Impact Of COVID-19 Lockdown Research Articles

How did the COVID-19 lockdown impact patients with dual diagnoses?

PurposeIndividuals with dual diagnoses might experience significant clinical and social vulnerabilities during the pandemic and lockdown. This study aims to compare medication adherence, substance use, clinical stability and overall functioning before and during lockdown periods.Design/methodology/approachThis was a cross-sectional survey among patients registered in dual diagnosis clinic of an addiction psychiatry center in Northern India between March 2019 and February 2020. This study approached 250 patients for telephonic interviews. This study assessed adherence to medications with the brief adherence rating scale (BARS). Global functioning was measured by global assessment of functioning. Clinical interviews assessed substance use and the clinical status of psychiatric disorders.FindingsOne hundred fifty patients were recruited. The mean age of the sample was 35.8 years. The sample had a slight preponderance of alcohol dependence. Depressive disorder was the largest category of psychiatric diagnosis. Compared to prelockdown period, during the lockdown, there were an increased number of days of nonadherence (X2 17.61, p < 0.05), proportion of patients underdosing (X2 8.96, p = 0.003) and lower BARS scores (t = 10.52, df = 144, p < 0.0001). More patients were abstinent from substances during the lockdown (X2 49.02, p < 0.0001). Clinical stability of psychiatric disorders did not differ during the two-time points, but overall functioning decreased during the lockdown (t = 2.118, p = 0.036). This study observed a small positive correlation (r = 0.2, p = 0.02) between functioning and adherence levels.Originality/valueLockdown was associated with poor medication adherence, change in substance use patterns and functional impairment. In the future, treatment programs and policies must take preemptive steps to minimize the effects of restrictions.

The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Security, Environment and Social Vices: Global Perspectives

The Pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus 2019 has made the governments of both developed and developing countries introduce various restrictive mechanisms in an attempt to lessen the menace and its rapid spread, Nigeria is not an exception. In Nigeria, the Federal Government restricts interstate travel, locked all offices, closed all commercial markets, and imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on the people. Security task forces were deployed across the country to enforce the restriction. Hence, this resulted in an increase in the rate of extortion and corruption among the security operatives, the volume of waste unrecycled was on the high side, ecotourism was affected as well as an increase in the occurrence of sexual assault, cyber fraud, abduction and other related vices in Nigeria. This article intends to review the security issues and social vices on the increase in Nigeria owing to the COVID 19 lockdown as well as provide possible solutions and prevent future occurrences.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on quality of life in a literate population in Pakistan

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan, complete lockdown was imposed from 24 March 2020: offices, shopping malls, market places, etc. were affected. On 25 March, further restrictions were imposed: hospital outpatient departments were closed and there was a ban on public and private gatherings. The lockdown significantly slowed down economic activities, and halted recreational, educational and religious activities and social gatherings. To assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the quality of life of literate individuals in Pakistan. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from 25 April to 15 May, 2020 among literate Pakistani who understand the English language, aged 10+ years and had internet access. We selected 500 individuals to complete the McGill questionnaire online. The response rate was 73% (n = 365): 49% males and 51% females. Around one third reported a moderate effect on overall quality of life. Financial life was moderately affected in 45% and both physical life and emotional life in 43% of participants. Spiritual life was excellent in 69%. However, social life was severely affected in 56%. Mild depression was felt by 47% of respondents and 48% felt strongly supported during the COVID-19 lockdown. The COVID-19 lockdown made little difference to the quality of life of the literate population of Pakistan. A few aspects were moderately affected and social life was badly affected. Spiritual life improved for most individuals.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity in a sample of Greek adults

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity in a sample of Greek adults

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Oxidative Potential of Particulate Matter: Case of Athens (Greece).

