Implementation Of Social Distancing Measures Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of COVID-19-Related Changes on the Well-Being of Korean Adolescents: An Analysis Using a Serial Mediation Model

PurposeFew studies have investigated both the positive and negative impacts of perceived changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents’ wellbeing. This study aimed to comprehensively identify the factors associated with the overall wellbeing of the youth population. MethodsA cross-sectional study design was employed using data from the 2020 Korean Survey of Children and Youth. Data were collected from N = 7,170 adolescents (aged 9–24 years) during the implementation of social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants provided self-reported data about their COVID-19–induced perceived changes, wellbeing, parental support, and self-esteem between November 2020 and February 2021. The effect of COVID-19–induced perceived changes on adolescents’ wellbeing during the pandemic was assessed by evaluating the mediating roles of parental support and self-esteem. ResultsThe findings highlighted a serial mediating effect of parental support and self-esteem on the relationship between adolescents’ COVID-19–related perceived changes and wellbeing. DiscussionThis study deepens the understanding of the intricate interplay between pandemic-related perceived changes, mediating factors, and wellbeing among adolescents. The findings imply that a comprehensive approach combining interventions aimed at enhancing self-esteem at the individual level with parental support may be most effective in improving adolescents’ wellbeing.

The Intention of Employee’s Relocation from Urban to Rural Area in China: The Practices of Telework within Metaverse Implementation

The surge in telecommuting during the COVID-19 pandemic is a recent and noteworthy development that could potentially influence patterns of population mobility. In order to limit the transmission of Covid-19, the movement restriction was implemented in the whole world. It involves the shutdown of all government and private sectors, save for those that offer essential services. Concurrently, governmental implementation of social distancing measures has led to the increased utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) for remote cooperation in professional settings. Consequently, a large portion of Chinese were required to work remotely from their homes during this crisis in order to ensure the safety of employees and sustain economic activity. This has led to a significant rise in telework throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States. The primary objective of this research paper is to discuss the existing knowledge on telework practices and the emerging trend of metaverse in the application of human resource policies in private sectors in China. The study aims to examine the influence of metaverse telework and non-metaverse telework on an employee's inclination to move from an urban to a rural location. This study has been established the conceptual framework which constructed three variable which are Employee’s Intention for Relocate of Residency as endogenous variable, while metaverse telework and non-metaverse telework as exogenous variable. This produced conceptual framework backed by the theory of reason action (TRA) and expected to gather the data via questionnaire from the employees in private sectors in China.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Incidence of Fragility Fracture in South Korea.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the consequent social distancing period are thought to have influenced the incidence of osteoporotic fracture in various ways, but the exact changes have not yet been well elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of osteoporotic fracture using a nationwide cohort. The monthly incidence rates of vertebral; hip; and non-vertebral, non-hip fractures were collected from a nationwide database of the Korean National Health Insurance Review and Assessment from July 2016 to June 2021. Segmented regression models were used to assess the change in levels and trends in the monthly incidence of osteoporotic fractures. There was a step decrease in the incidence of vertebral fractures for both males (6.181 per 100,000, P=0.002) and females (19.299 per 100,000, P=0.006). However, there was a negative trend in the incidence of hip fracture among both males (-0.023 per 100,000 per month, P=0.023) and females (-0.032 per 100,000 per month, P=0.019). No impact of COVID-19-related social distancing was noted. In conclusion, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, vertebral fracture incidence considerably decreased with the implementation of social distancing measures.

Impact of COVID-19 social distancing recommendations on pulmonary function, nutritional status, and morbidity in patients with cystic fibrosis.

