COVID-19 Lockdown Research Articles

Global health benefits associated with a substantial decrease in land transportation emissions during the COVID-19 period

The changes in global air pollutant concentrations influenced by the COVID-19 lockdown have been widely investigated. The lack of clarity regarding the individual contributions to restricted human activities (i.e., transportation) has limited the understanding of the health impacts of the lockdown. In this study, an efficient chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) was employed to simulate the concentration changes in air pollutants (PM2.5, NO2, and O3) associated with emission reductions in land transportation and the corresponding health benefits. The simulated results suggested that transportation-related PM2.5, NO2, and O3 reduced by 20%, 36%, and 55%, respectively. The reduction in O3 concentrations presented regional variations, with percentages ranked as follows: China (67%) > India (56%) > Europe (−81%) > the US (−86%), indicating the various intensities of secondary transformations with spatial relevance. The health benefits were also simulated, and the all-caused mortalities were estimated to be 63,547 (95% CI: 47,597, 79,497), 52,685 (95% CI: 32,310, 73,059), and 231,980 (95% CI: 210,373, 253,586) for the reduced concentration of PM2.5, NO2, and O3 globally, respectively. Transportation-related O3 reduction contributed the largest proportion (∼67%) to global health benefits, further emphasizing the global relevance and severity of O3 pollution. Our study confirms that the health benefits of transportation emission reduction during the COVID-19 lockdown were considerable and provides relevant simulated data as supporting evidence. We suggest that further coordinated efforts to restrict certain pollutants worldwide should focus on controlling the global O3 concentrations to protect people from severe O3 exposure.

“I met my best friends yesterday”: Groups as a democratic practice in Brazilian schools

In this paper, we analyse experiences of democratic practices in two research interventions within school contexts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both projects took place in public (Government-owned and managed) schools and were inspired by participatory and critical approaches, particularly Paulo Freire’s popular education and bell hooks’ feminist pedagogies. We analyse two case studies in which group interventions raise issues about democracy within schools and broader society, stressing the differences between the two contexts. The first case study discusses an educational programme for teachers and school staff on gender and sexual diversity, funded by a pro-diversity centre-left Federal government from 2007 to 2014. We analyse the group as a space to build multiple perspectives and democratic practices on gender and sexuality. Second, we analyse material from a project that conducted workshops with pupils (7 to 11 years old) to discuss interpersonal relations and the bonds they had with their schools during lockdowns (2021). Researchers developed participatory methods for remote learning and conducted online fieldwork with students—who had their parents’ and carers’ silent presence at home—analysing the construction of bonds with school, classmates and their autonomy. This project was conducted during a much more hostile moment than the previous one, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and in an ultraconservative political context in Brazil. While even during a social-democratic administration, we found limits in discussing gender and sexuality in schools (case study 1), the later authoritarian government and context severely worsened the situation (case study 2). Nevertheless, we were able to use critical approaches to promote and discuss democratic practices, especially considering gender, sexuality, race, and class inequalities. Through our practices as school psychologists and researchers, we make collective stands against authoritarianism.

Towards a more equitable education: a lens into EFL teachers’ pedagogical barriers in online assessments

ABSTRACT Online learning and assessment have become a major concern for educators in the field of education due to the many challenges they present. The coronavirus lockdown has profoundly affected the instruction and evaluation processes for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the perspectives of EFL teachers on the pedagogical barriers in online assessments. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, involving 28 participants from four different educational settings. During the qualitative phase, in-depth discussions were conducted using the Google Meet app, allowing participants to explore the pedagogical barriers associated with online assessments. The results of the qualitative analysis identified five themes of pedagogical barriers under the central category of fairness and equity: feedback, poor internet speed, learners’ lack of digital literacy, online cheating, and instruction. A ranking scale was subsequently used to assess the perceived importance of these categories. The findings of this study have significant implications for EFL teachers, policy makers, and educational assessment organisations. It provides insights that can inform the development of strategies and policies to address the pedagogical barriers associated with online assessments. By recognising and addressing these challenges, educators and policymakers can enhance the quality and fairness of online assessments, ensuring a more equitable learning experience for EFL students.

The Trend in Suicide Risk Among People with HIV Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown.

