Metaphorical framing of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan: A corpus driven critical analysis of war metaphors in news media.

Metaphors are an essential part of how humans process and understand the world. Cognitive linguistics does not view metaphors as merely linguistic or rhetorical devices; rather, they are conceptual in nature and are central to the thought process. Therefore, the present research investigates the metaphorical depiction of the Covid-19 health emergency through the conceptual metaphor of WAR in three renowned Pakistani English Newspapers i.e. Dawn, The Express Tribune, and The News. Critical Metaphor Analysis (CMA) is specifically selected to uncover the covert and possibly unconscious intentions of language users in Newspaper discourse. Fifty (50) editorials on the subject of Covid-19 are specifically chosen and their language is meticulously observed by making a specialized Corpus PakNCovid-19. The size of the corpus is 17621 words. Moreover, Monoconc Corpus Tool is utilized to analyze the metaphorical depiction of Covid-19 as a WAR in Pakistani Newspaper discourse. The study highlights the explicit deployment of military concepts like BATTLE, ENEMY, WAR, SOLDIERS, FIGHT, and VICTORY to create the conception of WAR and to create SELF Vs OTHER distinctions between the Pakistani people and the medical illness of Covid-19. The inquiry demonstrates that to create a sense of urgency and to mobilize masses against the deadly virus, the metaphors of War have been used deliberately. The military concepts have been purposely employed to present Covid-19 as an 'alien', 'outsider', as well as an 'enemy' entity.

Effects and safety of the traditional Chinese exercise baduanjin on depression and anxiety in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise (TCM), for reducing depression and anxiety in individuals suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: Nineteen databases were searched from their inception through August 2024 to gather data for this study. The focus of this study was randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which Baduanjin was administered for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with depression and anxiety. The study included various types of Baduanjin exercise, whether used alone or in conjunction with other treatment modalities, for the control group. The comparators included a waitlist control, usual care, health education and supportive counseling, psychosocial support therapy, pharmacotherapies, and other common exercises. The exclusion criteria for trials were trials comparing different treatment durations, different treatment frequencies, and different types of Baduanjin exercise. Moreover, other traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic methods applied in either the intervention or control group were also excluded. Throughout the entire study, the selection process, data extraction and quantitative analysis were carried out in strict adherence to all relevant guidelines. The Cochrane criteria for risk of bias were used to assess the methodological quality of the trials. In our review, a meta-analysis was performed using the software STATA MP14. RESULTS: After conducting a meta-analysis, eight RCTs were found to have satisfied the inclusion criteria. The effects of Baduanjin exercise on self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) scores were investigated in five RCTs comprising a total of 228 patients. Analysis of the results revealed that the combination of Baduanjin exercises and conventional therapies led to a statistically significant reduction in SAS scores [MD=-3.21 (95 % CI= -3.64, -2.79), P< 0.001] compared to conventional therapies alone. Moreover, this systematic review explored the effect of Baduanjin exercise on self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores (three RCTs involving 83 participants), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores (one RCT involving 103 participants), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores (one RCT involving 70 participants) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores (one RCT involving 59 participants) for patients with COVID-19. The results showed that, in addition to conventional therapies, Baduanjin exercise had a more favorable impact on reducing the SDS score [mean difference (MD) =-2.86 (95 % CI=4.11, -1.61), P=0.025], PHQ-9 score [MD=-5.31, 95 % CI=-8.73, -1.89), P=0.002] and HAM-A score [MD=-3.00, 95 % CI=-5.33, -0.67], P=0.010] in patients with COVID-19 than did the use of conventional therapies alone. Furthermore, the combination of Baduanjin exercise and conventional therapies effectively decreased the number of patients who experienced severe or moderate anxiety according to the GAD-7 score compared to that of patients who experienced severe or moderate anxiety according to conventional therapies alone [Relative Risk (RR) =0.03, 95 % CI=0.00, 0.51); P=0.020]. However, the included clinical trials lacked a detailed description of the randomization process, and only a small portion of the studies reported proper allocation concealment procedures, which may introduce selection bias. Moreover, owing to the nature of Baduanjin exercise, it is difficult to blind participants and practitioners, which may lead to performance bias. Furthermore, the lack of blinding may lead to subjective influences of assessors on the results, thereby causing detection bias. These methodological shortcomings and potential biases should be addressed in future studies. CONCLUSIONS: It is difficult to draw firm conclusions on whether Baduanjin exercise is an effective intervention for reducing depression and anxiety in COVID-19 patients because of the high risk of bias among the available RCTs. Further rigorous RCTs are warranted but need to overcome the methodological shortcomings of the existing evidence.

