Physical Distancing Restrictions Research Articles

The role of late adolescents' emotion regulation in the experience of COVID-19 lockdown: A longitudinal study.

The COVID-19 pandemic may be considered a unique mass-trauma experience. This study examined the relations between Italian late adolescents' emotion regulation strategies, their anxiety states, and their experience of the lockdown (in terms of discomfort related to restrictions, capacities to create new functional daily routines, and to find positive changes in one's own life) during the first wave of this pandemic. We analysed how participants' reports of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression were associated with anxiety states during the 2020 Italian COVID-19 lockdown (large scale physical distancing and movement restrictions) and one month after the lockdown restrictions had been removed. We also examined how cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and anxiety states were linked to late adolescents' experience of lockdown. The participants were 497 Italian adolescents, aged from 17 to 24years (Mage =21.11, SD=1.83). A longitudinal structural equation modelling showed that emotion regulation strategies and anxiety states were not associated across time. Cognitive reappraisal was positively associated with routine reorganization and positive changes. In contrast, participants' expressive suppression was negatively related to their discomfort related to restrictions, ability to functionally reorganise their daily routine, and ability to find positive changes related to the COVID-19 emergency. Anxiety was positively linked to discomfort related to restrictions. The findings are discussed in light of the current literature related to emotion regulation and anxiety. Limitations and implications for practice are presented.

Social resilience indicators for pandemic crises.

Coping and recovery capabilities in disasters depend to a large part on the social resilience of the societies or regions that are hit by the respective disruptions. Prior disaster studies suggest a variety of indicators to assess social resilience in the natural hazard context. This paper discusses whether the most common disaster-related social resilience indicators, including social cohesion and support, can meaningfully capture social resilience in pandemic crises, since pandemics typically entail physical distancing and other social restrictions. Based on a review of frequently used social resilience measures, this study proposes pandemic-tailored indicators of social resilience to map a society's or region's coping and recovery capabilities in a meaningful way. Applying the suggested set of indicators to a sample of 1,500 residents surveyed in Switzerland during the summer 2020 phase of the COVID-19 crisis revealed low levels of social support and community engagement, but a high level of willingness to help others.

EXPLANATION OF THE MOLECULAR MECHANISM OF ANTI-DEPRESSION THERAPY USING WEBINARS AS LEARNING COMMUNICATION MEDIA

The Covid-19 Pandemic outbreak has changed various forms of life in society, including restrictions on activities in an open-source environment. The pandemic has also created various kinds of unresolved mental health problems, both in the national dan global area, both those who are directly exposed to the virus and those who are not. Today, the community is still struggling to control the spread of Covid-19, but on the other hand, it has caused the spread of feelings of anxiety, fear and mental pressure due to isolation, physical distancing restrictions, social relations, and other uncertainties. Therefore, these webinar activities were held as one of the online learning communication media, in terms of providing mattery regarding the molecular mechanism of antidepressant therapy, which during the post-Covid-19 pandemic its use increased due to social reasons. This webinar media was very effective without having to gather a crowd and aims to increase knowledge, especially among participants in terms of handling mental health such as depression in terms of its pharmacology therapy. Then, knowing the mechanism of molecular action can improve the optimization of antidepressant therapy according to the patient’s condition. The target participants in this webinar are health workers, students of health study programs, and common people. The webinar activity was conducted by the online system, using the Zoom meeting platform, and was held on April 15th, 2023, then was attended by 241 people, who came from all over Indonesia. From the implementation of the webinar activities, it is known that there has been an increase in understanding of the molecular matter that has been given, this can be seen from the percentage of the correct answers in the post-test evaluation compared to the answers in the pre-test.

Physical activity and mental health experiences of people living with long term conditions during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

Regular physical activity is a strategy that is effective in the physical management of long term conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic, led to disruption of physical activity routines for many people with long term conditions. It is important, to understand the experiences of people with long term conditions regarding physical activity during COVID-19 to enable future identification of strategies to mitigate the impact of restrictions on health. To explore perceptions and experiences of people with long term conditions of the impact of the UK Government physical distancing restrictions on their physical activity participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study, with in depth videoconference semi-structured interviews were conducted between January and April 2022, with 26 adults living with at least one long term condition in the UK. Data were managed in analytical matrices within Excel and data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. Two main themes were developed, explaining how participants managed their physical activity during COVID19 lockdowns, and based on those experiences, what they considered should be in place should another lockdown occur:1) COVID-19 and physical activity: Losses, opportunities and adapting to new formats; and 2) Micro, meso, and macro contexts: creating the right conditions for physical activity support in future pandemics. This study provides information on how people with long term conditions managed their condition during the COVID-19 pandemic and generates new understanding of how physical activity routines changed. These findings will be used to inform stakeholder engagement meetings with individuals with long term conditions and local, regional, and national policy makers, to co-produce recommendations that will help people living with long term conditions remain active during and after COVID-19 and other pandemics.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer at a community hospital.

