Spanish Lockdown Research Articles

An analysis of the development of CALL literacy during Spanish lockdown in an English for Tourism course.

This paper presents the strategies that were implemented –in order to support the new students’ needs– in a course of English for Specific Purposes, more specifically, English for Tourism II, from the Degree in Tourism of UNED, the Spanish National University of Distance Education, during the period of strict lockdown due to the crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic (from March 14 to the beginning of June 2020). UNED has traditionally been based on blended learning, so students develop, through their studies, Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) literacy (Tafazoli, 2014, 2017). Even if technology is, and has been, the most essential support tool for teaching and learning, some activities that were developed before the crisis in a face-to-face format such as mentoring sessions, the final exams had to be offered exclusively online. The acquisitionof new digital skills (Dudeney et al., 2013) was thus challenging for both mentors, teachers and students. In this paper, a comparative analysis between the academic years 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 is carried out, in order to analyze the differences between both periods, and to obtain data on how the shift to a fully online course under a lockdown context affected students’ performance. In this sense, the main research question posed here is: is there a difference in students’ performance and results between the two academic years? Another research question, deriving from the main one, is: how can students’ computer assisted language learning and/or digital literacy skills be encouraged through motivation? Results show that students were more involved and motivated in the course in 2019-2020, and that the marks obtained were significantly higher.

So far but yet so near: Examining the buffering effect of perceived social support on the psychological impact of Spanish lockdown.

The main objective of this study was to examine the moderating or buffering effect of social support (SS) perceived by university students on the psychological impact of lockdown on mental health. Specifically, a total of 826 participants (622 women) completed an online survey that included standardized measures of anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and irritability (Brief Irritability Test), as well as measures of stressors, perceived SS, and self-perceived change in mental health. The results of hierarchical regression analyses suggest that SS contributes towardattenuating the negative impact of academic stressors, general overload, and interpersonal conflict on the indicators of psychological well-being; however, moderation analysis only confirms the buffering effect for symptoms of anxiety. In conclusion, it is suggested that SS networks need to be strengthened as a basic means of protecting health and well-being during unexpected disasters.

Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) profiling in Spain: Data from oral fluid results between 2016 and 2022, including the effect of COVID-19 lockdown

To provide information about driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) cases in Spain during the last 6 years and to evaluate the impact of the Spanish lockdown (March 14th to May 6th 2020) on drivers’ consumption profile. In total, 16,461 oral fluid samples were collected from drivers in Spain that tested positive on the roadside between January 1st 2016 and April 15th 2022. Samples were collected at different locations throughout the country and analyzed by LC-MS/MS at the Toxicology Service of the Institute of Forensic Sciences of the University of Santiago de Compostela. For data analysis, drugs and their metabolites were classified in 8 different groups (cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, benzodiazepines, ketamine, methadone and zolpidem). Demographic characteristics and drug profile were evaluated during time. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown was also considered, applying Chi 2 test. Drivers were mainly young adults (33.3 ± 9.9 years old) and men (94.2% male). In 97.6% of cases, LC-MS/MS results confirmed at least one of the positive results detected on the roadside. Cannabis (72.6%) and cocaine (64.4%) were the most detected drugs, followed by amphetamines (13.8%), opioids (12.9%), benzodiazepines (7.7%), and methadone (7.4%). Polydrug use was observed in 55.1% of drivers, being the combination of substances from two different groups the most prevalent. Cannabis and cocaine were the most common combination (either only the two of them or mixed with more substances). Changes in drivers’ consumption profile was noticed when comparing data from the specimens collected during the Spanish lockdown period ( n = 151) vs. specimens obtained during 2020 before (“pre-lockdown”, n = 557) and after (“post-lockdown”, n = 1974) that period. During the lockdown period drivers were 3 years older in average, and polyconsumers of 4 and 5 different groups of substances doubled (in average, 4.5% vs. 9.9% for 4 groups; 0.7% vs. 1.3% for 5 groups). Nevertheless, results were only statistically different for consumers of 4 groups of substances during lockdown, either compared with pre- and post-lockdown results. Also, for polyconsumers, the combination of cannabis and cocaine with amphetamines, with high prevalence before lockdown, was substituted by the combination of cannabis and cocaine with methadone. Furthermore, opiates use was two times higher (in average, 14.0% vs. 24.5%), being this difference statistically significant when comparing the 3 periods. On the other hand, amphetamines and ketamine were less consumed by drivers during lockdown (in average, 11.2% vs. 9.9% for amphetamines; 3.2% vs. 0.7% for ketamine). Nevertheless, these differences were only statistically significant when considering ketamine consumption post-lockdown (either compared with pre-lockdown or lockdown results). The use of oral fluid samples was able to confirm the vast majority of the screening results found in roadside screening tests. In Spain, cannabis and cocaine remain the most detected drugs on the roadside, as previously reported from our group in the period 2013–2015 (Lema-Atán JA. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019;195:106–113). During the lockdown period in Spain, due to stay-at-home orders, mobility was only allowed for “essential workers”. Samples collected in those months showed an increase in polydrug use, especially for opiates and methadone, as well as a decrease in the use of “party drugs” (amphetamines and ketamine). LC-MS/MS confirmation result was negative in only 2.4% of the cases. The DUID driver profile was a young man, consuming either cannabis or a combination of cannabis and cocaine, alone or combined with more substances. During lockdown, drivers consumed less “party drugs” and more opiates and methadone. Moreover, there was a higher rate of polyconsumers (4 or 5 groups of substances).