This work evaluates the aerosol oxidative potential (OP) and its changes from modified air pollution emissions during the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2020, with the intent of elucidating the contribution of aerosol sources and related components to aerosol OP. For this, daily particulate matter (PM) samples at an urban background site were collected and analyzed with a chemical (acellular) assay based on Dithiothreitol (DTT) during the COVID-19 restriction period in Athens (Greece). The obtained time-series of OP, PM2.5, organic matter (OM) and SO42− of the pre-, post- and lockdown periods were also compared to the data of the same time periods during the years 2017–2019. Even though all traffic-related emissions have been significantly reduced during the lockdown period (by 30%), there is no reduction in water-soluble OP, organics and sulfate concentrations of aerosol during 2020. The results reveal that the decrease in traffic was not sufficient to drive any measurable change on OP, suggesting that other sources—such as biomass burning and secondary aerosol from long-range transport, which remained unchanged during the COVID lockdown—are the main contributors to OP in Athens, Greece.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown and link to women and children’s experiences of violence in the home in South Africa

BackgroundEvidence on the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown remains at an early stage. There is limited research about the impact of hard lockdown restrictions on families, specifically how these restrictions impact on women and children’s experiences of domestic violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV) and child abuse in South Africa. We conducted research among men and women in Gauteng province, South Africa to understand their experiences of the COVID-19 national lockdown and its impact and link to women and children’s experiences of domestic violence.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study, using social media to recruit men and women who were 18 years and older, living with a spouse and/or children in Gauteng province, South Africa during the lockdown. To collect the data, we conducted telephone interviews, and analyzed data using the thematic approach.ResultsThe lockdown had unprecedented negative economic impacts on families, and exacerbated some of the risk factors for violence against women and children in the home in South Africa. Some women reported experiences of emotional violence. Experiences of physical violence were mostly amongst children. The risk factors for women and children’s experiences of violence in the home differed by socio-economic class. Job losses and reduction in earnings resulted to food insecurity which was a key driver of violence in most low socio-economic status (SES) families. Confinement in the home with spouses was an unfamiliar and difficult experience, associated with conflict and perpetration of violence by men in high SES families. Participants across socio-economic groups reported high levels of stress with limited psychosocial support available during the lockdown.ConclusionsOur finding showing a link between low-socio-economic status and increased risk for domestic violence during the lockdown in South Africa suggests the need for socio-economic interventions to mitigate these risks. Structural and social relief measures need to be strengthened to reduce the loss of jobs and income and to address food insecurity during pandemics. Psychosocial support should be provided to men and women to mitigate the mental health impacts of the pandemics and lockdown.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the behavior change of cyclists in Lisbon, using multinomial logit regression analysis

The 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak hit most countries and cities globally, dramatically impacting how people live during lockdown periods. Compulsorily, socioeconomic activities and mobility patterns changed while long-lasting structural changes might remain. Focusing on this very particular liminal event, this paper aims to present and analyze the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus lockdown on the behavior change of cyclists and previously non-cyclists in Lisbon, Portugal, knowing that no concomitant interventions occurred in the cycling environment during the period analyzed (e.g., pop-up interventions).From a 1-min questionnaire in 5 locations in Lisbon’s existing cycling lanes, we aimed to collect (n = 493) revealed preferences on cycling frequency before and after the lockdown, which we used to calibrate a weighted multinomial logit model to analyze respondents’ probability of increasing, maintaining, or decreasing their cycling frequency. Results suggest that people tended to cycle more often after the lockdown than before. For every five cyclists, two cycled more frequently while two others maintained their cycling frequency. Most cycling trips were recreational or to exercise, and these increased after the lockdown, while trips for work and school decreased, as expected. Moreover, the lower the individuals’ cycling frequency levels before the lockdown, the more they cycled after it.Our study diagnoses the impact of the lockdown on cycling habits, indicating an overall propensity to cycling more by the Lisbon citizens. Hence, authorities need to act and make quick infrastructural changes (e.g., pop-up cycling lanes) and encourage the population to use more bikes (e.g., financial incentives for bike purchases).

