COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement Research Articles

Unveiling the dynamics of sexual crimes in Colombia based on complaints over a decade

The aim of this article was to analyse the dynamics of sexual offense reports in Colombia over the period between 2010 and 2022. For this, a mixed methodology was applied in the following phases: first, the Colombian National Police registry –which included 286 604 sexual crimes reported in the aforementioned period– was analysed. Then, a causal loop diagram of System Dynamics was designed to highlight the role of reporting sexual crimes in the Colombian Penal System. The main findings of this article include that 85.73 % of the complaints are mostly associated with women and 68 % of the victims are minors or adolescents of both sexes. It must be noted that Colombian legislation divides these crimes into those that are aggravated by violence and those that are not. It was also found that when the victim was a woman, the crimes occurred in a higher proportion with the aggravating factor of violence. It can also be concluded that during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement, there was a decrease in the number of sexual offense reports due to its negative effect on the possibility of adult women reporting crimes. In addition, it was found that it is imperative to direct the criminal policies towards the general positive prevention of sexual crimes, without instrumentalising individuals, and aimed at completing a detailed follow-up of complaints.

Characteristics of online shopping behaviour among Tunisians consumers

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic confinement, the number of people shopping online has increased all over the word. To date, little is known about the online shopping behaviours of Tunisians consumers.ObjectivesEvaluate the characteristics of internet shopping among Tunisian consumers.MethodsA cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted among subjects who had already made at least one online purchase. Data was collected using a self-questionnaire published by GOOGLE FORMS. We used a survey form collecting socio-demographic data, personal history and characteristics of online shopping behaviour.ResultsA total of 137 participants aged 34.62 ± 9.82 years took part in this study.All participants had made at least one online purchase, with 43.8% (N=60) purchasing “More than once a year”. The products purchased were most often textiles and shoes (50.4%; N=69). The main reasons consumers gave for buying online were special offers (37.2%, N=51), reduced prices (25.5%, N=35) and free delivery (14.6%, N=20). Almost half of the participants (N=63; 46%) said that they had visited physical shops less since they started shopping online. Regarding the average online shopping budget, 44.5% of consumers (N=61) spent less than 50 dinars/month and 18.2% (N=16) did not use all the products they bought online. Almost half of participants (N=68, 49.6%) feared that their credit card information would be at risk. The majority of respondents (88.9%) thought they might receive a faulty product following online shopping.ConclusionsOur study has enabled us to identify certain factors that may act as a blocker for online purchasing. So that, stablishing strategic actions for the continuous improvement of online shopping services with the reduction of subjectivity in customer perception will be helpful.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Could Children's Myopization Have Been Avoided during the Pandemic Confinement? The Conjunctival Ultraviolet Autofluorescence (CUVAF) Biomarker as an Answer.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of the presence of conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) with the level and progression of myopia and the impact of reduced sunlight exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement (PC). A retrospective observational study was carried out using three cohorts, children (9-17 years old), young adults (18-25 years old), and adults (>40 years old) with myopia (≤0.75D) and at least three annual eye examinations (before and after PC). All participants underwent an automatic objective refraction and CUVAF area analysis. All the participants filled out a questionnaire regarding lifestyle and myopia history. The 298 recruited participants showed that during the PC, children's and young adults' myopia progression rate increased on average by -0.50 and -0.30 D/year, respectively, compared with the pre-pandemic level (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01). A significantly greater progression was observed in those with low baseline myopia compared to those with moderate or high myopia (p < 0.01). CUVAF shows its protective effect associated with outdoor activity (OA) with regard to the age of onset of myopia and mean diopters (p < 0.01). In fact, although there were no differences in the increase in diopters between children with and without CUVAF during the PC, those who had CUVAF started with lower gains (-0.3 D/year) compared to those who did not (-0.5 D/year; p < 0.05). The myopia treatments (atropine drops, Ortho-K, and MiSight® contact lenses) showed a reduction effect in myopic progression rate post-PC in comparison with non-treated children (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The strict restriction of OA during PC led to the rate of myopia progression doubling among children and young adults. This progression occurred mainly in children with previously low myopia, and CUVAF, as a biomarker of OA, reflects its potential to provide benefits in the form of recommended behavioral changes to protect against the development of myopia.

