COVID-19 Social Isolation Research Articles

Do people recover from the impact of COVID-19 social isolation? Social connectivity and negative affective bias.

Do people recover from the impact of COVID-19 social isolation? Social connectivity and negative affective bias.

Health-Related Physical Fitness and Biochemical Parameters in Overweight Older People during Social Isolation Imposed by the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal and Observational Study.

With COVID-19, evidence indicates that the elderly will have worse biochemical markers related to health in social isolation. The objective was to analyze the impacts on physical fitness and biochemical parameters of older adults' health during COVID-19 social isolation. Quantitative, longitudinal, and observational study was conducted between 2020, 2021, and 2022. Thirty-three older adults of both sexes were evaluated. A sociodemographic questionnaire, biomarkers, and health-related physical fitness were used. Significant differences were observed for the sum of maximum isometric right and left handgrip strength, with a reduction in 2022 (p = 0.009); getting up and walking (p < 0.001), reduction in 2021 and 2022 (p < 0.05); elbow flexion and extension (p = 0.004), reduction in 2021 (p = 0.006); and sitting and standing (p = 0.002), reduction in 2022 (p = 0.003) and peak oxygen consumption (p < 0.001), reduction in 2021 and 2022 (p < 0.05). Differences were observed in fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), with increase in 2021 and 2022 (p < 0.05), triglycerides (p < 0.001), with increase in 2021 and 2022 (p < 0.05), triglyceride-glucose index (p < 0.001), with increase in 2021 and 2022 (p < 0.05), triglyceride-glucose index with waist circumference (p < 0.001), with increase in 2021 (p < 0.001); and triglyceride-glucose index with body mass index (p < 0.001), with increase in 2021 (p < 0.001). However, no differences were observed between anthropometric and body composition (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Older people had changes in biochemical and physical fitness parameters related to health during the social isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adherence of Brazilian Minors to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines after In-Person School Return.

The levels of adequacy of movement behaviors after returning to in-person school activities following the COVID-19 pandemic are not yet well understood. This study aimed to assess the adherence of Brazilian minors to the recommendations of the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (moderate to vigorous physical activity, recreational screen time, and sleep duration), as well as overall adherence to these guidelines, after the relaxation of COVID-19 social isolation measures and the resumption of in-person schooling. A cross-sectional study was conducted with parents or guardians (39 ± 7.8) of minors aged up to 18 years of age (3.8 ± 2.5). A total of 172 individuals responded to the questionnaire. Data were compared with those obtained in the Survey of the Adequacy of Brazilian Children and Adolescents to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. There was an 18.6 percentage decrease (p-value < 0.001) in overall adherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines when comparing the periods before the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020) and after the return to in-person schooling (March 2021). The largest percentage drop in adherence between these periods was observed for moderate to vigorous physical activity (27.4%; p-value < 0.001) and the lowest for sleep (10.5%; p-value < 0.001). Adherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines did not return to pre-pandemic levels with the resumption of in-person school activities.

What are blood cortisol levels in anxious, depressive, mixed, and healthy controls in high altitude?

ObjectiveWe aim to determine the difference in blood cortisol levels between major depression, mixed anxious depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and healthy controls during COVID-19 social isolation in Cusco (3400 m.a.s.l.). MethodsNon-experimental, cross-sectional analytical design study, designed to determine the difference in blood cortisol levels between anxiety, depression, and mixed disorders in adults aged 25–65 living in Cusco, at the Mental Health Community Center of San Sebastian. ResultsSignificant differences were found in the morning, afternoon, and ratio (Afternoon/Morning cortisol) in all the groups. All the pathological groups showed increased cortisol levels than the healthy controls. Major depression group showed a flattening of the normal regulation line of cortisol. ConclusionsThe blood cortisol test shows significant values for the discrimination of affective pathology, particularly between depressive and anxious disorders and normal controls.

Correction to: Emotion detection and semantic trends during COVID-19 social isolation using artificial intelligence techniques

Correction to: Emotion detection and semantic trends during COVID-19 social isolation using artificial intelligence techniques

The Effect of Metabolic Control on Diabetes Complication Rates and the Need for Medical Care During COVID-19 Social Isolation in Adjara, Georgia.