Public perception on face mask wearing during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia: A cross sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Since the emergence of COVID-19, the Malaysian government has made wearing a face mask in public mandatory since August 1, 2020, as an effort by the government to control the transmission of COVID-19. However, Malaysians' willingness to wear face masks in public is unknown. OBJECTIVE: Thus, this study aimed to evaluate their perception of face mask wearing during COVID-19 and its contributing factors. METHODOLOGY: A total of 1024 respondents, aged ≥ 18 years, participated in this online cross-sectional survey from October 2021 to December 2021. The Face Mask Perception Scale (FMPS) was used to measure their perceptions. RESULTS: Most of the respondents perceived wearing a face mask as uncomfortable. Our findings also revealed statistically significant differences and a small effect (f2 = 0.04) in which respondents who were concerned about being infected by the virus perceived face mask wearing appearance positively (B = - 0.09 units of log-transformed, 95% CI = - 0.15, - 0.04), whereas married respondents perceived it negatively (B = 0.07 units of log-transformed, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.09). There were no statistically significant differences in other domains of FMPS. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, discomfort was a major complaint. Marital status and fear of COVID-19 infection affected their perceptions. The public health implications of these findings highlight the importance of addressing discomfort and societal perceptions, particularly those influenced by factors such as marital status and COVID-19 experience, to promote widespread acceptance and consistent usage of face masks, which is crucial in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

Determinants of preventive behavior against Covid-19 in secondary school students based on Health Belief Model (HBM): a structural equations modeling (SEM).

Measures such as education, improving knowledge, attitude and taking preventive action to protect against COVID-19 are vital strategies for prevention. The aim of this study was to determine the predictability of Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs in performing preventive behaviors against COVID-19 among secondary school students in Chabahar, Iran. In this cross-sectional-analytical study, 400 secondary school students of Chabahar city were investigated by simple random sampling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, knowledge, behavior, and Health Belief Model constructs' questions. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to evaluate the validity of HBM constructs, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of the relationship between knowledge, HBM constructs, and preventive behavior against COVID-19 based on the conceptual model. Based on the results of the structural modeling, the direct effect of knowledge on the constructs of the health belief model was positive and significant (ß = 0.34, P-value < 0.001), and on the preventive behavior of students was insignificant (ß = 0.12, P-value = 0.07) while the indirect effect of knowledge through increasing the constructs of the HBM on student behavior was positive and significant (ß = 0.30, P < 0.001). The relationship between the constructs of the HBM constructs and student behavior was also positive and significant (ß = 0.89, P-value < 0.001).Due to the fact that knowledge and HBM structures played a role in predicting the adoption of preventive behavior from COVID-19, it is possible to design appropriate interventions to increase knowledge, sensitivity, perceived severity, and self-efficacy, in order to recover from COVID-19 by adopting preventive behaviors.

Voice handicap and voice-related quality of life in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Identifying voice handicap and voice-related quality of life in patients presenting pulmonary impairment associated with COVID-19 infection, comparing pulmonary parameters between these patients and individuals in the control group, as well as correlating pulmonary parameters to self-assessment questionnaires (IDV-10 and QVV). METHODS: Thirty-five (35) patients presenting pulmonary impairment with COVID-19 infection were herein selected and compared to 35 individuals who were not affected by COVID-19 infection. Two self-assessment questionnaires were applied (vocal handicap index and voice quality of life protocol). Maximum phonation time Forced Expiratory Pressure (PEF) and Forced Inspiratory Pressure (PIF) were measured and videolaryngoscopy was performed. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in scores recorded in voice self-assessment questionnaires (IDV-10 and QVV), Expiratory Pressure (PEF) and Forced Inspiratory Pressure (PIF) between patients with pulmonary impairment associated with COVID-19 infection and those in the control group. Correlation between PEF/PIF and scores recorded in voice self-assessment questionnaires was also observed. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary impairment associated with COVID-19 infection has worsened voice handicap and voice-related quality of life in the assessed patients, as well as reduced their forced expiratory and inspiratory pressure in comparison to the control group.

