High Risk Of Contagion Research Articles

Having any mental health condition before the COVID-19 pandemic as a risk factor of COVID-19 contagion during the first year of pandemic: A Spanish adult cohort.

Numerous studies suggest that subjects suffering from a mental health condition before the COVID-19 pandemic were at higher risk of contagion, but mostly are cross-sectional or retrospective. The BIOVAL-D-COVID-19 is a longitudinal cohort study design with 922 subjects who full filled two evaluations from an online survey of Spanish residents before and during the pandemic. Mental health conditions assessed were: Major Depressive Episode (MDE), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours (STB) and subthreshold of panic and bipolar disorder (BD). Mental health screening instruments used were: the Spanish version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) version 3.0 for the evaluation of MDE, the GAD-7 scale to evaluate GAD; STB was evaluated with four items from the CIDI questionnaire. Panic Disorder and BD were screened from a modified and self-reported version of the CIDI. A bivariate plus five logistic regression models were developed for each mental health condition adjusted by socio-demographic variables; employment status; general and physical health; comorbidity; and including all previous variables and the other mental health conditions. We found in bivariate model that MDE; GAD and STB were statistically significant risk factors of contagion of COVID-19. The logistic regression models developed reveal that having a previous GAD (aOR 3.30 1.31-8.31) or STB (aOR 2.16 CI 95% 1.01-4.62) was statistically significant associated with COVID-19 contagion, independently of all variables included. MDE was not a risk factor of contagion when it was adjusted by comorbidity (aOR 0.99 CI 95% 0.47-2.09). It is recommended to detect those subjects with previous GAD or STB as vulnerable groups of infection to reduce contagion rates.

Scabies in Infants: Series of 51 Cases.

We conducted a two-year retrospective evaluation of infants aged under two years with a confirmed, clinical, or suspected diagnosis of scabies in a healthcare center in Alicante (Spain) to determine possible factors associated with diagnostic delay and poor treatment response. We collected epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment variables. After describing our findings as mean values and percentages, we compared categorical variables using the Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test, and we compared continuous variables with the Chi2 test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. We included 51 infants (19 boys and 32 girls) with a mean age of 15 months. The main source of contagion was the family; half of the infants lived with four or more people. According to the International Consensus Criteria for the Diagnosis of Scabies, confirmed scabies was diagnosed in 45% of cases and clinical scabies in 47%, and 45% of cases had a diagnostic delay. Lesions mainly affected the hands, feet, and trunk, with papules in 92% of cases and burrows in 55%. The predominant symptoms were pruritus (94%) and irritability (69%). Regarding treatment, 98% of the infants received topical permethrin and 35% received oral ivermectin. Treatment failed in 76% of infants. Living in large family units was associated with a higher risk of contagion and therapeutic failure. Diagnostic delay was associated with previous misdiagnosis.

Human Rights in the Distribution of Vaccines Against Civilians According to International Law: An Analysis of Human Rights Problems in the Acceptance of Vaccines COVID-19 in Philippines

In an effort to boost the Philippines' economic recovery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the government made the decision in January 2022 to allow foreign tourists to enter the country without the need for quarantine, as long as they can provide proof of vaccination. However, some Filipinos have expressed discontent with this choice, as unvaccinated individuals continue to face travel difficulties. Addressing this issue, President Rodrigo Duterte has warned that those who choose not to get vaccinated and violate stay-at-home orders may face arrest. Extensive analysis and literature review have revealed that vaccination is a communal right. While the decision to receive a vaccine is a personal choice, legal principles dictate that every individual has the right to choose what substances are introduced into their body. However, in cases where there is a high risk of contagion, such as with Covid-19, governments may mandate the distribution of vaccines for public safety. This conclusion is based on an evaluation of international legal instruments, including the UDHR, ICCPR, ICESCR, and others.