Suicide Risk (SR) and the COVID-19 pandemic affected People with HIV (PWH) disproportionately in comparison with the general population, but little information on SR during and after the COVID-19 lockdown on the Latino PWH has been described, therefore, this study aimed to describe SR in PWH attended the HIV clinic before (2018-2019), during (2020), and after (2021-2022) the COVID-19 lockdown, the trend of SR, and the factors associated. Three standardized questions from the "Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale" (C-SSRS) were routinely applied as screening for suicide risk to all PWH attending their clinical visits during 2018-2022. We estimated suicidality risk and rate. We compared sociodemographic characteristics in those with and without SR. We evaluated the potential association of SR with the calendar year before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown using a mixed-effects logistic regression. A total of 2330 patients were seen during the study period; 2157 (93%) were evaluated for suicidality at least once, of those, 75 (3.5%) had SR. Those with SR compared with non-SR were more frequently women (20% vs 10%) and with a heterosexual HIV transmission route (29% vs 23%). SR rates per 1000 patients-day among those evaluated were 0.03 in 2018, 0.25 in 2019, 3.16 in 2020, 7.0 in 2021 and 11.98 in 2022. Throughout the model, independently of covariables, a significant increase in the OR of SR was observed in these years compared to 2018: 1.07 in 2019; 2.74 in 2021; and 4.82 in 2022, except in 2020, OR = 0.18.

Association of home and neighbourhood conditions with anxiety and depression symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown: Findings from the ALSPAC cohort

Background The first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK entailed widespread social restrictions, including instructions to stay at home at all times. This created a natural quasi-experiment, during which time home and neighbourhood conditions may have been especially important to mental health. However, evidence on this topic is scarce. Methods Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a UK population-based cohort, we examined associations of home and neighbourhood conditions with anxiety and depression symptoms during the first UK lockdown in 2020, when participants were approximately 28 years of age. Questionnaires were completed at two timepoints (T1: April; T2: May/June) and included validated measures of anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (SMFQ); as well as questions about current home conditions and behaviours. Neighbourhood conditions were obtained via linkage, and included population density, neighbourhood deprivation, social fragmentation, and greenspace. Main associations were examined using linear regression. Potential confounders were identified using a directed acyclic graph and included ethnicity, family psychiatric history, maternal social class, financial difficulties and unemployment before lockdown, and anxiety and depression at ages 18 and 24. Results At T1 after considering confounders, reduced access to nature (B=0.48, 95% CI=0.26-0.70, p<0.001) and neighbourhood deprivation (B=0.25, 95% CI=0.04-0.47, p=0.024) were associated with anxiety. Furthermore, reduced access to nature (B=0.43, 95% CI=0.20-0.66, p=0.001), no garden access (B=0.22, 95% CI=0.01-0.43, p=0.043), living alone (B=0.33, 95% CI=0.13-0.53, p=0.002), and neighbourhood deprivation (B=0.22, 95% CI=0.00-0.44, p=0.048) were associated with depression. There were fewer associations at T2. Conclusion Disadvantaged home and neighbourhood conditions were associated with more anxiety and depression symptoms during the first UK lockdown. The findings underscore the importance of home and neighbourhood conditions for mental health and highlight potential interventions such as improved urban design to increase access to nature and reduce isolation. However, the causality of the findings is uncertain.

Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on HbA1c Levels of Ethnic Minorities and Low-income Groups with Type 2 Diabetes in Israel.

To investigate the impact of low socioeconomic status (SES) and/or membership in ethnic minority has on HbA1c before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. A retrospective cohort study was conducted between March 2019 and March 2021, based on data from electronic medical records of 17,072 patients with type-2 diabetes, collected by Clalit (Israel's largest health maintenance organization). Low SES was compared to high and ethnic minorities (Arabs and ultra-Orthodox Jews) were compared to the general Israeli population of mostly Jewish, but not ultra-Orthodox, Israeli citizens. Quantile regressions were used to examine the impact of SES and ethnic minority membership on HbA1c levels in the 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90 quantiles before and during the lockdown. In the pre-lockdown period, patients with type-2 diabetes of low versus high SES, and Arabs versus the general population, had higher HbA1c. During the lockdown HbA1c levels of low versus high SES rose significantly in the 0.10 and 0.90 quantiles, and among Arabs HbA1c levels rose significantly across all quantiles, with a remarkable increment in the 0.90 quantile (from 0.316% in the pre-lockdown period to 0.730% in the lockdown period). Ultra-Orthodox Jewish diabetic patients had a marginally higher mean HbA1C level regardless of the period. Quantile regressions did not reveal a significant difference between the ultra-Orthodox Jewish and the general population. The lockdown exacerbated disparities in glycemic control between low and high SES individuals and between Arab minority and the general population.