Social isolation or distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with poor metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. It might have contributed to the high mortality rate of those with diabetes who became infected. This study aims to determine the degree or level of metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus, the progression of its complications, and the need for emergency care during social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective study was conducted in Georgia on 752 diabetic patients aged under 65 years old. Results showed that many patients did not control their blood glucose levels, measure their blood pressure, or know their cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels before and after the pandemic. Over 35% of patients experienced glycemic profile fluctuations. We compared metabolic rates with complications of diabetes and the need for emergency medical care during isolation. It was found that the testability of glycemia (p = 0.006), fluctuations in glucose (p = 0.001), and glycated hemoglobin levels before (p = 0.001) and after the pandemic (p = 0.004) increased the prevalence of diabetes-related heart disease and multiple micro- and macroangiopathies. Blood pressure (p = 0.001), cholesterol levels (p = 0.001), and glucose control (p = 0.012) affected the condition of patients with diabetes mellitus. It increased the need for medical care due to infarction, hypertension crisis, and hyperglycemia. In a crisis where medical care is limited, the management of diabetes patients requires more attention. Our study proves that active middle-aged patients during isolation had poor metabolic control in terms of self-control of the disease. It is necessary to constantly inform and educate patients about the importance of metabolic parameters in progressing diabetescomplications. Proper metabolic control could prevent complications of diabetes and improve a patient's quality of life.

COVID-19 social isolation increases anxiety and depression in adolescents

COVID-19 social isolation increases anxiety and depression in adolescents

The psychoneuroendocrine response of aggression due to COVID-19 social isolation

The psychoneuroendocrine response of aggression due to COVID-19 social isolation

The Impact of Covid-19 Social Isolation on Mental Health and Physical Activity of Older Adults

Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic tends to affect older adults more severely, raising the need for social isolation in this age population. Social isolation is likely to impact older adults’ social ties and quality of life, as well as the risk for illness and health. Objective: This study is a narrative literature review to evaluate the potential effects of social isolation on the mental health and well-being of older adults. Methods: A literature search performed between January 1, 2020, and January 13, 2021, comprised an electronic search on different online databases in PubMed and ScienceDirect using the keywords COVID-19 followed by generic terms older adults or older people or aging population or elderly. Excluding duplicates, a total of 376 articles were screened, of which 21 studies were included in the final review. Results: Many older people could be mentally well-equipped to deal with social isolation, but some experience a negative impact on mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms were reported during the self-isolation period. Physical activity also has declined among older adults amid COVID-19. Some elderly who are not moving much may lose significant muscle strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity. Conclusion: If social isolation continues, policy responses such as proactively identifying and addressing COVID-19 for the elderly who are experiencing negative consequences. An effective solution such as “distance connectivity” and creating safe physical activity such as home exercise is recommended.

Slackening of COVID-19 social isolation measures and resilience in young adults: a longitudinal study on medium-term effects on loneliness

Background Social isolation to contain the COVID-19 pandemic affected young adult mental health, partly through loneliness. Resilience is a protective factor for anxiety and depression after exposure to a stressor such as a pandemic. Medium-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adult mental health are yet to be defined. Aims This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate if slackening of social isolation reduced loneliness in young adult living in two European countries, and if this was positively related to their mental health care needs status. Methods A two-phase online survey was conducted from spring 2020 (T1) to summer 2020 (T2). The primary outcomes were the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Participants reported mental health care needs before and during lockdown: professional help-seeking, psychotropic drugs use, and admission to a psychiatric department. Results There were 88 participants at T2 (retention rate 35%), of whom 78.4% were female, with a mean age of 22±2.4 years. They were grouped according to mental health care needs change. UCLA scale score decreased in 51 (58.0%) participants from T1 to T2. The group who experienced an increase in mental health care needs displayed a more significant decrease in the UCLA scale compared to the other groups (adjusted p=0.02 and 0.01). The difference of UCLA scale scores from T1 to T2 was positively correlated with the RSA score at T1 (p=0.02). Limitations This longitudinal design provides robust evidence, but the drop-off (attrition 65%) is a significant limitation. Our research was explorative and the results need to be confirmed in future studies. Conclusions Loneliness decreased in line with the slackening of social isolation. Resilience predicts the positive medium-term outcome of loneliness. Thus, interpersonal social support and resilience seem particularly beneficial for young adult mental health. Early assessment of resilience in large-scale disasters could represent a powerful tool for identifying at-risk subjects. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adult mental health.