e18718 Background: COVID-19-related physical distancing restrictions impacted the delivery of close-contact healthcare care in the initial months of the pandemic. To ascertain the effect of these changes on breast cancer (BC) care at Gundersen Health System (GHS), we compared stage at diagnosis (dx), interval between dx and initiation of treatment (tx), and modality of first tx offered to pts (pts) diagnosed with BC before, during, and after pandemic-related restrictions. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the electronic health records of approximately 904 pts with a new BC dx at GHS. Based on the timing of COVID-19-related restrictions at GHS, we designated any date from January 1, 2019 - March 31, 2020 as “Pre-COVID”, April 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020 as “COVID”, and January 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022 as “Post-COVID”. The median time to first tx for each modality of tx was compared using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate patterns in the time to tx for various tx modalities in the three time periods of interest while accounting for clinical stage at dx. Changes in the distribution of modality of first tx, cancer stage at dx, type of surgery, and mode of disease detection across the three time periods of interest were assessed using Chi-square tests of association. Results: The median time to surgery for pts with surgery as first tx modality was significantly different between time periods (p < 0.001) with time to surgery shortest pre-COVID and longest post-COVID. Significant differences in time to first chemotherapy tx were noted for clinical stage 2 pts (p = 0.002), but not for pts diagnosed at other stages. No differences were noted in times to first hormone therapy tx (p = 0.28). There were significant differences in the distribution of modality of first tx (p < 0.001), the clinical stage at dx (p = 0.01), and the mode of detection (p = 0.04) across the three time periods. These differences reveal a shift in the typical paradigm of BC care due to the pandemic; with a delay in detection and tx, change in clinical stage at dx, and a change in the modality of the first tx. Conclusions: Our data illustrate the effect the pandemic had on routine BC care during and after the pandemic-related restrictions regarding time to first tx, clinical stage at the time of dx, and initial tx modality. Furthermore, these pandemic changes are ongoing with the time to first tx longer in the post-pandemic period as compared to pre-pandemic period. This delay in return to pre-pandemic standards may be due to continued issues with supply chain and staffing shortages. Identifying differences attributable to the pandemic will help guide future decisions regarding BC care should conditions necessitate the reimplementation of strict infection-prevention measures. Identifying issues that continue post-COVID will help determine strategies to close those care gaps.

Wearable point-of-view live streaming technology in a virtual airway management workshop for medical students

Background: Trauma resuscitation skills are an essential part of medical training. Airway management skills are often learned via simulation-based training, but physical distancing restrictions have forced medical schools to transition their preclinical curricula to a virtual format. A wearable, point-of-view (POV), live streaming tool was piloted in a virtual airway management workshop to preclinical medical students to address limitations in the standard online curriculum. Methods: An anesthesiologist instructor donned a chest-mounted smartphone that captured POV video as it was connected to a Zoom video conference call. Simultaneously, a second camera view from a different angle was streamed from a laptop webcam. Preclinical medical student attendees watched the facilitator demonstrate airway management and resuscitation skills on a simulation mannequin. Student perceptions of the workshop were assessed via standardised course evaluations administered through the online student portal and a questionnaire distributed by the course representative. Results: Qualitative and quantitative course evaluation data showed that although this platform may not completely substitute in-person learning, students appreciated the alternative teaching style, particularly the use of POV video and multiple camera views. Generally, students believed that the learning objectives were achieved. Camera stability, camera positioning, and the distracting nature of the virtual student-instructor interactions were identified as areas for improvement. Conclusions: Moving forward, this innovative workshop format can act as a valuable framework for other institutions that wish to bridge gaps in current virtual education methods and enhance technical skills training in medical learners.