The roles of stress mindset and personality in the impact of life stress on emotional well-being in the context of Covid-19 confinement: A diary study.

Previous studies indicate that COVID-19 confinement has led to an increase in psychological distress and a decrease in overall well-being. This longitudinal study aims to investigate how stress mindset and personality traits moderate the impact of life stress on the development of emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement. Our study collected daily life stress and emotions data from 134 participants over 14 consecutive days using the diary method. We used hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to analyze the data, examining within-person and between-person effects. Life stress predicted moderate increases in positive emotions and strong increases in negative emotions over time. A stress-is-enhancing stress mindset was associated with greater positive emotions at baseline and mitigated the link between life stress and negative emotions. Among the Big Five personality traits, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were associated with higher baseline levels of positive emotions. Agreeableness and conscientiousness mitigated the link between life stress and negative emotions. Neuroticism was associated with higher baseline levels of negative emotions and moderately mitigated the link between life stress and positive emotions. The interaction between neuroticism and stress-is-enhancing mindset predicted greater negative emotions and mitigated the link between life stress and positive emotions. In contrast, the interaction between stress-is-enhancing mindset and the other four personality traits mitigated the positive link between life stress and negative emotions. Overall, these findings suggest that life stress from confinement leads to a decrease in daily emotional well-being as the confinement prolongs. Personality traits-agreeableness, conscientiousness, and a stress-is-enhancing stress mindset-act as protective roles in mitigating life stress' effect on reduced emotional well-being over time. The findings advance our knowledge in understanding the roles of personality traits and stress-is-enhancing mindset in explaining the heterogeneity in the impact of life stress on emotional well-being.

Sleep Quality and Mental Health in Students at a Jungle University in Peru: A Cross-sectional Study During COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement

ObjectiveThe objective was to evaluate the association between sleep quality and mental health in students at a jungle university in Peru. Materials and methodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on university students ≥18 years old during September and November 2020. Mental health status was measured with General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The association was assessed using linear regression models, and crude (βc) and adjusted (βa) beta regression coefficients with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. ResultsTwo hundred and seventy-nine students were evaluated, 35.1% were 20–21 years old and 56.6% were male. The mean PSQI was 7.9±3.2, and 75.3% presented sleep problems. The mean GHQ-12 was 14.0±6.6, and 57.7% showed suspected psychopathology. The total sleep quality score (βa=0.36; 95% CI: 0.11–0.61; p=0.005), as well as, higher component scores, subjective sleep quality (βa=1.57; 95% CI: 0.28–2.87; p=0.018), sleep duration (βa=1.25; 95% CI: 0.35–2.16; p=0.007), hypnotic medication use (βa=1.79; 95% CI: 0.43–3.15; p=0.010), and daytime dysfunction (βa=1.15; 95% CI: 0.10–2.19; p=0.032), were associated with worse mental health status score. ConclusionAfter 6 months of initiation of COVID-19 confinement, the frequency of sleep disturbance and mental health were elevated. Sleep quality disturbance was associated with worse mental health status.

Online grooming among Portuguese adolescents and the COVID-19 lockdown: Relationship with other types of victimization

Background: Online grooming is the sexual solicitations and interactions between an adult and a minor, aiming to sexually abuse or obtain sexual material for the sexual satisfaction of themselves or others. Experiencing victimization during childhood or adolescence increases the probability of exposure to other types of victimization. Objectives: This study analyses the relationship between grooming, other types of juvenile victimization, and consensual sexting. We compare victims and non-victims of online grooming concerning sexting, sextortion, juvenile victimization, and online parental control. We also aim to identify the prevalence of online grooming in the present sample during and after the COVID-19 pandemic confinement and the impact of other types of juvenile victimization on grooming. Participants: The sample comprised 106 Portuguese adolescents (57 boys and 49 girls) aged 12 to 15. Method: Participants answered the sociodemographic questionnaire that contemplates online parental control and sextortion items, the Questionnaire for Online Sexual Solicitations and Interactions with Adults, the Sexting Questionnaire, and the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. Results: The results showed a positive correlation between online grooming, juvenile victimization, and sexting, as well as statistically significant differences between victims and non-victims of online grooming. Victims showed higher levels of sexting, sextortion, and other juvenile victimization. It also revealed higher levels of sexting and online grooming during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Predictive validity showed that peer/sibling victimization and sexual victimization predicted online grooming. Conclusions: This study promotes a better understanding of online grooming by exploring the association between different types of victimization.