To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 social distancing recommendations on nutritional status, pulmonary function, and morbidity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). A retrospective cohort study including patients older than six years with a diagnosis of CF was performed. Demographic and clinical data, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function, days of antibiotic use, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Variables were recorded at three time points relative to the baseline for implementation of social distancing measures: T-1 (14 months before implementation), T0 (baseline), and T1 (14 months after implementation). Delta (Δ) was calculated for each period: Δ1 (pre-pandemic T0-T-1) and Δ2 (pandemic T1-T0). The study included 25 patients, with a mean age of 11.7±4.3 years. The mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was 85.6±23.6%, and body mass index (BMI) was 17.5±3.0 kg/m2. When comparing the two periods (Δ1 and Δ2), there was a significant increase in the FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (p=0.013) and in the forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75%) (p=0.037) in the pandemic period. There was also a significant reduction (p=0.005) in the use of antibiotics in the pandemic period compared with the pre-pandemic period. The Δ1 and Δ2 values did not differ significantly for BMI, FEV1, or length of hospital stay. COVID-19 social distancing recommendations had a positive impact (decrease) on morbidity (use of antibiotics) and small airway obstruction (FEF25-75%) in patients with CF.

Impact of COVID-19-Related Social Distancing on the Incidence of Inpatient Aggression at a Public Psychiatric Hospital.

This study explores the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic-related social distancing measures on the incidence of inpatient aggression at a public psychiatric hospital Methods: Data was gathered from the hospital's unusual incident (UI) database for the time period ranging from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. Based on the implementation of major social distancing measures, March 6, 2020, was set as a cutoff time point to categorize aggressive events into pre-COVID and post-COVID groups. Data was analyzed using Chi-square tests and general linear modeling. The p-value was set at ≤0.05. After the implementation of social distancing measures, there was a decrease in the absolute number of inpatient aggressive events from 15.0/week to 12.6/week (mean difference: 2.4/week, p=0.032). However, this decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in hospital census. There was a decrease in the proportion of seven-day and 14-day post-admission aggressive events by 5.4% and 12.1%, respectively. Concurrently, there was a 4.9% increase in recurrent aggression. Emergency psychiatric medication administration and the use of physical restraint decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with previous results, this study reports a decrease in the incidence of inpatient aggression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing measures can be utilized as a tool to decrease the incidence of inpatient aggression and the use of physical restraints.

A Comparative Analysis of Safety and Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Pre-Pandemic Period: Insights from the Tehran Obesity Treatment Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised global health concerns and posed challenges for postoperative follow-up care for patients undergoing bariatric surgery due to social distancing rules. This was a cohort study on patients with morbid obesity who underwent bariatric surgery and had been enrolled in Tehran Obesity Treatment Study. Patients who had surgery between March 2020 and March 2021 were classified as those undergoing the procedure amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while those who had surgery between March 2017 and March 2018 were categorized as the pre-pandemic group. The study included 982 patients in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic group and 602 patients in the COVID-19 pandemic group, with mean ages of 39.61 and 39.51 years, respectively. After adjusting for preoperative body mass index (BMI) and surgery type, the patients who underwent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated comparable results to the pre-COVID-19 group in terms of total weight loss %, excess weight loss %, BMI reduction, and fat mass reduction during the 12-month postoperative period. Additionally, the rate of complications with a grade≥III based on the Clavien-Dindo classification was significantly lower in patients who underwent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, there were no deaths reported in either group. Despite social isolation and unfavorable lifestyle modifications, bariatric surgery-induced weight loss after one year was the same in patients undergoing the procedure either before or after the implementation of social distancing measures. More research is needed to analyze the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery.

Using the Evidence-Development-Validation-Consensus (EDVC) Approach to Develop and Validate maxSIMdrone: A Training Program for Healthcare Professionals to Provide Cardiac Arrest Care Using Drones.

