Period Of Social Isolation Research Articles

Edição #DesdeCasa do Festival Internacional Luz del Desierto: Exibição de Cinema na Argentina Durante a Pandemia

Texto descritivo e crítico sobre a edição on-line do Festival Internacional de Cinema "Luz del Desierto", da Argentina, além de apresentar outras ações de exibição de cinema realizados por entidades e organizaçãoes do país, durante o período de isolamento social, devido à pandemia.

Social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to worse outcomes in females with inflammatory arthritis.

BackgroundProlonged social isolation as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic has been a source of considerable psychological distress for many people. This can manifest in many ways and if left undetected can impact negatively on general health. It is essential to understand the impact of these conditions on inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients, especially axial spondyloarthropathy (axSpA).AimTo capture the level of psychological distress for patients with IA following prolonged social isolation.MethodsA survey was sent out to patients with a confirmed diagnosis of IA. This captured changes in sleep, mood, disease activity, employment and general health since the beginning of the social isolation period. A PHQ-4 (Patient Health Questionnaire) was included to determine level of psychological distress.ResultsFemales with IA reported significantly higher rates of decline in general health (40% vs 16%, p = 0.01), mood disturbance (43.4% vs 26%, p = 0.03) and increased disease activity (50% vs 16%, p = 0.01) compared to males. Evaluating the mean PHQ-4 scores, no significant difference was noted between genders (4.80 vs 3.44, p = 0.10). However, females demonstrated a non-significant trend toward increased rates of moderate to severe psychological distress (40% vs 30%, p = 0.13). Subanalysis of patients with axSpA found high rates of moderate to severe distress in both genders.ConclusionsFemales with IA reported significantly higher rates of decline in general health, mood disturbance and increased disease activity during the period of social isolation. This was reflected in a trend towards greater levels of psychological distress.

Signal of increased opioid overdose during COVID-19 from emergency medical services data

BackgroundIndividuals with opioid use disorder may be at heightened risk of opioid overdose during the COVID-19 period of social isolation, economic distress, and disrupted treatment services delivery. This study evaluated changes in daily number of Kentucky emergency medical services (EMS) runs for opioid overdose between January 14, 2020 and April 26, 2020. MethodsWe evaluated the statistical significance of the changes in the average daily EMS opioid overdose runs in the 52 days before and after the COVID-19 state of emergency declaration, March 6, 2020. ResultsKentucky EMS opioid overdose daily runs increased after the COVID-19 state emergency declaration. In contrast, EMS daily runs for other conditions leveled or declined. There was a 17% increase in the number of EMS opioid overdose runs with transportation to an emergency department (ED), a 71% increase in runs with refused transportation, and a 50% increase in runs for suspected opioid overdoses with deaths at the scene. The average daily EMS opioid overdose runs with refused transportation increased significantly, doubled to an average of 8 opioid overdose patients refusing transportation every day during the COVID-19-related study period. ConclusionsThis Kentucky-specific study provides empirical evidence for concerns that opioid overdoses are rising during the COVID-19 pandemic and calls for sharing of observations and analyses from different regions and surveillance systems with timely data collection (e.g., EMS data, syndromic surveillance data for ED visits) to improve our understanding of the situation, inform proactive response, and prevent another big wave of opioid overdoses in our communities.

Media Exposure and Anxiety during COVID-19: The Mediation Effect of Media Vicarious Traumatization.

The rapid spread and high death rates of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in massive panic and anxiety all over the world. People rely heavily on media for information-seeking during the period of social isolation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between media exposure and anxiety, and highlighted the underlying mechanisms mediated by the media vicarious traumatization effect. A total of 1118 Chinese citizens participated in the online survey, who were from 30 provinces in mainland China. Results showed that all four types of media (official media, commercial media, social media, and overseas media) cause vicarious traumatization to their audiences to different degrees. It was also found that the impact of media exposure on anxiety was mediated by media vicarious traumatization: there were full mediation effects for commercial media exposure and overseas media exposure, while there were indirect-only mediation effects for official media exposure and social media exposure. Audiences staying in cities with a relatively severe pandemic were more susceptible to the vicarious traumatization caused by commercial media compared to those staying in Hubei. This study expanded the concept and application of vicarious traumatization to the mediated context, and the findings provided insightful advice to media practitioners in the face of major crisis.

