COVID-19 Confinement Research Articles

VR Users Are More Relaxed and Optimistic during COVID Lockdown than Others

Numerous studies have shown how the confinement period linked to the health situation of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) has been psychologically destructive for many people. These psychological disorders are generally linked to confinement and isolation. At the same time, virtual reality tools are becoming more popular, the level of immersion in cheap HMD (Head Mounted Display) helmets today allows access to a satisfactory level of presence. Our theory, widely supported by substantial literature, is that the regular use of immersive Virtual Reality during periods of confinement could allow users to better endure the psychological constraints. We observed the correlation between the weekly use of HMD Virtual Reality headsets, during the COVID-19 confinement period and the levels of well-being of users. Our study involved n = 56 participants divided into two groups of users and non-users of HMD headset. They answered 2 SWEMWBS and ONS questionnaires plus a social trust question. The results show a significant correlation between the use of virtual reality headset during COVID-19 lockdown and the level of relaxation and optimistic feeling but also a correlation between this use of VR (Virtual Reality) HMD and the feeling of being less close to others during the same period.

The COVID-19 alcohol paradox: British household purchases during 2020 compared with 2015-2019.

British supermarket-panel data suggest no increases in overall sales and purchases of alcohol following COVID-19 lockdowns, yet survey and mortality data suggest otherwise. This paper attempts to unravel the paradox. Based on purchase data of 79,417 British households from Kantar Worldpanel, we undertake controlled interrupted time series analysis of the impact of COVID-19 confinement introduced on 23rd March 2020, and variably applied during 2020, compared to purchases during 2015 to 2019 as controls. We also undertook Poisson regression analyses to estimate if changes in purchases differed by household socio-demographic and economic factors. Excess off-trade household alcohol purchases (expressed as grams of ethanol) following the introduction of confinement, were 29.2% higher (95% CI = 25.8% to 32.5%) for the post-confinement months of 2020, being larger until mid-July 2020 (37.5%, 95%CI = 33.9 to 41.26%) when pubs re-opened with restrictions, and smaller (24.6%, 95%CI = 21.6 to 27.7) thereafter. During the time of complete pub closures, and fully adjusting for no on-trade purchases, household purchases of alcohol did not change when compared with the same time period during 2015–2019 (coefficient = -0.9%, 95%CI = -5.6 to 3.8). Excess purchases from 23rd March to 31st December 2020 varied by region of Great Britain, being higher in the north of England, and lower in Scotland and Wales. Excess purchases were greater in the most deprived households, compared with the least deprived households. Excess purchases increased substantially as the amount of alcohol normally purchased by a household increased, with the top one fifth of households that normally bought the most alcohol increasing their purchases more than 17 times than the bottom one fifth of households that bought the least alcohol. That the heaviest buyers of alcohol increased their purchases the most, with some independent impact of socio-economic disadvantage, might explain why reported alcohol problems and recent alcohol-related death rates might have increased. A conclusion of this is that alcohol policy to reduce high consumption of alcohol, and the availability of help and treatment to reduce alcohol consumption become more important during extraordinary times, such as COVID lockdowns.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: results from the web-based Medi-Lite questionnaire

The aims of this study were to assess the Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence in 2566 Italians who completed the validated Medi-Lite questionnaire during the year 2020, and to investigate the effect of COVID-19 confinement on dietary habits and MD adherence. To do this, we compared subjects (n = 389) that answered the questionnaire during the confinement occurred in Italy from March to May 2020 with subjects (n = 653) who completed the questionnaire in the same period (March–May) of the previous year (2019). From the results, a moderate level of MD adherence in the total sample emerged, and a significantly (p<.0001) increased adherence during lockdown was observed. Specifically, during confinement significantly (p < 0.05) higher consumption of vegetables (+9.4%), legumes (+13.5%) and pasta (+12.9%) emerged, while lower consumption was reported for bread (−13.4%) and meat and meat products (−15.4%). This study showed increased adherence to MD and a better-quality diet during the COVID-19 confinement in Italy.