The Danger in Danger – A study on the psychological impact of COVID-19 lockdown on people in the Indian context

The present study attempts to find the factors resulting in increased risk of anxiety and stress due to nation-wide lockdown imposed to reduce the transmission of coronavirus in the Indian context. Grounded theory approach is used to collect, analyze, and code the data elicited from 37 semi-structured interviews. Qualitative analysis of the data found that the lockdown during coronavirus outbreak led to boredom, financial loss, and intimate terrorism which resulted in an elevated risk of anxiety and stress. It was also revealed that risk of anxiety and stress further increased during the lockdown due to the moderating role of the media and doom scrolling. Significance of the study rests in developing a grounded theory framework for stress and anxiety in the Indian context that can help the government and the associated bodies as well as the healthcare departments to devise strategies and policies to reduce the risk of nation-wide lockdown on the mental health of the people. This study is one of the initial attempts that use the grounded theory to unearth and add to the existing literature the intervening and intriguing factors which directly or indirectly increases individuals’ anxiousness and stress during COVID-19 lockdown in the Indian context.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown in patients with acromegaly: an Italian multicenter experience

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown in patients with acromegaly: an Italian multicenter experience

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic control in diabetic patients hospitalized in emergency months

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on aquatic environment and fishing community: Boon or bane?

COVID-19 pandemic is a serious threat for mankind having an extensive socio-economic impact. However, it is considered as an unfortunate event with some positive environmental effects where nature is retrieving itself. The water quality index in different places of the world was reported to be improved during the lockdown, which in turn whipped up the regenerative process of fishes, sea turtles, marine mammals, and aquatic birds. Additionally, ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves and coral reefs were also seen rejuvenating during COVID-19 seal off. But these favourable implications are temporary as there is an unexpected surge in plastic waste generation in the form of PPE kits, face masks, gloves, and other healthcare equipment. Moreover, the outbreak of the pandemic resulted in the complete closure of fishing activities, decline in fish catch, market disruption, and change in consumer preference. To address these multidimensional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, government organizations, NGOs, and other concerned authorities should extend their support to amplify the positive impacts of the lockdown and reduce the subsequent pollution level while encouraging the fisheries sector.

Particulate air pollution in Durban: Characteristics and its relationship with 1 km resolution satellite aerosol optical depth

Investigations on the characteristics of air pollution in African regions are fewer compared to other parts of the world. This study presents the temporal characteristics of PM2.5 and PM10 (mass concentration of particulate matter with aerodynamic size less than or equal to 2.5 and 10 µm, respectively) and their ratio (PM2.5/PM10) over Durban, South Africa for the period 2019–2020. The study further explores the satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) and particulate matter (PM) relationship using an advanced statistical model. The PM data used in this study is obtained from ground-based monitoring stations being maintained by the South African Air Quality Informative System (SAAQIS) network. Within Durban, PM2.5 and PM10 showed an increasing trend toward the south. The annual mean PM2.5 (PM10) ranged between 15 and 24 μg m−3 (37 and 54 μg m−3) across the four study sites in Durban. Winter is observed to be the most polluted season among all, with daily mean PM levels exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. PM2.5, PM10, and the PM2.5/PM10 ratios exhibited pronounced diurnal variations. Concentration Weighted Trajectory (CWT) analysis identified the potential non-local source regions and long-range transportation pathways of PM. Investigation into the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on PM revealed a maximum of 15% reduction compared to a business-as-usual (BAU) year. The observed reduction in PM during lockdown is compared and contrasted with that observed in other cities worldwide. The statistical model’s tenfold cross-validation (CV) coefficient of determination (R2) ranged between 0.6 and 0.8. The model predictions can be highly useful in the spatial mapping of PM over the measurements-deficit African regions.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Urban Heat Island Intensity in the Daejeon Metropolitan City

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Urban Heat Island Intensity in the Daejeon Metropolitan City

Awareness creation and impact assessment of meat retailers during Covid-19 lockdown in Sherpur District