Introduction The challenges of delivering cardiac arrest (CA) courses in rural and remote (R&R) locations worldwide have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to note that this problem has always existed. The implementation of social distancing measures to combat the pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare and medical education, particularly in relation to the training of students, laypeople (LP), and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in CA care. The combination of pandemic restrictions and pre-existing difficulties faced in R&R locations and large cities has disrupted the provision of comprehensive medical education. The suspension of basic lifesupport and defibrillation(BLSD) courses during the pandemic may have negatively affected pre-hospital care for CA. However, it is essential to acknowledge that challenges in delivering these courses in R&R areas predate the pandemic. Materials and methods A 2021 epidemiological study in the Brazilian Amazon identified CA as the primary cause of death, followed by COVID-19. This highlights the importance of providing BLSD courses and training to emergency medical service (EMS) personnel in R&R locations. Even during a pandemic. Researchers from Ontario Tech Universityand Memorial UniversitySchool of Medicinedeveloped a drone with a simulation scenario to train HCPsin automated external defibrillators (AED) operation and guide LPin safe use through BLSD protocols. A literature review showed that different training methods yielded similar outcomes. Based on these findings, the evidence-development-validation-consensus (EDVC) hybrid approach was used to develop and validate an online training program using a learning management system (LMS) as a model. Results Teaching HCPs and LP in R&R locations, such as northern Canada and the Brazilian Amazon, presents challenges due to limited resources and internet access. One potential solution lies in the utilization of remote online LMS that facilitate the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, automation, and delivery of educational courses and training programs. The literature review indicated that mixed training approaches, including face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats, produced similar outcomes in learning assessment, self-confidence, performance, skills, and knowledge acquisition. These findings support the viability of using LMS as a model to develop and validate a course where drones deliver AEDs and provide training to HCPs and LP in R&R locations. A comprehensive training program should encompass cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning domains, addressing various skills and knowledge aspects. Conclusion This research study develops and validates LMS teaching methods to support a training program for HCPs and LP in using AEDs delivered by drones. The program combines design-based research and consensus development methods, such as design thinking and think-aloud observations. Drones are used to provide AEDs and develop simulation scenarios for training in R&R locations. The hybrid approach ensures a valid and evidence-based training program. The study presents the EDVC approach used to enhance the maxSIMdrone training program, enabling effective out-of-hospital CA care. The program incorporates participant feedback and improves knowledge and techniques in AED use. It has the potential to improve patient outcomes in resource-limited R&R locations.

Non-rigorous versus rigorous home confinement differently impacts mental health, quality of life and behaviors. Which one was better? A cross-sectional study with older Brazilian adults during covid-19 first wave

BackgroundThe implementation of social distancing measures during covid-19 influenced health outcomes and population´s behaviors, and its rigidity was very different across countries. We aimed to verify the association between the rigidity of social distancing measures of covid-19 first wave with depression symptoms, quality of life and sleep quality in older adults.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study including 1023 older adults (90% women; 67.68 ± 5.92 years old) of a community-based program in Fortaleza (Brazil). Dependent variables (depression symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life) were measured through phone calls along June 2020, during the first covid-19 wave. Confinement rigidity (non-rigorous and rigorous) was considered as independent variable. Sociodemographic characteristics (sex, marital status, scholarity, and ethnicity), number of health conditions, nutritional status, movement behavior (physical activity and sitting time), technological skills, and pet ownership were considered as confounding variables. A binomial logistic regression (odds ratio [OR]) was performed to verify the association of confinement rigidity and depression symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life, adjusted by confounding variables.ResultsOlder adults who adopted a less rigid lockdown had a higher frequency of depression symptoms, worse perception of quality of life, and bad sleep quality (p < 0.001). Confinement rigidity was able to explain the probability of depression symptoms occurrence (OR: 2.067 [95% CI: 1.531–2.791]; p < 0.001), worse quality of life (OR: 1.488 [95% CI: 1.139–1.944]; p < 0.05), and bad sleep quality (OR: 1.839 [95% CI: 1.412–2.395]; p < 0.001). Even adjusted by confounding variables, confinement rigidity was able to explain the poor outcomes analyzed in older adults.ConclusionOur findings showed that less rigid lockdown was associated with a superior frequency of depression symptoms, worse sleep quality, and lower perception of quality of life in older adults. Therefore, our study could improve comprehension regarding the impact of social distancing measures rigidity in health-related conditions and in the context of covid-19 and other similar pandemic situations.

Student Paradigm Analysis of Entrepreneurship Post-Pandemic in Indonesia

Objective: The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Indonesia's economy as a whole. The implementation of social distancing measures and subsequent Large-Scale Social Restrictions (LSSR) have led to companies downsizing and employees working from home. This has had a negative effect on the output of these companies and has necessitated action by the government to accelerate the recovery of all economic sectors. This study provides an overview of the student paradigm of entrepreneurship with a focus on the key variables of entrepreneurship education components, facilities and infrastructure, and entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, the study aims to explore the influence of these variables on entrepreneurial intention and to provide recommendations from student problem. Method: This research employs a quantitative and objectives addressed using two data analysis techniques: descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.  Results:  The findings of this study indicate that entrepreneurship education has a positive and significant influence on entrepreneurial intention, as do facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, the study found that entrepreneurship education and facilities and infrastructure both have a positive and significant influence on entrepreneurial intention.  Novelty: The focus of this research involves master's degree students which are still little researched because most previous research has examined undergraduate students or the general public.