Effectiveness of telehealth interventions on psychological outcomes and quality of life in community adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Physical distancing and contact restrictions have been implemented in most countries and territories due to the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. This has caused physical, emotional, and psychological distress for adults living in the community. Diversified telehealth interventions have been widely applied in health care and have proven to be cost-effective and well accepted by patients and health professionals. Currently, the effectiveness of telehealth interventions on psychological outcomes and quality of life among community adults during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library from 2019 to October 2022. Twenty-five randomized controlled trials with 3228 subjects were finally included in this review. Two independent reviewers performed the screening, extraction of key data points, and appraisal of the methodological quality. There were positive effects of telehealth interventions on anxiety, stress, loneliness, and well-being among community adults. Participants who were women or older adults were more likely to recover from negative emotions, increase well-being, and improve quality of life. The real-time and interactive interventions and remote cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) may be better choices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings of this review, health professionals have more options and alternatives for delivering telehealth interventions in the future. Rigorously designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with higher statistical power and long-term follow-up should be conducted in the future to strengthen the currently weak evidence.

Video-Conference-Based Graphomotor Examination for Children: A Validation Study.

Telehealth can assist with providing accessible pediatric occupational therapy services. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability, inter-rater reliability, and concurrent validity of the Gilboa Functional Test (GIFT) as a video-conference-based graphomotor examination for children (GIFT-Online). A community-based sample of 157 children aged 3 to 7 years was screened using the GIFT-Online. Inter-rater reliability was excellent (r = 0.97; p < .001; n = 40). In addition, significant correlations were found between the total GIFT-Online scores and the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire 2007 (DCDQ'07), the Little DCDQ (LDCDQ) (r = 0.29, p < .001; n = 157), and the Drawing Proficiency Screening Questionnaire (DPSQ) (r = -0.35, p < .001; n = 157); demonstrating construct and concurrent validity. The online assessment was well received by parents and children. The GIFT-Online was found to be an acceptable method of assessing graphomotor performance. Our results support the validity and reliability of the GIFT-Online as a screening tool administered remotely, thereby overcoming physical distancing and travel restrictions.

Leveraging Campus Landscapes for Public Health: A Pilot Study to Understand the Psychological Effects of Urban Sheep Grazing on College Campuses.

Since the 1980s, college students in the U.S. have self-reported a decline in their physical and emotional health. With these conditions compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and its physical distancing restrictions, higher education institutions have an increased responsibility to establish strategic interventions and health-promoting programs for their students. Research collaborations between public health professionals and environmental designers have highlighted the benefits of environmental factors, such as wildlife, street trees, and public parks, on mental health. This pilot project aims to build upon the transdisciplinary dialogue between ecology, design, and public health by examining the social benefits of grazing lawnscape management, which is the practice of using herbivorous livestock to manage turfgrass areas. Through the design of an accessible central campus grazing space for a flock of 25 sheep and use of online questionnaires, a smartphone-based single-item survey, and open-ended feedback given via social media, the UC Davis Sheepmower Project addresses three primary questions: (1) Are there differences in self-reported stress levels and well-being between people who did not watch grazing sheep (no sheepmower group) compared with those who did watch grazing sheep (sheepmower group)? (2) Does holding sheep grazing events create opportunities for education about well-being and engagement with the campus community? (3) Can this type of urban grazing installation ultimately contribute to the overall identity of a college campus? Web-based questionnaire results indicate there is no significant difference in self-reported stress levels between the two groups; however, the moment-in-time smartphone-based single item question suggests that the presence of sheep provides temporary, noticeable relief and enhanced mood for those who observe the animals. Reflections posted on social media suggested that participants found the sheep grazing events fostered feelings of community and placemaking within the campus identity. However, the questionnaire sample indicated the grazing events did not have a significant effect on participants' sense of place or overall campus identity. This transdisciplinary effort breaks down traditionally siloed approaches to human and environmental health and is an example of a whole-systems approach to developing innovative solutions and encouraging applied collective action.

Decentralised adaptive-gain control for the SIS network epidemic model

This paper is concerned with the deterministic Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible (SIS) network for epidemic spreading, where each node of the network represents a population and directed edges represent transmission pathways for the disease to spread between populations. Motivated by the use of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs), e.g., physical distancing or mobility restrictions, to address outbreaks of novel infectious diseases, we propose a class of adaptive-gain controllers which are decentralised, being implemented independently at each node. The gains dynamically decrease over time and directly reduce the infection rates of the network at the node-level, representing an increase in NPIs for each population. We prove that for any SIS network, the adaptive-gain controllers asymptotically drive the network state to the disease-free state from any initial condition, and every gain is positive in the limit. We obtain upper bounds on the limiting gain values and the final reproduction number of the network, and conclude by proposing future research directions.