Impact of lack of face-to-face schooling during COVID-19 confinement on family quality of life of children with disabilities and typical development.

Objective:The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the lack of face-to-face schooling during the COVID-19 confinement on the family quality of life of children aged 3–6 years with hemiplegia, obstetrical brachial palsy, and typical development.Materials and Methods:An observational and cross-sectional study, using an online survey hosted in Google Forms from October to December 2020, was performed in families with children with infantile hemiplegia, obstetrical brachial palsy, and typical development aged 3–6 years living in Spain. The quality of life and family impact (measured through Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaires, PedsQL™) were evaluated, as well as the affected upper limb side, the presence of other associated problems, the parents’ job, lack of use of the affected upper limb, and the type of online intervention using different channels: phone calls, emails, and video calls. Family expectations on the treatment and on their acquired capacity to solve problems related to their children were also measured.Results:A total of 93 families participated in the study and the children’s quality of life and family impact obtained a strong correlation in three populations: infantile hemiplegia (r = 0.844), obstetrical brachial palsy (r = 0.513), and typical development (r = 0.904). There was no association between quality of life and online intervention (phone calls and emails were selected), p > 0.05.Conclusion:The deprivation of schooling coupled with home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a greater impact on the quality of life of children with disabilities: infantile hemiplegia and obstetrical brachial palsy than on typically developing children and on their families. However, the online intervention did not produce improvements in quality of life, which could be a consequence of using emails or phone calls instead of video calls to interact with the families.

Negative emotional symptoms during COVID19 confinement: The relationship with reading habits

BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID19) is an ongoing pandemic, which forced governments across the globe to implement confinement measures to limit the spread of the disease. These measures have impacted the daily life and psychological status of people. However, no studies have examined the relationship between changes in psychological status with reading habits during the COVID19 pandemic. ObjectivesThe study aims at examining the relationship between changes in reading habits and negative emotional states. MethodThe psychological status was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS). In addition, the participants reported changes in four types of reading experiences during COVID19 confinement. These reading types are specialized, general knowledge, story/novels, and religious material. An internet-based survey was used to collect the data among adults. ResultsA total of 1711 individuals participated in the study. About 60.0%, 55.1%, 60.5% and 61.0% reported participating in scientific, religious, general, and novel reading, respectively. Additionally, the ANOVA revealed differences (p < 0.05) in DASS scores according to the changes in scientific, religious, newspaper, and novel/story reading. Subgroup post hoc comparisons showed that DASS scores were associated with a no-change or increase in all types of reading habits indicating a main effect of emotional state on all types of reading. ConclusionsCurrent results might suggest that the participants who experienced greater negative emotions, tended to either not change or increase their reading habits. Additionally, individuals with lower negative emotion scores reported a decrease in reading during the COVID19 pandemic.

To Assess Anxiety and Phobia in Female College Going Students for Resuming College after Covid-19 Confinement: A Pilot Study

The pandemic is causing people to feel anxious, distressed, or worried due to fear of contracting the virus, isolationand quarantine measures, and fear of a long-term impact of the global disruption.Aim/Objective: The aim of this study is asses fear/anxiety and avoidance in female hostel students for resumingcollege after COVID-19 confinement.Methods: The study included 30 college going female hostel students between ages 20-25 years. Participants wasassessed for level of anxiety and phobia on 24 items Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Analysis of data was doneusing independent sample test.Results: Mean and standard deviation for fear/anxiety, avoidance and total scores were (31.9 ± 6.38), (32.3 ± 7.86)and (64.2 ± 10.35) respectively. Fear/Anxiety and Total Scores reflects P Value ≤ 0.05 which is highly significant.Conclusions: It was found Total of 30 subjects were taken out of which 70% were moderate, 13% were markedand 17% were severe anxiety/phobia. After 2.5 years of confinement, data revealed that maximum level werefalling in moderate social anxiety followed by marked, whereas severe social anxiety were the least scorers. Soit is aforesaid that above levels are falling in clinically significant ranges. Being Occupational Therapist, they allrequire treatment approach in form of counselling, creating and joining the group dynamics physically. Relaxationtechnology, deep breathing exercise, visual imagery can be helpful in the above.

