COVID-19 Pandemic Research Articles

The Effect of Coronavirus Pandemic on the Treatment of Gynecological and Breast Cancers

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, various groups, including women with cancer, were affected as a high-risk group in terms of disease diagnosis and treatment. Despite the importance of therapeutic changes in cancers, such as breast and gynecological cancer, there is no comprehensive study in this regard that also refers to the coronavirus. The need for a deep understanding of the impact of coronavirus on the treatment plan of this group of patients caused the researcher to design and implement this study that aims to investigate the treatment challenge among cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: To answer the study question, a comprehensive search was carried out in databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus, using keywords, including cancer, gynecologic cancer, breast cancer, treatment, delay, and modification. Full-texted, English language and original articles were included in this study. Results: In total, 27 articles were selected for the study. The findings of this study revealed that COVID-19 greatly affects the treatment of gynecology and breast cancer. These patients experience delay or modification of cancer treatment. Increased time between diagnosis and treatment, delay, change or cancellation of surgery and change in treatment plan are the most important changes in cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various aspects of gynecology and breast cancer care worldwide. In the current pandemic, there has been a significant delay in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological and breast cancer, which, due to its higher morbidity and mortality, has made the condition more difficult for cancer patients and treatment teams.

Impact of the 100 days mission for vaccines on COVID-19: a mathematical modelling study

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the beneficial impact of vaccines. It also highlighted the need for future investments to expedite an equitable vaccine distribution. The 100 Days Mission aims to develop and make available a new vaccine against a future pathogen with pandemic potential within 100 days of that pathogen threat being recognised. We assessed the value of this mission by estimating the impact that it could have had on the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a previously published model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics fitted to excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, we projected scenarios for three different investment strategies: rapid development and manufacture of a vaccine, increasing manufacturing capacity to eliminate supply constraints, and strengthening health systems to enable faster vaccine roll-outs and global equity. Each scenario was compared against the observed COVID-19 pandemic to estimate the public health and health-economic impacts of each scenario. If countries implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) as they did historically, the 100 Days Mission could have averted an estimated 8·33 million deaths (95% credible interval [CrI] 7·70-8·68) globally, mostly in lower-middle income countries. This corresponds to a monetary saving of US$14·35 trillion (95% CrI 12·96-17·87) based on the value of statistical life-years saved. Investment in manufacturing and health systems further increases deaths averted to 11·01 million (95% CrI 10·60-11·49). Under an alternative scenario whereby NPIs are lifted earlier on the basis of vaccine coverage, the 100 Days Mission alone could have reduced restrictions by 12 600 days (95% CrI 12 300-13 100) globally while still averting 5·76 million deaths (95% CrI 4·91-6·81). Our findings show the value of the 100 Days Mission and how these can be amplified through improvements in manufacturing and health systems equity. However, these investments must be enhanced by prioritising a more equitable global vaccine distribution. Schmidt Science Fellowship in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, WHO, UK Medical Research Council, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Lessons Learned From Extracorporeal Life Support Practice and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly being used to support patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consensus guidance recommended extracorporeal life support for patients with COVID-19-related cardiopulmonary disease refractory to optimal conventional therapy, prompting a substantial expansion in the use of this support modality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was particularly integral to the bridging of COVID-19 patients to heart or lung transplantation. Limited human and physical resources precluded widespread utilization of mechanical support during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating careful patient selection and optimal management by expert healthcare teams for judicious extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use. This review outlines the evidence supporting the use of extracorporeal life support in COVID-19, describes the practice and outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19-related respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock, and proposes lessons learned for the implementation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to transplantation in future public health emergencies.

