Peak Of Pandemic Research Articles

Italy's Post-COVID-19 Stroke Network: Has It Returned to Pre-Pandemic Standards?

The COVID-19 pandemic strongly transformed the healthcare system in the Lombardy region (Italy), forcing a rapid reorganization of hospital structures. The emergency medical service (EMS) system and emergency departments (EDs) were among the most affected departments. Several studies have shown a change in the epidemiology of time-dependent pathologies, such as stroke, during the pandemic's peak. However, there is little scientific evidence regarding the interpandemic phase. The regional register for ED accesses (EUOL) was analyzed, taking into consideration all accesses for stroke and stroke-like syndromes during the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. The analysis shows a significant difference in the average number of diagnoses per month [2092 vs. 1815 vs. 2015, respectively (p < 0.05)] and an increase in the percentage of transports carried out by EMS vehicles to EDs [17% vs. 25% vs. 22%, respectively (p < 0.05)]. The length of stay (LOS) increased for both discharged patients (9.0 vs. 10.1 vs. 11.2 h, respectively; p < 0.005) and hospitalized patients (7.5 vs. 9.7 vs. 10.6 h, respectively; p < 0.005). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall number of stroke diagnoses decreased, while the percentage of patients transported to EDs by EMS vehicles increased. Furthermore, an increased processing time in EDs was highlighted.

Challenges and Solutions during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Hospitalization and Performance in Elective Pediatric Surgeries.

Background and Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the most frequently performed elective pediatric surgical procedures and the number of hospitalizations and compare it to the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods. Materials and Methods: The subjects were patients under 18 years of age who were regularly admitted for selected elective procedures in a single tertiary center in Croatia from 1 March to 31 August of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Data were collected from the electronic logs of surgical procedures and hospital admissions, logs of one-day surgeries, patients' medical records, and discharge letters. The primary outcome of this study was to determine the evolution of the number of elective surgical procedures before, during, and after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic; also, we aimed to confirm and objectify global data and statements about the decrease in the number of hospital admissions and surgical procedures. Secondary outcome measures included the length of hospitalization, the number and types of complications, and readmissions. Results: In 2020, the number of elective procedures decreased by 28.3% and the number of hospitalizations decreased by 36.2%; in 2021, the number of elective procedures decreased by 30.8% and the number of hospitalizations decreased by 14.2% compared to the pre-pandemic period (2019). In 2022, there was a 22.8% increase in elective procedures and a 2.9% decrease in hospitalizations compared to 2019. No statistical difference was found in the rates of complications between the individual years studied in terms of complications (p = 0.869). Conclusions: The number of elective procedures and hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased significantly compared to the pre-pandemic period. After the healthcare system adapted to the conditions of the pandemic, the number of elective procedures increased significantly despite COVID-19, while the number of hospitalizations remained approximately the same as before the pandemic.

Centenarians, semi and supercentenarians, COVID-19 and Spanish flu: a serological assessment to gain insight into the resilience of older centenarians to COVID-19

BackgroundAlthough it is well known that the older people have been the most susceptible to COVID-19, there are conflicting data on the susceptibility of centenarians. Two epidemiological study have shown that older centenarians (> 101 years old at the time of the 2020 pandemic peak) are more resilient than the remaining centenarians, suggesting that this resilience might be linked to the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. To gain insight into this matter, specifically whether the resilience of older centenarians to SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked to the Spanish Flu they had been affected by, we conducted a retrospective serological study. This study examined serum samples from 33 centenarians, encompassing semi- (aged > 104 < 110 years, N = 7) and supercentenarians (aged > 109 years, N = 4), born between 1905 and 1922, against both SARS-CoV-2 and 1918 H1N1 pseudotype virus.ResultsAnamnestic and laboratory data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 8 centenarians. The infection appeared to have been asymptomatic or mild, and hospitalization was not required, despite 3 out of 8 being between 109 and 110 years old. The levels of anti-spike antibodies in centenarians infected and/or vaccinated were higher, although not significantly, than those produced by a random sample of seventy-year-old individuals used as controls. All centenarians had antibody levels against the 1918 H1N1 virus significantly higher (almost 50 times) than those observed in the quoted group of seventy-year-old subjects, confirming the key role in maintaining immunological memory from a priming that occurred over 100 years ago. Centenarians whose blood was collected prior to the pandemic outbreak demonstrated neutralising antibodies against the 1918 H1N1 virus, but all these subjects tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionThis retrospective study shows that older centenarians are quite resilient to COVID-19, as they are capable of producing good levels of neutralising antibodies and experiencing mild or asymptomatic disease. This could be attributed to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic through mechanisms other than the presence of cross-reactive antibodies between the 1918 H1N1 virus and SARS-CoV-2. Another possibility is that the association is purely temporal, solely correlated with the advanced age of resilient centenarians compared to those born after 1918, since older centenarians are known to have better control of immune-inflammatory responses.

