Coronavirus Disease 2019 Quarantine Research Articles

Impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in children with functional abdominal pain disorders: Data from long-term follow-up.

We aimed to compare symptom frequency and severity in children with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) and to evaluate anxiety, quality of life (QoL) and global health during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related quarantine and after 17 months. Children diagnosed with FAPDs between October 2019 and February 2020 at 5 different centers were enrolled and prospectively interviewed during the COVID-19 quarantine and 17 months later when schools, hospital services, and routine activities had re-opened to the public. The patients were asked to complete the Rome IV questionnaire, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0) Generic Core Scale, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and global health questionnaires. Data about COVID-19 infection and its clinical outcome were also collected. Ninety-nine out of 180 (55%) children completed the follow-up. The number of patients reporting a worsening of their symptoms was significantly higher at follow-up when compared to the quarantine period (24/99 [24.2%] vs. 12/99 [12.1%]; p = 0.04). The PedsQL 4.0 subtotal score at follow-up significantly decreased at 17 months of follow-up (65.57 [0-100]) when compared to the quarantine (71 [0-100], p = 0.03). Emotional functioning was the most significantly reduced (Follow-up: 64.7 [0-100] vs. Quarantine: 75 [0-100]; p = 0.006). We did not identify significant differences in symptoms and QoL between COVID-19 infected children and the remaining cohort at the two time points. An improvement of symptoms and QoL was observed during the quarantine, followed by a worsening at-follow-up. These findings reinforce the hypothesis that the nest effect overweighted COVID-19 fears during the quarantine and highlight the importance of psychological factors in symptom exacerbation.

Association between adult attachment and mental health states among health care workers: the mediating role of social support.

To determine the relationships between attachment style, social support, and mental health states, as well as the mediation mechanism within this relationship, we conducted a survey among healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic quarantine. The survey assessed their mental health states, adult attachment style, social support, and some other relevant information. Mental health states were represented by the overall state of sleep, physical and emotional assessment. A multiple mediator model was used to explain how social support could mediate the relationship between attachment and mental health states during COVID-19 quarantine. Our findings revealed that 33.3% of the participants experienced emotional issues, 8.5% had sleep problems, and 24.9% reported physical discomfort. The direct effect of adult attachment styles on mental health states during COVID-19 quarantine was significant (c' = -0.3172; p < 0.01). The total indirect effect also showed statistical significance (ab = -0.1857; p < 0.01). Moreover, the total effect of adult attachment styles on mental health states was -0.5029 (c = -0.5029; p < 0.01). Subjective social support and utilization of social support play mediating roles in the relationship between attachment style and mental health states, respectively (ab1 = -0.1287, 95% CI: -0.9120 to -0.3341, ab2 = 0.0570, 95% CI: -0.4635 to -0.1132). These findings highlight social support played a mediation role between attachment style and mental health states. Thus, offering social support during a crisis might be useful for those individuals with an insecure attachment.

The impact of COVID-19 on a Southern Chinese cohort with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