Rejection sensitivity and Turnover Intention During COVID-19: The Moderating Effect of Extraversion

The COVID-19 pandemic has largely disrupted the life of sojourners. This study investigates factors that affect sojourners’ turnover intention during the pandemic. We hypothesize a positive relationship between sojourners’ intercultural rejection sensitivity and their turnover intention. Meanwhile, deeply rooted in the trait activation theory, we hypothesize that extraversion strengthens this relationship. Using two-wave data and a sample of sojourners working/studying at a southeastern U.S. university, we found that intercultural rejection sensitivity positively relates to sojourners’ turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, extraversion moderates this relationship, such that the positive relationship between intercultural rejection sensitivity and turnover intention is stronger when extraversion is high. These findings extend our understanding of sojourners’ turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trends in Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Cannabis Among Young Adults in Washington State From Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives. To examine trends in young adult self-reported driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI-A), cannabis (DUI-C), and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (DUI-AC) in a state with legalized nonmedical cannabis use from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. We used logistic regression and annual statewide data from the Washington Young Adult Health Survey to assess DUI behaviors from 2016 to 2021. Results. Both prepandemic yearly changes in prevalence and deviations from those trends during the pandemic years were small and not statistically significant. However, prevalence estimates were alarming: 12.0% of participants reported DUI-A, 12.5% reported DUI-C, and 2.7% reported DUI-AC. Exploratory moderation analyses indicated a relative increase in DUI-A during 2020 among 4-year college students relative to young adults not attending 4-year colleges. Conclusions. Young adults in Washington State continued to engage in risky DUI behaviors during the pandemic. College students may have increased their likelihood of DUI-A during COVID-19. Public Health Implications. Young adults, for whom vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death, showed little change in DUI behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is continued need for young adult DUI prevention efforts. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S8):S698-S701. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307767).

Affective Responses, Appraisal processes, and Coping Mechanisms in Intercultural Teams: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic

This research study examines the challenges faced by intercultural teams and the coping mechanisms employed while working on a virtual business professional project during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing upon affect event theory and appraisal theory, the study sheds light on the interplay between affective responses, cognitive appraisals, and coping mechanisms adopted by teams during the pandemic crisis. The findings offer valuable insights into effective strategies for steering intercultural teams during and after pandemic crisis. These insights are beneficial for both scholars and practitioners seeking to improve intercultural communication and collaboration within virtual work settings.

Epidemiology of Streptococcus pyogenes Disease before, during, and after COVID-19 Pandemic, Germany, 2005-2023.

We analyzed 3,081 invasive and noninvasive Streptococcus pyogenes cases (January 2005-December 2023) at a tertiary care hospital in southwest Germany. Absolute numbers of case-patients increased each year from 2005 until the COVID-19 pandemic. Odds ratios for invasive streptococcal disease were significantly influenced by year, male sex, and older age.

Model analysis of private teachers' innovative work behavior improvement after the COVID-19 pandemic

After the COVID-19 pandemic, educational organizations' learning process experienced significant changes, especially related to innovative work behavior. It is undeniable that building innovative work behavior requires strong self-efficacy and organizational commitment and is supported by conducive workplace happiness. This research aims to analyze models for improving the innovative work behavior of private teachers after the COVID-19 pandemic based on self-efficacy, organizational commitment, and workplace happiness. The research model is oriented towards a quantitative causality approach. Data was collected online using a Google form, and a sample of 100 teachers was obtained. Using a purposive sampling formula, the foundation for sample determination is geared toward a non-probability sampling strategy. Instrument tests, normality tests, regression tests, correlation tests, hypothesis tests, and coefficient of determination were all utilized in data analysis. The results of the study demonstrate that innovative work behavior is highly influenced by workplace happiness, organizational commitment, and self-efficacy. According to the study's conclusions, encouraging creative work behavior requires teachers to have the confidence to do so. Furthermore, the psychological state of educators has a significant impact on their ability to generate novel and creative ideas.