Acutely enhancing affective state and social connection following an online dance intervention during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many throughout the world to isolate themselves from their respective communities to stop the spread of disease. Although this form of distancing can prevent the contraction of a virus, it results in social isolation and physical inactivity. Consequently, our communities have become heavily reliant on digital solutions to foster social connection and increase physical activity when forced to isolate. Dance is a multidimensional form of physical activity that includes sensory, motor, cognitive, rhythmic, creative, and social elements. Long-term, interventional studies in dance have shown positive effects on both mental and social health; however, little has been done to examine the acute effects and no studies to date have explored the relationship between the affective state and social outcomes of dance. We examined the hypothesis that online dance is associated with improvements in affective state and social connection during a time of social isolation, namely, the COVID-19 crisis. Healthy adults (age ≥ 18; n = 47) engaged in a single session of 60 min of self-selected online dance, completing a series of validated self-reported questionnaires before and after class. We found that online dance was associated with improvements in affective state as measured by increased positive affect and self-esteem and decreased negative affect and depressive symptoms. Additionally, online dance was associated with improvements in social and community connectedness. Further, we found that those who experienced the largest increases in self-esteem and decreases in negative affect demonstrated the largest gains in social connectivity. Although in-person dance classes may be optimal for formalized dance training, online dance instruction offers an accessible platform that can provide mental and social health benefits during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis. We conclude that through online dance, individuals can experience a connection between the body, mind, and community.

English

This paper aims to expand and investigate the existing intersection parameters of daily life rituals in seven Muslim women&rsquo;s academician public and private spheres by including alternative theoretical perspectives of COVID-19 social isolation phenomena that have not been socially explored before. Autoethnography is the methodology applied to answer how and to what extent these intersections have affected living space, time, and tools. The study has revealed a significant intersection of women-related obligations in the public sphere with private sphere responsibilities affected by COVID-19. Moreover, the study re-evaluated the existing literature on the public and private sphere, female gender, especially related to the concepts of discipline, surveillance, and self-censorship. Finally, it has revealed possible intersectionality relations to the metaphors of post-traumatic experiences of these seven Muslim academicians. &nbsp; Key words: COVID-19, Muslim female academician, public/private sphere, Foucault, autoethnography.

A Telerehabilitation Program for Maintaining Functional Capacity in Patients With Chronic Lung Diseases During a Period of COVID-19 Social Isolation: Quasi-Experimental Retrospective Study.

Pulmonary diseases represent a great cause of disability and mortality in the world, and given the progression of these pathologies, pulmonary rehabilitation programs have proven to be effective for people with chronic respiratory diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation has become an alternative for patients with such diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes (ie, functional capacity and quality of life) of telerehabilitation to those of usual care among patients who previously participated in face-to-face pulmonary rehabilitation programs. We conducted a quasi-experimental retrospective study from April 2020 to August 2021. A total of 32 patients with chronic lung diseases were included and divided into the control and intervention groups. The intervention group performed telerehabilitation synchronously twice per week and was supervised by a physical therapist during breathing, strengthening, and aerobic exercises. Changes in the degree of dyspnea and leg discomfort were assessed based on changes in Borg scale scores. The control group did not perform any activities during the period of social isolation. Functional capacity was assessed with the 6-minute walk test, and quality of life was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey. The telerehabilitation group's mean 6-minute walk distance decreased by 39 m, while that of the control group decreased by 120 m. There was a difference of 81 m between the groups' mean 6-minute walk distances (P=.02). In relation to the quality of life, telerehabilitation was shown to improve the following two domains: social functioning and mental health. Telerehabilitation programs for patients with chronic lung diseases can ease the deleterious effects of disease progression, be used to maintain functional capacity, and improve aspects of quality of life.

