COVID-19 Confinement Research Articles

Long-term impact of post COVID-19 pandemic quarantine on eating habits changes among adult residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine measures clearly had an impact on the population's eating habits-related behavior. This study aimed to explore the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and physical quarantine on eating habits after quarantine among Riyadh city residents, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey between December 2022 and April 2023 on a convenient sample of Saudi adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A valid questionnaire was used to measure study outcomes. A comparison between dietary habits before and after COVID-19 was performed to identify the changes in dietary habits. 1,451 Saudi adults residing in Riyadh completed the online survey. The majority (88.6%) of the respondents reported changes in dietary habits after COVID-19. About 50% had 1-3 dietary habits changes and slightly more than one-third had 4-7 dietary habits change. About 33.8% of the participants reported stable weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, 40.9% reported weight gain, and 20.7% reported weight loss. The participants reported several unhealthy dietary changes most commonly eating fast food (33%), eating junk food/fast food due to boredom/distress/disappointment (29.8%), and high sugar such as sweet porridge, pastry, sweets, and chocolate (28.5%). On the other side, the participants showed healthy dietary habits such as having a balanced healthy ingredients diet (34.4%), an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and a decrease in the intake of junk foods (28.9%). Males were more likely to exhibit unhealthy dietary habits than females (Odd Ratio:1.43, p = 0.038, CI: 1.02-2.02). Increasing age was associated with a reduction in the likelihood of exhibiting unhealthy dietary habits (OR: 0.98, p = 0.011, CI: 0.96-0.99). Moreover, participants who reported stable weight or weight loss during COVID-19 were 0.29 (p = 0.043, 0.09-0.96) and 0.34 (p = 0.020, 0.07-0.79), respectively, less likely to have unhealthy dietary habits. Although healthy dietary habits have been reported in this study, such as consumption of fruits and vegetables, COVID-19 confinement has also led to negative dietary behaviors reflected by high consumption of fast/junk food and sugar intake resulting in weight gain, a potential adverse impact on the population wellbeing.

Use of Teletherapy for the Treatment of People with Psychotic Disorders During Covid-19 Confinement: Acceptability, Feasibility, and Challenges

Clinical teams working with clients with psychotic disorders have turned to teletherapy to continue offering services to their clients during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, few studies have focused on the challenges of teletherapy by professionals. We conducted a brief online survey with professionals working with clients with a psychotic disorder across Canada. Qualitative analysis of open-ended questions was conducted. Around 86% of the professionals we surveyed began using teletherapy at the beginning of the pandemic. Most professionals (83%) said that they would keep using teletherapy after the end of the pandemic. Numerous advantages and challenges of teletherapy were also discussed.

Physical exercise-intervention can be valuable therapy for COVID-19 confinement and post-COVID-19 periods.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its transition into an endemic phase have profoundly impacted physical health, well-being, mental health, education, and various aspects of society, including the economy and social networks. Home confinement, social distancing, and physical inactivity have exacerbated numerous health issues, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, depression, and poor sleep quality. A systematic review has revealed significant findings: Regular aerobic programs (such as cycling or walking at an intensity of 60-80% of HR max for 20-60 minutes per session, repeated 2-3 times a week) have proven effective in improving both physical and mental health, as well as immune function. This type of physical activity has been shown to increase immunological markers, including lymphocytes, leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while reducing low-grade inflammation. Therefore, in this study we aimed to assess the impact of tailored exercise interventions on the physical and mental health of COVID-19 patients. Based on the results, we can establish exercise intervention strategies to mitigate the negative health consequences during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a search of the PubMed database from January 2020 to August 2023 using predefined search terms such as "COVID-19 and post-COVID-19," "exercise intervention and immunity," and "mental health." By examining references, we explored the links between exercise interventions and the mental and physical health of COVID-19 patients. A tailored, multifaceted exercise intervention should be developed and implemented to address the existing mental challenges and enhance mental health during both the pandemic and the post-COVID-19 periods. Breathing exercises and respiratory support techniques, including yoga, thoracic expansion exercises, airway clearance methods, and breathing control, are likely to be beneficial.

Nomophobia in university students during COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study.