BackgroundThere are few studies on risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD). The relationship between NMOSD relapse and COVID-19 needs to be evaluated. The objective of our study is to identify the risk factors of COVID-19 infection and NMOSD relapse among NMOSD patients with COVID-19. MethodA total of 379 NMOSD patients registered in a NMOSD database were included in this case-control study after the end of the COVID-19 quarantine and restriction policies on December 6, 2022 in China. Data were obtained from the database. Additional information was obtained by questionnaires and the Neurology out-patient clinic. The clinical characteristics of NMOSD patients with COVID-19 were described. Risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection and outcome among patients with NMOSD were analyzed. Risk factors associated with relapse in NMOSD patients with COVID-19 were also identified. Results239 (63.1%) NMOSD patients were infected with COVID-19. Patients with NMOSD who were infected with COVID-19, in comparison to those without COVID-19, were younger at the time of interview (median [IQR] age: 43.00 [32.00–55.00] vs 49.50 [35.25–56.00] years, P = 0.029), younger at NMOSD onset (median [IQR] age: 38.00 [27.00–51.00] vs 45.00 [32.00–52.75] years, P = 0.013), had abnormal visual evoked potentials before infection (73.4% vs 54.3% P = 0.029), had lower baseline Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL) scores (median [IQR] ADL: 14.00 [14.00–16.00] vs 14.00 [14.00–19.00], P = 0.014) or lower baseline modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (1.12±0.749 vs 1.33±0.991, P = 0.037), and were less frequently treated with more than 10 mg prednisone or 8 mg methylprednisolone (25.0% vs 36.0%,p = 0.026). All 9 NMOSD patients who had symptomatic cerebral syndrome developed moderate/severe COVID-19. A higher percentage of patients with moderate/severe COVID-19 experienced more than one core clinical NMOSD symptoms (61.5% vs 55.1%, p = 0.044), compared to patients with mild COVID-19. Higher risk of NMOSD relapse among NMOSD patients with COVID-19 was associated with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (median[IQR] EDSS: 2.00 [1.00–3.00] vs 1.50 [1.00–2.25], P = 0.037) and drug treatments disruption (21.6% vs 5.0% P<0.001). ConclusionsNMOSD patients with younger age, lower baseline ADL or mRS had higher incidence of being diagnosed with COVID-19 during pandemic. Glucocorticoid use may decrease the risk of COVID-19. NMOSD patients with symptomatic cerebral syndrome before the COVID-19 pandemic are associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Drug treatment disruption may result in relapse among NMOSD patients with COVID-19.

Effects of aromatherapy on sore throat, nasal symptoms and sleep quality in adults infected with COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) usually complain of fever, cough, and sore throat. This study examined the effects of aromatherapy on sore throat, nasal symptoms, stress, fatigue, and sleep quality by administering it to adults with post-COVID-19 condition. MethodsThis study was conducted in a randomised controlled design. Its target population were adults who were released from COVID-19 quarantine treatment within 45 days from infection onset and capable of performing daily activities after isolation treatment. The participants were randomised into aromatherapy group (AG) and control group (CG). To test experimental treatment effects, the levels of sore throat, nasal symptoms, stress, fatigue and sleep quality were measured at the baseline (pre-test) and after the trial (post-test), using the numerical rating scale for sore throat, stress and fatigue, the Total Nasal Symptoms Score for nasal symptoms, and the Korean Version of Modified Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire for quality of sleep. ResultsAfter experimental treatment, there was a significant difference in sore throat in AG compared to CG on the 3rd day (t=-2.022 p=0.048) and 4th day (t=-2.450, p=0.017) of treatment. There was also a significant difference in fatigue between AG and CG on the 2nd day(t=-2.748, p=0.008), 3rd day (t=-2.948, p=0.005) and 4th day (t=-3.084, p=0.003) of treatment. There was no significant difference in TNSS, stress, and sleep quality between the two groups after the experimental treatment. ConclusionInhaling aroma essential oils reduced sore throat and fatigue in adults with post-COVID-19 condition, demonstrating the feasibility of aromatherapy as an effective treatment. Trial registrationThe study was registered with Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0008029).

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Female Sexual Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context: Since sexual function is significantly influenced by tension, fear, and melancholy, all of which are intensified throughout epidemics, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) globally can also affect individuals’ sexual function and life. The strong relationship between sexual dysfunction and quality of life disorders has made it an important public health concern. Objectives: The current study was conducted to assess female sexual function throughout the COVID-19 quarantine. Methods: ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched with no language limitations. Two independent researchers reviewed all relevant articles published until November 30, 2021. Finally, 22 articles were included in the study, 13 of which were eligible for meta-analysis. The data were combined using meta-analysis and a random effect model. A Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to check the potential bias of publication. Results: The mean score of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was 23.34 (95% confidence interval: 21.17 - 25.52) using the random effect model. Out of the 6 studies that reported the FSFI scores before and throughout the COVID-19 crisis, 5 studies indicated a statistically significant drop in the mean scores of female sexual function throughout COVID-19, contrasting with before the epidemic. Most studies comparing the repetition of sexual activity before and through the COVID-19 epidemic reported a decrease in the repetition of sexual activity throughout the epidemic. Conclusions: Adverse psychological outcomes and restrictions caused by the COVID-19 crisis decreased female sexual function and the repetition of sexual activity. Health policymakers worldwide should scheme and execute helpful syllabi and interventions to reduce the adverse impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the sexual health of individuals.