A city-level analysis of PM2.5 pollution, climate and COVID-19 early spread in Spain.

PurpuseThe COVID-19 outbreak has escalated into the worse pandemic of the present century. The fast spread of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has caused devastating health and economic crises all over the world, with Spain being one of the worst affected countries in terms of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths per inhabitant. In this situation, the Spanish Government declared the lockdown of the country.MethodsThe variations of air pollution in terms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in seven representative cities of Spain are analyzed here considering the effect of meteorology during the national lockdown. The possible associations of PM2.5 pollution and climate with COVID-19 accumulated cases were also analyzed.ResultsWhile the epidemic curve was flattened, the results of the analysis show that the 4-week Spanish lockdown significantly reduced the PM2.5 levels in only one city despite the drastically reduced human activity. Furthermore, no associations between either PM2.5 exposure or environmental conditions and COVID-19 transmission were found during the early spread of the pandemic.ConclusionsA longer period applying human activity restrictions is necessary in order to achieve significant reductions of PM2.5 levels in all the analyzed cities. No effect of PM2.5 pollution or weather on COVID-19 incidence was found for these pollutant levels and period of time.Graphical abstract Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-022-00786-2.

How effective has the Spanish lockdown been to battle COVID-19? A spatial analysis of the coronavirus propagation across provinces.

This paper examines the propagation of COVID‐19 across the Spanish provinces and assesses the effectiveness of the Spanish lockdown of the population implemented on March 14, 2020 in order to battle this pandemic. To achieve these objectives, a standard spatial econometric model used in economics is adapted to resemble the popular reproduction models employed in the epidemiological literature. In addition, we introduce a counterfactual exercise that allows us to examine the Gross domestic product (GDP) gains of bringing forward the date of the Spanish Lockdown. We find that the number of COVID‐19 cases would have been reduced by 70.4% in the absence of spatial propagation between the Spanish provinces. We also determine that the lockdown prevented the propagation of the virus within and between provinces. As such, the Spanish lockdown reduced the number of potential COVID‐19 cases by 82.8%. However, the number of coronavirus cases would have been reduced by an additional 11.6% if the lockdown had been brought forward to March 7, 2020. Finally, an earlier lockdown would have saved approximately 26,900,000,000 euros.

The city turned off: Urban dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic based on mobile phone data

Due to the rapid expansion of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries ordained lockdowns, establishing different restrictions on people's mobility. Exploring to what extent these measures have been effective is critical in order to better respond to similar future scenarios. This article uses anonymous mobile phone data to study the impact of the Spanish lockdown on the daily dynamics of the Madrid metropolitan area (Spain). The analysis has been carried out for a reference week prior to the lockdown and during several weeks of the lockdown in which different restrictions were in place. During these weeks, population distribution is compared during the day and at night and presence profiles are obtained throughout the day for each type of land use. In addition, a spatial multiple regression analysis is carried out to determine the impact of the different land uses on the local population. The results in the reference week, pre-COVID-19, show how the population in activity areas increases in each time slot on a specific day and how in residential areas it decreases. However, during the lockdown, activity areas cease to attract population during the day and the residential areas therefore no longer show a decrease. Only basic essential commercial activities, or others that require the presence of workers (industrial or logistics) maintain some activity during lockdown.