Organisational and Ethical Challenges While Caring for Older People During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: AFocus Group Study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older people in Sweden's residential care facilities and home care services experienced high mortality rates. Prior to the pandemic, the care of older people in Sweden was challenged by organisational and regulatory changes, an ageing population and insufficient increases in staff numbers. These issues led to high staff turnover, increased workloads, stress, burnout and a perceived inability to provide satisfactory care. The pandemic brought about increased job strain, stress, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among the staff who cared for older people. The aim of this study was therefore to focus on assistant nurses and care aides' experiences of their work environments when caring for older people during the pandemic in Sweden. The data were collected through four focus groups interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results showed that the care staff had to navigate organisational and ethical challenges in poor and unsafe work environments. They lacked supportive leadership in their respective organisations, were neither valued, seen nor heard and were treated as 'plain doers'. During the pandemic, they were unable to protect or communicate easily with the older people in their care, which had harsh consequences. According to the participants, the pandemic left them, their working conditions and this part of the care system in a worse situation than before the pandemic. The pandemic thus revealed more unsustainable and unethical working conditions for the staff than before it, including the vulnerability of the older people in their care. The findings highlights the need of policies that ensure adequate training and instruction on medical issues, for managers responsible for overseeing the care of older people. There are also a need of provision of sufficient support for care staff and health care professionals during crises. The findings also underscore the need of feasible and efficient strategies do disseminate care information and address the psychosocial needs of older people.

Changes in Health Spending During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Expenditure Type and Household Profiles in Mexican Households

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the changes in the health expenditure of households in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic to approximate changes in healthcare that can lead to difficulties in detecting noncommunicable diseases, among others. MethodsWe compare health spending before and after the pandemic through various estimators using multivariate linear regression models at the household level. We also explore heterogeneous effects by zone, sex, and household composition by age. We explore potential mechanisms of change estimating probit models of healthcare. We use microdata from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2018 and COVID-19. ResultsThe results suggest a significant reduction in health spending, mainly referring to oral health, clinical analysis, and medical studies. Moreover, differences arise by type of area and household age profile. Changes are more significant among families with children younger than 12 years and households situated in urban areas. Regarding the mechanisms, the results suggest that the lower spending is not due to fewer health needs but rather due to less healthcare attention. ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic had a significant and heterogeneous impact on household health spending. This lower spending could lead to less detection of noncommunicable diseases, translating into more pressure on the health system in the medium and long term.

COVID-19 testing and reporting behaviours in England across different sociodemographic groups: a population-based study using testing data and data from community prevalence surveillance surveys

Understanding underlying mechanisms of heterogeneity in test-seeking and reporting behaviour during an infectious disease outbreak can help to protect vulnerable populations and guide equity-driven interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic probably exerted different stresses on individuals in different sociodemographic groups and ensuring fair access to and usage of COVID-19 tests was a crucial element of England's testing programme. We aimed to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 testing behaviours in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. We did a population-based study of COVID-19 testing behaviours with mass COVID-19 testing data for England and data from community prevalence surveillance surveys (REACT-1 and ONS-CIS) from Oct 1, 2020, to March 30, 2022. We used mass testing data for lateral flow device (LFD; data for approximately 290 million tests performed and reported) and PCR (data for approximately 107 million tests performed and returned from the laboratory) tests made available for the general public and provided by date and self-reported age and ethnicity at the lower tier local authority (LTLA) level. We also used publicly available data on mean population size estimates for individual LTLAs, and data on ethnic groups, age groups, and deprivation indices for LTLAs. We did not have access to REACT-1 or ONS-CIS prevalence data disaggregated by sex or gender. Using a mechanistic causal model to debias the PCR testing data, we obtained estimates of weekly SARS-CoV-2 prevalence by both self-reported ethnic groups and age groups for LTLAs in England. This approach to debiasing the PCR (or LFD) testing data also estimated a testing bias parameter defined as the odds of testing in infected versus not infected individuals, which would be close to zero if the likelihood of test seeking (or seeking and reporting) was the same regardless of infection status. With confirmatory PCR data, we estimated false positivity rates, sensitivity, specificity, and the rate of decline in detection probability subsequent to reporting a positive LFD for PCR tests by sociodemographic groups. We also estimated the daily incidence, allowing us to calculate the fraction of cases captured by the testing programme. From March, 2021 onwards, individuals in the most deprived regions reported approximately half as many LFD tests per capita as individuals in the least deprived areas (median ratio 0·50 [IQR 0·44-0·54]). During the period October, 2020, to June, 2021, PCR testing patterns showed the opposite trend, with individuals in the most deprived areas performing almost double the number of PCR tests per capita than those in the least deprived areas (1·8 [1·7-1·9]). Infection prevalences in Asian or Asian British individuals were considerably higher than those of other ethnic groups during the alpha (B.1.1.7) and omicron (B.1.1.529) BA.1 waves. Our estimates indicate that the England Pillar 2 COVID-19 testing programme detected 26-40% of all cases (including asymptomatic cases) over the study period with no consistent differences by deprivation levels or ethnic groups. Testing biases for PCR were generally higher than those for LFDs, in line with the general policy of symptomatic and asymptomatic use of these tests. Deprivation and age were associated with testing biases on average; however, the uncertainty intervals overlapped across deprivation levels, although the age-specific patterns were more distinct. We also found that ethnic minorities and older individuals were less likely to use confirmatory PCR tests through most of the pandemic and that delays in reporting a positive LFD test were possibly longer in populations self-reporting as "Black; African; Black British or Caribbean". Differences in testing behaviours across sociodemographic groups might be reflective of the higher costs of self-isolation to vulnerable populations, differences in test accessibility, differences in digital literacy, and differing perceptions about the utility of tests and risks posed by infection. This study shows how mass testing data can be used in conjunction with surveillance surveys to identify gaps in the uptake of public health interventions both at fine-scale levels and across sociodemographic groups. It provides a framework for monitoring local interventions and yields valuable lessons for policy makers in ensuring an equitable response to future pandemics. UK Health Security Agency.