Strategi Bertahan Hotel Syariah pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19 (Studi Kasus: Saung Dolken Resort Syariah Bogor)

The outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic, has an impact on all activities globally, especially tourism activities. The number of tourists fell drastically in line with travel restrictions, both by land, sea and air transportation modes. This condition has worsened since the implementation of social distancing, physical distancing, and Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) to break the chain of spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Saung Dolken Resort Bogor is one of the resorts affected by the Covid-19 pandemic where there is a decrease in visitors, which has an impact on operational activities. This study aims to examine the condition of hotels in Bogor and the survival strategies taken during the outbreak. The method used in this study uses qualitative research methods with descriptive qualitative approach methods and in-depth interview techniques and literature studies on books, scientific journals, and online news. The results of this study indicate that Saung Dolken Resort and Hotel Syariah can still survive during the covid-19 pandemic. The strategy is almost the same, namely by terminating employees permanently and temporarily, limiting the use of hotel facilities, spending efficiency, selling non-room products online, to refusing to refund bookings by changing the visit schedule.&#x0D;

The association between video or telephone telemedicine visit type and orders in primary care

IntroductionTelemedicine is increasingly relied upon for care delivery in primary care, but the impact of visit type on clinical ordering behavior is uncertain.MethodsWithin Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we identified patients who self-scheduled and completed telemedicine encounters with their personal primary care provider or another available primary care provider in the same medical group, between April 1st, 2020, and October 31st, 2020, while physical distancing restrictions for COVID-19 were in place. We collected patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, measures of technology access, and categorized the most common primary encounter diagnoses. We measured proportions of patient-scheduled video versus telephone visits for each of eight diagnosis groups (Skin & Soft Tissue, Musculoskeletal Pain, Back Pain, General Gastrointestinal, Hypertension & Diabetes, Mental Health, Upper Respiratory, and Abdominal Pain), and compared physician orders for medications, antibiotics, lab and imaging studies by visit type within each diagnosis group.ResultsThere were 273,301 included encounters, with 86,676 (41.5%) video visits and 122,051 (58.5%) telephone visits. Of the diagnosis groups, Skin & Soft Tissue conditions had the highest proportion of video visits (59.7%), while Mental Health conditions had the highest proportion of telephone visits (71.1%). After adjusting for covariates, the overall rates of medication orders (46.6% vs. 44.5%), imaging orders (17.3% vs. 14.9%), lab orders (19.5% vs. 17.2%), and antibiotic orders (7.5% vs. 5.2%) were higher during video visits as compared to telephone visits (p < 0.05). The largest difference within diagnosis groups was for Skin & Soft Tissue conditions, where the rate of medication orders was 9.1% higher than during video visits than telephone visits (45.5% vs. 36.5%, p < 0.05).ConclusionsWe observed statistically significant differences in clinician orders by visit type during telemedicine encounters for common primary care conditions. Our findings suggest that, for certain conditions, visual information conveyed during video visits may promote clinical work-up and treatment.

Telehealth and COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Telehealth Use, Advantages, Challenges, and Opportunities during COVID-19 Pandemic

The use of telehealth and digital health platforms has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the implementation of physical distancing measures and restrictions. To address the pandemic threat, telehealth was promptly and extensively developed, implemented, and used to maintain continuity of care offered through multi-purpose technology platforms considered as virtual healthcare facilities. The aim of this paper is to define telehealth and discuss some aspects of its utilization, role, and impact, but also opportunities and future implications particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to support our reflection and consolidate our viewpoints, numerous bibliographical sources and relevant literature were identified through an electronic keyword search of four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate). In this paper, we consider that telehealth to be a very interesting approach which can be effective and affordable for health systems aiming to facilitate access to care, maintain quality and safety of care, and engage patients and health professionals and users of health services. However, we also believe that telehealth faces many challenges, such as the issue of lack of human contact in care, confidentiality, and data security, also accessibility and training in the use of platforms for telehealth. Despite the many challenges it faces, we believe telehealth has enormous potential for strengthening and improving healthcare services. In this paper, we also call for and encourage further studies to build a solid and broad understanding of telehealth challenges with its short-term and long-term clinical, organizational, socio-economic, and ethical impacts.

Household composition and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study.

