COVID-19 Impact Survey Research Articles

Is the Medical Oncology Workforce in Canada in Jeopardy? Findings from the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists' COVID-19 Impact Survey Series.

The COVID-19 (C19) pandemic introduced challenges in all areas of the Canadian healthcare system. Along with adaptations to clinical care environments, there was increasing concern about physician burnout during this time. The Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists (CAMO) has examined the effects of the pandemic on the medical oncology (MO) workforce. A series of four multiple choice web-based surveys distributed to MOs who were identified using the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons directory and CAMO membership in May 2020 (S1), July 2020 (S2), December 2020 (S3), and March 2022 (S4). Descriptive analyses were performed for each survey, and a Chi-square test (α = 0.05) was used to assess factors associated with planned change in practice in S4. The majority of respondents work in a comprehensive cancer center S1/S2/S3/S4 (87%/86%81%/88%) and have been in practice >10 years (56%/61%/50%/64%). The most commonly reported personal challenges were physical (60%) and mental (60%) wellness. In S4, 47% of MOs reported dissatisfaction with their current work-life balance. In total, 83% reported that their workload has increased since the beginning of C19, and 51% of MOs reported their future career plans have been impacted by C19. In total, 56% of respondents are considering retiring or reducing total working hours in the next 5 years. Since the onset of the C19 pandemic, there are concerns identified with wellness, increasing workload, and job dissatisfaction among MOs, associated with experienced staff who have >10 years in practice. As rates of cancer prevalence rise and treatments become more complex, it is crucial to address the concerns raised in these surveys to ensure that we have a stable MO workforce in the future.

Demographic differences in access to health/therapeutic services over first year of the pandemic: a SPARK COVID-19 impact survey analysis.

This analysis examined changes in services received and service recovery one-year post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels in children with ASD aged between 19 months and 17 years in various subgroups based on factors such as age, income, race/ethnicity, geographic location, and sex. An online, parent report survey was completed by the parents of children with ASD in the SPARK study cohort (N = 6,393). Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and Spearman correlations were performed to study associations between various factors and service access, pre-pandemic and one-year, post-pandemic. One year after pandemic, the lag in service recovery in children with ASD was greatest for PT/OT services followed by SLT. ABA services only recovered in half of the subgroups. In contrast, SES fully recovered and MH and MED services superseded pre-pandemic levels. Across majority of the timepoints, younger children received more SLT, PT/OT, and ABA services whereas older children received more SES, MH, and MED services. Higher income families accessed more SES, SLT, and ABA whereas lower income families received more MH services. White families received less SLT compared to non-white families. Hispanic families received more SLT services compared to non-Hispanic families. Compared to rural families, urban families received more ABA services at baseline which also recovered one year after the pandemic. Certain counterintuitive findings may be attributed to home/remote schooling leading to reduced access to related services. Future research and policy changes are needed to address the American healthcare vulnerabilities when serving children with ASD by enhancing the diversity of healthcare formats for continued service access during future pandemics and other similar crises.

Resilience and Adaptability of Older Adults: Findings from the COVID-19 Impact Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic caused abrupt changes in daily routines, social connections, and ways of life. It is yet unknown the full impacts these extended changes have had on the long-term mental well-being of those who shared this global experience. As a contribution to our overall understanding of this phenomena, this study explored the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of older adults in the Southern United States. Secondary data analyses were performed using the COVID-19 Emotional Impact Survey, which included four open-ended questions allowing qualitative analyses for this study. Thematic analysis was conducted in three coding phases by five team members to ensure validity and rigor in consensus and determination of the themes. Respondents included 118 participants aged 55 years and older. The overarching theme which emerged in our analysis related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on respondents’ mental well-being was <em>adaptability</em>, with sub-themes of <em>awareness</em> and <em>socialization</em>. Awareness was further associated with spirituality, mortality, and health; socialization was further associated with trust/distrust, anxiety, and fear. Older adults in this study exhibited resilience and demonstrated greater adaptability. Despite expressing increased awareness of vulnerability to the virus, they coped with this stress by placing greater value on relationships with friends and family. Attributes of resilience were frequently noted throughout the study, although we did not specifically assess resilience of older adults in this study. The degree of adaptability older adults applied in their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic suggest a resilience unique to their age and this study provides support for future research probing the concept of resilience in older adults.

