were protective factors. Knowledge and practice of preventive measures were positively correlated. Among preventive measures, the highest percentage of participants knew about wearing masks and washing hands. Meanwhile, 65.8% of participants expressed confidence in the ability of TCM to prevent COVID-19, where 74 and 51.3% thought there was a need and a strong need, respectively, for preventive TCM-based products. Among them, 71.5% preferred oral granules. Regarding TCM as a COVID-19 preventative, most were interested in information about safety and efficacy.Conclusion: These findings suggested that promoting knowledge and practices regarding COVID-19 prevention can help alleviate concerns about returning to work. Meanwhile, TCM can feasibly be accepted to diversify COVID-19 prevention methods.Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier: ChiCTR2000031955.

1170Investigation of COVID-19 outbreak in a South West State of Nigeria: Preliminary findings

1170Investigation of COVID-19 outbreak in a South West State of Nigeria: Preliminary findings

In-depth profiling of COVID-19 risk factors and preventive measures in healthcare workers

PurposeTo determine risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare workers (HCWs), characterize symptoms, and evaluate preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 spread in hospitals.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study conducted between May 27 and August 12, 2020, after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, we obtained serological, epidemiological, occupational as well as COVID-19-related data at a quaternary care, multicenter hospital in Munich, Germany.Results7554 HCWs participated, 2.2% of whom tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Multivariate analysis revealed increased COVID-19 risk for nurses (3.1% seropositivity, 95% CI 2.5–3.9%, p = 0.012), staff working on COVID-19 units (4.6% seropositivity, 95% CI 3.2–6.5%, p = 0.032), males (2.4% seropositivity, 95% CI 1.8–3.2%, p = 0.019), and HCWs reporting high-risk exposures to infected patients (5.5% seropositivity, 95% CI 4.0–7.5%, p = 0.0022) or outside of work (12.0% seropositivity, 95% CI 8.0–17.4%, p < 0.0001). Smoking was a protective factor (1.1% seropositivity, 95% CI 0.7–1.8% p = 0.00018) and the symptom taste disorder was strongly associated with COVID-19 (29.8% seropositivity, 95% CI 24.3–35.8%, p < 0.0001). An unbiased decision tree identified subgroups with different risk profiles. Working from home as a preventive measure did not protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. A PCR-testing strategy focused on symptoms and high-risk exposures detected all larger COVID-19 outbreaks.ConclusionAwareness of the identified COVID-19 risk factors and successful surveillance strategies are key to protecting HCWs against SARS-CoV-2, especially in settings with limited vaccination capacities or reduced vaccine efficacy.

Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Ideation in Chinese University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seriously threatened the global public health security and caused a series of mental health problem. Current research focuses mainly on mental health status and related factors in the COVID-19 pandemic among Chinese university students. Data from 11133 participants was obtained through an online survey. The Patient Health Question-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms, the Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS) was used to assess social support. We also used 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) to assess anxiety symptoms. Totally, 37.0% of the subjects were experiencing depressive symptoms, 24.9% anxiety symptoms, 20.9% comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, and 7.3% suicidal ideation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed an increased presence of mental health problems in female students, graduate students, and those with personal COVID-19 exposure. Awareness of COVID-19, living with family were protective factors that reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. In addition, male, personal COVID-19 exposure, depressive and anxiety symptoms were risk factors for suicidal ideation. Social support, COVID-19 preventive and control measures, prediction of COVID-19 trends, living with family and graduate students are protective factors for reducing suicidal ideation.

The Potential Role of Patient Portals to Improve Influenza Vaccination.

* Abbreviation: COVID-19 — : coronavirus disease 2019 Each year, before 2020, millions of children contracted influenza virus.1 From 2020 to 2021, protective measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), such as mask wearing, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing, likely protected children from other infectiousdiseases, including seasonal influenza.2 However, as COVID-19 preventive measures begin to abate and children return to school and normal activities outside the home, the seasonal influenza will again be a threat to young children nationally. Children under 18 years of age are twice as likely to develop symptoms as adults over age 65 years, and those under 4 years of age are over 3 times as likely.1 Young children, especially those under 5 years old, are at the highest risk for severe illness and death from influenza.1,3 Children are also key drivers of transmission, on average spreading influenza to multiple age groups and for longer periods than adults.4 Influenza vaccination is still the best method of preventing influenza and its associated complications. Influenza vaccine should be given to children starting at age 6 months, and 2 doses of influenza vaccine, administered 28 days apart, should be given to a child under age 9 years if they have not previously received 2 doses during an influenza season. Previous studies have shown the importance of both doses, especially in vaccine-naive children. For example, in vaccine-naive children aged 2 years or younger, vaccine effectiveness is cut … Address correspondence to Melissa S. Stockwell, MD, MPH, Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, 622 W 168th St, VC 417, New York, NY 10032. E-mail: mss2112{at}cumc.columbia.edu

Are preventive measures adequate? An evaluation of the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control measures in nursing homes in China

BackgroundThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a challenge for nursing homes in China. Nursing homes are particularly dangerous places in terms of the spread of COVID-19 given that they house vulnerable, high-risk populations. As such, several useful guidelines for coping with COVID-19 in nursing homes have been provided. However, the actual implementation rates of such guidelines are unknown. This study aims to document the adherence of nursing homes to the Ministry of Civil Affairs guidelines for COVID-19 prevention and control in nursing homes.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 484 nursing homes in 136 cities of 28 provinces in China. A self-report questionnaire was created based on the Ministry of Civil Affairs guidelines for COVID-19 prevention and control in nursing homes (first edition). The questionnaire and the Transformational Leadership in the Public Sector Scale were sent to nursing home managers via the Wenjuanxing app online from February 7 to 29, 2020. Ultimately, 461 of 960 nursing homes participated, for a response rate of 48.0%.ResultsThe average overall implementation rate of COVID-19 prevention and control measures was 80.0% (143.97/180). The average implementation rates for hygienic behaviour management and access management were lower, at 75.3 and 78.7%, respectively. Number of medical staff and transformational leadership score of nursing home’s manager were associated with total implementation score (p < 0.05). A total of 69.8% (322/461) of the nursing home managers had serious resource problems, and inadequate protective supplies (72.0%) and staff shortages (47.7%) were the two primary problems. The nursing homes that located in urban, with large nursing home size, had hospital-nursing home cooperation and the transformational leadership score of manager> 60, had a lower risk of having serious resource problems.ConclusionsOverall, the implementation of prevention and control measures by nursing homes are insufficient during the epidemic in China. More medical staff, adequate resource, cooperation with hospitals, and higher transformational leadership of manager are required to improve the implementation rate. It is urgent for nursing homes to maintain the safety of residents and staff.