Temporomandibular disorders: Guidelines and Self-Care for Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) belongs to a heterogeneous group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions involving the temporomandibular joint complex, musculature and adjacent components. These conditions can generate signs and symptoms and be influenced by an altered biopsychosocial condition. Objective: This study aims to seek information to assist the patient in the presence of TMD signs and symptoms and Orofacial Pain, associated with the period of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: For the preparation of this manual, a bibliographic search was performed in the databases PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), BBO (BVS), Scopus, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library, using the keywords: orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, stress, anxiety, biopsychosocial, diagnosis, self-care with important information on how to reduce and control the signs and symptoms of TMD and Orofacial Pain in this moment of pandemic that we are experiencing a social detachment. Results: The results show that the pandemic of COVID-19 and the need for social isolation, generates psychological impact that raises the pattern of anxiety and can directly affect patients with bruxism and TMD. Conclusion: Psychological factors associated with the pandemic can lead to an increased risk of developing, worsening and perpetuating bruxism, especially waking bruxism and TMD, so dentists should be aware of the occurrence of signs and symptoms to manage the multifactorial aspects of this condition. At that time, individual self-management strategies are advised for the patient, which consist of self-massage techniques, body education, exercise practices, sleep hygiene, meditation and making available the use of tools and online devices that facilitate this activity.KeywordsOrofacial pain; Temporomandibular disorders; Bruxism; Stress; Anxiety; Biopsychosocial; Diagnosis; Self-care; COVID-19.

A pandemia de COVID-19, o isolamento social, consequências na saúde mental e estratégias de enfrentamento: uma revisão integrativa

Objetivo: realizar uma análise sobre as consequências na saúde mental advindas do período de isolamento social durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e de prenunciar estratégias de enfrentamento para minimizá-las. Metodologia: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada a partir da busca por publicações científicas indexadas nas bases de dados: MEDLINE via PubMed, Europe PMC, Lilacs e SciELO. Os seguintes descritores foram utilizados: COVID-19, isolamento social, pandemias e saúde mental. Ao final das buscas, 49 publicações atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade e foram selecionadas para compor o estudo. Resultados: diante dos achados extraídos dos estudos selecionados, percebeu-se que os indivíduos submetidos ao isolamento social estão mais suscetíveis a apresentar transtornos de saúde mental, devido à privação e contenção social, surgindo sintomas de sofrimento psíquico, em especial, relacionado ao estresse, ansiedade e depressão. Conclusão: este estudo permitiu refletir sobre a necessidade de garantir uma comunicação clara e informativa sobre estratégias para redução desses sintomas de sofrimento psíquico, além de fornecer o suporte psicológico e social fundamental para esses indivíduos em vulnerabilidade.

Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic can increase physical inactivity and the global burden of cardiovascular disease.

Emerging data indicate a substantial decrease in global physical activity levels during the period of social isolation adopted worldwide to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Confinement-induced decreases in physical activity levels and increases in sedentary behavior may provoke a rapid deterioration of cardiovascular health and premature deaths among populations with increased cardiovascular risk. Even short-term (1–4 wk) inactivity has been linked with detrimental effects in cardiovascular function and structure and increased cardiovascular risk factors. In this unprecedented and critical scenario, home-based physical activity programs arise as a clinically relevant intervention to promote health benefits to cardiac patients. Many studies have demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of different models of home-based exercise programs in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and major cardiovascular events among different populations. This body of knowledge can inform evidence-based policies to be urgently implemented to counteract the impact of increased physical inactivity and sedentary behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak, thereby alleviating the global burden of cardiovascular disease.

Delivering healthcare remotely to cardiovascular patients during COVID-19 : A rapid review of the evidence.