Predicting internalizing symptoms with machine learning: identifying individuals that need care

Objective The current project aims to identify individuals in urgent need of mental health care, using a machine learning algorithm (random forest). Comparison/contrast with conventional regression analyses is discussed. Participants: A total of 2,409 participants were recruited from an anonymous university, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. Methods: Answers to a COVID-19 impact survey, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were collected. The total scores of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were regressed on six composites that were created from the questionnaire items, based on their topics. A random forest was trained and validated. Results: Results indicate that the random forest model was able to make accurate, prospective predictions (R 2 = .429 on average) and we review variables that were deemed predictively relevant. Conclusions: Overall, the study suggests that predictive models can be clinically useful in identifying individuals with internalizing symptoms based on daily life disruption experiences.

Mothers' and Children's Mental Distress and Family Strain during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a widespread impact on families with dependent children. To better understand the impact of the pandemic on families' health and relationships, we examined the association between mothers' and children's mental distress and family strain. Three waves of the COVID-19 Impact Survey were analyzed, collected from a subsample of mother-child pairs (n = 157) from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) longitudinal cohort in Alberta, Canada. Latent class analyses were performed to determine patterns and group memberships in mothers' and children's mental distress and family strain. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to test associations between mothers' and children's mental distress and family strain trajectory classes. Mothers with medium/high levels of mental distress were at increased odds of experiencing high family strain compared to those with low levels of distress (medium aOR = 3.90 [95% CI: 1.08-14.03]; high aOR = 4.57 [95% CI: 1.03-20.25]). The association between children's mental distress and family strain was not significant (aOR = 1.75 [95% CI: 0.56-5.20]). Mothers' mental distress, but not children's, was associated with family strain during the pandemic. More distressed individuals experienced greater family strain over time, suggesting that this association may become a chronic problem.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of idiopathic central precocious puberty in pediatric females in New York City.

The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effect on physical and mental health. Stress was due physical inactivity, increased screen time, social isolation, fear of illness/death, as well as relative lack of resources including healthy food and finances. These stressors may be associated with an increase in idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). To assess the incidence of ICPP in females during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare biochemical and radiological parameters of females diagnosed in the previous two years, looking at associations among BMI, screen time, isolation, and stress in relation to the development of early puberty. A retrospective chart review was performed of females diagnosed with ICPP. We divided subjects into a pandemic group and pre-pandemic group based on time ofdiagnosis. We compared anthropometric, serologic andradiologic data between the two groups. To assess psychosocial stress, we reviewed a COVID-19 impact survey which was administered to families at our endocrine clinic. There were a total of 56 subjects in the study; 23 subjects in the pre-pandemic group and 33 in the pandemic group. The pandemic cohort had significantly higher estradiol and LH levels and larger ovarian volumes. Survey results showed parental report of stress was moderate in 38 % of subjects and severe in 25 % of parents. In children, reported stress was moderate in 46 % of subjects. As puberty is influenced by exogenous factors including weight gain and psychosocial stress, we suspect that the environmental stress surrounding the pandemic influenced the increase in ICPP.

COVID-19 adaptive strategy and SMEs’ access to finance

ABSTRACT The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has had colossal repercussions for all economic agents including households, corporations, and governments worldwide. Each economic agent responded in their own way to mitigate or at least diminish the scale of that impact. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also countered the COVID-19 pandemic to their highest capacity despite being more vulnerable to crises. Many SMEs experienced shutdowns or declared bankruptcy due to the ineptitude and lack of financial resources or effective strategic response to cope with this unprecedented shock. In this paper, we assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic coping strategies such as adjusting the process and product, shifting business activity online, and remote working arrangements on SMEs’ access to finance. Using the World Bank’s COVID-19 impact survey data collected between 2020 and mid-2021 from 42 countries, we find that better strategies adopted by SMEs increase their likelihood of getting new credit from government and commercial banks. The results remain robust to alternative test settings. Our findings offer significant and timely contributions to SMEs’ access to finance and to the practicing managers on adopting and adjusting strategies in response to crises or disruptions.