Household composition may be an important factor associated with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic as people spend more time at home due to physical distancing and lockdown restrictions. Adults living with children-especially women-may be particularly vulnerable to anxiety as they balance additional childcare responsibilities and homeschooling with work. The objective of this study was to examine the association between household composition and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore gender as an effect modifier. Data were derived from seven waves of a national online survey of Canadian adults aged 18+ years from May 2020 to March 2021, which used quota sampling by age, gender, and region proportional to the English-speaking Canadian population (n = 7,021). Multivariable logistic and modified least-squares regression models were used. Compared to those living alone, significantly greater odds of anxiety symptoms were observed among single parents/guardians (aOR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.41-2.84), those living with adult(s) and child(ren) (aOR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.10-1.76), and those living with adult(s) only (aOR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.00-1.49). Gender was a significant effect modifier on the additive scale (p = 0.0487) such that the association between living with child(ren) and anxiety symptoms was stronger among men than women. Additional tailored supports are needed to address anxiety among adults living with children-especially men-during the COVID-19 pandemic and future infectious disease events.

A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Chatbot (Otis) for Health Anxiety Management: Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

BackgroundAn increase in health anxiety was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to physical distancing restrictions and a strained mental health system, people were unable to access support to manage health anxiety. Chatbots are emerging as an interactive means to deliver psychological interventions in a scalable manner and provide an opportunity for novel therapy delivery to large groups of people including those who might struggle to access traditional therapies.ObjectiveThe aim of this mixed methods pilot study was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, engagement, and effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)–based chatbot (Otis) as an early health anxiety management intervention for adults in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsUsers were asked to complete a 14-day program run by Otis, a primarily decision tree–based chatbot on Facebook Messenger. Health anxiety, general anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, personal well-being, and quality of life were measured pre-intervention, postintervention, and at a 12-week follow-up. Paired samples t tests and 1-way ANOVAs were conducted to investigate the associated changes in the outcomes over time. Semistructured interviews and written responses in the self-report questionnaires and Facebook Messenger were thematically analyzed.ResultsThe trial was completed by 29 participants who provided outcome measures at both postintervention and follow-up. Although an average decrease in health anxiety did not reach significance at postintervention (P=.55) or follow-up (P=.08), qualitative analysis demonstrated that participants perceived benefiting from the intervention. Significant improvement in general anxiety, personal well-being, and quality of life was associated with the use of Otis at postintervention and follow-up. Anthropomorphism, Otis’ appearance, and delivery of content facilitated the use of Otis. Technical difficulties and high performance and effort expectancy were, in contrast, barriers to acceptance and engagement of Otis.ConclusionsOtis may be a feasible, acceptable, and engaging means of delivering CBT to improve anxiety management, quality of life, and personal well-being but might not significantly reduce health anxiety.

Impact of COVID-19 on the lives and mental health of children and adolescents.

Student mental health is an integral part of the fight against disease, and health was an evolving concern during the spread of COVID-19. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, physical distancing and social restrictions were introduced, and because of these, it was found a great impact on students' lives and their mental health. Adolescent mental health is focused on prevention, early detection, therapeutic innovation, and service development. In these circumstances, service providers can expand telemedicine Digital services that may help provide future mental health services to young people, particularly students. This study collects and analyzes data from students on the impact of these new online learning techniques, and by collecting and analyzing the challenges and issues faced by college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was based on and extended the European Students' Union Survey and targeted higher education students concerning what student life looked like during the pandemic, including teaching and learning, their social contacts, habits/routines, as well as how they were coping with the situation emotionally and financially. The case of universities and distance learning education units in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic process. This article highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on students of all ages and their time schedules such as online learning and reflection, study environment, sleep habits, routines, and outcomes. It was found that the students generally require greater self-discipline and motivation to complete online classes. It was also reflected that the pandemic adversely affected student mental health, leading to an increased prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This may have a significant impact on their mental health issues such as frustration, stress, and sadness. This will significantly lead to cooperation between various local authorities and the private sector.