What drives preventative health behaviors one year into a pandemic? A replication and extension

Objective: There is continued interest in understanding what leads people to engage in CDC-recommended COVID-19 prevention behaviors. We tested whether fear and COVID-19 worry would replicate as the primary drivers of six CDC recommended prevention behaviors. Methods and Measures: We recruited 741 adult participants during the second major peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (early 2021). Using very similar methods to the original study, participants completed a 10-day daily diary. Mixed effects models identified the strongest predictors of each individual prevention behavior as well as approach and avoidance behavior clusters. Results: At the between-person level, COVID-19 worry, COVID-19 perceived susceptibility, fear, and positive emotions all had positive zero-order associations with the prevention behaviors. However, with all predictors in the same model together, primarily COVID-19 worry remained significant for both the individual behaviors and behavior clusters. At the within-person level, only fear related to assessing oneself for COVID-19 and approach behaviors on the same day, but not the next day. Mediational analyses suggested COVID-19 worry, but not COVID-19 susceptibility, mediated the links between fear and approach/avoidance behaviors. Conclusion: Findings replicated worry about yourself or a loved one getting COVID-19 as the strongest predictor of prevention behaviors.

Mental Health in Healthcare Workers Post-COVID-19: A Latin American Review and Insights into Personalized Management Strategies.

Over the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of enduring mental health on healthcare workers has become increasingly evident. This review focuses on post-pandemic mental health challenges faced by healthcare personnel in Latin America. This highlights the persistent burden on healthcare workers, especially women, which is exacerbated by economic disparities, inadequacies in the healthcare system, and ongoing occupational stressors. Our literature review, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, scrutinized the mental health status of healthcare professionals in the region after the pandemic's peak. The analysis indicated sustained levels of psychological distress, with frontline workers and women continuing to be affected disproportionately. These findings emphasize the urgent need for personalized interventions to effectively address the complex mental health challenges in this context. This review advocates strategic interventions, including tailored psychological support, innovative diagnostics, and technological solutions, integrated into patient-centered care models. Such approaches aim to enhance the mental resilience and overall well-being of healthcare professionals across Latin America in the post-COVID era.

Efficacy of highly bioavailable oral curcumin in asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 patients: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

IntroductionEven after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of mild cases remains high, requiring continuous control. Curcumin, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties, can suppress vital proliferation and cytokine secretion in animal models. We developed a highly absorbable curcumin, curcuRouge® (cR), which is approximately 100 times more orally bioavailable than conventional curcumin. We evaluated the effect of cR on the inhibition of disease progression in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients.MethodsThis study evaluated the effect of 7-day oral intake of cR (360 mg twice daily). Patients within 5 days of COVID-19 diagnosis were randomly assigned to a placebo or cR group in a double-blind manner.ResultsPrimary endpoint events [body temperature (BT) ≥ 37.5 °C and saturation of percutaneous oxygen (SpO2) < 96%] were fewer than expected, and the rate of these events was 2.8% in the cR group (2/71) and 6.0% in the placebo group (4/67); hazard ratio (HR) = 0.532, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.097–2.902. Patients receiving cR tended to take fewer antipyretic medications than those receiving placebo (HR = 0.716, 95% CI 0.374–1.372). Among patients with a normal range of BT at baseline, the BT change rate was significantly (p = 0.014) lower in the cR group (− 0.34%) versus placebo (− 0.01%).ConclusionThe relative suppression of event rates and antipyretic medications taken, and significant decrease of subclinical BT support the anti-inflammatory effects of cR in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients with COVID-19.Trial registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (CRB5200002).

Did COVID-19 influence fruit and vegetable consumption? Explaining and comparing pandemic peak and post-peak periods

The COVID-19 pandemic, one of the worst global health crises in the last century, impacted nearly every aspect of people's lives, including their dietary choices and food consumption patterns. It arrived during a long shift in American diets featuring increasingly large portions of processed foods as well as fruit and vegetable consumption that is well below recommended levels. Improving the latter has been a key part of policymakers' efforts to improve consumers' diets. This study surveyed individuals in the US South to determine the factors influencing their consumption of fruit and vegetables during the pandemic peak and how these have changed post-peak. During the peak, food venue, demographics, and concerns about diet and the seriousness of the virus heavily affected consumption. Greater amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables were consumed post-peak pandemic. Changes post-peak were predicted by food venue. Cooking meals at home was the main positive predictor for consumption. US policymakers should try and leverage the changes since the peak to promote greater consumption of fruit and vegetables.