Distribution, Progression, and Associated Factors of Refractive Status of Children in Lhasa, Tibet, after COVID-19 Quarantine

Introduction: Uncorrected refractive error is one of the major causes of visual impairment in children and adolescents worldwide. During the COVID-19 epidemic, home isolation is considered a boost to the progression of children’s myopia. Under geographical conditions of high altitude and strong sunshine, the Tibetan plateau is the main residence of the Tibetan population, where little information is available about the refractive status and developmental trajectory. Therefore, this article aimed to evaluate the distribution, progression, and associated factors of the refractive status in second-grade children in Lhasa after COVID-19 quarantine. Materials and Methods: Students from 7 elementary schools completed comprehensive ocular examinations in the Lhasa Childhood Eye Study. Data regarding cycloplegic refraction and corneal biometry parameters, including axial length (AL), corneal power, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and other demographic factors, were analyzed. Results: A total of 1,819 students were included, with a mean age of 7.9 ± 0.5 years, of which 961 were boys (52.8%), and 95.1% were Tibetan. The prevalence of myopia, emmetropia, mild hyperopia, and hyperopia was 10.94%, 24.02%, 60.80%, and 4.24%, respectively. Besides, the average cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was +1.07 ± 0.92 diopter (D) before the COVID-19 quarantine and +0.59 ± 1.08D after the quarantine (p < 0.05), with a growth rate of 7%. Moreover, the prevalence of hyperopia in girls was significantly higher than that of boys (p < 0.001). Nonetheless, the proportion of myopia and emmetropia was similar (p = 0.75). Meanwhile, children in suburban schools had a significantly lower proportion of myopia (p < 0.001). The average AL, ACD, lens power (LP), and AL-to-corneal radius (AL/CR) ratio were 22.79 ± 0.78 mm, 3.54 ± 0.21 mm, 25.12 ± 1.48D, and 2.93 ± 0.08, respectively. The results of AL, ACD, and AL/CR for girls were significantly lower than for boys, while the result of LP is the opposite (p < 0.001). Finally, multivariate regression analysis revealed that SER was negatively correlated with AL, LP, and AL/CR ratio, while positively correlated with CR and ACD (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study found that after the COVID-19 confinement, myopia progressed faster in Lhasa children but was still significantly lower than that of plain cities in China. Compared to short-term confinement, this acceleration was more likely related to the growth and general trend of myopia in children. Collectively, these findings help to explore the differences in ocular growth and development among children of different ethnic groups.

The Effects of the COVID-19 Confinement on Screen Time, Headaches, Stress and Sleep Disorders among Adolescents: A Cross Sectional Study

Background Headache is a common symptom affecting children and adolescents. The medical literature over the last three decades reveals a variable prevalence and triggers in different countries, regions, circumstances and times. This study aims to assess the prevalence, frequency and quality of headaches in the Lebanese adolescent population under the COVID-19 confinement and study its triggers and relationship to screen time, self-reported anxiety, and sleep. Methods A cross sectional design was used to collect two survey results by snowball distribution using social media targeting adolescents aged 15 to 17 years of age. The first survey included 13 questions with a single best answer about screen time, feeling anxious, sleep time, schedule and consistency, and headaches. The second survey included 3 questions about the quality of the headaches, anxiety and its triggers. Results Among 433 responders to the first survey, the prevalence of headaches, especially pressure points and band-like pressure was higher than any previously reported among adolescents in the literature, reaching 93.4%. Screen time was also higher than any previous reports with 95.6% spending 9 hours or more on screen while 64% of adolescents spending at least 12 hours a day on screen. In addition, the majority (82%) don't have consistent sleep habits and 41.8% consider themselves anxious. School was considered the main source of stress by 82.8% of the responders. The frequency of headache correlated significantly with increased screen time, self-reported anxiety and inconsistent sleep habits. Conclusions Headaches among adolescents are associated with increased screen use, sleep disorders, and self-reported anxiety. It is one of the primary somatization symptoms in this group expressing their extreme stress under the current economic, political, and health crisis. The present trends are likely to have major long term implications on adolescents’ health and academic achievements and should alarm educators and health officials to intervene in this situation.