The impact of COVID-19 on clinical research at Australian and New Zealand universities: A qualitative study

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the implementation of social distancing measures, travel restrictions,and infection control measuresthatintroduced a myriad of disruptions in the conduct of clinical research worldwide. As a result, many aspects of clinical research were variably impacted. To explore the impact of the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical research across accredited nursing, pharmacy,and medicine program providers in Australian and New Zealand universities. Representatives from all program providers across Australian and New Zealand universities, with publicly available contact information, were invited to participate in this qualitative study, whereby semi-structured interviews were completed with participants who held senior research or leadership positions within their institution. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed using thematic content analysis. Interviews were conducted with 16 participants between August and October 2021. Two major themes were identified (Immediate Research Impact and Broader Research Impact) with six subthemes: Prioritisation, Continuation,and Dissemination of Research; Modifications to Research; Funding and Changes to Research Focus; Collaboration; Research Workforce; Context-specific Impacts. The impact on clinical research in Australian and New Zealand universities included changes to data collection methods, a perceived decreased quality of research, changes to collaboration, neglect of basic disease research, and loss of the research workforce. This study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical research within the Australian and New Zealand university context. Implications of these impacts should be considered to ensure long-term sustainability of research and preparedness for future disruptions.

Yellow fever vaccination before and during the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To analyze the number of yellow fever vaccine doses administered before and during the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil.METHODS This is an ecological, time series study based on data from the National Immunization Program. Differences between the median number of yellow fever vaccine doses administered in Brazil and in its regions before (from April/2019 to March/2020) and after (from April/2020 to March/2021) the implementation of social distancing measures in the country were assessed via the Mann-Whitney test. Prais-Winsten regression models were used for time series analyses.RESULTS We found a reduction in the median number of yellow fever vaccine doses administered in Brazil and in its regions: North (-34.71%), Midwest (-21.72%), South (-63.50%), and Southeast (-34.42%) (p < 0.05). Series showed stationary behavior in Brazil and in its five regions during the covid-19 pandemic (p > 0.05). Brazilian states also showed stationary trends, except for two states which recorded an increasing trend in the number of administered yellow fever vaccine doses, namely: Alagoas State (before: β = 64, p = 0.081; after: β = 897, p = 0.039), which became a yellow fever vaccine recommendation zone, and Roraima State (before: β = 68, p = 0.724; after: β = 150, p = 0.000), which intensified yellow fever vaccinations due to a yellow fever case confirmation in a Venezuelan State in 2020.CONCLUSION The reduced number of yellow fever vaccine doses administered during the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil may favor the reemergence of urban yellow fever cases in the country.

Teaching online Physical Education during social distancing using Google Sites

Covid-19 has resulted in the implementation of social distancing measures and school closures worldwide. This study explores some of the impacts, such as pedagogies, teaching strategies, reflections, and barriers of the teacher as he suddenly moved to an online teaching environment and taught PE lessons with the use of technology (Google Sites). A self-study methodology with thematic analysis was used to investigate the lead author’s experiences. Findings and discussions highlight how the teacher had to find new forms of teaching online, ways of making the students not be exclusively in front of the screen, and simultaneously be concordant with the social and dynamic characteristics of PE. Ultimately, the experiences and the process of reflection demonstrated the need to be coherent with teaching beliefs, assumptions, theoretical approaches and practices as a teacher. This article foregrounds and contributes to future ways of teaching PE online by understanding one teacher’s praxis.