The Effectiveness of Flipped Classroom Pedagogy in Promoting learning engagement in Organic Chemistry in Grade-12 Students in the Context of South Africa and Covid-19

ABSTRACT Technology-mediated flipped classroom pedagogy has been increasingly adopted at the university level owing to its potential efficacy in improving student engagement and performance while reducing dropout rates. However, at the high-school level, particularly in under-resourced schools, traditional face-to-face teaching which does not promote active learning persists. There is a paucity of research on the effectiveness of the flipped classroom in promoting engagement at these high schools. Research shows that organic chemistry, rated as difficult and associated with ineffective teaching, results in diminished learning engagement. Consequently, a mixed-methods study focusing on Grade-12 students studying organic chemistry was conducted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. The Grade-12 participants were randomly placed into two groups – experimental and control – and were taught using flipped classrooms and traditional face-to-face teaching method, respectively. Data were collected using surveys (quantitative) and semi-structured interviews (qualitative). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential (t-tests) analyses. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic, content and comparative analyses. Both analyses drew from the engagement theory and found that flipped classroom was effective in fostering learning engagement. The study contributes to the engagement theory by closing the highlighted gap while highlighting interesting factors at play at the high-school level.

Challenges of Family-Centered Care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during the Visitation Restrictions After COVID-19 Pandemic Peak: A Qualitative Study of Parents’ and Nurses’ Perspectives

Family-centered care is crucial for parent-infant bonding and collaborative healthcare in neonatal intensive care units. COVID-19 visitation restrictions have hindered this care’s effectiveness and posed challenges in Thai units. This study, conducted in a southern Thailand hospital, explored nurses’ and parents’ perspectives on implementing family-centered care during restricted visitation policies, providing globally applicable insights. An exploratory-descriptive qualitative approach was used, involving semi-structuredinterviews with ten nurses and ten parents to explore their nuanced perspectives from June to August 2023. The interviews were conducted face-to-face, individually, using a semi-structured interview guide, and the transcripts were analyzed using thematicanalysis to identify significant themes. Findings from this study comprised five themes: 1) Having a mindset to involve parents in care, 2) Parents receiving psychological support, 3) Challenges of communication, 4) Negative impact of restricted visiting times, and 5) Accommodating flexible visiting hours in exceptional circumstances. Providing the best possible care for infants requires an adaptable and flexible approach to meet each family’s unique needs. Additionally, healthcare providers need to explore how they can implementfamily-centered care effectively during visiting restrictions in the NICU in different contexts. Further research is necessary to investigate the practical implementation of this by nurses and how hospital administrators can support it in Thai neonatal intensive care units under policies restricting family visits.

ESG, clean energy, and petroleum futures markets: Asymmetric return connectedness and hedging effectiveness

This study investigates the asymmetric return connectedness and portfolio implications among environmental, social and governance (ESG) exchange-traded funds (ETFs), clean energy ETFs, and five petroleum futures markets from December 2016 to December 2022. To this end, it uses an asymmetric time-varying approach of connectedness and constructs portfolios using minimum variance portfolio (MVP), minimum correlation portfolio (MCP), and minimum connectedness portfolio (MCoP). The results show that negative return connectedness is stronger than positive ones across most of the sample period, especially around the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The dynamic of net connectedness between markets is altered by the pandemic. ESG ETFs are more connected to petroleum futures markets than clean energy ETFs. The connectedness is strong during the COVID-19 outbreak, which suggests the instability of the system of return connectedness during the global health crisis. The minimum connectedness portfolio approach reflects the asymmetric and non-asymmetric return connectedness more than other portfolio approaches. Notably, clean energy and ESG ETF exhibit a safe-haven property under both symmetry and asymmetry in return connectedness. The findings are insightful from investment and policy perspectives.