THE IMPACTS OF NURSING HOME COVID-19 SOCIAL ISOLATION POLICIES ON RESIDENTS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Using reports from 31 nursing home activity directors (AD) from across the United States, we examined responses to COVID-19 social isolation policies/practices in relation to AD’s perceptions of the impact on residents living with dementia (RLWD). AD’s perceptions are particularly valuable because they are generally responsible for bolstering social connectedness. We approached this study from the sociological perspective of personhood (Buron, 2008; Kitwood, 1997) that suggests social isolation may threaten personhood status, lead to increased agitation, and other behaviors as mechanisms to preserve self. Most ADs reported that social isolation protocols began in March 2020 and were still ongoing through the beginning of 2022. Over 90% reported a 50% or more reduction in family member/guest visits, with over 30% reporting a 90% or more reduction in visits. Systemic content analyses were applied to open-ended responses. These patterns suggested ADs had concerns about (1) poor quality care as a result of a) a reduced workforce leading to caregiver burnout, and b) less accountability of caregivers (to families/visitors in their absence) for resident care, and (2) increasing signs of depression and negative behaviors among RLWD. Some ADs felt that Isolation policies disrupted routines of RLWD, leading to confusion and a greater progression of their dementia. Some ADs felt the need to “fill-in” as an attempt to make up for the loss of interactions with family members. The results of this study indicate a need to consider future pandemic policies and potential impacts on residents living with dementia in nursing home settings.

Psychological capital of petrochemical corporate employees during COVID-19 social isolation: a longitudinal analysis

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic is a major public health emergency and a significant stressor to most people. The objective of this study was to examine the mental health status and social support level of participants from 2019 to 2020. The study aimed to investigate the changes in people’s psychological capital state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal study was performed to study the psychosocial predictors of mental health among a sample of 2,999 Chinese employees in 2019, and the follow-up survey was conducted one year later. Regression coefficients were visualized in a heatmap. Path analysis was performed base on the structural equation model (SEM) to measure the associations between study variables. The status of mental health, resilience, and optimism changed significantly during the pandemic (P < 0.05). The level of employee’s social support in 2019 could significantly and positively predicted the level of employee’s psychological capital in 2020, and the level of employee mental health in 2019 significantly and negatively predicted the level of employee psychological capital in 2020. The mental health of employees played an intermediary role between social support and psychological capital. These results highlight that the COVID-19 pandemic has a strong impact on the psychological capital of company employees. While demanding performance, corporations should ensure timely intervention in the mental health of their employees.

Changes in Physical Functioning and Fall-Related Factors in Older Adults Due to COVID-19 Social Isolation.

BackgroundSocial isolation has been one of the main measures for the prevention of COVID-19. It’s possible that, in addition to the natural aging-related deficits, social isolation has accelerated the decline of the different components of physical and mental capacity in older adults. This study aimed to compare the functional capacity and concern about falling in older adults before and during COVID-19 social isolation.MethodThis observational longitudinal study was carried out with 45 community dwelling older adults (mean age 65.6 ± 4.6 years, 88.8% women). Functional capacity and concerns about falling assessments were carried out before the COVID-19 pandemic, and between the 16th and 18th week of social isolation. All testes were face-to-face, except the second FES-I assessment, which took place via telephone call in order to minimize a prolonged person-to-person contact. Muscle strength, muscle power, functional mobility, functional muscle fitness, upper and lower body flexibility, dynamic balance, and Efficacy Scale were assessments.ResultsRegarding functional capacity, there was 14% decline in muscle strength (p<.001), 7% in power (p=.001), 11% in functional mobility (p=.001), 20% in functional muscle fitness (p=.001), and 60% in upper body flexibility (p=.001) and 33% lower body flexibility (p=.003). The dynamic balance and the concern about falling showed no statistically significant differences.ConclusionThus, it can be concluded that there was a decline in older adults’ functional capacity during COVID-19 social isolation.