Associations between individual and environmental determinants and physical activity levels of an active population during the Spanish lockdown

Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to decrease physical activity (PA) levels. The purpose of the study was to explore the associations between age, gender, and exercise facilities-type membership and physical activity levels during COVID-19 lockdown among users of exercise facilities from Spain. Participants were recruited among the members of 84 exercise facilities across Spain. Data was collected through an online questionnaire between 5th and 20th of April 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. A total of 7062 participants met inclusion criteria and responded correctly to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Lower levels of total PA were found in women compared with men (β = −26, 95%CI: −40 to −13), and among older adults (β = −48, 95%CI: −10 to −85) compared with younger ones. Moreover, users of private facilities showed higher levels of PA (β = 40, 95%CI: 13 to 66) than those from low-cost and public facilities (reference). Lastly, women from private facilities showed greater levels of PA (β = 63, 95%CI: 29 to 96) than low cost and public's users, an increase higher than what was found in men (β = 7, 95%CI: −38 to 52). Therefore, gender, age and the type of exercise facility's subscription had a relevant influence on PA levels during COVID-19 lockdown in an active population. These findings are useful for public health recommendations, in order to identify subpopulations of previously active people at risk of being physically inactive during and after this pandemic.

The 47th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation: Nurses Group – Poster Sessions (NP001 – NP028)

Background: Due to the growing demand for hematooncology inpatient beds, on February 12th a new twentybed ward was opened at our center. By that time, the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCB) admitted the first patient who tested positive in Catalonia. Then, the pandemic spread, reaching its peak in April, in Spain. The restrictions where implemented all over to contain the virus. The hematology ward sealed up: visits strictly limited, all having to wear day long surgical masks, one-way valve patients' masks avoided, and staff PCR periodically performed. In this context, aiming to provide specialized cancer care for those who contracted the virus, it was decided that the brand-new hospitalization ward will treat hemato-oncology patients with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19. This would allow to continue usual activity at the Hematology and Oncology units, including highly specialized cancer care such as Stem cell transplantation (SCT), acute leukemia or palliative care. Methods: All Arrangements were aimed to contain the virus in the COVID-19 specific ward: only cancer COVID-19+ and doubtful patients were admitted. Exclusive personnel, cancer trained, assigned to work in that unit and nowhere else. All the ward common areas were considered clean and rooms dirty, so the processes for donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) was mandatory for all entering each patient' room. Regular treatment route adjustments and schedules were made to minimize nurse-patient exposure. Premade material kits were prepared to facilitate procedures, and patients were empowered from monitor some of their own vital signs to flushing their ports were promoted. Results: During Spanish lockdown due to SARS-CoV-2, from March 16th to May 10th, 2020, 12 SCT were performed at the HCB, being six of them allogenic, the same number as the same period in 2019. Six CAR-T infusions were performed, one more compared to the same period the year before. patient suffering from hemato-oncology disease received care by oncology nurses, continuing their care plans and even being able to administer chemotherapy if needed even with the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Conclusions: Having a hemato-oncology monographic ward was determinant, allowing to actively treat the underlying cancer condition during pandemic restrictions, such experience and service reorganization may help to face future situations. The previous knowledge of oncology nurses on protective isolation measures against opportunistic infections has been a great advantage to face COVID. At the same time hematologic patients and caregivers were also used to deal with infection prevention having hygienic habits integrated into their everyday routine. It also made easier for them to assimilate new care provision and preventive measures to prevent COVID-19. Patient isolation increased patient care needs during hospitalization so nurses' ratios should be revised to decrease exposure and not having to rush. Lockdown measures and fear of being infected, keep patients at home avoiding essential hospital visits, highlights once more the need for a specific emergency pathway only used by oncologic patients.

Physical Activity Is Related to Mood States, Anxiety State and Self-Rated Health in COVID-19 Lockdown

The main goal of this research is to study the relationships between physical activity, mood states and self-rated health in the Spanish lockdown (March 2020–April 2020) due to the state of alarm caused by COVID-19. The participants were 328 people aged between 19 and 59 years (M = 37.06; SD = 10.82). Females comprised 63.70% of the participants, and 36.30% were male. An associative, comparative and predictive design was used in this research. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Profile of Mood State (POMS), the state anxiety scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire (STAI) and the General Health Questionnaire GHQ−12 were applied in order to measure the study variables. Both correlation and linear regression analyses were performed, showing that physical activity is positively related to health perception and mood. Similarly, data have shown that moderate physical practice predicts better health perceptions and positive mood states than vigorous physical activity. Specifically, moderate physical activity is the only variable that predicts the anxiety state (R = 0.22; R2adjusted = 0.05; F = 15.51; p < 0.001). In addition, it has been detected that mood is related to the perception of the state of health. Outcomes suggest that practicing moderate physical activity during these types of situations could amortize its negative effects on psychological health and benefit a more positive mental state. Future studies should consider the employment status of the sample to detect possible differences based on this variable.

Psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown on Spanish oncological patients: a quantitative approach

Background This study analyses the levels of distress and related psychosocial factors among cancer patients during the Spanish lockdown due to COVID-19. Methods A total of 2,779 cancer patients took part in an observational and lateral study carried out between April 16, 2020 and April 25, 2020. An online questionnaire was distributed including distress-related variables, demographic variables, clinical variables about their oncological condition, socioeconomic variables and variables related to information management and social communication. Distress was measured according to the Kessler (K-6) scale, and its relationship with the remaining variables was analyzed by logistic regression. Results 33.5% of the patients yielded levels of clinical distress during lockdown. Younger patients and women yielded significantly higher levels of distress. High distress levels were generally associated with the following factors: trust in medical institutions; deterioration of the household’s financial conditions; and media management of the information about the pandemic. Conclusions The lockdown triggered by COVID-19 increased distress among cancer patients, and this can be significantly related to a number of variables. Identifying distress, and said factors, at an early stage can help to develop mitigation strategies. Similarly, early detection can help to improve the way information is shared with patients, offer them support and resources and direct them to psychosocial services, increasing the patient’s ability to return to normal after COVID-19.

A Study on the Psychological Wound of COVID-19 in University Students.

An increasing number of studies have addressed the psychological impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the general population. Nevertheless, far less is known about the impact on specific populations such as university students, whose psychological vulnerability has been shown in previous research. This study sought to examine different indicators of mental health in university students during the Spanish lockdown; we also analyzed the main sources of stress perceived by students in relation to the COVID-19 crisis, and the coping strategies adopted when faced with the situation. Data was collected from 932 students (704 women) through a web-based platform. Measures of anxiety (i.e., GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), irritability, and self-perceived change in mental health were administered, as well as ad hoc measures of stressors and coping strategies. Results indicated that students experienced considerable psychological problems during the confinement, with higher rates of emotional difficulties in women and undergraduate students than in men and postgraduates, respectively. Psychological distress was mainly related to several specific domains of stressors, as perceived by the participants: academic future, task overload, worsening of interpersonal conflicts, and restrictions in pleasant social contact; and far less related to the spread of the disease and its consequences for physical health. As regards coping strategies, both reframing skills and daily routines were shown to be the most effective. A path-analysis model integrating stressors, coping, and mental health revealed that coping strategies partially mediated the effect of stressors on psychological health. In general, results suggest that students’ psychological health was substantially affected by the COVID-19 situation and that the academic and relational changes were the most notable sources of stress. This study reinforces the need to monitor and promote mental health in university students to boost resilience in times of crisis. Our results on effective coping strategies may inform preventive programs aimed at helping students to deal with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Depressive Symptoms, Fatigue and Social Relationships Influenced Physical Activity in Frail Older Community-Dwellers during the Spanish Lockdown due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Due to the dramatic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain underwent a strict lockdown (March–May 2020). How the lockdown modified older adults’ physical activity (PA) has been poorly described. This research assesses the effect of the lockdown on PA levels and identifies predictors of sufficient/insufficient PA in frail older community-dwellers. Community-dwelling participants from the +ÀGIL Barcelona frailty intervention program, suspended during the pandemic, underwent a phone-assessment during the lockdown. PA was measured before and after the lockdown using the Brief Physical Activity Assessment Tool (BPAAT). We included 98 frail older adults free of COVID-19 (mean age = 82.7 years, 66.3% women, mean Short Physical Performance Battery = 8.1 points). About one third of participants (32.2%) were not meeting sufficient PA levels at the end of the lockdown. Depressive symptoms (OR = 0.12, CI95% = 0.02–0.55) and fatigue (OR = 0.11, CI95% = 0.03–0.44) decreased the odds of maintaining sufficient PA, whereas maintaining social networks (OR = 5.07, CI95% = 1.60–16.08) and reading (OR = 6.29, CI95% = 1.66–23.90) increased it. Living alone was associated with the reduction of PA levels (b = −1.30, CI95% = −2.14–−0.46). In our sample, pre-lockdown mental health, frailty-related symptoms and social relationships were consistently associated with both PA levels during-lockdown and pre-post change. These data suggest considering specific plans to maintain PA levels in frail older community-dwellers.

Seroprevalence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women along the first pandemic outbreak and perinatal outcome.