The COVID-19 Impact Survey: A Comparison of Head Start Staff to Their Fellow Citizens within Louisiana

The COVID-19 Impact Survey: A Comparison of Head Start Staff to Their Fellow Citizens within Louisiana

Parental decision-making on summer program enrollment: A mixed methods Covid-19 impact study

BackgroundThe closure of childcare organizations (e.g. schools, childcare centers, afterschool programs, summer camps) during the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the health and wellbeing of families. Despite their reopening, parents may be reluctant to enroll their children in summer programming. Knowledge of the beliefs that underlie parental concerns will inform best practices for organizations that serve children. MethodsParents (n = 17) participated in qualitative interviews (October 2020) to discuss Covid-19 risk perceptions and summer program enrollment intentions. Based on interview responses to perceived Covid-19 risk, two groups emerged for analysis- “Elevated Risk (ER)” and “Conditional Risk (CR)”. Themes were identified utilizing independent coding and constant-comparison analysis. Follow-up interviews (n = 12) in the Spring of 2021 evaluated the impact of vaccine availability on parent risk perceptions. Additionally, parents (n = 17) completed the Covid-19 Impact survey to assess perceived exposure (Range: 0–25) and household impact (Range: 2–60) of the pandemic. Scores were summed and averaged for the sample and by risk classification group. ResultsParents overwhelmingly supported the operation of summer programming during the pandemic due to perceived child benefits. Parent willingness to enroll their children in summer programming evolved with time and was contingent upon the successful implementation of safety precautions (e.g. outdoor activities, increased handwashing/sanitizing of surfaces). Interestingly, parents indicated low exposure (ER: Avg. 6.3 ± 3.1 Range [2–12], CR: Avg. 7.5 ± 3.6 Range [1–14]) and moderate family impact (ER: Avg. 27.1 ± 6.9 Range [20–36], CR: Avg. 33.7 ± 11.4 Range [9–48]) on the impact survey. ConclusionChildcare organizations should mandate and evaluate the implementation of desired Covid-19 safety precautions for their patrons.

Financial hardship and mental health among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of the US COVID-19 Household Impact Survey.

Our objective was to (1) identify associated characteristics of financial hardship (FH), and (2) evaluate associations of FH with mental health symptoms among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the nationally representative COVID-19 Impact Survey, we defined cancer survivors as those with a self-reported diagnosis of cancer (n = 854,7.6%). We defined FH using the following question: "Based on your current financial situation, how would you pay for an unexpected $400 expense?" Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) to identify associated characteristics of FH and associations of FH with mental health symptoms among cancer survivors overall and by age (18-59 years/60+ years). Forty-one percent of cancer survivors reported FH, with 58% in 18-59 and 33% in 60+ year old respondents. Compared to cancer survivors aged 60+ years, those aged 30-44 (aPR:1.74,95% CI:1.35-2.24), and 45-59 years (aPR:1.60,95% CI:1.27-1.99) were more likely to report FH. Compared to non-Hispanic(NH)-White cancer survivors, NH-Black cancer survivors had a 56% higher prevalence of FH (aPR:1.56; 95% CI: 1.23-1.97). Among 60+ years aged cancer survivors, NH-Black (aPR:1.80; 95% CI: 1.32-2.45) and NH-Asian cancer survivors (aPR:10.70,95% CI:5.6-20.7) were more likely to experience FH compared to their NH-White counterparts. FH was associated with feeling anxious (aPR:1.51,95% CI:1.11-2.05), depressed (aPR:1.66,95% CI:1.25-2.22), and hopeless (aPR:1.84,95% CI:1.38-2.44). Minoritized communities, younger adults, and cancer survivors with low socioeconomic status had a higher burden of FH, which was associated with feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.