Experiences of mothers of children with and without Special Educational Needs (SEN) in England during the COVID-19 lockdowns: a qualitative study

AbstractThe present study qualitatively examined the experiences of caregivers of primary school children with and without SEN in relation to their socioemotional wellbeing and how they coped during the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 London-based mothers of 5–12-year-old children, half of whom had children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, allowing for a comparative exploration of the experiences of mothers with children with SEN and those without. The analysis generated four themes: (1) opportunities (2) challenges (3) post-pandemic considerations (4) coping strategies. Findings showed that caregivers of both SEN and non-SEN children experienced several opportunities or challenges after the initial lockdown in 2020. Both groups of caregivers reported similar long-term experiences in terms of opportunities. However, almost all caregivers in SEN group reported distinctive challenges about support services and mental health decline. In terms of coping strategies, SEN mothers placed a greater emphasis on the importance of adapting to change and establishing new routines. They also used more mental health services for themselves and their children during lockdowns compared to non-SEN mothers. Regarding the post-pandemic considerations, almost all caregivers, regardless of their children’s SEN status, expressed significant concerns about future uncertainties. This study highlights the unique challenges and opportunities experienced by caregivers, particularly emphasizing the nuanced needs of SEN families. The findings underscore the necessity for robust mental health support frameworks and tailored support strategies to address these needs. Implications for future research include further exploration of long-term support mechanisms for SEN families and a broader investigation into the diverse coping strategies across different caregiver populations.

How to be happy from east to west: social and flexible pursuit of happiness is associated with positive effects of valuing happiness on well-being

AbstractRecent evidence has suggested that valuing happiness to an extreme degree has a potential downside in Western but not in East Asian countries. We tested how valuing happiness relates to well-being in mainland China (N = 721) and Western countries (UK, US, and Canada) (N = 349) in two online survey studies. We predicted that pursuing happiness in a socially engaged yet flexible (i.e., feasible and achievable) way underlies a positive association between valuing happiness and well-being. Indeed, in study 1, a socially engaged definition of happiness mediated the relationship between valuing happiness and well-being in a Chinese sample. Specifically, increased valuing happiness was associated with a higher socially engaged definition of happiness, which in turn was related to higher well-being. Demonstrating the role of flexibility in pursuing happiness, Chinese participants reported more items overall and more feasible items to achieve happiness, though not more social items than participants in the Western sample). In study 2, we repeated the study during the Covid-19 lockdown in Chinese (N = 308) and Western (N = 185) samples and also tested if participants were able to adopt a mindset of flexibly pursuing happiness by adding a survey with social actions that were still feasible (e.g., a call instead of meeting in-person). We found the association holds in times of emotional stress and social restrictions in both samples, suggesting that people flexibly pursue social activities that relate to happiness. We propose that a socially engaged but also feasible and flexible way to pursue happiness is associated with higher well-being.

Livelihood diversity and fishing skill during COVID-19 lockdowns in French Polynesia

Livelihood diversity and fishing skill during COVID-19 lockdowns in French Polynesia

Increase in Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections after ending COVID-19 lockdown measures in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

ObjectiveVarious European countries noted increasing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) positivity among cis-gender women and heterosexual men. We assessed changes over time in Ng among men who exclusively have sex with men...

Age-dependent effects of lockdown and post-lockdown periods on HbA1c during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 3-year longitudinal cohort study.

The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lockdown measures on the metabolic parameters of patients with DM, with particular emphasis on geriatric populations. In this retrospective, longitudinal cohort study, 1224 patients were analyzed. Three periods were identified to examine the effects of the lockdown: pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown. Each period spanned 1-year. Within each 1-year period, at least 2 measurements were taken at least 3 months apart, and their arithmetic mean was calculated. Only patients who presented to the hospital for DM management during all 3 periods were included in the study. While HbA1c levels significantly increased in patients over 65 years old during the lockdown period (P = .017), we observed a significant decrease in HbA1c levels in patients under 65 years old (P = .014). Upon further stratification of patients over 65 by age groups, HbA1c levels increased the most among those aged 75 to 85 years, with a significant rise also observed in those aged 65 to 75 years during the lockdown. However, there was no change in HbA1c levels for patients over 85 years old during the lockdown. These findings highlight the need for careful monitoring of elderly patients with DM during lockdown periods, facilitated via home care or telehealth services. Structured diet and exercise programs should also be provided for at home adherence.