FRI053 Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Weight And Lifestyle In Patients From The Endocrinology Department In Uruguay

Abstract Disclosure: C. Rotundo: None. V. Maguna: None. B. Martinez: None. F. Larrea: None. N. Langlois: None. P. Lopez: None. P. Agüero: None. M.M. Pineyro: None. In Uruguay, on March 13 of 2020 the government decreed a “Health Emergency” due to the COVID 19 pandemic with voluntary confinement, which ended on April 5, 2022. Social isolation, with temporary closure of workplaces, restaurants, gyms and other public spaces abruptly changed the lifestyle of the population. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the pandemic on physical activity, body weight, quantity and quality of food, and sleep habits in patients that attended the Endocrinology Department of our Hospital from July to September of 2022. We performed an observational-descriptive-cross-sectional study that included 93 patients. A survey about eating habits, physical activity and sleep was performed and anthropometric measurements (height, weight) were taken. Results: The median age was 60 years (range 21-83), 63.4% female. Fifty-eight percent of patients had HTN, 50.5% diabetes mellitus, 37.6% thyroid disease and 32.3% dyslipidemia. Between the period before the pandemic and the pandemic, patients gained 0.6 kg (p=0.71), between the pandemic and after it they gained 1.5 kg (p=0.88). Pre-pandemic and post-pandemic the increase was of 2.1 kg (p=0.32). A significant increase in obesity was found before and after the pandemic (26.9% vs. 36.6%, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Fifty-six percent performed physical exercise before the pandemic, during the pandemic it decreased to 38.7% (p=0.0001), at the expense of aerobic exercise (27% decrease, p=0.0001). Before the pandemic, 39.8% met the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week, which decreased to 22.6% during the pandemic (p=0.0001). Thirty-one point two percent reported changing eating habits (increased snacks, processed foods, fruits, vegetables and sugary drinks), and 30% consumed more food at night. The number of hours of sleep in both periods was the same (median 7 hours). We found a significant increase in problems falling asleep (5.4%, p=0.0001) and staying asleep (9.7%, p=0.0001). Conclusion: We found a negative effect of the covid-19 pandemic confinement on the frequency of obesity, levels of physical activity and unfavorable changes in eating habits and sleep. A significant increase in obesity was found, as well as a decrease in physical activity in a quarter of the population, and a significant increase in problems falling asleep and staying asleep. In addition, we observed unfavorable changes in food consumption in a third of the population (increase in snacks, processed food, and sugary drinks). However, we found healthy changes during the pandemic, such as increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. These changes can have significant short- and long-term consequences on health of the population. The promotion of measures to recover and maintain healthy lifestyle habits is required, as well as to counteract the impact of lockdown on weight gain to prevent the long-term effects of the pandemic on health. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Perception of MBBS Students to Flipped Classroom Approach during the COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted medical education, necessitating the adoption of remote teaching methods. One such approach is the flipped classroom (FC), where students learn independently through pre-recorded lectures and other online resources before attending virtual interactive sessions. Aim: We aimed to assess the perception of 1st-year MBBS about FC Model, in terms of their learning and academic progress. Methods: To assess students’ perception regarding flipped class model, a priorly validated semi-structured questionnaire was used. In part 1, students were asked to rate their perceptions on Likert scale of 1–5. Part 2 of the questionnaire was regarding students’ involvement in a FC. Results: More than 60% agreed that slides of lecture and other lecture material should be given in advance. Majority (&gt;72%) agreed that lecture time was sufficient for the discussion of the topic. More than 50% suggested that slides can be used for future reference. A large majority &gt;90% agreed that discussion of the topic is required in the classroom and only material reading or discussion with peers is not sufficient. Most of the students (70%) did not discuss slides or lecture material with classmates or peers. Majority had gone through the slides before the lecture at least sometimes, whereas more than 60% preferred going through the slides and discussing with peers after the lecture. Conclusion: The findings of this study show a positive perception and liking of students towards FC approach.

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.

Refractive Error Changes Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement in Children From Puerto Rico: A Retrospective Study.