Currently, access to the Internet through smartphones has led to their functions going beyond purely communicative ones, allowing the management of massive, instantaneous, and easily accessible information. This research analyzed the differences in smartphone use and the prevalence of nomophobia, mainly according to gender and university degree of Health Sciences students at the University of Zaragoza during the COVID-19 confinement in Spain. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 318 first and second-grade students, who completed an online questionnaire sent to their institutional email, which included sociodemographic questions, other questions about smartphone use, and the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) scale. Compared to men (n = 58), women (n = 260) were more likely to use their smartphones more intensively daily, as were occupational therapy students compared to the other degree programs studied. The prevalence of nomophobia was moderate, being around the risk of suffering from it. No significant differences in scores for nomophobia among students were found according to gender, university degree, or population nucleus for the nomophobia scores of the students. The present study extends the existing literature on nomophobia by providing results of interest in terms of gender and the exceptional healthcare context of COVID-19. The results suggest that despite intense daily smartphone use young people did not reach severe nomophobia figures. This fact underlines the need for appropriate and healthy technology education. Understanding the characteristics of the populations that use the smartphone the most may help to analyze nomophobia rates and the massive use of the device.

Body Composition Of University Students During Covid-19 Confinement And After Sixth Months Of Face-to-face Academic Activities

Body Composition Of University Students During Covid-19 Confinement And After Sixth Months Of Face-to-face Academic Activities

The effect of COVID-19 confinement on the activity behaviour of red deer.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected people's social habits, especially those related to outdoor activities. We intended to understand the effects of the two national lockdowns in Portugal on the presence and activity of a wild population of red deer (Cervus elaphus) by analysing data from camera traps installed at Lousã mountain, in the central part of Portugal. The cameras were set between 2019 and 2021, and a total of 2434 individual contacts of red deer and 182 contacts of people were recorded. Results showed a higher human presence in the mountain area during the COVID-19 outbreak, especially during the first lockdown in 2020 (0.05±0.17 individuals/day), compared to the same period of the year before the pandemic (0.02±0.05 individuals/day), which resulted in an increase of people by 150%. The increase in human presence did not have a significant direct effect on the presence of red deer. Despite the low overlap of activity patterns between people and red deer, deer showed avoidance behaviour in the 24h after the detection of human presence on camera traps, as well as an increase in daily activity during the 2020 lockdown, showing red deer's awareness of human visitation. These results showed that people's increased search for cultural services in wild environments during COVID-19 lockdowns, such as hiking and biking, seemed to influence the population of red deer, albeit momentarily.

Effects of an 11-Week Detraining, Imposed by the COVID-19 Confinement, on Handball Players' Shoulder Rotator Isokinetic Profile, Shoulder Range of Motion, and Ball Release Velocity.

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 confinement significantly impacted the physical condition of athletes. However, the detraining impacts of this period on the shoulder rotator and range of motion in handball players have not been studied. Thus, the main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this 11-week detraining period, imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic confinement, on the shoulder rotator isokinetic profile (peak torque, ratio, fatigue index), shoulder rotator and flexion range of motion, and ball release velocity in handball players. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 handball players, with a mean age of 22.38 (5.28) years, participated in this study. The isokinetic strength was assessed using two protocols (three repetitions at an angular velocity of 60°/s and 20 repetitions at an angular velocity of 180°/s). In addition, the range of motion and ball release (at jump and standing shots) were measured. All these measurements were assessed before and after the COVID-19 confinement. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in the peak torque of the external rotation of their dominant and non-dominant shoulders. In addition, confinement significantly increased the fatigue index of external rotation and internal rotation and reduced the range of motion of internal rotation. Additionally, the ball release velocity during standing and jump shots was significantly reduced. Conclusions: These results suggested that strengthening external and internal rotation as well as recovering the internal rotation range of motion may be necessary after a detraining period in order to prevent shoulder injuries.

Boredom, art, and activism: notes on the experiences of people with disabilities in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Confinement, imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, confronted most people with experiences of boredom. For people living with disability, however, the experience of boredom is not alien. Unfortunately, boredom and disability are topics frequently shrouded in taboo, constraining informative reflection and discussion. This perspective article briefly reflects on encounters and disagreements about these two categories in the lives of people with disabilities during the COVID-19 confinement in Mexico. The objective is to explore relevant elements for reflection and extend an invitation for critical and in-depth research on the matter.

Análisis de la violencia física de pareja en Perú: un análisis temporal antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19

IntroductionIntimate partner violence is a frequent problem worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic and confinement put both aggressors and victims in the same environment, which may have increased this problem. The aim of this study is to visualize the physical violence situation in couples from 2017 to 2022 in Peru. Materials and methodsUsing information provided by the Center for Women's Emergency, a descriptive analysis of temporal trends from January 2017 to December 2022 was carried out. To evaluate the relationship with the number of cases, a regression analysis was performed, and determination coefficients were reported before and after COVID-19 confinement. ResultsA total of 179,737 cases of physical violence in couples were obtained during the study period. A tendency towards a decrease was observed in the months following COVID-19 confinement in all categories. The rural area maintained a persistence in the number of cases before and after the pandemic. Significant differences were also found in couples or ex-couples who live together or apart, with those who do not live together having a greater decrease by the end of 2022. ConclusionThe trends in the number of cases showed differences before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, according to the studied variables. Certain factors, such as post-pandemic family situations or the surveillance status in cases of violence, could impact the presented outcomes and necessitate a more rigorous analysis.