The Impact of Satisfaction, and Autonomous Learning Strategies Use on Scholastic Achievement During COVID-19 Confinement in Malaysia

The Impact of Satisfaction, and Autonomous Learning Strategies Use on Scholastic Achievement During COVID-19 Confinement in Malaysia

Influence of Covid-19 confinement on anorexia nervosa – A case report

Influence of Covid-19 confinement on anorexia nervosa – A case report

Trip Satisfaction During the First Period of Covid-19 Confinement

Trip Satisfaction During the First Period of Covid-19 Confinement

Students’ Mathematics Achievements: A Comparison between Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a shift from face-to-face to online and distance learning. Teaching methods and assessing strategies changed, as well as grading standards. The focus of this paper is to address the differences between pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic mathematics grades and, in particular, to investigate the possible differences between mid-term and end-term grades in Italy. To this end, 231 Italian middle and high school students’ grades were analysed. Using the Wilcoxon rank test (a non-parametric statistical test) the results showed a statistically significant difference in pre- and post-COVID-19 quarantine grades. End-of-year grades were higher than those before the COVID-19 confinement. Furthermore, the results indicated that more than half of the students in the sample achieved a higher grade at the end of the school year. Gender differences in mathematics grades were examined, since the literature about gender gap in mathematics achievement is not coherent about whether boys outperform girls or vice versa. Statistically significant differences at the end of the first semester were reported, in favour of female students although gender differences were not detected at the end of the school year. The findings suggest that greater caution should be paid in interpreting students’ grades pre- and post-COVID-19 confinement, since it cannot be excluded that such students’ achievements are inflated. Excessively high students’ grades that do not represent their actual knowledge and competencies could give educators and legislators misleading and even false information about the quality of distance learning and students’ knowledge.

Improving Humanization Skills through Simulation-Based Computers Using Simulated Nursing Video Consultations.

During the COVID-19 confinement, we converted our clinical simulation sessions into simulated video consultations. This study aims to evaluate the effects of virtual simulation-based training on developing and cultivating humanization competencies in undergraduate nursing students. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 60 undergraduate nursing students. A validated questionnaire was used to evaluate the acquisition of humanization competencies (self-efficacy, sociability, affection, emotional understanding, and optimism). The development of humanization competencies in this group composed of undergraduate nursing students was evaluated using virtual simulation-based training, comparing the levels obtained in these competencies at baseline (pre-test) and after the virtual simulation experience (post-test). After the virtual simulation sessions, students improved their levels in humanization total score and the emotional understanding and self-efficacy competencies, obtaining large effects sizes in all of them (rB = 0.508, rB = 0.713, and rB = 0.505 respectively). This virtual simulation modality enables training in the humanization of care with the collaboration of standardized patients in the form of simulated nursing video consultations and the performance of high-fidelity simulation sessions that comply with the requirements of best practices. Therefore, this methodology could be considered as another choice for virtual simulation. Additionally, this virtual modality could be a way to humanize virtual simulation.