Toward a New Approach to Creating Population-Representative Data for Demographic Research.

The evaluation of innovative web-based data collection methods that are convenient for the general public and that yield high-quality scientific information for demographic researchers has become critical. Web-based methods are crucial for researchers with nationally representative research objectives but without the resources of larger organizations. The web mode is appealing because it is inexpensive relative to in-person and telephone modes, and it affords a high level of privacy. We evaluate a sequential mixed-mode web/mail data collection, conducted with a national probability sample of U.S. adults from 2020 to 2022. The survey topics focus on reproductive health and family formation. We compare estimates from this survey to those obtained from a face-to-face national survey of population reproductive health: the 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). This comparison allows for maximum design complexity, including a complex household screening operation (to identify households with persons aged 18-49). We evaluate the ability of this national web/mail data collection approach to (1) recruit a representative sample of U.S. persons aged 18-49; (2) replicate key survey estimates based on the NSFG, considering expected effects of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and the alternative modes on the estimates; (3) reduce complex sample design effects relative to the NSFG; and (4) reduce the costs per completed survey.

Fatigue and recovery in ballet: Exploring the experiences of professional South African ballet dancers

BackgroundProfessional South African ballet dancers face a higher risk of overuse injuries and overtraining syndrome as compared to dancers from other countries; especially towards the end of a ballet season. Fatigue is a major factor leading to overtraining syndrome and injuries in professional ballet dancers. The study aimed to explore the fatigue and recovery experiences of South African ballet dancers, highlighting how they navigate these aspects and the strategies they employ for recovery.MethodsSnowball sampling was employed to recruit ten professional South African ballet dancers. Between March and June 2023, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted online using Microsoft Teams. The interview schedule, informed by previous research, delved into the dancers’ fatigue and recovery experiences. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsSeven main themes were developed from the data. Participants distinguished between mental and physical fatigue, highlighting the impact of mental fatigue on their well-being. They identified factors contributing to fatigue, including high external pressure, motivated behaviours, and expectations from audiences and management. These contributors often resulted in injuries, mandatory breaks, and sub-optimal performance. Participants accepted fatigue as inherent to their profession, emphasising mental resilience. Recovery practices included psychological, nutritional, and active strategies. The COVID-19 lockdown provided a respite from external pressures, allowing for improved recovery, but participants faced challenges upon returning to work. Gradually increasing practice time and exposure to external pressures assisted ballet dancers in effectively managing fatigue and enhancing their recovery as they returned to work.ConclusionThis study offers a perspective of fatigue and recovery in a sample of professional ballet dancers in South Africa. It emphasises the ongoing significance of fatigue and recovery and the necessity for effective strategies by arts organisations, mental health professionals, and academic researchers to support artists. The insights gained from this research could be crucial in redesigning training programs for dancers, adjusting training intensity and volume to enhance performance, and promoting recovery. Furthermore, this information serves as a strong rationale for adopting a holistic approach to fatigue and recovery, emphasising the importance of a collaborative effort to address these aspects effectively.

The spatio-temporal evolution of leishmaniasis in the province of Essaouira

IntroductionLeishmaniasis is a highly prevalent neglected tropical disease. It represents a significant public health concern in northern Africa, particularly in Morocco. To assess the extent of the disease at the provincial level, as well as the temporal evolution of CL cases and their geographic distribution.Methods834 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) diagnosed positive by the hygiene and health laboratory of the health delegation of the province of Essaouira during the period from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2023.Results and discussionAmong the 57 communes of the province, three are hyper-endemic and represent the main foci of LC; Elhanchan, Had Draa, Smimou with 66.42% of cases. Other communes with significant increases include Aguerd, with 15.6% of cases, an incidence peak of 279.7 per 100,00.0 in 2022, and Bizdad, 11.8% with an average incidence of 41.1 per 100,000. The transmission of the parasitosis continues to spread to create new outbreaks each year and reach 25 municipalities in the province which have experienced at least one positive case in 2023. Two new outbreaks appeared after 2018 in Sidi Kaouki (5% of cases) and Tidzi (5.6%). The temporal analysis shows a significant rise in cases over time, with an annual average of 83 cases. The trend paused during the COVID-19 lockdown but resumed exponentially, peaking in 2023. The overall incidence in the province increased from 11.1 per 100,000 in 2015 to 40.3 per 100,000 in 2023, with a significant rise over the study period (p < 0.001). The average incidence during this time was 18.32 per 100,000, showing considerable variability across different years.ConclusionThe spread of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the province of Essaouira is multifactorial and results from the complex interaction between vectors, parasites, the environment, and human behaviors. A better understanding of these factors is essential to developing effective disease prevention and controlling strategies.