BackgroundAlthough attention is focused on addressing the acute situation created by the COVID-19 illness, it is imperative to continue our efforts to prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly during a period of prolonged social isolation which may limit physical activity, adversely affect mental health and reduce access to usual care. One option may be to deliver healthcare interventions remotely through digital healthcare solutions. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to bring together the evidence for remote healthcare during a quarantine situation period to support people living with cardiovascular disease during COVID-19 isolation.MethodsThe PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar were searched using telehealth OR digital health OR mHealth OR eHealth OR mobile apps AND COVID-19 OR quarantine search terms. We also searched for literature relating to cardiovascular disease AND quarantine.ResultsThe literature search identified 45 potentially relevant publications, out of which nine articles were included. Three overarching themes emerged from this review: (1) preparing the workforce and ensuring reimbursement for remote healthcare, (2) supporting mental and physical health and (3) supporting usual care.ConclusionTo support people living with cardiovascular disease during COVID-19 isolation and to mitigate the effects of quarantine and adverse effect on mental and physical well-being, we should offer remote healthcare and provide access to their usual care.

ADOPTIVE GRANDCHILDREN IN TIMES OF CORONAVIRUS

The present research was carried out in the period of social isolation (quarantine), in March 2020. The objective was to know reports of actions that UMA (University of Maturity of the Federal University of Tocantins) develops, through reflection on the benefits from the Neto Postiço project. The target audience of this research comprises elderly people aged 45 years or older, with chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension and asthma), since, according to studies published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), this group is the most prone to have complications that may fatally cause even death by Covid-19. It is in this context that, the elderly inserted in the project, receive attention through several actions, aimed at the comprehensive care of this group.

“Know-How” to Spend Time in Home Isolation during COVID-19; Restrictions and Recreational Activities

This study aims at identifying the emotional, physical, psychological and social states of individuals who had to stay home for a while due to the measures taken to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to determine what kind of recreational activities they preferred during this period. We used mixed research method and composed the study group of 479 consisting 297 female and 182 male participants with non-random, convenience sampling method. Data was collected through questionnaires of open-ended qualitative questions. Findings addresses that recreational activities during long home stay in a pandemic have psychological, socio-cultural and physical benefits. Social isolation during such circumstances is known to be limiting the physical mobility of individuals and it did so in this Covid-19 pandemic process. While the main activity source was of technology of the people attended this research, we also observed that they are aware of the variety and the benefits of recreational activities at the same time. The respondents stated that the coronavirus outbreak had negative effects in terms of economical, social, psychological and physiological contexts, but with the outbreak; staying in social isolation had also positive effects on their family such as exploring new things together, happiness and spending time effectively. One other remarkable aspect is that respondents reported that they would do recreational activities soon after the social isolation period ends. In the results of the research, it is suggested that it is necessary to resort to recreational activities in order to both reduce the spreading effect of the virus in isolation at home and to overcome this process with the least negative impact, and individual and institutional efforts should be made for this.

Suspected COVID-19 flu-like syndrome in men who have sex with men and have been involved in casual sex.

To evaluate the presence of flu-like syndrome suggestive of COVID-19 in men who have sex with men (MSM) and engaged in casual sex during a period of social isolation. National epidemiological survey, applied in April and May 2020, by adaptation of Respondent Drive Sampling. 1,337 MSM participated in the survey, of which 514 (38.4%) had fever associated with another sign or symptom of flu-like syndrome. Social, demographic characteristics, sexual practices and activities during the period of social isolation were statistically associated with the presence of flu-like syndrome. There was a statistical difference (p < 0.001) in the average of partners between those who had signs and symptoms of flu-like syndrome (3.5) and those who did not (1.7). Evidence of signs and symptoms indicative of flu-like syndrome suggestive of COVID 19 in Brazilian MSM who were involved in casual sex during the period of social isolation.

Physical exercise during coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Recommendations to remaining active in periods of confinement.

The period of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has led people to adopt behaviors that were not previously part of their routines. The need to maintain an active lifestyle, with the adoption of an exercise regimen, has been reinforced by the scientific community for the maintenance of the immune and mental condition. Thus, we point out the need to observe the scientific guidelines on physical exercises during social isolation.

Isolamento social devido à COVID-19 - epidemiologia dos acidentes na infância e adolescência

INTRODUCTION: An important issue to be discussed by researchers, managers and other members of the crisis committees to face the pandemic are the repercussions of social detachment, such as domestic accidents with child and adolescent victims. OBJECTIVES: To describe domestic accidents in childhood and adolescence during the period of social isolation in the city of São Paulo-SP, regarding the characteristics of individuals, the event and the evolution of the case. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive study, based on data on hospitalizations for external causes, accidents and violence in the city of São Paulo. Data were collected in the hospital information system and the violence and accident information system. The period used for the study was from January to May 2020. RESULTS: 4,169 accidents were registered among children and adolescents living in the city of São Paulo, and consequently, resulting in the diagnosis of injury, trauma and head injury. Among the victims, predominantly male and the main type of accident was falls. CONCLUSION: Given the above, the severity of COVID-19 in Brazil, in the city of São Paulo and in the world, and the need for efforts to reduce the speed of virus transmission at the population level and to reduce the incidence of the disease, so far, social detachment is part of the set of measures necessary to achieve these goals, permanent health education for parents, family members and society is necessary to prevent domestic accidents.