La recreación, habilidades sociales y estrategias de afrontamiento en adolescentes mexicanos durante la primera etapa del confinamiento por Covid-19

The Mexican General Health Council in March 2020 recognized the SARS-CoV2 epidemic as serious and of priority attention, establishing preventive measures and calling for confinement. This paper focuses its attention on an adolescent population, who by nature are in search of mobilization outside the family and independence. The objective stated to analyze the relationship of recreational activity of Mexican adolescents during the first stage of COVID-19 confinement (March-July 2020) with handling social skills and coping strategies. The research design corresponds to the non-experimental empirical type; For the collection of information, an ad hoc questionnaire was designed that integrated three instruments: Questionnaire on recreation in adolescents in a situation of confinement, Validated Scale of Social Skills by its acronym EHS and Coping Scales for adolescents (ACS). Said instrument had a reliability of Cronbach's Alpha of α=.962 and a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient of .969. The selection of the sample was probabilistic, made up of 444 Mexican adolescents from the western zone between 12 and 17 years old, 57.4% women and 42.6% men. The main findings show positive relationships between social skills and coping strategies. Being recreational activities a social support resource that allowed effective coping during the pandemic. 88.1% of the students had enough free time to carry out recreational and physical-sports activities such as exercising or moving (67%), jogging (57.9%), training a sport (57.7%) and taking walks to the open air (50.7%). The most frequently performed recreational activities were listening to music, sleeping, and watching television. Likewise, it was found that women obtain better results than men in Social Skills; differences were found in the Search for Expert Support, with high school students being the ones who most resort to this measure and; finally, a positive association was found between the Coping Activities used by adolescents and Social Skills. This corroborates that the empowerment of adolescents in the positive and active use of leisure and recreation allows better coping and management of social skills, in other words, a mechanism for containment in a situation of youth crisis or social coexistence.

Digital teaching competence for inclusion and social cohesion in teaching processes: Chilean experience during COVID-19

This study examined teacher digital competence training for inclusion and social cohesion in Chile during the Covid-19 confinement. The objective was to analyze how teachers are trained in ICT and how they use these tools to develop distance education processes. The methodology used was a quantitative approach through a descriptive design of a multiple-choice questionnaire. The findings indicate that ICT training occurs mainly as a spontaneous process of self-learning by the teacher and that their motivations for training in ICT respond mainly to the desire to improve their professional skills. Teachers highly value training processes to develop distance education processes around the use of technologies. The teachers who adapted their planning for the new distance education are those who carried out self-learning processes and have training in technological tools. Most teachers opted for a mixed approach in content delivery and complemented classes through video calling platforms with tools for asynchronous work. Regarding evaluation processes, teachers certainly know that clear and precise instructions are relevant in distance education.

How the pandemic shaped teenagers’ views on violence: exploring the complexities of post-confinement attitudes

IntroductionViolent extremism is a complex and urgent issue that affects all sectors of society and necessitates research aimed at preventing and transforming violent behavior.MethodsThis study presents the findings of a questionnaire comprising 34 items administered to 1,169 teenagers from two secondary schools in Almería and Madrid, Spain, immediately following the conclusion of COVID-19 confinement measures. The primary objective of the study is to analyze teenagers’ perspectives on violent extremism and pro-violent attitudes, along with their association with various factors such as digital consumption, interpersonal relationships, and the socio-demographic circumstances of their families. Data collection involved direct interventions with the students at the participating educational institutions.ResultsThe findings demonstrate that variables such as gender, number of siblings, and religious practice influence violent extremism, whereas nationality does not emerge as a significant factor. Additionally, the study identifies several contributing factors to the prevalence of extremist and pro-violent attitudes, and employs a moderation analysis utilizing the mother’s level of education as a moderator variable.DiscussionBased on these results, the study recommends further research to enhance our understanding of the development of violent attitudes and behaviors. Additionally, it suggests implementing family and personal support programs aimed at fostering healthy adolescent development.