The progression of myopia increased in children after the pandemic confinement. A myopic shift in the refractive error of the Hispanic population was found regardless of the refractive status of the school-aged children studied. This study aimed to evaluate the refractive error in Puerto Rican children before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We were interested in whether there was a significant change in refractive error attributed to online learning during the pandemic lockdown. A retrospective record review of children aged 7 to 18 years that underwent a comprehensive visual evaluation between 2018 and 2021 at the Inter American Eye Institute in Puerto Rico. The spherical equivalent pre- and post-lockdown were compared. The study excluded the best corrected visual acuities worse than 20/40, any corneal or retinal disease, and amblyopia. In total, 801 records were included in this study. The mean age was 12.7 ± 3.2, with (50.3%) males and (49.7%) females. The mean spherical equivalent for the right and left eyes was similar (r = .93, P ≤ .001). A significant difference in the mean spherical equivalent was found pre and post-lockdown (0.22 ± 0.59 D, t(800) = 10.44 P ≤ .001). A myopic shift post-lockdown was significant for all ages except those in the seven (0.13 ± 0.79 D, t(28) = 0.84, P = .40) and 8-year-old range (0.12 ± 0.65 D, t(40) = 1.22, P = .23), respectively. No significant change was found between genders pre (0.16 ± 0.12 D; t(799) = 1.38, P = .16) and post (0.15 ± 0.13 D; t(799) = 1.19 P = .23) confinement. The current study revealed a significant myopic shift in Hispanic school-aged children as a result of the pandemic confinement.

Food Purchase Prioritization During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Latin America

ABSTRACT The paper determines the prioritization of household food purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement in Latin America. This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire including sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and food purchasing prioritization information was sent through digital platforms. A total of 6,357 individuals participated; 83.6% were women, 56.3% belonged to the middle socioeconomic level. Low socioeconomic level was correlated with high prioritization of rice/pasta, potatoes, cookies, sugar/bread, flours, and sweets. The higher the socioeconomic level, the higher the purchasing of alcohol, nuts, vegetables, and meats. Purchase prioritization is related to the socioeconomic level of the participants.

Relationship between COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement and Worsening or Onset of Depressive Disorders.

Several studies indicate that the pandemic and associated confinement measures may have had an impact on mental health, producing the onset or persistence of symptoms such as stress, anxiety, depression, and fear. This systematic review aims to identify the factors influencing the onset or worsening of depressive symptoms during COVID-19-related confinement. Our systematic search produced 451 articles from selected databases, 398 of which were excluded based on established criteria, while 53 were selected for review. Most studies have reported an increase in the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the general population during the first weeks of confinement. The predominant risk factors associated with the appearance of depressive symptoms included female sex, low educational level, young age, economic difficulties, comorbidities, and a history of previous depressive episodes. People with a pre-existing diagnosis of depressive disorder generally experienced a worsening of their symptoms during confinement in most of the reviewed studies. Moreover, symptomatology persisted at higher levels post-confinement, without significant improvement despite relief in confinement measures. Therefore, ongoing evaluations of post-pandemic depressive symptoms are necessary to advance the knowledge of the relationship between pandemics and depression, allowing accurate conclusions and associations to be made.

Sleep Disturbances and Mental Well-Being of Preschool Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico.

COVID-19 pandemic confinement caused changes in families and children's routines worldwide. Studies conducted at the beginning of the pandemic have examined the harmful effects of these changes on mental health, including sleep disturbances. As sleep is essential for optimal childhood development, this study was designed to determine preschool-aged (3-6 years old) children's sleep parameters and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. Using a cross-sectional design, a survey was applied to parents of preschool children, inquiring about their children's confinement status, routine changes, and electronics use. The parents responded to the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to assess children's sleep and mental well-being. To provide objective sleep data, the children wore wrist actigraphy for seven days. Fifty-one participants completed the assessment. The children's mean age was 5.2 years, and the prevalence of sleep disturbances was 68.6%. The use of electronic tablets in the bedroom near bedtime and symptoms of mental health deterioration (i.e., emotional distress and behavioral difficulties) were associated with sleep disturbances and their severity. The COVID-19 pandemic's confinement-related routine changes greatly impacted preschool children's sleep and well-being. We recommend establishing age-tailored interventions to manage children at higher risk.