Intention to Seek Mental Health Services During the 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 City-Wide Lockdown: Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background The implementation of COVID-19 lockdown measures had immediate and delayed psychological effects. From March 27, 2022, to June 1, 2022, the Shanghai government enforced a city-wide lockdown that affected 25 million residents. During this period, mental health services were predominantly provided through digital platforms. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the general population’s intention to use mental health services during this time. Objective This study aimed to assess the intention of Shanghai residents to use mental health services during the 2022 Shanghai lockdown and identify factors associated with the intention to use mobile mental health services. Methods An online survey was distributed from April 29 to June 1, 2022, using a purposive sampling approach across 16 districts in Shanghai. Eligible participants were adults over 18 years of age who were physically present in Shanghai during the lockdown. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between demographic factors, lockdown-related stressors and experiences, physical and mental health status, and study outcomes–mobile mental health service use intention (mobile applications and WeChat Mini Programs [Tencent Holdings Limited]). Results The analytical sample comprised 3230 respondents, among whom 29.7% (weighted percentage; n=1030) screened positive for depression or anxiety based on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire or the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale. Less than one-fourth of the respondents (24.4%, n=914) expressed an intention to use any form of mental health services, with mobile mental health service being the most considered option (19.3%, n=728). Only 10.9% (n=440) used digital mental health services during the lockdown. Factors associated with increased odds of mobile mental health service use intention included being female, being employed, being a permanent resident, experiencing COVID-19–related stressors (such as loss of income, food insecurity, and potentially traumatic experiences), and having social and financial support. Individuals with moderate or severe anxiety, as well as those with comorbid anxiety and depression, demonstrated a higher intention to use mobile mental health services. However, individuals with depression alone did not exhibit a significantly higher intention compared with those without common mental disorders. Conclusions Despite a high prevalence of common mental disorders among Shanghai residents, less than one-fourth of the study respondents expressed an intention to use any form of mental health services during the lockdown. Mobile apps or WeChat Mini Programs were the most considered mental health service formats. The study provided insights for developing more person-centered mobile mental health services to meet the diverse needs of different populations.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the O'Sullivan test and gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis in pregnant Spanish women

ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on serum glucose levels of pregnant women. DesignA retrospective analysis of O'Sullivan test in pregnant women who underwent COVID-19 lockdown compared to controls. SitePoniente Primary Health Care center in Córdoba (Spain). Participants235 pregnant women from 23+0 to 25+0 weeks of gestation without diabetes mellitus. InterventionsGestational diabetes mellitus screening with O'Sullivan test and 3-h oral glucose tolerance test. Main measurementsPregnant women who underwent gestational diabetes mellitus screening with O'Sullivan test before (control group) and during COVID-19 Lockdown (Lockdown group) in Córdoba (Spain) were investigated. Lockdown group was divided in early and late lockdown. An additional, control group from data of the same months of the Lockdown in the previous year were recorded to discarded seasonally (adjusted seasonally control) this group was also divided in early and late seasonally adjusted.A logistic regression model for O'Sullivan test has been performed to analyze potential cofounders. Kolgomorov–Smirnov and Kruskal–Wallis test comparing pregnant women who underwent COVID-19 lockdown with the two types of controls. ResultsStatistically significant differences were found in serum glucose after O'Sullivan test between lockdown group and control group (123.51±26.02mg/dL and 112.86±31.28mg/dL; p=0.017). When early lockdown group and control group were compared no differences were found (119.64±26.18mg/dL vs. 112.86±31.28mg/dL; p>0.05) whereas differences were observed in late lockdown group and control group (127.22±25.59mg/dL vs. 112.86±31.28mg/dL; p=0.009). Statistical trends were also found between lockdown group and seasonally adjusted group and between lockdown and late seasonally adjusted group (p=0.089). A higher proportion of positive O'Suvillan pregnant women who were subsequently diagnosed with GDM were found in lockdown group compared to the seasonally adjusted control group (60% vs. 26.06% respectively; p<0.05). ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown was associated with an increase in serum glucose levels after the O'Sullivan test as well as a higher GDM diagnosis risk in pregnant women. The findings of our study emphasize the essential requirement for comprehensive maternal services and the accessibility to community's health assets during future lockdown scenarios to pregnant women.