Occupational disease by COVID-19 in healthcare workers

1 out of 5 cases of COVID-19 in Mexico occurred in health workers, and the high risk of contagion in these workers caused absenteeism due to temporary leave from work (TLfW), as well as the need to establish qualification criteria for COVID-19 as an occupational disease (OD). There are no quantitative data about the labor population to whom this benefit has been provided, nor on the economic impact of not being qualified as OD. To estimate the prevalence of qualification of OD by COVID-19 in health workers from a tertiary care hospital (TCH). Descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study carried out from March 2020 to April 2021, which included health workers from a TCH who had TLfW due to COVID-19 and were working 14 days before it was issued. Variables such as OD, days of TLfW, category, among others, were analyzed, as well as the economic income lost by remaining as a general disease (GD). It was used descriptive statistics. A total of 654 health workers had TLfW due to COVID-19, with a prevalence of OD of 18.5%; 17 days of TLfW were granted on average. Nurses were classified with the high number of OD, and the category with the highest prevalence was cleaning and hygiene assistant (36%). 5310 days of TLfW were subsidized as GD, equivalent to $510,385.60 (Mexican pesos) that were not granted as an economic benefit to the population that did not have an OD qualification due to COVID-19. The prevalence of recognition of COVID-19 as OD was low; most of TLfWs were subsidized as GDs.

Information and communication technologies (ICT) access indicators in the LGBTQ+ population with a high risk of contagion by acquired immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Honduras

In all societies, some populations are prioritized to be served by civil organizations and governments; access to technologies is typically left aside, especially in developing countries. The sample was for intentional contributions through the snowball method to reach 107 study participants. A survey-type instrument has been carried out where access, the use, and knowledge about convergent devices have been measured in a sample of individuals belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more (LGBTQ+) community. Basic statistics have been carried out to describe the frequencies of the sociodemographic variables and access to information and communication technologies (ICT). The LGBTQ+ community has access to convergent technologies, with a regular quality of service, with a preference for mobile devices and high daily use of them; there's an incongruence between income and spending on telecommunications services since it was perceived that this is a prioritized expense for all of them, even for those with the lowest economic income. The results of this study indicate that the LGBTQ+ community has significantly greater access to information technology and telecommunications services than the general population that hosts them; this study gives us a vision of how to offer technological solutions to prevent HIV in this community with a high incidence of this disease. Keywords: ICT; Digital divide; LGBTQ+; Convergency

Spatial and temporal dynamics of leptospirosis in South Brazil: A forecasting and nonlinear regression analysis

Although leptospirosis is endemic in most Brazilian regions, South Brazil shows the highest morbidity and mortality rates in the country. The present study aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of leptospirosis cases in South Brazil to identify the temporal trends and high-risk areas for transmission and to propose a model to predict the disease incidence. An ecological study of leptospirosis cases in the 497 municipalities of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, was conducted from 2007 to 2019. The spatial distribution of disease incidence in southern Rio Grande do Sul municipalities was evaluated, and a high incidence of the disease was identified using the hotspot density technique. The trend of leptospirosis over the study period was evaluated by time series analyses using a generalized additive model and a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model to predict its future incidence. The highest incidence was recorded in the Centro Oriental Rio Grandense and metropolitan of Porto Alegre mesoregions, which were also identified as clusters with a high incidence and high risk of contagion. The analysis of the incidence temporal series identified peaks in the years 2011, 2014, and 2019. The SARIMA model predicted a decline in incidence in the first half of 2020, followed by an increase in the second half. Thus, the developed model proved to be adequate for predicting leptospirosis incidence and can be used as a tool for epidemiological analyses and healthcare services.Temporal and spatial clustering of leptospirosis cases highlights the demand for intersectorial surveillance and community control policies, with a focus on reducing the disparity among municipalities in Brazil.

Analysis of the Spatial Distribution and Associated Factors of the Transmission Locations of COVID-19 in the First Four Waves in Hong Kong

Understanding the space–time pattern of the transmission locations of COVID-19, as well as the relationship between the pattern, socioeconomic status, and environmental factors, is important for pandemic prevention. Most existing research mainly analyzes the locations resided in or visited by COVID-19 cases, while few studies have been undertaken on the space–time pattern of the locations at which the transmissions took place and its associated influencing factors. To fill this gap, this study focuses on the space–time distribution patterns of COVID-19 transmission locations and the association between such patterns and urban factors. With Hong Kong as the study area, transmission chains of the four waves of COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong during the time period of January 2020 to June 2021 were reconstructed from the collected case information, and then the locations of COVID-19 transmission were inferred from the transmission chains. Statistically significant clusters of COVID-19 transmission locations at the level of tertiary planning units (TPUs) were detected and compared among different waves of COVID-19 outbreak. The high-risk areas and the associated influencing factors of different waves were also investigated. The results indicate that COVID-19 transmission began with the Hong Kong Island, further moved northward towards the New Territories, and finally shifted to the south Hong Kong Island, and the transmission population shows a difference between residential locations and non-residential locations. The research results can provide health authorities and policy-makers with useful information for pandemic prevention, as well as serve as a guide to the public in the avoidance of activities and places with a high risk of contagion.