Parents/primary caregivers’ perspectives on the well-being, and home-based learning of children with neurodevelopmental disorders during COVID-19 in Bangladesh

Background and Aims: The coronavirus pandemic (CP) leading to prolonged lockdown, and restriction of movement for almost two years in Bangladesh severely affected not only the well-being (physical and mental health) of both children and adults but also their access to home-based learning. The present study aimed to explore the mental, and physical health problems of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), their use of telehealth services, and the status of their home-based learning by asking questions to their parents/primary caregivers (N = 149) during the second year of lockdown (November and December 2021). Methodology: The present study was a cross-sectional self-reported survey covering as many parents/primary caregivers as possible within Bangladesh. The survey questions were selected from a larger study by Masi et al. named ‘COVID-19 impact survey’ with permission. A total of 149 parents/primary caregivers with one or more children (mean age = 5.54) having any of the NDDs took part in the survey. Data were collected via physical sitting, telephone interview, and anonymous Google form. Results: Almost one-third of parents/caregivers felt that the NDD symptoms of their children were worsening with time, and half of them reported that their children’s health and well-being were negatively impacted. More than 90% of the caregivers felt that their children are facing challenges following the rules of social distancing. Whereas more than 80% of parents agreed that their children’s learning was disrupted during covid-19, and they were not getting enough online/offline support from the authorities. Conclusions: The outcome of this study suggested that CP had a significant impact on the wellbeing and home-based learning of children with NDDs and their families in Bangladesh. Most of the caregivers reported that the NDDs symptoms of their children are worsening with disrupted routine, facing problems following social distancing and maintaining fruitful relationships. In terms of home-based learning, most caregivers reported insufficient support from school authorities. The parents recommended the development of an adequate system for telehealth services and policies to help the vulnerable individuals in the future.

Maternal Mental Health, Child Distress and Family Strain During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Linking the Provincial Longitudinal Cohort with the COVID-19 Impact Survey Data in Canada.

ObjectiveTo understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families in Canada by specifically examining the relationship between maternal mental distress (MD), child distress (CD) and family strain (FS) trends over time. We linked the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) longitudinal cohort data and COVID-19 Impact Survey (CIS). ApproachThree waves of CIS (March 2020 to July 2021), collected from APrON longitudinal cohort, were used. Demographic variables from APrON were linked with CIS. Mothers’ depression, anxiety, and/or stress scores were standardized separately for different symptoms, averaged at each wave, and combined as one maternal MD variable (low/medium/high). CD was measured across emotional, conduct, hyperactivity, and peer problem scales (low/high). FS was defined as COVID-19 straining family relationships, including partners, parent-child, and siblings (yes/no). Latent class analyses were performed to identify and categorize membership across the variables. To address the objective, multiple logistic regression models were conducted. ResultsThe sample consisted of 157 participants were included in the study; 19.1% reported FS during COVID-19. Three latent classes were formed for maternal MD: consistently low (36.9%), medium (44.0%), and high (19.1%) across the follow-up period. Two latent classes were formed for CD: consistently low (79.6%) and high (20.4%). When adjusted for COVID-19 related covariates (e.g., maternal worries about child’s well-being/education, family difficulty with childcare/schoolwork) and socioeconomic status, mothers with medium and high levels of maternal MD were at increased odds of experiencing FS during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to those with a low level of distress (medium aOR = 3.90[1.08, 14.03]; high aOR = 4.57[1.03, 20.25]). The adjusted association between child distress and FS was not statistically significant (aOR = 1.75[0.59, 5.20]). ConclusionUnderstanding how MD could affect family strain is important as many families recover from the pandemic. More distressed individuals experience greater FS over time, suggesting this association as a chronic problem. Stakeholders should tailor support systems to longer-term, family-level interventions improving family relationships and maternal-child MHD impacted by COVID-19.