The new normal for children’s physical activity and screen viewing: a multi-perspective qualitative analysis of behaviours a year after the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted children’s physical activity. Recent evidence indicated children’s accelerometer-measured physical activity levels have, on average, returned to near pre-pandemic levels in 2022, though sedentary behaviour remains higher. However, insufficient physical activity levels among children continues to be a critical public health issue in the UK, with only 41% meeting physical activity guidelines. This study aimed to provide in-depth analysis of how the pandemic has shaped children’s physical activity patterns beyond the short-term periods following lockdowns and identify the new challenges to engaging children in physical activity. Methods One-to-one interviews with parents (n = 22), school staff (n = 9), and six focus groups with children aged 10–11 years (n = 45) were conducted between February and July 2022. Topics explored changes to children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns, including screen-viewing, and factors influencing any changes. The framework method was used for analysis. Results Five themes were generated. Theme 1 described residual lockdown habits, including increased screen-viewing within the home, while activities outside the home continued to feel less spontaneous. Theme 2 highlighted an interrupted development of social, emotional, and physical skills among children compared to what would be expected pre-pandemic. This coincided with Theme 3 which reflected increased mental health challenges among families, creating complex barriers to children’s physical activity. A new normal for child physical activity was evoked and explored in Theme 4, with greater dependence on structured and organised activities. However, Theme 5 highlighted that girls and children with lower socio-economic position may be especially at risk of decreased physical activity. Conclusions There is a new normal for children’s physical activity that is characterised by increased dependence on structured and organised physical activities, such as active clubs, and less on unstructured and spontaneous physical activities, such as physical play. While this may suit many children, girls and children from lower socio-economic households face barriers to participating in the new normal. It is important that affordable and equitable opportunities are provided to all children to prevent physical activity and health inequalities.

HIV status of three mining districts of a tribal state in India: Evidence from ICTC data

ABSTRACT Background: Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) diagnose HIV and STIs early, modifies behavior, reduces vulnerability, and data helps in understanding transmission. Despite having low HIV prevalence, Jharkhand is vulnerable. Post Covid19, HIV has increased. This study examined the prevalence of HIV at ICTC facilities in three mine rich districts of Jharkhand and HIV prevalence as per age, geography, regional, and consequences were examined. Methods: Secondary data analysis was done for 2019–2022 accessible data of ICTC. Totally, 51,062 individual data were examined. Data analysis comprised parametricity testing while data was entered on Excel spreadsheet. Data were summarized using central tendency assessments and Chi-square tests. Logistic regression assessed HIV-positive outcomes and independent variables. P-value &lt; 0.05 was statistically significant. SPSS 29.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Over three years, we recorded 51,508 occurrences, 69% of which were female (35241). Both male and female participants had mean ages of 35.93 ± 14.92 and 27.89 ± 10.67 years, respectively. We found 1.19% HIV prevalence (504/42818) in the ICTC test data. The odds ratio (OR) for HIV positivity was greater in males (3.49, 95% CI: 2.92-4.18) compared to females. HIV prevalence in District Giridih was 4.2% (3.42%-5.26%) with a high risk of HIV positivity (OR 4.24, 95% CI 3.42-5.26). A drop in HIV testing occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusions: Since females are flooding ICTC, more targeted interventions, especially for younger women, are needed. Despite their lower numbers, men are at higher risk for HIV.

The psychological impact of reopening after COVID-19 lockdowns in China: threat perception, affect and moral conflict

The psychological impact of reopening after COVID-19 lockdowns in China: threat perception, affect and moral conflict

Physical fitness and its impact on psychological health during the COVID-19 lockdown

Both the countrywide lockdowns as well as the worldwide lockdown and social isolation norms had an immense psychological impact on the population as a consequence of the major change in lifestyle. The present study aimed to determine changes in physical activity during the second lockdown in the Indian population, and the impact of exercise on psychological health during the same time period. The study was conducted through circulation of online questionnaire and data was collected by snowball technique. The type of physical activity done by most people was under the low international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) category (56.36%) which increased during lockdown (63.57%). The IPAQ category of moderate activity showed a drop in numbers from 26.46% to 18.56% while high IPAQ scores were almost the same before and during lockdown. People with high and moderate IPAQ scores had a better psychological health status as compared to the Low category.