The research was conducted to create awareness and evaluate the impact of Covid-19 lockdown on meat retailer’s income in Sherpur District. A total number of 50 meat retailers (beef, chevon, broiler, mutton and chicken) were surveyed through a structured questionnaire for collecting necessary data and latent variables. Collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and regression model. Awareness were created by displaying a poster in front of meat retailer’s shop and distribution of Covid-19 kit which contains soap, sanitizer, face mask, hair net and hand gloves. Practical demonstration was given how to wear the kit materials. Meat retailers were very happy to wear from hypothetical observations. Results showed that average age, education and family size of meat retailers were 41.86 years, 5.96, and 6.16, respectively. The price of beef before, during and after lockdown was BDT 523.52, 477.64 and 542.00, respectively. Simarlry, the price of broiler meat and sonali chicken meat before, during and after lockdown was BDT 129.68, 95.59, 137.65; 182.50, 167.50, and 217.50, respectively. During Covid-19 situation the income of meat retailers became much lower as compared to any other critical conditions. About 100% meat retailers faced various problems towards buying and selling of animals, lack of consumers, and lack of demand for meat. The prices of all kinds of meat namely beef, chevon, and chicken meat became drastically lower during pandemic. About 84% meat retailers used face mask, 60% maintained physical distance and 2% people tested for corona virus. During lockdown 98% meat retailers did not get any financial support from government, NGOs or any other private organizations. They did not get any kind of help to create awareness from the government or local authority. Despite facing all these problems, 98% meat retailers would like to continue their meat business. Meat retailers demanded subsidy to maintain their livelihood during lockdown. In conclusion, awareness was created through poster and supplied Covid-19 kit among meat retailers and they need government incentive during lockdown to maintain their livelihood since income of meat retailers was negatively and significantly decreased.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on health parameters and muscle strength of older women: A longitudinal study.

ObjetivesThe present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 13-week COVID-19 lockdown on health-related parameters in women aged 60–70 years.Study designThirty women participated in this longitudinal study. All the assessments were performed before and 13 weeks after the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain (March to June 2020).Main outcome measuresA sociodemographic questionnaire was provided, and tests were performed to assess muscle strength, anthropometric measurements, densitometry, blood pressure, blood parameters, Mediterranean diet adherence, and physical activity levels.ResultsAfter the lockdown, both healthy and unhealthy lifestyle groups showed a significant worsening of HDL, cholesterol/HDL lipids, and isometric knee extension strength parameters. However, individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle also showed a significant worsening in LDL lipids, Non-HDL lipids, bone mineral density of the femoral neck, fat mass/height (%), truncal fat mass (absolute and percentage), total fat mass (absolute and percentage) and handgrip strength.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the overall health status of Spanish older women, potentially increasing their susceptibility to comorbidities, such as lipid cholesterol, body fat, and decreased muscle strength.

COVID-19 lockdown as an opportunity to rethink urban freight distribution: Lessons from the Barcelona metropolitan area

The COVID-19 health crisis has had a strong impact on societies around the world, affecting both the health of populations and countries’ economies. While lockdowns imposed to stop the spread of infection reduced urban mobility and had a positive impact on air quality, lowering the emission of polluting particles and greenhouse gases, they had the opposite effect on urban freight distribution (UFD). With the population remaining at home, ecommerce-driven shipments surged, and total freight traffic increased. In order to have a better understanding of this phenomenon, the aim of this study was to identify the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on the daily operation of the region’s main logistics agents. Lessons learned from this cyclical scenario could be used to define more sustainable public policies regarding UFD in the post-COVID era. To meet the above objectives, semi-structured interviews were conducted with public administrations and private operators, before being transcribed and encoded for later analysis. The results of our study show that common problems in UFD, such as traffic congestion or problems finding parking in the loading and unloading (L/U) zones, temporarily disappeared during the lockdown phase. Delivery times were consequently reduced, despite an increase in operations due to ecommerce. In addition, the public administrations took advantage of this situation to adapt the urban space and force a transition towards new delivery systems, such as cargo-bikes, to guarantee sustainable last-mile operations in specific zones.

Changes in sexual behavior, PrEP use, and COVID-19 experience among men who have sex with men in Mexico.