Caregiver-Reported Changes in the Socioemotional Wellbeing and Daily Habits of Children With Special Educational Needs During the First COVID-19 National Lockdown in the United Kingdom

The implementation of social distancing measures (e.g., school closures) by governments worldwide to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has affected millions of children and their families. However, the consequences of such measures on the wellbeing of children with special educational needs (SEN) and their caregivers are not fully understood. The present study examined the socioemotional wellbeing and daily habits of children between 5 and 12 years old with SEN during the first national COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom. Participants were 995 caregivers between 18 and 61 years old living in the United Kingdom who completed a 20 -min electronic survey on child and family wellbeing distributed via social networks between July and August 2020. The findings showed that children with SEN were more likely to experience more emotional and behavioral difficulties during the lockdown than children without SEN. Children with SEN but without mental health difficulties did not have more behavior difficulties during the lockdown than children without SEN. There was a significant increase in screen time and decrease in sleep time for children with and without SEN during the lockdown, but children with SEN were using screens more often than children without SEN both before and during the lockdown. Finally, caregivers with children with SEN reported more difficulty with the confinement than caregivers with children without SEN, but caregiver and child poor mental health were likely to explain the difference. The findings show that the wellbeing of children with SEN was more likely to be negatively affected by the lockdown than the wellbeing of children without SEN. Caregiver and child mental health were likely to explain the differences.

Impact of social distancing on early SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the United States.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a viral pathogen that quickly became a global pandemic in the winter of 2020-2021. In response, governments issued social distancing orders to minimize transmission by reducing community contacts. We tested the efficacy of this social distancing at the state level during the first 2months of the pandemic in the United States. We utilized data on daily SARS-CoV-2 case numbers and human community mobility (anonymized, aggregated cell phone location data stratified into six categories used as an index of social distancing), the date of government-issued social distancing orders, demographics, urbanization and public transportation. We implemented cross-correlation to identify lag times between declines in mobility and SARS-CoV-2 cases. Incorporating state-specific lag times, we tested for associations between case counts and mobility metrics using Bayesian multilevel models. Decreased mobility around grocery stores/pharmacies, retail/recreation locations, transit stations and workplaces was correlated with decreases in SARS-CoV-2 cases with significant lag times of ≥21days. Social distancing orders were associated with fewer cumulative SARS-CoV-2 cases when they were put in place earlier. Community mobility had already started declining prior to most social distancing orders, especially the more restrictive orders implemented later in the pandemic. Social distancing is an important tool that has been implemented throughout the pandemic to decrease SARS-CoV-2 transmission, although with significant social and economic impacts. Our results suggest that declines in cases were observed several weeks subsequent to implementation of social distancing measures, and that implementing social distancing earlier could potentially minimize the duration of time these policies need to be in effect. Our findings can inform ongoing management of this pandemic and other emerging infectious disease outbreaks by identifying areas where reductions in mobility are associated with reduced disease transmission, and the expected time frame between behavioural changes and measurable population outcomes.

Trends of Internet Search Volumes for Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis.

BackgroundThe effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on public mental health has been increasing. Additionally, the underlying psychological stressors remain unexplored, and few studies have been conducted nationally on the social distancing measures. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the psychological impacts of the implementation of social distancing measures by analyzing the Internet search trends of major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms.MethodsUsing Naver® Trends’ relative search volumes (RSVs), we analyzed the average search volumes and trend changes of 16 terms, adopted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 criteria for diagnosing MDD. An interrupted time-series analysis was performed using the data from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. Furthermore, changes in RSVs, according to the intensity of the social distancing measures implemented from January 1 to December 31, 2020, were determined using Wilcoxon rank sum tests.ResultsOf the 16 terms, the search trends of ‘feeling guilty’ (P < 0.001) and ‘wanting to die’ (P = 0.002) showed a significant increase as of February 29, 2020, when the social distancing measures were officially implemented. Additionally, the average search volumes for ‘hopelessness’ (P = 0.003), ‘sexual desire’ (P < 0.001), ‘insomnia’ (P = 0.002), ‘hypersomnia’ (P < 0.001), ‘restlessness’ (P < 0.001), and ‘feeling lethargic’ (P < 0.001) increased significantly. Moreover, gender analysis showed that the average search volume of ‘depressed mood’ (P = 0.033) and the trend of ‘impaired concentration’ (P < 0.001) increased in males only. However, the average search volume of ‘feeling lethargic’ (P = 0.001) and the trend of ‘feeling guilty’ (P = 0.001) increased in females only. The average search volumes for ‘depressed mood’ (P < 0.001), ‘impaired concentration’ (P = 0.038), and ‘indecisiveness’ (P < 0.001) were significantly higher during the enforcement of level 2 or higher social distancing measures.ConclusionOur results reported the negative effect of COVID-19 preventive measures on public mental health in South Korea, especially for MDD symptoms. Moreover, the findings suggested the utility of Naver Trends as a feasible big data source to assess future mental health crises.