The Frequency of Health Anxiety, Coronavirus Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder in Patients With Tinnitus During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Impact of Pandemic on Tinnitus.

This study aimed to examine the frequency of anxiety disorder, coronavirus anxiety and health anxiety in tinnitus patients during the pandemic and also, determined the psychophysiological impact of COVID-19 on tinnitus. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary central pandemic hospital from 15 July 2021 to 15 December 2022. In total, 124 patients with tinnitus and 77 healthy controls participated in the study. The sociodemographic data, a set of valid and reliable assessment instruments were used to measure outcomes of anxiety disorder, coronavirus anxiety, health anxiety and severity of tinnitus. Patients with tinnitus were found to experience higher levels of coronavirus anxiety, health anxiety and anxiety disorder than controls (p < 0.05). In tinnitus patients, the frequency of coronavirus anxiety was 22.6% and anxiety disorder was 18.5%. Notably, the levels of tinnitus severity were moderate to severe in more than half of the patients (51.6%) and also most of them (81.3%) reported that the severity of tinnitus during the pandemic was higher compared with the pre-pandemic. Tinnitus patients had high levels of anxiety disorder, coronavirus anxiety and health anxiety. In line with these findings, it was evaluated that there was a relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic with psychological problems and tinnitus. Therefore, the predominance of tinnitus symptoms at presentation should not lead the clinician to neglect the underlying psychopathological problems in these patients.

A comparative study of the growth indicators of infants born before and during the Covid-19 pandemic

IntroductionGrowth disorders pose significant mental and physical health challenges with long-term complications for children. As monitoring children's growth is of paramount importance, in the present study attempts are made to compare growth indicators of infants from birth to 12 months before and during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methodThe present descriptive-analytical study was conducted using cluster sampling method in 10 comprehensive healthcare centers and on 200 infants in southwest of Iran during 2023. The infants’ health records and growth chart before and during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic served as data collection instruments. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software and descriptive and analytical statistics. ResultEconomic hardship, job loss, maternal disease and neonatal acquired disease were found to be significantly higher during the pandemic outbreak compared to the pre-pandemic time. the average weight and BMI of the infants in both groups showed no significant difference from birth to two months old, but the difference was found to be significantly higher from 4 months to 1-year-old among infants born during the pandemic (P-value<0.05). Result this study showed that during the pandemic trend of The age of word articulation by infants was increasing (P-value=0.022) and at this time 6 cases of missed vaccination were observed. ConclusionThe results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic can affect the growth and development of infants, and may, in some cases, disrupt the growth and routine vaccination schedule during infancy and breastfeeding, which should be prevented by proper parental training.