Entre a espera e a urgência: propostas educacionais remotas para crianças com Síndrome Congênita do Zika Vírus durante a pandemia da COVID-19

The pandemic caused by COVID-19, the so-called “new coronavirus” (SARS-CoV-2), was declared by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Since then, the social, economic, health, political and scientific impacts have challenged scientists around the world. Especially in contexts of economic, social and school inequalities, the effects have been devastating. At the same time, alternatives created during this process need to be analyzed and understood. In this context, this article discusses the pedagogical practices proposed for children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome, during the period of social isolation caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. The research is qualitative and is based on the analysis of local documents on remote education and on semi-structured interviews carried out with five Education professionals from a teaching network in Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who participated in a Pilot Continuing Education Program to act with children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome. For the analysis, the data were organized in thematic axes, showing, among other aspects, the teaching effort to develop online actions that promote interaction and participation of children in the proposed activities, in partnership with the mothers. They also show how the pandemic affected the relationship of the school with the family and the teachers’ persistence/resilience in the face of the numerous challenges posed by the pandemic in their teaching performance. Keywords: Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome. Remote teaching. Pedagogical practices.

Health anxiety status of elite athletes in COVID-19 social isolation period.

The aim of this study is to examine the health anxiety states and behaviours of athletes during the social isolation period due to COVID-19 pandemic. 250 elite athletes participated in the study. 154 of the participants were males and 96 were females. Health Anxiety Scale was used to determine the health anxiety states of the participants in the COVID-19 pandemic process. Our findings revealed that athletes who were tested for COVID-19 and who thought they had symptoms of the disease had higher levels of health anxiety and athletes who reported a temporary loss in athletic performance had higher disease anxiety. The results of this study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation process have some effects on athletes' health anxiety. It will be beneficial to provide psychological support in this period for athletes to have a fast return to competitions and match after the pandemic (Tab. 5, Ref. 24).

Prevalence of symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, oral behaviors, anxiety, and depression in Dentistry students during the period of social isolation due to COVID-19.

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), anxiety, and depression are disorders that, due to the current lifestyle, are affecting an increasing portion of the population. Investigating the prevalence of the symptoms of these disorders during the quarantine due to the coronavirus 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) is important to outline clinical strategies for patient care.Objective:This study assessed the prevalence of TMD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and oral behaviors and their associations during the social isolation due to COVID-19.Methodology:Questionnaires were used to assess TMD symptoms in accordance with the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: clinical protocol and assessment instruments, a questionnaire to verify oral behaviors and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression in students of dentistry at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Brasília in May 2020. Qualitative data were subjected to descriptive statistics and chi-squared analysis (p<0.05). The relationship between quantitative and qualitative data was evaluated using Spearman's rho correlation (p<0.05).Results:There was a high prevalence of TMD symptoms, anxiety, and depression in the participants, resulting in association between gender and anxiety symptoms (p=0.029). There was a positive correlation between oral behaviors and TMD symptoms (r=0.364; p<0.001), between oral behaviors and anxiety symptoms (r=0.312; p=0.001), and between oral behaviors and symptoms of depression (r=0.216; p=0.021).Conclusion:Social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on the prevalence of TMD symptoms, anxiety, and depression.