Impact of excluding nursing home COVID-19 cases when assessing the relationship between county-level social distancing behavior and COVID-19 cases across the US during the early phase of the pandemic, February 2020-May 2020.

ObjectivesTo conduct a cross-sectional nationwide study examining how exclusion of nursing home COVID-19 cases influences the association between county level social distancing behavior and COVID-19 cases throughout the US during the early phase of the pandemic (February 2020-May 2020).MethodsUsing county-level COVID-19 data and social distancing metrics from tracked mobile devices, we investigated the impact social distancing had on a county’s total COVID-19 cases (cases/100,000 people) between when the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in a county and May 31st, 2020 when most statewide social distancing measures were lifted, representing the pandemic’s exponential growth phase. We created a mixed-effects negative binomial model to assess how implementation of social distancing measures when they were most stringent (March 2020-May 2020) influenced total COVID-19 cases while controlling for social distancing and COVID-19 related covariates in two scenarios: (1) when COVID-19 nursing home cases are not excluded from total COVID-19 cases and (2) when these cases are excluded. Model findings were compared to those from February 2020, a baseline when social distancing measures were not in place.Marginal effects at the means were generated to further isolate the influence of social distancing on COVID-19 from other factors and determine total COVID-19 cases during March 2020-May 2020 for the two scenarios.ResultsRegardless of whether nursing home COVID-19 cases were excluded from total COVID-19 cases, a 1% increase in average % of mobile devices leaving home was significantly associated with a 5% increase in a county’s total COVID-19 cases between March 2020-May 2020 and about a 2.5% decrease in February 2020. When the influence of social distancing was separated from other factors, the estimated total COVID-19 cases/100,000 people was comparable throughout the range of social distancing values (25%-45% of mobile phone devices leaving home between March 2020-May 2020) when nursing home COVID-19 cases were not excluded (25% of mobile phones leaving home: 163.84 cases/100,000 people (95% CI: 121.81, 205.86), 45% of mobile phones leaving home: 432.79 cases/100,000 people (95% CI: 256.91, 608.66)) and when they were excluded (25% of mobile phones leaving home: 149.58 cases/100,000 people (95% CI: 111.90, 187.26), 45% of mobile phones leaving home: 405.38 cases/100,000 people (95% CI: 243.14, 567.62)).ConclusionsExclusion of nursing home COVID-19 cases from total COVID-19 case counts has little impact when estimating the relationship between county-level social distancing and preventing COVID-19 cases with additional research needed to see whether this finding is also observed for COVID-19 growth rates and mortality.

Effects of the 2020 health crisis on acute alcohol intoxication: A nationwide retrospective observational study

BackgroundRecent data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions may have influenced alcohol use and promoted addictive behavior. We aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) in France. MethodsWe identified all hospital stays related to alcohol abuse in 2018–2020. Differences in number of hospitalizations between 2019 and 2020 were tested using Poisson regressions. Differences between observed and expected deliveries of drugs used in alcohol dependence in 2020 were also studied. ResultsThere was a decrease in the number of hospitalizations for AAI between 2019 and 2020 (−9677[−11·4%],RR:0·89[0·88–0·89]). This decrease was observed among men and women of all age groups, except women ≥ 85 years. We observed an increase in in-hospital mortality during 2020 and more hospitalizations for AAI with certain medical complications, especially during the first 2020 lockdown. There was a drop in observed deliveries of drugs used in alcohol dependence during the first 2020 lockdown. ConclusionsThe decrease in the number of hospitalizations for AAI in 2020 could be explained by several factors: fewer available hospital beds due to COVID-19, individuals with AAI delaying or avoiding medical care due to COVID-19 fears, and decreases driven by younger age groups returning to live with parents and socializing less. While alcohol consumption patterns have changed with the implementation of social distancing measures and lockdowns, the increase in mortality and the share of hospitalizations with complications suggest that these measures had an impact on event severity in a context of strained access to healthcare.