Social Cognitive Predictors of Health Promotion Self-Efficacy Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To examine the relative importance of social cognitive predictors (ie, performance accomplishment, vicarious learning, verbal persuasion, affective state) on health promotion self-efficacy among older adults during COVID-19. Cross-sectional. Data collected online from participants in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Seventy-five adults (n = 75) aged ≥65years. Health promotion self-efficacy was measured using the Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale. Performance accomplishment was assessed using the health directed behavior subscale of the Health Education Impact Questionnaire; vicarious learning was measured using the positive social interaction subscale of the Medical Outcomes Survey - Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS); verbal persuasion was assessed using the informational support subscale from the MOS-SSS; and affective state was assessed using the depression subscale from the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relative importance of each social cognitive predictor on self-efficacy, after controlling for age. Our analyses revealed statistically significant associations between self-efficacy and performance accomplishment (health-directed behavior; β = .20), verbal persuasion (informational support; β = .41), and affective state (depressive symptoms; β = -.44) at P < .05. Vicarious learning (β = -.15) did not significantly predict self-efficacy. The model was statistically significant (P < .001) explaining 43% of the self-efficacy variance. Performance accomplishment experiences, verbal persuasion strategies, and affective states may be the target of interventions to modify health promotion self-efficacy among older adults, in environments that require physical and social distancing.

Analysis of different factors on dental students' perception of a flipped classroom model: A 6-year follow-up study.

To evaluate different factors affecting two different cohorts of dental students' perceptions with the flipped classroom (FC) model in a preclinical dental course over six years. In 2016 (cohort #1) and 2022 (cohort #2), second-year dental students participated in FC model in a preclinical dental course consisting of pre-class recorded videos and lectures along with classroom interactive exercises. Students then completed an anonymous pen-and-paper survey evaluating three factors influencing students' overall study experience with the FC model. Survey responses from cohort #1 and cohort #2 were compared to assess the effect of generation, student demographics and COVID-19 pandemic on students' perceptions. When asked to rate the FC experience out of 5, the mean ratings of cohort #1 and cohort #2 were 4.3 (±0.9) and 4.0 (±0.8), respectively. Cohort #2 preferred viewing slides and videos prior to class and had a higher agreement that pre-class course materials were beneficial to class preparation. Conversely, cohort #1 had a higher agreement that in-class discussion and exercises helped them to learn course content. From cohort #2, 88.6% of males and 71.6% of females preferred the FC approach over traditional lecture. Both cohorts reported positively with the FC model of teaching. Cohort #2 had higher positive reports with the pre-class work and cohort #1 had a higher positive report with in-class work. Course design should reflect the students' points of view and learning perspectives with careful consideration of the student population in the classroom.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in School Settings, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 2021-2022.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread school closures were implemented globally based on the assumption that transmission among children in the school environment is common. However, evidence regarding secondary infection rates by school type and level of contact is lacking. Our study estimated the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in school settings by examining the positivity rate according to school type and level of contact by using data from a large-scale school-based PCR project conducted in Okinawa, Japan, during 2021-2022. Our results indicate that, despite detection of numerous positive cases, the average number of secondary infections remained relatively low at ≈0.5 cases across all types of schools. Considering the profound effects of prolonged closures on educational access, balancing public health benefits against potential long-term effects on children is crucial.

Identification of highly conserved surface-exposed peptides of spike protein for multiepitope vaccine design against emerging omicron variants: An immunoinformatic approach