Influence of biological sex on social behavior, individual recogntion, and non-associative learning in the adult gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

Social behavior is critical for relationship formation and is influenced by myriad environmental and individual factors. Basic and preclinical research typically relies on rodent models to identify the mechanisms that underlie behavior; however, it is important to use non-rodent models as well. A major objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that biological sex and social experience modulate the expression of social behavior in the adult gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica), a non-traditional model. We also investigated the non-associative learning abilities of these animals. Following a period of social isolation, animals of both sexes were paired with a non-familiar, same-sex partner for 10 min on three different occasions, with 24-hour inter-trial intervals. We are the first research group to find significant sex differences in submissive and nonsocial behaviors in Monodelphis. Females displayed significantly higher durations of nonsocial behavior that increased over trials. Males were more aggressive; their latencies to the first attack and submissive behavior decreased over trials whereas these latencies increased for females; males' duration of submissive behavior increased over trials whereas it decreased for females. A different group of subjects habituated in response to repeated presentations to neutral odors and dishabituated in response to novel odors. In addition, both males and females demonstrated the ability to form social memories in a standard individual (social) recognition test. Our results contribute to the characterization of this marsupial species, an important first step in developing it as a model of complex social behaviors.

Three-Week Isolation Does Not Lead to Depressive-Like Disorders in Rats.

We studied the effects of social isolation for 1, 2 or 3 weeks on behavioral reactions of male rats. As social isolation is a common model for inducing depressive-like state in rodents, classical tests for depressive-like behavioral features were conducted: Porsolt forced swimming test and tests for anhedonia and social interest. None of the experimental groups showed statistically significant disorders in comparison with the control group kept under standard conditions. Thus, social isolation for up to 3 weeks did not cause behavioral abnormalities in male rats. Single housing can be used in other models of induction of depressive-like states, but the use of this paradigm as an independent model for the development of depressive-like behavior requires longer period of social isolation.

Exploring Trajectories and Predictors of Depressive Symptoms Among Young Couples During Their Transition to Parenthood.

Objectives Young parents may be particularly vulnerable to poor mental health during the postpartum period. Little research exists, however, to adequately describe trajectories of depressive symptoms during their transition to parenthood, particularly among young fathers. Therefore, we aim to explore trajectories of depressive symptoms from pregnancy through 1year postpartum among young expectant mothers and their partners. Methods Data are derived from a longitudinal cohort of pregnant adolescent females (ages 14-21; n=220) and their male partners (n=190). Multilevel regression models examined the impact of time on depressive symptoms, and generalized linear regression models examined predictors of experiencing elevated depressive symptoms. Results Depressive symptoms significantly decreased from pregnancy through 1year postpartum among young females. Overall, depressive symptoms did not significantly change over time among young males. Predictors of elevated depressive symptoms common across genders included social support and relationship satisfaction. Marijuana use resulted in almost twice the odds of experiencing elevated depressive symptoms among young fathers (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.04, 3.20). Conclusion for Practice Providing strategies for strengthening social support networks among young parents may be an effective way to improve mental health among young parents, particularly during this period of potential social isolation. Additionally, providing tools to strengthen relationships between partners may also be effective for both young mothers and fathers. Substance use may be a marker for depressive symptoms among young fathers and thus screening for substance use could be important to improving their mental health. Future research is needed to better understand how IPV affects mental health, particularly among young fathers.

Early life adversities or high fat diet intake reduce cognitive function and alter BDNF signaling in adult rats: Interplay of these factors changes these effects

Environmental factors, like early exposure to stressors or high caloric diets, can alter the early programming of central nervous system, leading to long-term effects on cognitive function, increased vulnerability to cognitive decline and development of psychopathologies later in life. The interaction between these factors and their combined effects on brain structure and function are still not completely understood. In this study, we evaluated long-term effects of social isolation in the prepubertal period, with or without chronic high fat diet access, on memory and on neurochemical markers in the prefrontal cortex of rats. We observed that early social isolation led to impairment in short-term and working memory in adulthood, and to reductions of Na+,K+-ATPase activity and the immunocontent of phospho-AKT, in prefrontal cortex. Chronic exposure to a high fat diet impaired short-term memory (object recognition), and decreased BDNF levels in that same brain area. Remarkably, the association of social isolation with chronic high fat diet rescued the memory impairment on the object recognition test, as well as the changes in BDNF levels, Na+,K+-ATPase activity, MAPK, AKT and phospho-AKT to levels similar to the control-chow group. In summary, these findings showed that a brief social isolation period and access to a high fat diet during a sensitive developmental period might cause memory deficits in adulthood. On the other hand, the interplay between isolation and high fat diet access caused a different brain programming, preventing some of the effects observed when these factors are separately applied.