Mental health impacts of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in Peru: Fear of contagion, generalized anxiety, and physical-cognitive fatigue.

The health crisis caused by COVID-19 has resulted in the physical and emotional deterioration of health personnel, especially nurses, whose emotional state is affected by the high risk of contagion, the high demands of health services, and the exhausting working hours. The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between fear, anxiety, and fatigue of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in a second level public hospital in Peru. This study presents a quantitative approach and correlational level, cross-sectional, and non-experimental design. The sample consisted of 145 nurses who attended patients with COVID-19 in health care areas. The results show a significant relationship between fear of contagion and physical-cognitive fatigue (p < 0.001; r = 317) and a significant relationship between generalized anxiety and physical-cognitive fatigue (p < 0.001; r = 480). It is concluded that in this context, both fear of contagion and generalized anxiety are related to physical-cognitive fatigue.

SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Risk Model in an Urban Area of Mexico, Based on GIS Analysis and Viral Load.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted health systems vulnerabilities, as well as thoughtlessness by governments and society. Due to the nature of this contingency, the use of geographic information systems (GIS) is essential to understand the SARS-CoV-2 distribution dynamics within a defined geographic area. This work was performed in Tepic, a medium-sized city in Mexico. The residence of 834 COVID-19 infected individuals was georeferenced and categorized by viral load (Ct). The analysis took place during the maximum contagion of the first four waves of COVID-19 in Mexico, analyzing 158, 254, 143, and 279 cases in each wave respectively. Then heatmaps were built and categorized into five areas ranging from very low to very high risk of contagion, finding that the second wave exhibited a greater number of cases with a high viral load. Additionally, a spatial analysis was performed to measure urban areas with a higher risk of contagion, during this wave this area had 19,203.08 km2 (36.11% of the city). Therefore, a kernel density spatial model integrated by meaningful variables such as the number of infected subjects, viral load, and place of residence in cities, to establish geographic zones with different degrees of infection risk, could be useful for decision-making in future epidemic events.

Effectiveness of an adapted diving mask (Owner mask) for non-invasive ventilation in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundNon-invasive ventilation (NIV) is indicated to avoid orotracheal intubation (OTI) to reduce hospital stay and mortality. Patients infected by SARS-CoV2 can progress to respiratory failure (RF); however, in the initial phase, they can be submitted to oxygen therapy and NIV. Such resources can produce aerosol and can cause a high risk of contagion to health professionals. Safe NIV strategies are sought, and therefore, the authors adapted diving masks to be used as NIV masks (called an Owner mask).ObjectiveTo assess the Owner mask safety and effectiveness regarding conventional orofacial mask for patients in respiratory failure with and without confirmation or suspicion of COVID-19.MethodsA Brazilian multicentric study to assess patients admitted to the intensive care unit regarding their clinical, sociodemographic and anthropometric data. The primary outcome will be the rate of tracheal intubation, and secondary outcomes will include in-hospital mortality, the difference in PaO2/FiO2 ratio and PaCO2 levels, time in the intensive care unit and hospitalization time, adverse effects, degree of comfort and level of satisfaction of the mask use, success rate of NIV (not progressing to OTI), and behavior of the ventilatory variables obtained in NIV with an Owner mask and with a conventional face mask. Patients with COVID-19 and clinical signs indicative of RF will be submitted to NIV with an Owner mask [NIV Owner COVID Group (n = 63)] or with a conventional orofacial mask [NIV orofacial COVID Group (n = 63)], and those patients in RF due to causes not related to COVID-19 will be allocated into the NIV Owner Non-COVID Group (n = 97) or to the NIV Orofacial Non-COVID Group (n = 97) in a randomized way, which will total 383 patients, admitting 20% for loss to follow-up.DiscussionThis is the first randomized and controlled trial during the COVID-19 pandemic about the safety and effectiveness of the Owner mask compared to the conventional orofacial mask. Experimental studies have shown that the Owner mask enables adequate sealing on the patient’s face and the present study is relevant as it aims to minimize the aerosolization of the virus in the environment and improve the safety of health professionals.Trial registrationBrazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): RBR – 7xmbgsz. Registered on 15 April 2021.