Impact of COVID-19 on facial plastic surgery volumes: A large database analysis of pre- and post-pandemic trends.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective surgeries faced cancelations due to quarantine measures. The objective of this study was to assess facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS) volume before, during, and after the height of the pandemic on a national scale. The TriNetX Research Network identified 68,101,098 individuals aged 18+ with healthcare interactions from 2017 to 2022. Rates of common FPRS surgeries and procedures were compared during March-August of each year, aligning with the pandemic lockdown. Compared to immediately before the pandemic in 2019, the 2020 pandemic peak saw an overall surgical volume reduction of -36.8%, with specific surgeries decreasing significantly: rhinoplasty (-28.6%), septoplasty (-34.0%), rhytidectomy (-54.9%), blepharoplasty (-40.7%), brow lift (-43.8%), ectropion/entropion repair (-35.6%), repair of blepharoptosis (-45.6%), correction of lagophthalmos (-29.9%), correction of lid retraction (-36.8%), and lipectomy (-41.8%) (p < .001). The procedural volume also decreased by 28.6%, encompassing reductions in various procedures: botulinum toxin A (-18.7%), facial filler (-40.7%), dermabrasion (-62.3%), chemical peel (-36.6%), and intralesional injection (-33.3%) (p < .001). In contrast to 2020, 2021 witnessed an increase of +75.0% in total surgical and +61.3% procedural volume: rhinoplasty (+81.0%), septoplasty (+74.7%), rhytidectomy (+143.4%), blepharoplasty (+81.7%), brow lift (+64.5%), ectropion/entropion repair (+55.2%), repair of blepharoptosis (+62.7%), correction of lagophthalmos (+39.0%), correction of lid retraction (+73.0%), lipectomy (+121.2%), botulinum toxin A (+52.4%), filler (+59.6%), dermabrasion (+91.8%), chemical peel (+78.8%), and intralesional injection (+67.3%) (p < .001). In 2022, rates of total surgeries (+8.5%) and procedures (+12.8%) surpassed pre-pandemic levels from 2019 (p < .001). FPRS experienced significant pandemic-induced decreases, followed by a notable recovery in subsequent years, with certain surgeries and procedures surpassing pre-pandemic levels. 4.

Intention to adopt services by AI avatar: A protection motivation theory perspective

Understanding how infection threats, such as COVID-19 affect the adoption of new non-contact services is important for the development and marketing of services that require significant investment. Combining protection motivation theory (PMT) and the technology acceptance model (TAM) with service trust, and including gender and age as control variables, we investigate the factors affecting consumers' intention to adopt new AI avatar services after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was conducted through an online survey of consumers in the United States for a week. Hypotheses were evaluated using structural equation modeling. The findings show that protection motivation theory variables more significantly influence the acceptance of new services than either the TAM variables or service trust. Furthermore, the threat-appraisal process more strongly influences attitudes and adoption intention toward a recommended protection response than the typical coping-appraisal process. Our new model expands the theory of consumer acceptance of new services by including the PMT perspective in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In practice, service providers need to reflect in their marketing strategies to reflect the observation that consumers perceive the severity and vulnerability of external threats: the greater the perceived response efficacy, the greater the adoption of a new service, in a manner that can rival the perceived usefulness and ease of use.

Alternations in miR-155 and miR-200 serum levels can serve as biomarkers for COVID-19 in the post-mass vaccination era.

Mass vaccination and natural immunity reduced the severity of COVID-19 cases. SARS-CoV-2 ongoing genome variations imply the use of confirmatory serologic biomarkers besides PCR for reliable diagnosis. MicroRNA molecules are intrinsic components of the innate immune system. The expression of miR155-5p and miR200c-3p was previously correlated with SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. This case-control study was conducted during the third peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt and aimed to calculate the accuracy of miR155-5p and miR200c-3p as biomarkers for COVID-19. Thirty out of 400 COVID-19 patients at a main University hospital in Alexandria were included in the study along with 20 age-matched healthy controls. Plasma samples were collected for total and differential CBC. Relative quantitation of miR155-5p and miR200c-3p expression from WBCs was done by RT-qPCR. The expression of miR155-5p and miR200c-3p was positively correlated and was significantly downregulated in COVID-19 patients compared to the healthy control group (p ˂ 0.005). Both miR155-5p and miR200c-3p were of 76% and 74% accuracy as diagnostic biomarkers of COVID-19, respectively. Regarding the differentiation between mild and moderate cases, their accuracy was 80% and 70%, respectively. miR155-5p and miR200c-3p expression can be used to confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19 and discriminate between mild and moderate cases, with a moderate degree of accuracy.