Loneliness and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Cognitively impaired older adults living in the community have been vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 confinement. The current study’s objectives were to examine the prevalence of loneliness in such adults along with impact of COVID-19 on neuropsychiatric symptoms and functional status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in community dwelling cognitively impaired older Veterans (N=41). Demographic data such as age, gender, race, and rurality were collected. Loneliness data were collected with the 3-item Loneliness Questionnaire. Cognition was assessed with the Tele-Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA) and functional status of instrumental activities of daily living was assessed with the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ). Neuropsychiatry symptoms including severity and distress were collected using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and change during COVID was also recorded for each symptom. Results: Demographic characteristics included: mean age of 71.9 (±8.6) years, 95.1% male, 46.3% rural, 75.6% Caucasian, and 19.5% African American. Loneliness was prevalent in most participants (62.5%). T-MoCA and FAQ mean scores were 15.1 (±4.5) and 10.0 (±8.6), respectively. Mean NPI total severity and total distress were 8.4 (±5.9) and 11.4 (±8.5), respectively. Irritability was most frequently reported symptom (65%), followed by agitation (57.5%), anxiety (55%), depression (50%), and night-time behavior (50%). A majority of the participants reported worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms during COVID (71.1%). Among those that reported worsening neuropsychiatric symptoms, 70.4% noted an increase in ≥ two symptoms. Conclusion: Older adults with pre-existent cognitive impairment may be at high risk for loneliness and worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms during the COVID pandemic.

Effect of covid-19 confinement on gender stereotypes and health

There are several effects that the pandemic nature of COVID-19 and the consequent forced confinement have had on the general population and especially on women. It has become necessary to reconcile work obligations with the care of children, dependents, and household work. These tasks are traditionally related to the gender stereotypes assigned to women.&#x0D; This study focuses on analysing the impact that confinement may have had on women in relation to the internalization of gender-based norms and whether this situation has increased anxiety and depression in these same women. A total of 502 women aged 18- 71 years participated, with 251 completing the three measurement instruments before the confinement and the other 251 completing them three months after the confinement began. The results show a clear influence of confinement on the anxiety and depression of the participating women, as well as changes in the perception of some of the gender stereotypes traditionally assigned to women.

Does Confinement Affect Treatment Dropout Rates in Patients With Gambling Disorder? A Nine-Month Observational Study.

Background and Aims: COVID-19 pandemic and confinement have represented a challenge for patients with gambling disorder (GD). Regarding treatment outcome, dropout may have been influenced by these adverse circumstances. The aims of this study were: (a) to analyze treatment dropout rates in patients with GD throughout two periods: during and after the lockdown and (b) to assess clinical features that could represent vulnerability factors for treatment dropout.Methods: The sample consisted of n=86 adults, mostly men (n=79, 91.9%) and with a mean age of 45years old (SD=16.85). Patients were diagnosed with GD according to DSM-5 criteria and were undergoing therapy at a Behavioral Addiction Unit when confinement started. Clinical data were collected through a semi-structured interview and protocolized psychometric assessment. A brief telephone survey related to COVID-19 concerns was also administered at the beginning of the lockdown. Dropout data were evaluated at two moments throughout a nine-month observational period (T1: during the lockdown, and T2: after the lockdown).Results: The risk of dropout during the complete observational period was R=32/86=0.372 (37.2%), the Incidence Density Rate (IDR) ratio T2/T1 being equal to 0.052/0.033=1.60 (p=0.252). Shorter treatment duration (p=0.007), lower anxiety (p=0.025), depressive symptoms (p=0.045) and lower use of adaptive coping strategies (p=0.046) characterized patients who abandoned treatment during the lockdown. Briefer duration of treatment (p=0.001) and higher employment concerns (p=0.044) were highlighted in the individuals who dropped out after the lockdown. Treatment duration was a predictor of dropout in both periods (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively).Conclusion: The present results suggest an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment dropout among patients with GD during and after the lockdown, being treatment duration a predictor of dropout. Assessing vulnerability features in GD may help clinicians identify high-risk individuals and enhance prevention and treatment approaches in future similar situations.

Physical activity of Sport Sciences students during COVID-19 home confinement

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to better understand the experience of Physical Activity and Sports sciences students from the University of A Coruña (Spain), during the COVID-19 confinement in terms of exercising and physical activity at home. The sample is made up of 65 students (55 men and 10 women) with an average age of 20.8 years. The research is qualitative and a diary was used as an information gathering technique. An inductive content analysis was carried out, based on thematic analysis procedures. Four analysis categories were used, including sport practice at home and sports habits. The results show that there was initial discouragement, since sport is considered as a vital necessity and they were unable to practice it. However, the students looked for solutions and designed exercise routines they could use during the confinement. These exercise routines reflected their sports habits and training knowledge, which enabled them to better cope with confinement.