Can "Free-From" Food Consumption Be a Signal of Psychological Distress during COVID-19?

During the last year, feelings of anxiety and depression were registered among the Italian population and affected food consumption. Among the research that explored people’s dietary inclinations during the current pandemic, no previous studies have explored psychological factors associated with the “free-from” dietary pattern. Our study is aimed at understanding if free-from food consumption orientations can be associated with negative psychological distress. We conducted a web-based survey between 27/10/2020–03/12/2020 on a representative sample of 963 Italians. Psychometric scales and ad hoc items were used to measure people’s levels of anxiety, depression, fear for contagion and consumption orientation towards “free-from” foods. Of the sample, 18.2% frequently purchased gluten-free food products and 22.5% purchased lactose-free foods. Most of the population (44.1%) feels very at risk of contagion from COVID-19 and suffers from anxiety (52.8%) and depression (55.0%). Free-from consumers are more anxious, depressed, have higher risk of contagion, and are younger than the non-consumers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, free-from foods can represent for the people a way to restore control over their lifestyle, which was denied during the emergency. However, we highlight possible negative long-term effects of this dietary choice.

Recommendations for the care of patients with heart failure and COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic decreed by the World Health Organization (WHO) since March 12, 2020 is wreaking havoc globally and it is a true economic, social and health challenge. Although the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are respiratory symptoms, some patients also have cardiological symptoms. Among patients with cardiological conditions2 they represent a group of higher risk and, in fact, they are a particularly vulnerable group, due to their higher risk of contagion and greater severity in case of acquiring the disease1 those with heart failure (HF), including heart transplant (CT) and ventricular assists, as well as patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). HF is the main chronic cardiovascular disease and patients in this group are the most vulnerable for the development of more serious clinical symptoms after suffering the infection, and to a greater extent cases with advanced HF3. In fact, HF is one of the most frequent complications in patients with COVID-194. Likewise, transplant patients who require immunosuppressants to avoid graft rejection, constitute a population especially susceptible to infection and to develop more serious processes. This situation has made the National Association of Cardiologists of Mexico (ANCAM) and the Mexican Society of Cardiology (SMC) together with their respective chapters, have prepared the following recommendations for medical personnel, who participate in the care of this special group of patients in the different clinical settings, who suffer or not, of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Outbreak and Psychological Distress in Healthcare Workers: The Role of Personality Traits, Attachment Styles, and Sociodemographic Factors

The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed healthcare professionals (HPs) to increased workloads and a high risk of contagion. The present study aimed at examining the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of HPs in Italy, investigating the role of attachment style, personality traits, and sociodemographic variables. An online survey was administered from 18 to 22 March 2020. Respondents were 296 HPs (77% female, 23% male; aged 21–77 years). The measures employed were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-BF (PID-5-BF), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21). The findings showed that PID-5-BF Negative Affect, female gender, and ASQ Preoccupation with Relationships predicted high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Furthermore, PID-5-BF Detachment predicted higher psychological distress, as captured in the DASS-21 total score and DASS-21 Depression score, and having an infected loved one was associated with high psychological distress. Overall, the results suggest that HPs are experiencing high rates of psychological distress during the pandemic, and that specific attachment styles and personality traits might be useful in identifying those at greatest risk for developing mental health symptoms.

Rhinosurgery during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: International Consensus Conference Statement on Preliminary Perioperative Safety Measures.