The Impact of a Canadian Model of Aging in Place on Community Dwelling Older Adults' Experience of Physical Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) are unplanned communities with a high proportion of residents aged 65 years and older. Oasis is a Canadian aging in place model that combines health and supportive community services for adults aged 65 years and older within NORCs. The aims of this study were to explore how physical distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted older adults living in a NORC (Oasis members) and to investigate whether Oasis served as a context for social connection and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretive description methodology guided this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine Oasis members (aged 66–77 years) and two Oasis site coordinators. The Oasis members also completed a social network mapping activity guided by the hierarchical mapping technique. Three overarching themes related to the impact of physical distancing on Oasis members during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified: (1) unintended consequences of physical distancing restrictions on participants’ wellbeing; (2) face-to-face interactions are important for social connection; and (3) family, friend, healthcare provider, and community support mitigated the impact of physical distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, two of Oasis’ core pillars were found to support participants: strengthening social connectivity and connection to pre-existing community services. Findings illustrate that community programs like Oasis acted as a source of resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and advance our understanding of the impact of aging in place models on community dwelling older adults’ experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Factors associated with anti-retroviral therapy adherence among patients living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic causes fear and anxiety symptoms on some vulnerable populations such as patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH). Physical distancing (during consultation in the clinic) and isolation restrictions will likely have a negative impact on/disruption to all care continuum services of HIV diseases although healthcare services and access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) have continued to operate.ObjectiveTo investigate the factors associated with ART adherence among PLWH during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted on 324 PLWH who had been on ART for at least 6 months between June 2020 and January 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview participants to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and other factors.ResultsOf 324 PLWH taking ART, 264 (81.48%) had high adherence (≥95%) and 60 (18.52%) had low adherence (< 95%). Factors independently associated with high ART adherence were employment status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.030, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.010–0.088; p < 0.001), type of antiretroviral (ARV) (AOR: 3.101, 95% CI: 1.137–8.456; p = 0.027), family support (AOR: 0.157, 95% CI: 0.052–0.475; p = 0.001), the perception that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts the ability to attend clinics (AOR: 7.339, 95% CI: 1.46–36.79; p = 0.015), and the perception that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts the ability to take ART (AOR: 10.611, 95% CI: 2.98–37.72; p < 0.001).ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, factors associated with high ART adherence among PLWH attending the Hospital of Wangaya in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia were employment status, ART type [non-fixed dose combination (FDC)], family support, and the perception that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts the ability to attend clinics and to take ART.

Impact of loneliness on health-related factors in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective study.

COVID‐19 pandemic and its associated social and physical distancing restrictions may have had a severe impact on health. In the present study, we investigate the changes in physical, social and mental health, as well as the health literacy of Australians subsequent to the onset of COVID‐19 pandemic, and examine the influence of loneliness on these health‐related factors. Using a retrospective cross‐sectional study design, 607 Australian adults completed a self‐report online survey which assessed their health‐related factors before and after onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic (data collected between June 2020 to November 2020). Australians reported statistically significant increase in a number of (poorer) health‐related factors (e.g., weight gain, sleeping difficulties, poor somatic health, higher loneliness, more issues navigating the healthcare system) post onset of COVID‐19 pandemic. Further, after adjusting for covariates, higher loneliness during pandemic predicted poorer health‐related outcomes (e.g., more somatic health complaints, poorer quality of diet, poorer social support for health). The COVID‐19 pandemic and its associated social and physical distancing restrictions may have contributed towards poorer health‐related factors among Australian adults. Further, increased loneliness during the pandemic may have further worsened physical health and health literacy outcomes among Australians.

A description of virtual skills workshops for supporters of loved ones with eating disorders: Indicators of benefit and acceptability, clinical reflections and consideration of neurodiversity

ObjectiveProviding information and support to those supporting a loved one with an eating disorder is a key part of evidence‐based service provision. We report on how we took our workshops for supporters online during the Covid‐19 Pandemic when country‐side physical distancing restrictions meant we were unable to work face to face.MethodsWe outline the structure of an eight‐session 2‐h workshop series delivered fortnightly facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers and experts by experience. We use a repeated‐measures design to understand the possible benefits of the workshops on supporter skills (n = 76).ResultsMeasured using the Caregiver Skills Scale, we observed small‐sized improvements in the overall skills (D = 0.43) of n = 17 supporters who provided data at the end of the intervention. Supporters gave largely positive feedback on the virtual format. They particularly liked the opportunity to interact with other supporters. As facilitators, we overcome our initial anxiety around workshop delivery using a new platform and reflected that having more time to cover key information and for skills practice over a period of 16 weeks offered opportunities to develop and reflect on new skill together as a group. We were also able to work with larger groups of supporters, as several barriers to access were removed.ConclusionsAs the workshops reached a larger number of supporters than through face to face delivery and were of benefit to those who reported on their skills, we plan to continue offering workshops to supporters online in future.