Exploratory study on health anxiety in Colombian university students during COVID-19 pandemic confinement in the second semester of 2020

Introducción: la ansiedad por la salud es un estado psicológico caracterizado por cierto tipo de creencias, emociones y actitudes hacia la posibilidad de contraer una enfermedad. La ansiedad por la salud ha sido considerada un mediador de la respuesta psicológica ante la pandemia generada por el COVID-19. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de ansiedad por la salud de una muestra de estudiantes universitarios colombianos, discriminando y comparando en función de ciertas variables sociodemográficas, y describir sus principales características durante el confinamiento social en el segundo semestre del 2020. Metodología: se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, no experimental, de nivel descriptivo y corte transversal en una muestra de 1004 estudiantes de pregrado de 3 instituciones de educación superior de la ciudad de Medellín. Se utilizó el Inventario Breve de Ansiedad por la Salud. Resultados: el valor de la media para la ansiedad por la salud estuvo por encima del valor reportado por otros estudios. Se encontraron altos porcentajes de preocupación por la salud (39,64 %), consciencia del malestar/dolor (63,3 %), miedo de tener una enfermedad grave (20,01 %), interés por las sensaciones o cambios corporales (68,92 %), riesgo de padecer una enfermedad grave (30,33 %) y consecuencias sobre la vida (35,75 %). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en ninguna de las comparaciones entre grupos. Conclusiones: la preocupación por la salud y la ansiedad durante las epidemias/pandemias pueden tener un impacto psicológico importante, además de estar relacionadas con un comportamiento preventivo ineficaz y tener consecuencias adversas en el largo plazo.

Age and fasting blood sugar levels are associated factors for mindful eating among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients during COVID-19 pandemic confinement.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the eating behaviours of many people, especially Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study aimed to determine the level of mindful eating and its associated factors among T2DM patients at a primary care clinic near Kuala Lumpur. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 18th December 2020 to 5th March 2021 during the movement control order in Malaysia. Respondents were recruited using systematic random sampling via an electronic appointment system. They completed a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic, clinical profiles, and a Malay-translated Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ-M). Their blood pressure and body mass index were taken during the appointment day while the remaining clinical profiles such as fasting blood sugar (FBS) were obtained from the medical record. Two hundred respondents were recruited with a mean (SD) age of 57.0 (10.90) years. More than half of them were female (54%). Two-thirds of them had uncontrolled diabetes based on elevated FBS of >7 mmol/L (61.5%) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of >7% (67%), respectively. The mean (SD) score for mindful eating was 2.9 (0.25). Multiple logistic regression revealed that older respondents had a higher level of mindful eating [(AOR = 1.05, p-value 0.01, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09)]. In addition, elevated FBS level was also associated with a greater level of mindful eating [(AOR = 2.55, p-value 0.01, 95% CI = 1.28–5.07)]. Therefore, healthcare providers should promote mindful eating during the consultation, especially among younger patients. Blood glucose monitoring is also recommended to instil awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits.

Impact of Daycare Service Interruption during COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Functions and Nutrition in Older People with Dementia.

This study evaluated changes of cognitive, physical, and nutritional status before and after the interruption and resumption of daycare services during the COVID-19 pandemic in older dementia people in a daycare center. Comprehensive geriatric assessment data were analyzed before and after the lockdown of daycare center services, including mini-mental state examination, activities of daily living (ADL) scores, mini-nutritional assessment-short forms (MNA-SF), and timed up-and-go (TUG) tests. Among 19 dementia people participating in daycare services, 17 participants were enrolled in the study with, finally, two excluded because of incomplete follow-ups. They had a median age of 81 years; their MNA-SF scores and TUG values deteriorated significantly after a 3-month closure of daycare services (p < 0.05), and after resumption of daycare services the MNA-SF scores and TUG values recovered to near the pre-lockdown levels (p < 0.05). Besides, baseline ADL scores predicted a decline and recovery of TUG and MNA-SF values. Our findings suggest that planning continuous support for older dementia adults is important for daycare facilities during COVID-19 pandemic confinement.