Analysis of Socio-economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Agricultural Practices Using Stepwise Regression

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted rural farming communities, revealing significant shifts in economic factors, production methods, and farm management practices. This study, conducted in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka, delves into the socio-economic ramifications of the pandemic on agricultural practices and the livelihoods of farmers. Utilizing a stepwise regression analysis approach, the research identifies influential variables such as changes in farm management, production, and health and sanitation facilities. Data were collected from 50 respondents during the pandemic's peak, employing statistical measures like mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation for comprehensive analysis. The findings underscore the intricate relationships between various factors affecting rural livelihoods and highlight the need for targeted interventions and policy measures. The study emphasizes the critical need for tailored policy interventions to address the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on agricultural practices. Specifically, policy recommendations include enhancing access to agricultural extension services, promoting digital agricultural solutions, investing in healthcare infrastructure, supporting economic diversification, and strengthening social protection mechanisms. By aligning policy interventions with the findings and indicators observed in the research, policymakers can effectively support rural farming communities in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and building resilience for the future.

Perspectives on telehealth implementation in Australia: An exploratory qualitative study with practice managers and general practitioners

BackgroundThere is a lack of understanding regarding the impact of telehealth on clinical delivery and the feasibility of sustained implementation by health services. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an ideal opportunity to identify factors related to the implementation of telehealth. This study assessed factors that influenced telehealth implementation during COVID-19 in the Western region of Victoria, Australia, from the perspectives of practice managers and general practitioners (GPs). MethodsEmploying a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 GPs and 11 practice managers across metropolitan and rural settings in the Western region of Victoria, Australia. Interviews were conducted between December 2021 to June 2022, which included periods during and beyond the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Themes were synthesised using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, which comprised five domains: innovation, inner setting, outer setting, individuals and implementation process. An additional domain related to billing and finances was added. ResultsThe innovation domain revealed that telehealth was identified by both stakeholder groups as a critical tool for improving healthcare access for vulnerable patients. GPs highlighted the role of telehealth in follow-up care and the need for extended telephone consultation services. For the implementation process, both stakeholder groups identified a shift in attitudes among GPs from reluctance to acceptance of telehealth. In terms of outer setting, constant changes in regulations posed challenges to administrative staff. Practice managers faced difficulties in acquiring information on changes, but those with robust professional networks were well supported. Initial loss of incentive funding and government-imposed billing methods posed hurdles for clinics. Both stakeholder groups highlighted the need for education around videoconference and a standardised telehealth platform. ConclusionEvolving telehealth regulations during the emergence of COVID-19 posed financial, operational and administrative challenges to primary care clinics. To ensure sustainability, policymakers should improve stakeholder communication, set interoperability standards, and ensure sustainable funding for telehealth.

Employee Experience While Working Remotely During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand: A Qualitative Enquiry

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought massive changes to all aspects of human society and the economy. Recent outbreaks in Thailand lasted for a longer duration and have been more severe than the previous commencing epidemic, as evidenced by the increased counts of cases, hospitalizations, and, unfortunately, fatalities. Thereby, social distancing - the most powerful strategy to prevent the coronavirus spread - was more strictly imposed, as officials implemented vaccination and other mitigation strategies. Consequently, remote working has become obligatory for every firm, alternating working in person in most situations. This paper aims to reflect unique perceptions of employee experience and initially identify some contributing factors regarding the remote working situation in Thailand during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby illuminating implications for both employees and employers in the possible long-term future of remote working. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants who served different roles in various industries, yet all experienced remote working during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand. The subsequent analysis yielded four primary themes. First , the application of technology and its quality had a strong impact on employee experience, as this was the inevitable instrument to maintain all activities. Second, the discrepancy in role autonomy discriminated more distinctly the working pressure between managers and subordinates. Third, work-life balance was more difficult to achieve for people who have a family, with more blurs and complications. And finally, organizational changes were critical to employee experience, yet still limited and incomprehensible.

The unseen strains: mental health battles of Indian journalists amid Covid-19-induced economic uncertainty

ABSTRACT Amidst dealing with the health hazards of working during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, many Indian newspaper journalists lost jobs, faced abrupt salary cuts or were forced to go on unpaid leaves leading to mental health challenges that turned into traumatic experiences for some. Qualitative research method was employed to collect data, through semi-structured interviews where consenting participants recollected, narrated and described their traumatic experiences. The authors identified a cohort (n = 37) of Indian newspaper journalists using the purposive sampling method. The study uncovers the details of the emotional distress and traumatic experiences and noted the coping strategies that demonstrated the resilience of many Indian newspaper journalists in the face of a crisis. This study revealed how sudden pandemic-related layoffs, lack of communication and the ineffectiveness or absence of a collective representation body, like journalist unions, aggravated the mental health challenges for many newspaper journalists in India. Findings highlight how mental health challenges at workplaces can be mitigated with support and interventions by qualified mental health professionals, and other mental health support systems.