Increase in Odontogenic Cervicofacial Infection Requiring Hospitalization in Children During COVID-19 Quarantine

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) quarantines on children hospitalizedfor odontogenic cervicofacial infection. The data of patients aged 1 month-18 years, who were followed up with the diagnosis ofodontogenic cervicofacial infection in Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Hospital between January 2019 and June 2021 wasexamined, retrospectively. Thirteen patients with a mean age of 8.5±3.8, 7 of whom were male were included in the study. Three of the patients were diagnosed in the pre-COVID-19 period and 10 of them were diagnosed in the second year of COVID-19. Five patients had a known history of dental caries. On physical examination, it was determined that all patients had dental caries in the area corresponding to the infection site. Four patients required abscess drainage, all of whom were presenting in the second year of COVID-19, we isolated Eikenella corrodens, Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus intermedius microorganisms in 3 patients. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5.3±3 days. In conclusion, COVID-19 quarantine causes an increase in odontogenic cervicofacial infection requiring intravenous antibiotics and abscess drainage.

Decline in emergency department visits during the COVID-19 quarantine

BackgroundEmergency department (ED) visits can be divided into urgent and non-urgent. A delay in seeking medical help, especially in urgent cases, can lead to fatal consequences, along with a higher rate of complications and morbidity. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic spread led to restrictions and eventually quarantines. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 spread and quarantine on ED visits rates comparing to parallel periods in preceding years (2013–2019). In addition, we compared this decrease to holidays and weekends, times in which a decrease in ED visits is seen. MethodsThis was a descriptive retrospective study. Causes of ED referrals were divided into urgent and non-urgent, then into different subcategories including infectious, cardiac, etc. ResultsFor the spring COVID-192020 quarantine period, a 56.3% decrease of mean ED visits per day was seen, as compared to preceding years (55.7% and 98.9% respectively). This decrease was also statistically evident when comparing the urgent and non-urgent causes separately and for all sub-categories. This pattern of decrease also showed statistical evidence of fewer ED visits during holidays for most comparisons, in which lower ED visit rates are expected. Significantly lower rates of ED visits were demonstrated during the COVID-19 quarantine period, as compared to preceding years and main holidays and weekends, a decrease that was also demonstrated for urgent life-threatening causes. ConclusionOur findings can be used to inform a wide range of stakeholders, including regional planners, historians, sociologists, and international healthcare organizations. Healthcare providers should understand the reasons for this ED visit decline pattern, attempt to address patients' concerns, and increase awareness regarding alarming symptoms in urgent medical situations.

Impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental functioning in adolescents with disabilities in a sports nongovernmental organization.

This study aimed to assess physical and mental health, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) parameters in adolescents with physical disabilities enrolled in a sports nongovernmental organization (NGO) versus adolescents without disabilities during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This cross-sectional study included 30 adolescents with disabilities and 86 adolescents without disabilities who responded to an online questionnaire with sociodemographic data and self-rated healthcare routine information during the COVID-19 quarantine. Validated self-report versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were also applied. The median of emotional [4 (0-10) vs. 5 (0-10), p=0.018] and prosocial [7 (0-10) vs. 9 (3-10), p=0.006] problems was lower in adolescents with disabilities versus adolescents without disabilities. Adolescents with disabilities had significantly lower global function [68 (21-99) vs. 94 (67-100), p<0.001] and higher happiness scores in the PODCI scale [90 (65-100) vs. 80 (0-100), p=0.016] compared to controls. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that physical activity/week (OR=1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.05, p=0.002) was higher in adolescents with disabilities compared to adolescents without disabilities. However, housework activities (OR=0.14; 95%CI 0.04-0.43, p=0.001) and screen time ≥3 h/day (OR=0.09; 95%CI 0.02-0.38, p=0.001) were lower in adolescents with disabilities compared to adolescents without disabilities. Adolescents with disabilities attending a sports NGO were not at higher risk of adverse health-related indicators; despite showing reduced physical function, they reported more physical activity, higher happiness, and less screen time compared to adolescents without disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Üniversite Öğrencilerinin COVID-19 Karantinasındaki Beslenme ve Uyku Alışkanlıkları ile Fiziksel Aktivite Durumlarının Ağırlıklarına Etkisi: Kesitsel Çalışma