Evaluation of COVID-19 pandemic on components of social and mental health using machine learning, analysing United States data in 2020.

BackgroundCOVID-19 was named a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Governments across the world issued various restrictions such as staying at home. These restrictions significantly influenced mental health worldwide. This study aims to document the prevalence of mental health problems and their relationship with the quality and quantity of social relationships affected by the pandemic during the United States national lockdown.MethodsSample data was employed from the COVID-19 Impact Survey on April 20–26, 2020, May 4–10, 2020, and May 30–June 8, 2020 from United States Dataset. A total number of 8790, 8975, and 7506 adults participated in this study for April, May and June, respectively. Participants’ mental health evaluations were compared clinically by looking at the quantity and quality of their social ties before and during the pandemic using machine learning techniques. To predict relationships between COVID-19 mental health and demographic and social factors, we employed random forest, support vector machine, Naive Bayes, and logistic regression.ResultsThe result for each contributing feature has been analyzed separately in detail. On the other hand, the influence of each feature was studied to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. The overall result of our research indicates that people who had previously been diagnosed with any type of mental illness were most affected by the new constraints during the pandemic. These people were among the most vulnerable due to the imposed changes in lifestyle.ConclusionThis study estimates the occurrence of mental illness among adults with and without a history of mental disease during the COVID-19 preventative limitations. With the persistence of quarantine limitations, the prevalence of psychiatric issues grew. In the third survey, which was done under quarantine or house restrictions, mental health problems and acute stress reactions were substantially greater than in the prior two surveys. The findings of the study reveal that more focused messaging and support are needed for those with a history of mental illness throughout the implementation of restrictions.

Disruption of medical care among individuals in the southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Widespread disruptions of medical care to mitigate COVID-19 spread and reduce burden on healthcare systems may have deleterious public health consequences.Design and methods: To examine factors contributing to healthcare interruptions during the pandemic, we conducted a COVID-19 impact survey between 10/7-12/14/2020 among participants of the Southern Community Cohort Study, which primarily enrolled lowincome individuals in 12 southeastern states from 2002-2009. COVID survey data were combined with baseline and follow-up data.Results: Among 4463 respondents, 40% reported having missed/delayed a health appointment during the pandemic; the common reason was provider-initiated cancellation or delay (63%). In a multivariable model, female sex was the strongest independent predictor of interrupted care, with odds ratio (OR) 1.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-1.89). Those with higher education (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.05-1.54 for college graduate vs ≤high school) and household income (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.16-1.86 for >$50,000 vs <$15,000) were at significantly increased odds of missing healthcare. Having greater perceived risk for acquiring (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.17-1.72) or dying from COVID-19 (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.04-1.51) also significantly increased odds of missed/delayed healthcare. Age was inversely associated with missed healthcare among men (OR for 5-year increase in age 0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.96) but not women (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.91-1.04; P-interaction=0.04). Neither race/ethnicity nor comorbidities were associated with interrupted healthcare.Conclusions: Disruptions to healthcare disproportionately affected women and were primarily driven by health system-initiated deferrals and individual perceptions of COVID-19 risk, rather than medical co-morbidities or other traditional barriers to healthcare access. Significance for public health Lapses in routine medical care for chronic conditions and preventative healthcare due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have long-term adverse public health effects. These effects may be exacerbated among low-income individuals in the southeastern US who already experience higher rates of chronic disease and poor health outcomes. This study finds that the main drivers of healthcare lapses during the pandemic originate from the healthcare system through provider-initiated cancellations and from individual perceptions regarding the risk of contracting and surviving COVID-19, rather than medical comorbidities. The findings further identify a need for outreach efforts to re-engage patients in chronic and preventative care, as well as characteristics of groups that will benefit from targeted population-based interventions, including women.