Comparison of Cyberbullying before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea.

Because of the implementation of social distancing measures following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face interaction has plummeted, which has resulted in the prolific use of social networking services (SNS) and increased activity in the cyberspace environment. This is especially true for teenagers and young adults with the shift to online classes in the education sector, which has increased the chances of being exposed to cyberbullying. This study attempts to determine a strategy for counteracting cyberbullying in the post-COVID-19 era by identifying the factors that have contributed toward greater aggression by adolescents in South Korea in 2020 when the spread of COVID-19 was at its height. To achieve this, we employed the Cyberbullying Circumstance Analysis dataset from the Korea Communications Commission for the time frame of between 2019 and 2020, with 4779 and 4958 participants, respectively. The causes and effects that led to cyberbullying were investigated using binary logistic regression analysis. By reviewing the research data targeted towards Korean adolescents, our analysis found that the average age of those who engage in cyberbullying decreased in 2020 compared to 2019. In addition, cyberbullying awareness at school and the school’s capability of controlling it influenced the number of cyberbullies from a statistical grounding, which could be found only in the 2020 dataset. An approach to establishing policies in schools to contain preemptive measures and increase cyberbullying awareness has been proposed to prevent such mishaps in the post-COVID-19 era.

Social distancing measures: barriers to their implementation and how they can be overcome – a systematic review

BackgroundDespite their central role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and previous infectious disease outbreaks, factors influencing the acceptability and implementation of social distancing measures are poorly understood. This systematic review aims to identify such factors drawing on qualitative literature.MethodsA systematic search was carried out in eleven databases. Papers were included in the review if they reported on qualitative studies of factors influencing the implementation of social distancing measures in potentially epidemic infectious diseases. An adapted meta-ethnographical approach was used for synthesis. Review findings were assessed for strength and reliability using GRADE-CERQual.ResultsTwenty-nine papers were included from the systematic search that yielded 5620 results, and supplementary methods. The review identifies two broad categories of barriers to social distancing measures: individual- or community-level psychosocial phenomena, and shortcomings in governmental action or communication. Based on this, 25 themes are identified that can be addressed to improve the implementation of social distancing.ConclusionAmong other findings, the review identifies the need for good communication as well as the need for authorities to provide comprehensive support as two key opportunities to increase acceptability and adherence. Further important enablers of adherence are adequate preparedness and appropriate legislation, the presence of community involvement, solidarity within communities and trust in governments and authorities.

Household Coping Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile.

Chile was severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of social distancing measures strongly affected the Chilean economy: the unemployment rate grew rapidly as well as the proportion of population temporarily excluded from the labour force. This article analyses the strategies deployed by Chilean households to cope with the impact of the pandemic at the intersection with household structure and its socio-economics characteristics. Secondary data analysis from the Encuesta Social COVID-19 (COVID-19 Social Survey), carried out by the Chilean Ministry for Social Development and Families, were used to analyse the income-generating and expenditure-minimising strategies adopted by households during the early months (March to July of 2020) of the pandemic. The results show that 60.3% of households experienced a drop in family income, 70.3% indicated that they had to use at least one income-generating strategy, and 76.6% at least one expenditure-minimising strategy during the early months of the pandemic. Indebtedness and decapitalisation characterised most of the coping strategies adopted by households. While living in multigenerational households does not protect family members from declining economic well-being, older people living in one- and two-generation households were found to be least affected economically during the crisis. They were also less likely to resort to these coping strategies, insofar as their income was mainly secured from pensions. Although female-headed households did not show a greater reduction in income than male-headed households, they were more likely to adopt income-generating strategies. This article draws attention to the possible effects of decapitalisation and indebtedness on the long-term economic well-being of households with different structures, and the resulting inequalities in their capacity to recover from the effects of the pandemic. The findings suggest that having a source of family income that is not dependent on labour market flows is crucial in times of crises.