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has widely affected rhinosurgery, given the high risk of contagion and the elective nature of the aesthetic procedure, generating many questions on how to ensure safety. The Science and Research Committee of the Rhinoplasty Society of Europe aimed at preparing consensus recommendations on safe rhinosurgery in general during the COVID-19 pandemic by appointing an international panel of experts also including delegates of The Rhinoplasty Society. A Zoom meeting was performed with a panel of 14 international leading experts in rhinosurgery. During 3.5 hours, four categories of questions on preoperative safety measures in private practice and outpatient clinics, patient assessment before and during surgery, and legal issues were presented by four chairs and discussed by the expert group. Afterward, the panelists were requested to express an online, electronic vote on each category and question. The panel's recommendations were based on current evidence and expert opinions. The resulting report was circulated in an iterative open e-mail process until consensus was obtained. Consensus was obtained in several important points on how to safely restart performing rhinosurgery in general. Preliminary recommendations with different levels of agreement were prepared and condensed in a bundle of safety measures. The implementation of the panel's recommendations may improve safety of rhinoplasty by avoiding operating on nondetected COVID-19 patients and minimizing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus spread in outpatient clinics and operating rooms.

The measure of preventive arrest in the context of a global pandemic

For years, international human rights organizations have recommended measures to reduce overcrowding in prisons. The COVID 19 pandemic found places of detention with inadequate spaces, insufficient medical services facilities, lack of reintegration services and, especially, a systemic overcrowding of penitentiaries. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in prisons extended to the health of detainees. Overcrowding and unhealthy prison conditions have made them a high risk of contagion.

Dispositivo de barrera protectora con presión negativa utilizado en urgencias odontológicas durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Introduction: Health personnel involved in dental care are at high risk of contagion from constant exposure to aerosols during emergency care. It is necessary to increase its protection measures during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Objective: Describe the experience of dentists, assistants and patients regarding the use of a barrier device to contain aerosols in dental emergency care. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with 21 adult patients attended by dental emergencies in a private institution during June in the city of Bogota. The 21 patients, five treating dentists and five dental assistants filled out a structured questionnaire about the experience with the device, the biosafety measures implemented and the perception of safety regarding the possible contagion of the virus. Results: The mean age of the patients was 41 years (SD ± 14). The duration of the procedures was 45 minutes (SD ± 12) on average. There were no adverse events during the procedures with the use of the device. 95% of patients felt safer during care with the use of the barrier device. Conclusions: Despite the limited sample, the high perception of safety regarding the use of the device in dental emergency care reported here suggests that they may complement the biosecurity measures and personal protective equipment established by health authorities during the pandemic.

Social distress among medical oncologists and other healthcare professionals during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread to every country around the world taking on pandemic proportions. Since 8 March 2020, the Italian government ordered a nationwide lockdown with unavoidable social isolation. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) represent the most physically and emotionally involved category. The aim of this study is to assess the social distress among HCPs in Italy.Patients and methodsIn this online, totally anonymous survey, 24 multiple choice questions were posed to medical staff employed in the Italian Healthcare System during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was performed from 30 March to 24 April 2020.ResultsA total of 600 HCPs completed the questionnaire. The majority of respondents expressed the fear of being at higher risk of contagion than the general population (83.3%) and the weighty concern of infecting their families (72.5%). An insufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE; P = 0.0003) and inadequate training about procedures to follow (P = 0.0092) were seen to significantly coincide with these worries. More than two-thirds declared a change in family organisation, which showed a significant correlation with the concern of infecting their relatives (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThis is the first Italian survey on social distress among HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The unavailability of PPE, screening procedures and adequate training strongly affected HCPs' emotional status. Although there was a predominance of oncologists (especially from the North of Italy), which impairs the generalisation of our findings, this survey underlined the social impact that this health emergency has had on HCPs.

SARS-COV-2 Serological Profile in Healthcare Professionals of a Southern Italy Hospital.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the first coronavirus that has caused a pandemic. Assessing the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare worker groups offers a unique opportunity to study the correlation between seroconversion and immunization because of their occupational exposure and a higher risk of contagion. The study enrolled 3242 asymptomatic employees of “Policlinico Riuniti”, Foggia. After the first screening, we collected sequential serum samples for up to 23 weeks from the same subjects. In order to perform a longitudinal follow-up study and get information about the titration of IgG levels, we analyzed data from subjects (33) with at least two consecutive serological IgG—positive tests; 62 (1.9%; 95% CI: 1.4–2.3) tested positive for at least one anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody. The seroprevalence was lower in the high-risk group 1.4% (6/428; 95% CI: 0.5–2.6) vs. the intermediate-risk group 2.0% (55/2736; 95% CI: 1.5–2.5). Overall, within eight weeks, we detected a mean reduction of –17% in IgG levels. Our data suggest a reduction of about 9.27 AU/mL every week (R2 = 0.35, p = 0.0003). This study revealed the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Foggia’s hospital healthcare staff (1.9%). Moreover, the IgG level reduction suggests that the serological response fades fast in asymptomatic infections.