What Happens Under Crisis: A Covid-19 Pandemic Matter About Social Isolation

"The study aims to understand what happens during a crisis and provides the story of the COVID-19 pandemic about social isolation. The coronavirus outbreak made the government impose specific measures to reduce the spread. The measures include social isolation and social distancing. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of how COVID-19 social isolation had detrimental effects on people’s psychological well-being. The study shows the relationship between the disruption caused by the pandemic, i.e., social isolation, and people’s psychological well-being. Provides an extensive literature review on how the crisis disrupted the workplace, negatively affecting job satisfaction and productivity. The research involves a qualitative systematic literature review on social isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. The study involves articles which are thoroughly assessed using the exclusion and inclusion criteria to provide a comprehensive understanding of the study themes. The study concludes that social isolation influences people’s mental health in their personal lives and work life. People lack the feeling of social connectedness, which leads to increased levels of depression, stress, and anxiety. Working remotely during the pandemic heightened people’s stress and depression and ultimately reducing job satisfaction and productivity. Keywords: social isolation, crisis, Covid-19, mental health, mental well-being JEL Classification: I19, I39, Z13"

COVID-19 nedenli sosyal izolasyonun yaşlılarda COVID-19 korkusu, yaşam kalitesi ve bilişsel işlevler üzerindeki etkisi

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to appraise the impact of COVID-19 social isolation on fear of COVID-19, quality of life and cognitive functions.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Individuals aged 65 and over who made an appointment for the CoronaVac vaccine via appointment system and 603 people residing in these houses, wanted to be vaccinated, gave informed consent for the vaccine and agreed to participate, were included in the study. Sociodemographic data form, Coronavirus 19 Phobia Scale, Mini Mental State Test and Short Form 36 Quality of Life Scale were filled in by the study population.&#x0D; Results: Patients included in our research, 63.0% were female (n=380) and 37.0% were male (n=223). The mean age was 77.65 ± 8.05 (min:65, max:97) years. Status of having a relative with COVID-19, social function status of SF-36, mental health status of SF-36 economic status of CP19-S size and the total score of CP19-S were found as multivariate predictors of COVID-19 disease transmission. As the total score of the participants from the COVID-19 phobia scale increased, their cognitive functions significantly decreased.&#x0D; Conclusion: These findings reported important results regarding the effects of social isolation experienced by the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life, cognitive functions, and COVID-19 fear levels.

Longing for everyday life. Experiencing COVID-19 social isolation in a Latin American city

ABSTRACT This article examines the transformations in meaning and use of public and domestic spheres in the context of the strict COVID-19 stay-at-home measures in Greater Buenos Aires. Building on a mixed-methods approach that included a survey with close to 3000 responses and 12 in-depth interviews, we explore how restrictions on the navigation of public space transformed the ways in which both the city and the private sphere were lived. We found that our subjects developed a wide array of strategies to compensate for the closure of public spaces, adapting their everyday life to the limits of their housing arrangements. They described how windows, balconies, yards, and terraces were reappropriated for political or artistic display, while bedrooms and living rooms had to be openly exhibited through videoconference calls for work and education. At the same time, these transformations aggravated pre-existing inequalities, as social isolation was experienced very differently depending on household composition, gender, social class, age, housing and urban conditions. As our subjects longed for the spaces and activities the city provides, the disappearance of public space showed precisely how important it is for lived experience and the everyday reproduction of life.

Caring for Your Child during COVID-19-Utilizing a Light-Touch Parenting Resource during Lockdown in Indonesia.

To tackle the spread of COVID-19 globally, countries around the world have responded by implementing measures such as lockdowns, social distance maintenance, temporary school closures, and remote working and learning. COVID-19 social isolation has been found to increase stress, and potentially have long term harmful effects on both mental and physical health. Stress and compromised parenting often place children at risk of violence and abuse. In parallel, times of hardship might also provide an opportunity to build stronger relationships with our children. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) joined many other agencies and international organizations in recognizing the threat the pandemic might have on individual and family wellbeing, and has thus availed a number of light-touch parenting resources. One such tool is the ‘Caring for your child in response to the COVID-19 lockdown’ booklet, developed to enhance parenting skills, and to build family harmony as challenged by the COVID-19 context. This short communication reflects on a feasibility study that took place in Indonesia during the implementation of this booklet with 30 parents in five cities. Thematic analysis identified challenges in parenting during COVID-19, as well as reported positive experiences of engaging in the parenting resource. The findings are discussed with regard to the usefulness of light-touch parenting information, adding to the context of the feasibility and global scalability of reaching families. The implications pave the way to the engagement and implication of more intensive parenting information interventions in high-stress contexts. Despite the challenge, there is promising news for families globally, as agencies and policy-makers begin to recognize the importance of supporting families with the appropriate skills to navigate extreme stress contexts with effective strategies.