Fatalism and knowledge associated to diabetes mellitus type 2 risk perception in Mexican population during COVID-19 confinement

Background: People with fatalistic beliefs and lack of knowledge of healthy lifestyles tend to show conformism and resignation due to their state of health. Even people with fatalism consider that contracting a disease is divine punishment, and this is reflected when they perform in unhealthy behaviours. The relationship between fatalistic beliefs, knowledge about diabetes risk factors, and perception of diabetes risk in Mexican adults during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and correlational. The study included individuals between 30 and 70 years of age, from a rural community in Guanajuato, Mexico. The data collection was done electronically. Results: The average age was 29.2 years (SD = 10.5), 55% were women, 52.3% were single, 36.2% had university studies and 57.3% were working. Perceived DMT2 risk was inversely related to fatalistic beliefs. Knowledge level was positively correlated to DMT2 risk perception. In multiple linear regression, pessimism and divine control dimensions were the only predictors of DMT2 risk perception. Conclusions: In young adults, knowledge increases regarding DMT2 risk perception. But the higher the fatalistic beliefs the lower the level of knowledge and the lower the perception of DMT2 risk.

Impact of COVID-19 confinement on food consumption pattern, physical activity and perceived body size of Nigerian undergraduates

Background and objectives: Unhealthy dietary practices and physical inactivity are major contributors to overweight and obesity which is fast becoming a public health concern among adolescents and young adults globally. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on food consumption pattern, physical activity and perceived body size changes of Nigerian undergraduates.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study used a snowball sampling technique to select 310 respondents. An online questionnaire link was forwarded to eligible respondents to elicit information on their dietary pattern, physical activity levels and perceived body size. Data collection for these indicators followed standard procedures and were compared with standard references.
 Results: The pattern of fruit, vegetable, legume, and meat/fish consumption significantly increased during the lockdown. Snack, soft-drink and dairy products experienced a decline in consumption (p < 0.05). The physical activity MET (metabolic equivalent) score of respondents reduced from 3378.85 to 3097.02 MET minutes/week. Information on the perceived body size using body silhouette classification reported that lockdown accounted for an elevation in the perceived prevalence of overweight/obese (11.0% to 23.9%). 
 Conclusion: COVID-19 confinement improved some dietary practices of the undergraduates, but significantly contributed to a decline physical activity levels and an elevation in perceived body size. Designing effective approaches such as home-made physical activity routines, and local food production may help avert such outcomes of restricted access to the external environment.

Unveiling Indian Coping Tactics for Neurobehavioral Disorders in COVID-19 Confinement

The COVID-19 Pandemic brought an increase in Mental Health Problems for the general population, but the most substantial phase was for people who had Pre-existing Neurobehavioral Disorders, especially Adolescents and Children. As the COVID-19 Confinement Policies brought a lot of problems in Medication Adherence, Interventions, Assessment and Diagnosis of the patients with Neurobehavioral Disorders. The adoption of virtual support tools and online platforms for patients with neurobehavioral disorders in India during the pandemic is highlighted in this review. Some of the Neurobehavioral Disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), have both positive and negative effects with home confinement. The Text-Message based Disorder monitoring approach is used for ADHD patients. In patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), where Online Diagnosis Tools are used for intervention. The children with Intellectual Disability (ID) faced problems understanding the hand washing protocols for the COVID-19 pandemic, though parents were advised to use visual charts for making the children understand hand washing protocols. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms got worse with home confinement. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have sleep cycle disturbances and sleeping difficulties. Education and Awareness Campaigns on coping strategies for families and caregiver through online platforms, maintaining medication adherence for patients with neurobehavioral disorders has become a key link to reduce the impact of disrupted routines and limited physical activities on patient’s symptoms.

Constructing a Novel E-Learning Course, Educational Computational Chemistry through Instructional Design Approach in the TPASK Framework

The educational scenario after the COVID-19 confinement presents new challenges for teachers. Technological advances require teachers to be prepared for instruction through technology, and with this, the need for e-learning courses arose to strengthen this knowledge. This article aims to describe an innovative e-learning course in Educational Computational Chemistry (ECC) for in-service chemistry teachers through an Instructional Design (ID) that allows the development of the constructs associated with the Technological Pedagogical Science Knowledge (TPASK) framework. From the literature overview, relevant findings were raised concerning ID and its potential technological support. The results indicate that an effective ID must present general elements, such as the organisation and generation of content, progress monitoring, and feedback instances. However, the stages of engagement, flexibility, and positioning are relevant elements. These design elements are linked to emerging technological tools, such as artificial intelligence for generating audiovisual material, interactive content development, and event logs. In addition, positive results are evident from the teachers who participated in the ECC e-learning course, who project the knowledge, computer skills, and learning acquired into their professional work as chemistry teachers. Based on the above, a course design for ECC is proposed with general guidelines that contribute to the continuous training of in-service chemistry teachers.