Depression, anxiety and stress in social work students during COVID-19 confinement. A comparative study of Spanish and Mexican universities

ABSTRACT This study compares mental health problems among Social Work students at Spanish and Mexican universities during confinement due to COVID-19. A total of 1,252 undergraduate students completed an online survey, including demographic variables, related to COVID-19, perceived social support and levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Students from Spain, compared to those from Mexico, reported statistically higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Analyzing the associated risk and protective factors, differences were found between students from Spain and Mexico. Notably, social support was a significant protective factor in both countries during the COVID-19 crisis to improve their mental health levels.

Effects of COVID-19 Home Confinement on Behavior, Perception of Threat, Stress and Training Patterns of Olympic and Paralympic Athletes.

Background: The aims of this study were to analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent confinement on behaviors, perception of threat, stress, state of mind and training patterns among Olympic and Paralympic level athletes. Methods: Data gathering was performed utilizing an online questionnaire during imposed confinement. A correlational design with incidental sampling for convenience was used. All the variables were analyzed by age, gender, academic training, type of participation and sport specialty on a population composed of 447 Olympic (age: 26.0 ± 7.5 years) and 64 Paralympic (age: 28.4 ± 10.5 years) athletes. Results: The athletes trained more than twice as many hours before than during confinement. Most of the athletes recognized that their best athletic performance diminished due to the COVID-19 confinement but that will recover after the pandemic and its confinements. Almost half of the athletes declared they were more tired than normal and had difficulty sleeping, while more than half ate more or less as usual. Paralympic athletes reported they felt more capable to cope with personal problems and life events and felt less lonely during the confinement than the Olympians. The athletes from team sports reported to be more affected in their training routine than athletes of individual sports, seeing their athletic performance more affected. Athletes in individual sports felt more able to cope with personal problems than athletes in team sports. Female athletes were significantly more tired and reported more difficulty sleeping than male athletes. Conclusion: The situation caused by COVID-19 has had significant effects on the behavior, perception of threat, stress and training patterns of Olympic and Paralympic athletes preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It is necessary that sports institutions reinforce mechanisms of help for athletes during future situations of confinement.

Adequacy of telework spaces in homes during the lockdown in Madrid, according to socioeconomic factors and home features

• This study examines the influence of socioeconomic factors and household features on the adaptation of telework spaces for Madrid (Spain), during the confinement decreed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. • The socio-economic profile of teleworkers indicated a high level of studies, mostly salaried workers, a high level of average income, and therefore a privileged condition. • A third of the households considered their telework spaces as inadequate, being related to: the lack of exclusive spaces to work; be more than one teleworker per household; having poor digital resources; or to the inadequacy of the characteristics of such spaces. • Although this study contributes to evaluating households' perception of the adequacy of homes for teleworking in an unusual context, it may be helpful for future analysis of teleworking and those aspects in households that influence such perception. In Spain, the COVID-19 confinement was carried out in the spring of 2020. All non-essential activities were temporarily suspended. This brought with it the adaptation to home office (telework), still emerging in Europe, and more in Spain. Although the response in general has been positive, the conditions to which families have been subjected to telework cannot be considered normal. In this context, an online survey was requested to find out the experience of confined households in relation to the dwelling adaptation and satisfaction following the new needs in lockdown. The data obtained on workspace perception and its adequacy were studied in Madrid, stratified by gender and average income, for a sample of 256 households with people teleworking or studying. The results showed that the adequacy of telework spaces were insufficient for a third of the households, with no significant relationship with most of socioeconomic variables, nor with home characteristics. The variables related to this inadequacy of the spaces were: the number of people who work or study at home; the lack of exclusive spaces for teleworking; and the availability of digital resources. This perception also depended on the qualities of the teleworking space, as size, furniture and lighting, among others.