Experiencia de capacitación virtual sobre bioseguridad en odontología en tiempos de la COVID-19. Universidad CES

Objetivo: describir la experiencia del curso virtual Bioseguridad en odontología en tiempos de la COVID-19, dirigido a odontólogos. Métodos: se diseñó e implementó un curso virtual en la plataforma Moodle, de CES Virtual, con cuatro cohortes. El curso fue autogestionable, constó de tres módulos, cada uno evaluable, y emitió certificación en el área de bioseguridad para la atención odontológica. Resultados: se inscribieron 472 personas entre odontólogos, higienistas, auxiliares de consultorio y estudiantes de odontología. Del total de inscritos en las cuatro cohortes, el 96,18% recibió su certificación y el 48,8% respondió la encuesta de satisfacción, en donde valoraron el curso de manera positiva; con base en sus opiniones se definió un plan de mejoramiento para las siguientes cohortes. Conclusiones: las personas expresaron su satisfacción con el curso, teniendo en cuenta la facilidad para explorar los contenidos de forma autogestionable, la actualidad del tema, las presentaciones del expositor y la didáctica empleada para su desarrollo. Además, el diseño intuitivo del entorno virtual favoreció el autoaprendizaje y autogestión del conocimiento.

Abstract PO-087: COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: Social distress and gender imbalance among health care professionals

Abstract Introduction: During the last months coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread abruptly to nearly every country, taking on pandemic proportions. The Italian government ordered a nationwide lockdown to hinder the spread of the contagion with unavoidable social isolation and substantial changes in lifestyle habits. Therefore, COVID-19 affected not only physical but also psychological health and well-being. Health care professionals fighting the epidemic represent the most involved category, resulting in more physical and emotional involvement. The aim of this study is to assess the social stress level of health care workers in Italy. Materials and Methods: In this online, totally anonymous survey, 24 multiple-choice questions were broadcast to medical staffs employed in the Italian health care system during COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was performed from 30th March to 24th April 2020. Descriptive statistics have been applied to describe and summarize our findings and the correlation analyses between categorical variables were performed using Pearson’s Chi-Square. Results: A total of 600 health care professionals completed the questionnaire with a prevalence of young (32.3% between 36 and 45 years old), female (74.0%) oncologists (58.8%). Participants mainly belong to Lombardy (31.3%) and Marche (30.3%), two of the most affected regions, but almost all the Italian regions contributed to the survey. The majority of respondents expressed the fear of being at higher risk of contagion than the general population (83.3%) and the weighty concern of infecting their own families (72.5%). An insufficient supply of personal protective equipment (p = 0.0003) and inadequate training about procedures to follow (p = 0.0092) significantly correlated with these worries. Furthermore, more than two thirds declared a change in family organization and daily life, showing a significant correlation with worry about infecting their own relatives (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Discussion: This is the first Italian survey on social distress among health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The unavailability of personal protective equipment, periodic screening procedures, adequate training, and the correct spread of information strongly conditioned health care professionals’ emotional status, family organization, and daily life. With this survey we underlined the social impact that this health emergency has on health care workers, especially on women, who deal with “caring” in the hospital as well as at home, juggling to fulfill multiples roles of professionals, mothers, wives, and caregivers for elderly parents. We wish that institutions could involve themselves concretely to guarantee that health care professionals safely perform their work in a context appropriate to proper professional skills and with the adequate social and psychological support. Reducing workers’ fear of contagion and psychological distress will certainly bring significant positive repercussions for the national health system. Citation Format: Rossana Berardi, Mariangela Torniai, Maria Silvia Cona, Fabiana Cecere, Rita Chiari, Valentina Guarneri, Nicla La Verde, Laura Locati, Domenica Lorusso, Erika Martinelli, Marina Garassino. COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: Social distress and gender imbalance among health care professionals [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2020 Jul 20-22. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-087.