Objective: This study was executed to examine the effect of weight changes based on the nutritional and sleeping habits and physical activity status of ''students of the department of nutrition and dietetics'' and ''students of the department of physiotherapy and rehabilitation'' during coronavirus disease-2019 quarantine. Material and Methods: 50 students from each department were included in crosssectional study the study. Their demographic characteristics, height, weight, sleep and physical activity habits, food consumption habits were questioned through survey. Results: In quarantine, 0.95 kg weight gain was observed in students whose mean age was 21.26±1.2 years. It was found that the weights increased by 2.45 kg with sleep less than 6 hours, and 1.18 kg with sleep above 10 hours. Weights increased with longer sitting time per day and weights decreased with less sitting time. It was found that the average weight during quarantine increased by 2.51 kg in those who lacked physical activity, and this was associated with appetite level, and the total number of meals per day. Consumption of pastries and desserts increased by 50%, and of milk, homemade yoghurt, cheese, eggs, black tea, and coffee by 40-67%, and these increases resulted in weight gain. Weight gains were observed in those who did not pay attention to their energy intake, and in 34-45% of those whose social media use and anxiety increased. Conclusion: In most of the students, in addition to eating more, adverse changes in sleep, stress, and physical activity led to weight gains.

Use of Bluetooth contact tracing technology to model COVID-19 quarantine policies in high-risk closed populations.

Containment measures in high-risk closed settings, like migrant worker (MW) dormitories, are critical for mitigating emerging infectious disease outbreaks and protecting potentially vulnerable populations in outbreaks such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The direct impact of social distancing measures can be assessed through wearable contact tracing devices. Here, we developed an individual-based model using data collected through a Bluetooth wearable device that collected 33.6M and 52.8M contact events in two dormitories in Singapore, one apartment style and the other a barrack style, to assess the impact of measures to reduce the social contact of cases and their contacts. The simulation of highly detailed contact networks accounts for different infrastructural levels, including room, floor, block, and dormitory, and intensity in terms of being regular or transient. Via a branching process model, we then simulated outbreaks that matched the prevalence during the COVID-19 outbreak in the two dormitories and explored alternative scenarios for control. We found that strict isolation of all cases and quarantine of all contacts would lead to very low prevalence but that quarantining only regular contacts would lead to only marginally higher prevalence but substantially fewer total man-hours lost in quarantine. Reducing the density of contacts by 30% through the construction of additional dormitories was modelled to reduce the prevalence by 14 and 9% under smaller and larger outbreaks, respectively. Wearable contact tracing devices may be used not just for contact tracing efforts but also to inform alternative containment measures in high-risk closed settings.

Effect of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Children's Behavior in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Background Children's mental health is one of the major concerns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Multiple strategic policies are applied to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including boundaries closure, social distancing, lockdown, and quarantine. These measures affect the mental health of adults as well as children. In Saudi Arabia, many studies investigated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults' mental health, but few were done on children. Children's behavior can be assessed through parents' observation, which can be an important indication of children's mental health. Objective This study aimed to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on children's mental health and to evaluate the effect of familial and social-demographic characteristics on children's psychology during the COVID-19 crisis in the Makkah regionof Saudi Arabia. Methods and materials A web-based, cross-sectional voluntary response survey including parents of 576 children aged 15 years and younger. The survey included familial and socio-demographic information as well as a questionnaire examining the behavioral, mental, and emotional changes in children during the COVID-19 quarantine. Results Twenty-four point seven percent (24.7%) of children were found to have negative psychological effects due to the COVID-19-associated quarantine in the Makkah region. This prevalence was related to the marital status of the parents, the children's age, and the presence of outdoor space in the house. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of psychological support needed for children and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies are required to explore whether this psychological impact will subsideafter the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

The detectability and removal efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in a large-scale septic tank of a COVID-19 quarantine facility in Japan