Cancer Care Supportive Text Messaging Program (Text4Hope) for People Living With Cancer and Their Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Observational Study.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, and living with cancer generates psychological demands, including depression and anxiety among cancer survivors and caregivers. Text4Hope-Cancer Care SMS text messaging-based service was provided to people with cancer and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic to support their mental health. The aim of this study is to examine the clinical effectiveness of and satisfaction with Text4Hope-Cancer Care in addressing mental health conditions among people living with cancer and caregivers. The study was conducted in Alberta, Canada. People who were diagnosed or receiving cancer treatment and caregivers self-subscribed to receive 3-months daily supportive cognitive behavioral therapy-based SMS text messages and a web-based survey was sent at designated time points to collect clinical and nonclinical data. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) was used to examine changes in anxiety and depression symptoms after receiving the service. Satisfaction with the service was assessed using a survey with a Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, and test significance was considered with P≤.05. Overall, 107 individuals subscribed to the service, and 93 completed the program (completion rate 93/107, 86.9%). A significant improvement in the anxiety symptoms (HADS-Anxiety [HADS-A] subscale) was reported after 3 months of Text4Hope-Cancer Care (t11=2.62; P=.02), with medium effect size (Hedges g=0.7), but not depression symptoms (HADS-Depression [HADS-D] subscale). Subscribers expressed high satisfaction and agreed that the service has helped them to cope with mental health symptoms and improve their quality of life. Most subscribers read the SMS text messages more than once (30/30, 100%); took time to reflect or took a beneficial action after reading the messages (27/30, 90%); and highly agreed (27/30, >80%) with the value of the received supportive SMS text messages as being relevant, succinct, affirmative, and positive. All subscribers recommended SMS text messaging for stress, anxiety, and depression and for cancer care support (30/30, 100%). Text4Hope-Cancer Care was well-perceived and effectively addressed anxiety symptoms among people living with cancer and caregivers during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides evidence-based support and insight for policy and stakeholders to implement similar convenient, economic, and accessible mental health services that support vulnerable populations during crises. RR2-10.2196/20240.

Examining Coping Skills, Anxiety, and Depression Dynamics Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

This cross-sectional study, conducted amid the COVID-19 pandemic, delves into the intricate connections between coping strategies and levels of anxiety and depression, presenting vital implications for medical, clinical, and broader societal contexts. As crises like the pandemic highlight the importance of adaptive coping, this investigation underscores the imperative to comprehend and address maladaptive coping strategies. The study utilized a diverse sample of 386 participants during the pandemic's peak, employing online platforms for recruitment and ensuring broad demographic representation. Data were collected through self-report measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) for depression and anxiety symptoms and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) inventory to assess coping skills across various domains. The coping skills assessment measured strategies such as Self-Distraction, Active Coping, Denial, Substance Use, Emotional and Instrumental Support, Behavioral Disengagement, Venting, Positive Reframing, Planning, Humor, Acceptance, Religion, and Self-Blame. The Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board prioritized and approved ethical considerations, and participants provided informed consent. Data analysis involved rigorous cleaning, recoding, and quantitative analysis using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, regression analyses, and correlation analyses were employed to uncover nuanced relationships between coping strategies and mental health outcomes, contributing to understanding the phenomena under investigation within the context of the pandemic. The findings highlight the pivotal role of individualized approaches and the potential of humor as an essential coping mechanism, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions during crises.

Meeting Effectiveness and Inclusiveness: Large-scale Measurement, Identification of Key Features, and Prediction in Real-world Remote Meetings

Workplace meetings are vital to organizational collaboration, yet relatively little progress has been made toward measuring meeting effectiveness and inclusiveness at scale. The recent rise in remote and hybrid meetings represents an opportunity to do so via computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems. Here, we share the results of an effective and inclusive meetings survey embedded within a CMC system in a diverse set of companies and organizations. We correlate the survey results with objective metrics available from the CMC system to identify the generalizable attributes that characterize perceived effectiveness and inclusiveness in meetings. Additionally, we explore a predictive model of meeting effectiveness and inclusiveness based solely on objective meeting attributes. Lastly, we show challenges and discuss solutions around the subjective measurement of meeting experiences. To our knowledge, this is the largest data-driven study conducted after the pandemic peak to measure, understand, and predict effectiveness and inclusiveness in real-world meetings at an organizational scale.