Stress Predictors in Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has largely impacted nursing education. Owing to the element of confinement, emergency education fostered conflicts between problems and their solutions, leading to higher stress among students. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the determinants of perceived stress in nursing students during confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This multicentric, quantitative, and cross-sectional study employed the multiple linear regression model. The study was conducted at seven nursing graduate schools in the Iberian Peninsula, with 1,058 nursing graduate students in confinement. An online questionnaire was administered to nursing students between April 23 rd and May 02 nd , 2020. According to socio-demographic data, COVID-19 experience, satisfaction with learning strategies, and coping strategies ( Brief COPE scale ) of the nursing students, the model was developed with the Perceived Stress Scale as the explained variable. Results: Stress is predictable in the form of greater coping-avoidance (b = 2.415; p &lt; .001) when a family member is infected (b = -2.354; p = .005) and in younger students (b = -.104; p = .002). It tends to be lower with higher coping-reflective (b = -2.365; p &lt; .001) and when the students have a more favourable self-perceived life (b = -1.206; p &lt; .001). Furthermore, the stress has been found to be higher in Portuguese students (b = -1.532; p &lt; .001) and women (b = 2.276; p &lt; .001) than their Spain and male counterparts, respectively. Among variables related to academics, perceived stress is higher when the students are dissatisfied with the time spent on the computer (b = 1.938) and with the evaluation methods (b = 1.448). Conclusion: Personal factors and the ease of mobilisation of the proposed training strategies affect the students’ ability to deal with stress. Emergency education should consider stress predictors so that the students can adapt to training better.

Thirdhand Smoke Exposure in Homes with Children under 48 Months during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement in Barcelona (Spain)

Background/Objectives: Due to serious restrictions on mobility, some children might have increased exposure to THS due to home confinement. To characterize third-hand smoke (THS) exposure in children under 48 months at homes in Spain during the confinement of the first wave of COVID-19.Methods: Cross-sectional study of a non-probabilistic sample of parents (n = 311). The gathered information was about smoking status, second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure of their children, and voluntary regulation of tobacco consumption at their home. A variable of THS exposure at home was derived, classifying as ‘THS exposed’ those children whose parents reported living with a smoker or with smoking parents and non-exposed to SHS; ‘Non exposed’ children were, therefore, all other children.Results: Almost a quarter of the children (23.5%) were exposed to THS. This prevalence was significantly higher among those children whose parents increased tobacco consumption during confinement (40.5%), whose parents had lower or medium educational levels (42.9% and 41.7%), and with younger parents (24.8%). In contrast, the prevalence was significantly lower among those children living in homes with complete voluntary smoke restrictions (21.1%).Conclusions/Recommendations: To reduce THS exposure among children, it is important to work on information campaigns to raise awareness regarding THS exposure, promote recommendations to avoid exposure to THS, and develop legislation promoting smoke-free environments (in homes and vehicles).

E-learning education problems facing nursing students in Jordanian universities during COVID-19 pandemic confinement

Background: E-learning is a relatively new and rapidly growing trend in nursing education, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 epidemic. Thus, it is critical to accurately identify the problems and alternatives that obstruct and enforce the type of learning that intends to encourage and enable nursing students' usage of e-learning. Objective: This study examined the problems encountered by nursing students pursuing Baccalaureate degrees at four Jordanian public and private universities as they transitioned from face-to-face to e-learning education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study enrolled 260 participants across four years from nursing faculties at four prominent public and private universities in Amman. They were asked to complete an electronic survey on a 30-item Likert scale. Result: While there are no statistically significant differences in the e-learning education problems encountered by nursing students at Jordanian universities according to gender or year level, this does not mean that the problems encountered by female and male students at various year levels are identical). There are statistically significant differences (=0.05) in the e-learning education problems faced by nursing students at Jordanian universities, with private universities outperforming public universities.

The Digital Divide of Know-How and Use of Digital Technologies in Higher Education: The Case of a College in Latin America in the COVID-19 Era.

To determine whether or not digital inequalities exist, the frequency, duration, satisfaction, importance, and perceived competence of eighteen groups of digital tools during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement were examined. An online survey was administered to 2882 Latin American university students (49% female; M = 21.3 years). The following items are checked: (1) increased digital inequalities during the pandemic; (2) adequate reliability and validity of the Digital Technology Survey (DTS) instrument; (3) patterns of digital inequalities to the detriment of men, lower strata and unemployed people; and (4) evidence that the importance of digital activities as a causal factor on satisfaction with such digital activities as an outcome is mediated by the purpose of use and communication recipients, but not by strata or employment status, nor moderated by gender. The results are discussed in the light of previous studies, the limitations of the study and future perspectives.