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is known to be present in sewage, and wastewater-based epidemiology has attracted much attention. However, the physical partitioning of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and the removal efficiency of treatment systems require further investigation. This study aimed to investigate the detectability and physical partitioning of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and assess its removal in a large-scale septic tank employing anaerobic, anoxic, and oxic processes in a sequential batch reactor, which was installed in a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine facility. The amount of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater was determined with polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the association of SARS-CoV-2 with wastewater solids was evaluated by the effect of filtration prior to PEG precipitation (pre-filtration). The amount of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected from pre-filtered samples was substantially lower than that of samples without pre-filtration. These results suggest that most SARS-CoV-2 particles in wastewater are associated with the suspended solids excluded by pre-filtration. The removal efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in the septic tank was evaluated based on the SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in untreated and treated wastewater, which was determined by the detection method optimized in this study. Escherichia coli and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) were also quantified to validate the wastewater treatment system's performance. The mean log10 reduction values of SARS-CoV-2, E. coli, and PMMoV were 2.47 (range, 2.25–2.68), 2.81 (range, 2.45–3.18), and 0.66 (range, 0.61–0.70), respectively, demonstrating that SARS-CoV-2 removal by the wastewater treatment system was comparable to or better than the removal of fecal indicators. These results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can be readily removed by the septic tank. This is the first study to determine the removal efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in a facility-level sequencing batch activated sludge system.

Social media use and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in young adults: a meta-analysis of 14 cross-sectional studies

BackgroundPublic isolated due to the early quarantine regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increasingly used more social media platforms. Contradictory claims regarding the effect of social media use on mental health needs to be resolved. The purpose of the study was to summarise the association between the time spent on social media platform during the COVID-19 quarantine and mental health outcomes (i.e., anxiety and depression).MethodsStudies were screened from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Regarding eligibility criteria, studies conducted after the declaration of the pandemic, studies that measured mental health symptoms with validated tools, and studies that presented quantitative results were eligible. The studies after retrieval evaluated the association between time spent on social media platform and mental health outcomes (i.e. anxiety and depression). The pooled estimates of retrieved studies were summarised in odds ratios (ORs). Data analyses included a random-effect model and an assessment of inter-study heterogeneity. Quality assessment was conducted by two independent researchers using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Nonrandomized Studies (RoBANS). This meta-analysis review was registered in PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, registration No CRD42021260223, 15 June 2021).ResultsFourteen studies were included. The increase in the time spent using social media platforms were associated with anxiety symptoms in overall studies (pooled OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30–1.85), and the heterogeneity between studies was mild (I2 = 26.77%). Similarly, the increase in social media use time was also associated with depressive symptoms (pooled OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.30–1.85), and the heterogeneity between studies was moderate (I2 = 67.16%). For sensitivity analysis, the results of analysis including only the “High quality” studies after quality assessment were similar to those of the overall study with low heterogeneity (anxiety: pooled OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.21–1.96, I2 = 0.00%; depression: pooled OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.69–2.90, I2 = 0.00%).ConclusionsThe analysis demonstrated that the excessive time spent on social media platform was associated with a greater likelihood of having symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on mental health of Iranian people.

The highly contagious novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged recently as a global pandemic. An efficient way to mitigate the spread of the disease is lockdown and quarantine. This study aimed to evaluate the Iranian population's mental health under lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was utilized to assess the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of Iranian residents through an online survey. The questionnaire was sent on April 3, 2020, and remained open to responses until April 10, 2020. This period was the time of complete lockdown in Iran. Inclusion criteria included either gender, reading Farsi, internet access, and being between the ages of 18 and 65. Respondents with scores ≥ 24 were classified as having psychiatric problems. Of 35,529 completed surveys, 28,790 were eligible for analysis. 73.4% of the respondents were female. The majority of the participants were between the ages of 26 to 45. Of the participants, 35.5% had scores in the pathological range. We found that females, younger residents, singles, and individuals with lower education had higher levels of psychopathology. Our study suggests that the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine are wide-ranging, substantial, and can be long-lasting.