Individual Characteristics and Demographics Associated with Mask Wearing During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

Introduction: Many scientific studies provide evidence of mask wearing as an effective strategy to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, US citizens do not adhere to this prevention practice universally. Although past studies have shown disparities in mask wearing by age, gender, ethnicity, and location, the literature lacks a work that uses large-scale national survey data to understand the mask-wearing resistors' characteristics and demographics. This study's purpose is to fill this gap. Methods: We obtained this study's data from the COVID-19 Impact Survey, a nationally representative survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago. This survey aims at generating national and regional statistics by surveying representative regional and national samples in three time periods: April 20–26, 2020, May 4–10, 2020, and June 1–8, 2020. Data for our analysis are from the public-use files of these three waves. We performed logistic regressions to estimate the adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of not wearing masks for several personal characteristics and demographics. Results: Our results suggest that younger (average ARR = 1.66) and lower-income (average ARR = 1.51) adults are more likely not to wear a face mask to prevent the coronavirus spread. On the other hand, unhealthy (average ARR = 0.81), female (average ARR = 0.68), and minority (average ARR = 0.65) adults are less likely not to wear a mask. Furthermore, residents in the Northeast region (average ARR = 0.34) and urban residents (average ARR = 0.54) are less likely not to wear a face mask. Conclusion: Mask-wearing behavior differs by age, income, health status, gender, race, region, and geographical residence in the US.

Information policy: challenges for national libraries and associations in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic

The urgency of studying the first experience of activity of the library-information institutions of the world in the period of the Coronavirus pandemic COVID-19, which engulfed the world in spring of 2020, is substantiated the importance of consideration of conclusions and forecasts made by libraries, archives, and other cultural institutions in terms of internally systemic organizations. The purpose of the article is to investigate the response of national libraries and archives of the world, national and interstate professional associations to the challenges faced by the world’s libraries and information institutions in the context of coronavirus pandemic and analysis of forecasts of changes in the forms and working conditions of these institutions. The study uses the methods of analysis, synthesis, and synthesis of information from open sources, the method of forecasting and evaluation of expert opinions. The study, especially the formation of forecasted conclusions, is based on the COVID-19 Impact Survey conducted by the Conference of Directors of National Libraries of the World (CDNL), jointly with IFLA in April 2020. For the prediction of consequences for the library and information systems, it is necessary to monitor the state’s reaction, as the organization and support of the systems that provide the society with access to information is part of the state information policy. An important basis of such forecasting should be the analysis of activity and reaction of the most national institutions — libraries, archives, museums, and their professional associations. Collectively, the obtained information can provide a more or less complete picture of the views and crisis-release forecasts that are projected as a consequence of long-term quarantine, or more effective actions, in case the repetition of quarantine measures will take place yet.

Tinjauan Teknologi Cerdas Pendukung Pemulihan Ekonomi UMKM Terdampak Covid-19

The implementation of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) in various provinces in Indonesia has an impact on the Indonesian economy. The publication of the Analysis of the Covid-19 Impact Survey Results by BPS stated that 82.29% UMB and 84.20% MSE experienced a decrease in income. The government through the Covid-19 Handling Committee and National Economic Recovery launched the National Economic Recovery program, one of which was to provide a stimulus for business capital assistance to MSMEs. Apart from stimulus assistance, technology is also needed to accelerate economic recovery. Smart technologies that can be tried to be applied in the recovery of the national economy, including blockchain, smart contracts, e-commerce, IoT and cloud computing.

Greater COVID‐19 impact for underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups: A survey study on the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center participants

BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has posed substantial impact on people’s life and wellbeing, especially for the aging population who are at greater risk. This study compared the difference in the impact between older adults from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (URGs) versus non‐URGs.MethodThe National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center COVID‐19 Impact Survey was self‐reported by 221 participants aged 49‐99 years from the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center clinical core between August and December, 2020. 43 participants who reported “Black or African American” or “American Indian or Alaska Native” in primary or secondary race or reported “Yes” to Hispanic” ethnicity were classified as URGs. The remaining 178 participants who reported only “White” or “Asian” in the primary and secondary races and “No” to “Hispanic” ethnicity were classified as non‐URGs. The survey inquired on (1) COVID‐19 symptoms, testing, diagnosis, and hospitalization; (2) worrying, social isolation, and disruption on everyday life associated with the pandemic; (3) related cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral changes; and (4) change of willingness in research participation. Group differences on survey responses were tested using Fisher’s exact test, non‐parametric Kruskal‐Wallis test, and binary or ordinal logistic regressions.ResultNo significant group difference was found in sex, age, and clinical diagnosis. However, URG participants had lower education and higher Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores (Table 1). URGs were approximately doubled non‐URGs in the percentages of experiencing COVID‐19 symptoms, having a positive diagnosis, and reporting “very much” or “extremely” worrying about getting COVID‐19 and changing willingness to participate in clinical research. Controlling for sex, age, education, and CDR score, URGs were more likely to be tested for COVID‐19 (Odds Ratio = 2.37), have significantly reduced income (OR=4.74), experience change in memory or thinking (OR=2.97), and report a greater total number of psychiatric or behavioral changes (OR=2.04). However, URGs felt less isolated from family or friends (OR=0.55).ConclusionURGs had greater medical, psychological, and economical consequences than non‐URGs, which implied racial/ethnic disparities associated with the pandemic. Future research is needed to identify inequities in the social determinants and understand their association with disparities, which would help inform policies and strategies to achieve health equity.

Impact of COVID-19 on graduating U.S. pharmacy students in the early epicenter of the pandemic in New York City

ObjectiveTo describe the self-reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among final year student pharmacists enrolled in a Doctor of Pharmacy program in New York City during the first peak of the outbreak March through May 2020. MethodsA required senior seminar course for graduating student pharmacists served as a conduit for faculty led monitoring of the wellbeing of the cohort through three data sources: 1) polling data regarding stress factors during a COVID-19 informational session (March 2020), 2) survey data from a 12-item COVID-19 Impact Survey developed and administered electronically in May 2020 and 3) qualitative data from reflection papers mentioning COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and thematic analysis were used to summarize data. ResultsIn March, almost half of respondents (total = 185) reported high personal (47.6%) and school related stress (42.1%). Most students were participating in advanced pharmacy practice experiences (80%) and working in a pharmacy (80%). Survey data (n = 96) revealed the majority of participants perceived negative impact on their future career (69%) and reported concern for people close to them with suspected and confirmed COVID-19. One-third of participants reported knowing someone who died from COVID-19 and 8% were self-confirmed COVID-19 positive. Themes emerging from the reflection papers included: changed perspective, gained experience as a pharmacist during a pandemic, concern for loved ones, and positive outlook. ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the wellbeing of a cohort of graduating student pharmacists in New York during the initial peaks of the spread in the United States. The results reinforce a need for student support during emergency situations, especially during the final year.

Physical and Mental Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic among US Adults with Chronic Respiratory Conditions.

Adults living with chronic respiratory diseases are at higher risk of death due to COVID-19. Our objective was to evaluate the physical and mental health symptoms among US adults living with chronic respiratory conditions. We used data of 10,760 US adults from the nationally representative COVID-19 Impact Survey. Chronic respiratory conditions were self-reported and included asthma (14.7%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (4.7%), and bronchitis/emphysema (11.6%). We used multivariable Poisson regression to evaluate physical health symptoms. We estimated associations of mental health symptoms using multinomial logistic regression. In multivariable models, adults with asthma were more likely to report physical symptoms including runny or stuffy nose, chest congestion, fever, and chills. In addition, adults with COPD were more likely to report several physical symptoms including fever (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–1.72), chills (aPR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.67–2.64), runny or stuffy nose (aPR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.39–2.27), chest congestion (aPR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.74–2.61), sneezing (aPR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.23–2.05), and muscle or body aches (aPR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.06–1.81). Adults with chronic respiratory conditions are more likely to report physical and mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to others. Providers should prioritize discussing mental health symptom management as the pandemic continues to be a public health concern in the US.