This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on sexual behavior and PrEP use among a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Mexico. Between April 20th and 27th, 2020 – well into Mexico’s lockdown – we conducted a virtual survey among 637 MSM exploring sexual behavior during the first month of the COVID-19 epidemic in Mexico and the impact of lockdown on PrEP use. We applied logistic regression models to assess predictors of PrEP use continuation. Over half the participants (52%) reported having a sexual encounter in the last two weeks. 75% of participants reported a decrease in the number of sexual partners because of COVID-19. The use of PrEP dropped from 90% to 64% during the first month of lockdown. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that younger participants were less likely to continue using PrEP than those 25 + years. Also, those who perceived themselves as not likely to acquire COVID-19 and those who reported using a condom in their last sexual encounter were more likely to continue using PrEP during the lockdown. This study provides evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on sexual behavior and PrEP use among MSM in Mexico during the lockdown. Sexual and reproductive health services will need to consider the risk of COVID-19 in providing HIV and PrEP programs to guarantee participants’ and health care providers’ safety.Supplementary informationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10461-022-03688-4.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Children's Health in North Africa.

ObjectivesLockdown measures have been adopted in many countries around the world to control the spread of COVID-19. These measures induced long confinement period that may have had an unintended negative impact on children's life behaviors and health. This study aimed to investigate the impact of behaviors related to COVID-19 confinement on body weight/BMI changes in children from Constantine, Algeria.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey based on children aged 5 to 12 years dwelling in any province of Constantine. Parents of children completed an online-distributed questionnaire at two time points (between April and May and anther time between 11th July and 10th august 2020). The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic information, anthropometric data, physical activity, dietary, eating habits, and other factors related to children’s lifestyle before and during lockdown. Paired before and during lockdown comparison for each lifestyle multiple statistic tests were performed to assess associations among before and during lockdown data.Results275 questionnaires were completed (59.7%). Mean self-reported weight and BMI significantly increased by 1.43 kg and 0.84 kg/meter 2, respectively. Among the examined variables, increased unhealthy food consumption, snacks, number of daily meals taken, low physical activity and increased sedentary behaviors were significantly correlated with higher body weight gain (P < 0.005). These behaviors may not only have a significant impact on the development of childhood obesity but also on the deterioration of the mental state of the children surveyed.ConclusionRestrictive measures during the COVID-19 lockdown, and home confinement, school closure makes children more vulnerable to environmental risks. Results from this study highlight the risk associated with a shift in eating habits, increased dietary intake, decreased physical activity, increased sedentary behaviors, and their impact in exacerbating the gain in body weight and BMI.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10995-022-03441-2.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions in NW of Spain

Wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) in many places have a significant impact on wildlife management and road safety. The COVID-19 lockdown enabled the study of the specific impact that traffic has on these events. WVC variation in the Asturias and Cantabria regions (NW of Spain) because of the COVID-19 lockdown reached a maximum reduction of −64.77% during strict confinement but it was minimal or nonexistent during “soft” confinement. The global average value was −30.22% compared with the WVCs registered in the same period in 2019, but only −4.69% considering the average throughout the period 2010–2019. There are huge differences between conventional roads, where the traffic reduction was greater, and highways, where the traffic reduction was lesser during the COVID-19 lockdown. The results depend on the season, the day of the week and the time of day, but mainly on the traffic reduction occurring. The results obtained highlight the need to include the traffic factor in WVC reduction strategies.

IMPACT ON HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS DUE TO COVID-19 IN INDIA

Covid-19 has created fear amongst the people and government. Government policies and strategies to control covid-19 have created a huge economic lossto the country.In March 2020,government of India implemented lockdown when cases of covid-19 were rising rapidly. Laterrelaxation was provided but another peak of cases was seen in the start of 2021. Due to these multiple lockdowns many businesses were shut, and it impacted GDP very severally. In this paper, researcher analyses the impact of covid-19 lockdown on household consumptionpatterns in Delhi. Delhi is the capital of India and it would provide significant data and help other Indian states. Researcher analyse the effect of covid-19 lockdown on household consumption patterns and see whether they will be able to regain that confidence. Previous researcher provides a significant result, but they consider only one factor while estimating household consumption. Researchers analyses all the factors and gain data from previous literatures while estimating the consumption expenditure patterns. Researcher uses bothqualitative and quantitative data to provide a strong evidence. The survey in this search will provide an in-depth idea of people’s situation in this pandemic lockdown. This research will helpgovernment and other states in policy making with an idea of economic growth.