The COVID-19 pandemic, originating in Wuhan in 2019, was caused by SARS-CoV-2, leading to significant global fatalities. Despite the development of vaccines, the virus mutates, creating variants that evade vaccine-induced immunity. To address SARS-CoV-2′s evolving nature, a multiepitope vaccine was developed using immunoinformatics approach, specifically targeting the Omicron variant’s spike protein. This vaccine includes six CD8 + and eleven CD4 + epitopes selected for their immunogenicity, non-toxicity, and significant conservation among former Variants of Concern (VOCs) and Variants of Interest (VOIs), such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Lambda, Mu, R1, and Zeta, as well as current Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs) like XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, EG.5, BA.2.86, and JN.1. Notably, certain epitopes like ELLHAPATV and PYRVVVLSFELLHAP were fully conserved across all tested variants in the spike protein’s receptor binding domain (RBD). Others, such as NATRFASVYAWNRKR, were fully conserved in all former VOCs and VOIs and 93.33 % in current VUMs, while ERDISTEIYQAGNKP was entirely conserved in current VUMs within the RBD region. The study went on to model, refine, and validate the vaccine prototype’s tertiary structure. Docking experiments and molecular dynamic simulations revealed robust and stable interactions with Toll-like receptor 4. Cloning and codon optimization confirmed successful expression in E. coli. Subsequently, the immunological reaction of the multiepitope vaccine demonstrated that the three-time administration of the prototype significantly enhanced the antibody response while decreasing the number of antigens. The designed vaccine’s epitopes showed significant combined global population coverage of 100 % with 89.75 % for CD8 + and 99.98 % for CD4 + epitopes and conservation across SARS-CoV-2 variants especially in current monitoring omicron subvariants, supporting its broader applicability and potential efficacy. Although, this promising vaccine candidate needs to undergo clinical trials to determine its effectiveness in neutralising SARS-CoV-2.

Negative and Positive Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canadians With Developmental Disabilities: AOne-Year Ontario-Based Survey.

Understanding the experiences of people with developmental disabilities during the initial period of COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers completed baseline and up to five follow-up online surveys using the CRISIS-AFAR measures, between July 2020 and September 2021. We used qualitative (thematic analysis) and quantitative (MANOVA) analytic methods. One hundred and eighteen participants (64 caregivers on individuals 6-62 years, 54 self-reporting individuals aged 17-55 years) completed baseline survey; 46 participants (23 caregivers, 23 self-reporting adults) completed ≥1 follow-up. Qualitative themes included uncertainty, and negative and positive influences on behaviours and routines, daily life and mental wellness. Those experiencing positive impacts did not stably perceive so longitudinally. Despite both negative and positive influences on individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, the prolonged pandemic had wide-ranging repercussions. Emergency preparedness planning should consider the disruptive effects of public health measures on routine and support for this vulnerable population.

Predictors of Fertility Desire During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Fertility, the most important factor in population growth, is affected by various factors, including pandemics. COVID-19 (CV) was a global challenge that spread rapidly around the world. Objective: This study aimed to investigate predictors of fertility desire during the covid virus pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 315 women who visited health centers in northern Iran for vaccination against covid virus were recruited using convenient sampling. The participants completed the sociodemographic information, Fertility Desire Scale, and Fear of covid virus scale. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the predictive factors of fertility desire. Results: The participants' mean age and marriage duration were 34.4 ± 6.7, and 7.3±11.5 years, respectively. It showed fertility desire among household women was about twofold more compared to employed ones [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.96, p = 0.009)]. The fertility desire was decreased among more educated women (OR = 0.43, p= 0.035), women with one child (OR = 0.44, p= 0.030), and women with no infant gender preferences (OR = 0.53, p= 0.032). Fear of covid virus and any history of covid virus infection in the participants or their close relatives did not change fertility desire (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, health policymakers should pay more attention to the potential effects of women's employment, their educational status, and their attitude toward infant gender preferences on fertility desire during the development of programs. Further research is needed to examine this empirical association on a global scale and its effect on trying to conceive.

Renewal of threat expectancy in an online contextual avoidance paradigm

Extinction of fear and avoidance is not permanent and can return following contextual changes (termed renewal). The aim of the current study was to investigate the renewal of avoidance, threat expectancy, and fear ratings in an online avoidance task administered during the COVID-19 pandemic. One-hundred and two participants completed a task consisting of habituation, threat conditioning, avoidance conditioning, extinction with response prevention, and renewal. Tests for renewal occurred either in the original conditioning context (ABA, n = 52) or the extinction context (ABB, n = 50). Images of a quiet and a busy street served as relevant contexts. Renewal was evident whereby the ABA group showed a significant increase in threat expectancy when tested in the conditioning context, which had not been extinguished. This effect was not found for avoidance or fear ratings, nor for the ABB group who underwent the renewal test in the extinction context. The current study demonstrated differential renewal of threat expectancy in an online contextual avoidance paradigm.