To evaluate the progression of the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the pregnant population of the south of Madrid during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondarily we aimed to evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes. Retrospective cohort study conducted at Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre during weeks 10 to 19 of 2020, coinciding with the Spanish lockdown. We tested 769 serum samples obtained from routine serological testing during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy for specific IgG anti SARS-CoV-2 RBD and S proteins. RT-PCR tests were performed in suspected cases according to clinical practice. We compared maternal and perinatal outcomes in those with delivered pregnancies (n = 578) according to the presence or absence of specific IgG antibodies. Those with positive IgG were subdivided by the presence or absence of Covid-19 related symptoms at any time and the results of RT-PCR testing if performed. Therefore, we had 4 study groups: G1 (IgG negative), G2 (IgG positive, asymptomatic, RT-PCR testing negative or not done), G3 (IgG positive, symptomatic, RT-PCR testing negative or not done), and G4 (IgG positive, symptomatic, RT-PCR positive). Seropositivity increased from 0% to 21.4% (95% CI 11.8-31.0) during the study period, of which 27.9% had an asymptomatic course. Overall outcomes were favorable with a significant increased rate of preterm birth in G4 vs G1 (21.4% vs 6.7%) and cesarean/operative delivery (50% vs 26.9%). Asymptomatic and mild cases did not have differences regarding pregnancy course when compared to seronegative women. There were no documented cases of vertical or horizontal transmission. Seroprevalence in pregnant women in southern Madrid went up to 21.4% of which 27.9% had an asymptomatic course. Overall perinatal results were favorable, especially in those asymptomatic.

A longitudinal study on depressive symptoms and physical activity during the Spanish lockdown

Background/Objective: The aim was to evaluate the evolution of depressive symptoms and to explore the influence of physical activity (PA) practice during the home confinement due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Spain. Method: Information was collected from 595 confined participants who reported personal and contextual information, depressive symptoms and PA levels at four time points. Results: The changes in depressive symptoms were analyzed using a linear mixed model with cubic splines. Results showed a significant increase, with a significant rise between T1 and T2 (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.83-3.10). It continued growing until T4 (OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 1.97-4.38). A negative relationship was observed between the increase in depressive symptoms and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels, with a significant slope up to 4 hours of MVPA per week (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.29-0.90) that tended to increase until 16 hours per week of MVPA (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.20-0.87). Conclusions: Results from a partition model showed that moderate intensity of PA could be enough to prevent an increase of depressive symptoms during home isolation.

Equality in Confinement: Nonnormative Divisions of Labor in Spanish Dual-Earner Families During the Covid-19 Lockdown

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the intrahousehold division of labor within heterosexual couples with children during the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. The strict confinement established could be regarded as an exogenous shock creating, for some families, theoretically favorable conditions for arrangements that deviate from traditionally gendered dynamics. The disappearance of time constraints from presential work and the impossibility of outsourcing housework and childcare gave highly educated, high-resource women in dual-earner, teleworking couples a unique opportunity to negotiate balanced distributions of work. An online survey carried out during the Spanish lockdown reveals that in most cases egalitarian and nonnormative arrangements were established. Time-availability factors emerge as crucial for this achievement. Nevertheless, a non-negligible proportion of these families exhibit traditional domestic work patterns, which highlights the resilience of normative structures binding women to the household sphere. The study also raises concerns about future socioeconomic polarization derived from differences in paid work constraints. HIGHLIGHTS The COVID-19 lockdown in Spain allowed couples to renegotiate traditional divisions of labor. Telework and flexibility were key in helping high-resource women achieve nontraditional patterns. The gender gap is smallest for paid work and play activities with children. Women nonetheless continued to assume more unpaid work than men. Research and policy should address class and gender gaps based on paid work conditions.

DatAC: A visual analytics platform to explore climate and air quality indicators associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unprecedented global health crisis, with several countries imposing lockdowns to control the coronavirus spread. Important research efforts are focused on evaluating the association of environmental factors with the survival and spread of the virus and different works have been published, with contradictory results in some cases. Data with spatial and temporal information is a key factor to get reliable results and, although there are some data repositories for monitoring the disease both globally and locally, an application that integrates and aggregates data from meteorological and air quality variables with COVID-19 information has not been described so far to the best of our knowledge.Here, we present DatAC (Data Against COVID-19), a data fusion project with an interactive web frontend that integrates COVID-19 and environmental data in Spain. DatAC is provided with powerful data analysis and statistical capabilities that allow users to explore and analyze individual trends and associations among the provided data.Using the application, we have evaluated the impact of the Spanish lockdown on the air quality, observing that NO2, CO, PM2.5, PM10 and SO2 levels decreased drastically in the entire territory, while O3 levels increased. We observed similar trends in urban and rural areas, although the impact has been more important in the former. Moreover, the application allowed us to analyze correlations among climate factors, such as ambient temperature, and the incidence of COVID-19 in Spain. Our results indicate that temperature is not the driving factor and without effective control actions, outbreaks will appear and warm weather will not substantially limit the growth of the pandemic. DatAC is available at https://covid19.genyo.es.