Effect of the COVID-19 quarantine on metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

IntroductionMetabolic control in type 1 diabetes (T1D) depends on many factors such as eating habits, exercise and lifestyle. The objective of this study was to investigate how these factors were affected during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and impacted metabolic control in children with T1D. Materials and methodOne hundred children with T1D were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric measurements, snack and meal frequency, carbohydrate consumption, HbA1c levels, and exercise patterns were recorded and compared before and after the lockdown. Subjects were divided into two subgroups—patients with decreased and patients with increased HbA1c levels after the lockdown—and comparisons of the same parameters were also made between these two subgroups. ResultsIn the overall group, the mean HbA1c level was significantly higher after the lockdown compared to before (p=0.035). Meal schedules changed due to delayed sleep and waking times, and total daily carbohydrate consumption increased in the subgroup with increased HbA1c while it decreased in the subgroup with decreased HbA1c (p<0.001 for both). ConclusionOur study supports the notion that blood sugar management in children with T1D worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it is not possible to explain this with any one factor, some behavioral changes observed in our study, such as inactivity, irregular meal frequency and timing, and irregular sleep and waking patterns appeared to be associated with blood sugar management.

The Neuropsychiatric Changes After COVID-19 Quarantine in Patients With Cognitive Impairment and Their Caregivers in Chongqing, China: A Cohort Study.

BackgroundThe follow-up study on neuropsychiatric changes after the lifting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine in patients with cognitive impairment and their caregivers is still lacking, and relative information is needed to formulate more comprehensive healthcare prevention measures worldwide.AimsTo provide data on the changes in neuropsychiatric performance after the lifting of COVID-19 quarantine in patients with cognitive disorders and their caregivers.MethodsTwo surveys in Chongqing, China were conducted via telephonic interview with 531 patients and their caregivers. The baseline survey was performed from February 11 to 23, 2020, and the follow-up was from October 24 to November 9, 2020. The data of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs), sleep, nutrition, and chronic diseases of patients, as well as the burden of care, anxiety, and depression of caregivers were evaluated.ResultsSignificant alleviation of NPSs after the lifting of COVID-19 quarantine was observed in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia (both P < 0.05). Compared with baseline, the prevalence for NPSs of all participants dropped from 57.94 to 38.82%. Among NPS subdomains, apathy displayed the biggest decline at follow-up by 10.72%, followed by nighttime behavior by 8.65%. Mixed effect generalized estimation equation analysis showed significant amelioration in hallucination, depression, apathy, irritability, aberrant motor behavior, and nighttime behavior (all P < 0.05), with the most prominent changes in nighttime behavior and apathy. Among the patients with unsatisfactory control of chronic disease, the medication adherence rate dropped by approximately 30% after the lifting of quarantine. More importantly, around 13% increase of care burden was observed among the caregivers at follow-up, with both depression and anxiety rising by nearly 4%.ConclusionThe prolonged quarantine may exacerbate NPS in patients with memory disorders, while the care burden and mental stability of the caregivers after the pandemic should also be concerned.

The transmission of psychological distress and lifestyles from parents to children during COVID-19

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak had rapidly become a global health threat, and its impact on the mental health was transmitted among different populations, especially from parents to children. The study aimed to investigate Chinese parents’ influence on their children, in terms of mental health and lifestyles (screen time and physical exercise), during the COVID-19. MethodsSelf-reported online questionnaires of depression, anxiety, COVID-19 related worries, physical exercise, and screen time were completed by 3471 Chinese children and one of their parents (1514 fathers and 1957 mothers), during the COVID-19 epidemic in February 2020. Path analysis was used to examine the extent of transmission of psychological distress and whether lifestyles tied to transmission. ResultsDuring the quarantine, Chinese parents’ depression and anxiety both positively predicted their children's depression and anxiety; parents’ COVID-19 related worries, physical exercise and screen time separately had positive effects on children's COVID-19 related worries, physical exercise and screen time; parents’ depression and anxiety were positively influenced by their COVID-19 related worries, self-quarantine and quarantine of family members, relatives or friends; children's depression and anxiety positively predicted their non-suicidal self-injury and suicide ideation. Bootstrap analyses showed that parents’ COVID-19 related worries and lifestyles increased children's depression and anxiety via children's COVID-19 related worries and lifestyles, as well as parents’ depression and anxiety. ConclusionsWhen families face to public events, parents’ psychological distress and lifestyles are related to children's psychological stress and lifestyles. Interventions of parents’ psychological distress and lifestyles would improve family resilience.