Psychological Coping and Resilience to COVID-19 in Mexico, Evidence From a National Sample.

Objective: We report the effect of COVID-19 confinement on some psychological variables associated with mental health: Stress perception, types of coping strategies during crises, and some components related to resilience. Method: A national sample of the Mexican population was considered in a total of 2775 people whose ages ranged from 15years and older. Questionnaires that met the psychometric criteria (reliability and validity) to be used in Latino samples were used. Results: The results showed that older people experienced less stress and displayed more efficient coping behaviors. Discussion: Regarding the exploration of some components associated with resilience, it was found that family constitutes an important interpersonal resource for coping with the crisis related to confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the future, it is proposed to make comparisons of the psychological factors evaluated to detect and analyze possible fluctuations due to the prevalence of epidemic conditions.

Impact of emotional intelligence (EI) on social network abuse among adolescents during COVID-19 outbreak in Italy.

This paper explores the relationship between Online Social Network (OSNs) abuse, Emotional Intelligence (EI), and distress due to COVID-19 confinement among adolescents. A sample of 226 students from North Italy aged between 16 and 18 years completed from March to June 2020 the Bergen Social Media Scale (BSMAS), Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Females scored higher in social network use as compared to males [t (225) = 46.56, p = <.05]. The prevalence of symptoms of distress was also higher in females. Conversely, males scored significantly higher on total EI as compared to their counterparts [t (178) = 4.1544, p = <.003] indicating that high EI contributes towards better self-perception of psychological wellbeing. On the contrary, having high stress levels and low EI levels seems to predict the possibility to experience in a social network addiction. Our findings suggested EI as a protective factor for OSNs' addiction. Results support the need of implementing programs aimed at adopting an appropriate approach to the digital world and particularly addressed towards the growth of EI to reduce dysfunctional behaviors in adolescence. (www.actabiomedica.it).

The Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on Reading Behavior.

The COVID-19 pandemic was detrimental to lifestyle and behavior. In this investigation, changes in reading habits during the pandemic were examined. The study is cross-sectional and survey-based. 1844 individuals completed an online survey about sociodemographic and reading habits during COVID-19. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between the study variables. Most of the participants were active readers (71.5%-83.2%). Fewer (13.8-18.0%) reported a decrease in reading, while about half reported a no change, and 1/3rd reported an increase. Changes in reading habits were related to age, education, job type, and income. About half of the participants during the pandemic reported a change in reading habits. Interventions to further enhance reading among people during the pandemic might help ameliorate the negative impacts of the pandemic.

Musculoskeletal discomfort associated with remote work conditions of professors during the COVID-19 confinement in Colombia

Remote working led to organizational and adaptive processes at workplaces, with ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors being present that could be associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. This study identifies musculoskeletal discomfort developing in this setting among university professors working remotely because of the COVID 19 pandemic, evaluates risk levels associated with this workplace, and estimates the need for remedial action. The study had a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional design and used a secondary source of information. Statistical analysis used Jamovi software. Professors reported primarily neck discomfort, followed by discomfort in the dorsal or lumbar region. A statistically significant association was found between the category “requires action” and those who reported dedication to occupational activities more than eight hours per day. Work at home conducted by the professors is related to discomfort on the neck and dorsal or lumbar region. Risk assessment shows that, under these conditions, the professors required timely action to avoid worsening discomfort, functional limitation, and work absenteeism. Resumen El trabajo a distancia generó procesos de organización y adaptación de los lugares de trabajo, con presencia de factores de riesgo ergonómicos y psicosociales que podrían provocar la aparición de síntomas musculoesqueléticos. El estudio identifica molestias musculoesqueléticas, evalúa el nivel de riesgo asociado al ámbito laboral, estima la necesidad de actuación y las asociaciones existentes en los docentes universitarios que realizaron trabajo remoto debido a la pandemia del COVID-19. El estudio contó con diseño cuantitativo, observacional, transversal y fuente de información secundaria, con análisis estadístico a través del software Jamovi. Los profesores reportaron molestias en el cuello, seguido de la región dorsal o lumbar; se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la categoría “requiere acción” con aquellos que relataron dedicación a actividades ocupacionales &gt; 8 h/día. Se concluye que el trabajo en casa realizado por los profesores estuvo relacionado con molestias en el cuello y región dorsal o lumbar; la evaluación de riesgos muestra que en esas condiciones los profesores requerían una actuación oportuna para evitar que se agudizaran las molestias, la limitación funcional y el ausentismo laboral.