Nightmares' Pattern and Predictors among a Saudi University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic quarantine, university students were under various types of stressors, including the exams period, which might have affected their quality and quantity of sleep, and consequently, their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the pattern and predictors of nightmares among university students and coinvestigate the presence of other types of sleep disturbances, mental disorders, and quarantine-related stressors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 368 university students who answered a self-completed questionnaire covering their sociodemographic features, nightmare indicators, and associated quarantine stressors. Additionally, sleep disturbances were measured using the Generalized Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS), anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2 scale, and depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2. Results: The participants’ mean age was 20.4 ± 1.6 years, and male participants represented 35.9% of the sample. Nightmares were experienced by 117 (31.8%) of the participants, of whom 44.4% had new-onset nightmares. The mean GSDS was 45.0 ± 14.9 (min. = 12, max. = 130). This value is associated with elevated odds of the following outcomes: the presence of nightmares (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8; confidence interval [CI] 95% = 1.1–3.0); new-onset nightmares at the time of pandemic (OR = 2.6; CI 95% = 1.3–5.5); and anxiety (OR = 1.74; CI 95% = 1.0–2.9). The presence of nightmares elevated the score of GSDS by 11.3 points (S.E. = 1.6, p < 0.001), elevated the odds of anxiety by 4.1 (CI 95% = 2.5–6.8), and depression by 2.1 (CI 95% = 1.3–3.4). Conclusions: Stressors resulting from both the exams period and the fact that it was conducted during COVID-19 quarantine increased the rate and affected the pattern of nightmares. These stressors also led to other sleep disturbances and mental disorders that were significantly more prevalent among females.

Depression During COVID-19 Quarantine in South Korea: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

BackgroundQuarantine, a public health measure used to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has been linked to an increased risk of developing adverse psychological sequelae. This study sought to investigate whether quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with depression among Koreans.MethodsData were obtained from the Seoul COVID-19 Study of Quarantine (SCS-Q) and the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS). Using propensity scores estimated based on sociodemographic and health conditions, 919 individuals undergoing quarantine in the SCS-Q were matched with 919 individuals who did not experience quarantine in the 2019 KCHS. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), where major depression is defined as a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10. Logistic regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related factors.ResultsDepression prevalence was higher in quarantined individuals than in the control group (7.8 vs. 3.8%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses revealed that quarantining was associated with higher likelihoods of having major depression [odds ratio (OR) = 2.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49, 3.51] after adjusting for relevant covariates.LimitationsDue to the online nature of the SCS-Q, this study included a limited number of elderly participants, limiting the generalizability of the findings to the general Korean population.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that Koreans undergoing COVID-19 quarantine are at higher risk of depression. While further investigation is warranted, public health measures to control infectious disease outbreaks, such as quarantine, would benefit from incorporating strategies to address unintended adverse psychological effects, such as depression.

Management of future infectious diseases: eight recommendations for national quarantine

Background: Republic of Korea (ROK) has coped well with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) without requiring an extreme containment policy. However, it is necessary to evaluate issues revealed during the COVID-19 quarantine process.Current Concepts: In the quarantine policy, the legal and scientific basis for quarantine, role of ministries in charge, government-wide support, fairness of quarantine measures, protection of vulnerable people, compensation for vaccination damage, and quarantine budget are important. Discussion and Conclusion: As a result of reviewing the COVID-19 quarantine process, the following issues were found. First, COVID-19 was not properly designated as a first-class infectious disease under the InfectiousDisease Control and Prevention Act. Second, the major direction of the quarantine policy did not reflect ROK’s objective scientific capabilities. Third, quarantine measures did not reflect the relative risk of infection. Fourth, the professional and objective judgments of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency were not respected by other Government officers. Fifth, the fairness of the quarantine policy was greatly undermined. Sixth, the vulnerable and those caring for them were marginalized. Seventh, the purpose of the vaccination damage compensation system of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act was not well reflected. Eighth, the quarantine policy was ignored in allocation of the national budget. To properly respond to future infectious diseases, ROK must address issues that emerged during the COVID-19 quarantine process.