The impact of positive psychology counseling on sexual and marital satisfaction and anxiety among reproductive-aged women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sexual and marital satisfaction is considered one of the important factors in happiness and life satisfaction of couples. COVID-19 pandemic results in psychological effects, such as increased anxiety levels which can affect sexual and marital satisfaction. This study aimed to investigate the impact of positive psychology on women's sexual and marital satisfaction. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 72 married women of reproductive age in Tabriz, Iran between February 2021 and May 2022. The participants were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. There was no significant difference between the control and intervention groups in terms of the socio-demographic characteristics (p < 0.05). The mean age of the participants in the intervention and control groups was 31.8 ± 6.92 and 30.97 ± 5.09 years, respectively. The intervention group attended seven 60-90 min counseling sessions at weekly intervals. The Spielberger anxiety, sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction questionnaires were completed before and four weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that after counseling, the average overall score of marital satisfaction [MD: 15.46, 95% CI: 7.47 to 23.41, p = 0.034] and sexual satisfaction [MD: 7.83, 95% CI: 6.25 to 9.41, p = 0.001] significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group. Also, the mean score of state anxiety [MD: -2.50, 95% CI: -4.19 to -0.80, p = 0.001] and trait anxiety [MD: -1.03, 95% CI: -2.46 to -0.09, p = 0.032] significantly decreased after counseling in the intervention group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Using counseling based on a positive psychology approach can improve anxiety, sexual and marital satisfaction, and anxiety of women of reproductive age during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed before making a definitive conclusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20171007036615N8. Date of registration: 11/28/21. Date of first registration: 11/28/21. URL: https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/58680/view ; Date of recruitment start date: 12/01/21.

Effects of SARS-COVID-19 lockdown on menstrual patterns: A transversal large sample survey.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the presence, importance, and characteristics of menstrual changes related to stressful circumstances during the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. STUDY DESIGN: An online survey was administered in Spain to menstruating women aged 15-55 who had not contracted COVID-19. It collected information on activities during the lockdown, sexual activity, perceptions of emotional status, any changes in menstrual characteristics, and impact on quality of life. The analysis of menstrual changes was limited to responders who did not use hormonal contraception. RESULTS: A total of 6449 women answered the survey, and 4989 surveys were valid for the final analysis. 92.3% of women had at least one menstruation period during the lockdown, while 7.7% had amenorrhea. Quality of life (QoL) associated with menstruation worsened in 19% of women, did not change in 71.7%, and improved in 1.6%. For 50.1% of the women, global QoL worsened during the lockdown; 41.3% remained about the same and 8.7% reported improvement. Sexual activity during the lockdown decreased in 49.8% of the respondents, remained unchanged in 40.7%, and increased in 9.5%. As far the menstrual changes are concerned, there were no statistically significant differences in amenorrhea incidence, regularity of the menstrual cycle, or the amount or duration of menstrual bleeding in non-hormonal contraceptive users when evaluated by the length and characteristics of isolation, the perception of exposure to COVID-19 and the economic or employment situation. Conversely, we found statistically significant differences according to the intensity of changes in emotional status due to lockdown stressors and changes in regularity, duration, and heaviness of menstruation. CONCLUSION: Changes in emotional status, but not the length and intensity of the isolation or exposure to the disease, significantly influenced menstrual disturbances during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Midwives' stress and burnout during the Omicron wave in Italy: An observational survey.

AIM: To evaluate midwives' level of stress and burnout during the COVID-19 Omicron phase in Italy. Secondary aims were to explore the impact of the pandemic on midwives' personal dimensions and professional activities and potential supporting strategies. DESIGN: A mixed-methods study was undertaken from July to December 2022. METHODS: Data were collected using a national online observational survey. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to evaluate stress, burnout and the impact of the pandemic on personal and professional dimensions. A deductive qualitative approach was used to analyse open-ended responses, that were merged with quantitative data following a convergent mixed-methods approach. RESULTS: A total of 1944 midwives participated in the survey. The stress summary score mean was 10.34, and 562 midwives (28.91%) experienced burnout. The intention to reduce working hours was reported by 202 midwives (10.39%), with 60.40% (n = 122) of them experiencing burnout. The intention to leave clinical practice within the following 2 years was reported by 239 (12.29%), with 68.20% (n = 163) of them experiencing burnout. All the personal dimensions and professional activities considered were defined by more than half of midwives as being impacted 'Moderately' or 'To a great extent' by pandemic. Stress and burnout frequencies increased when the midwives' perception of the pandemic effects was higher. Potential supporting strategies described by midwives as the most important in increasing their ability to cope with the pandemic were 'Women's awareness of the midwives' role' (n = 1072; 55.14%) and 'Family and friends' emotional support' (n = 746; 38.38%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested strategies to support a positive and safe working environment for midwives during a pandemic emergency, with potential transferability to similar contexts when human resources are lacking. It is recommended that maternity services provide the necessary resources for a safe and supportive working environment to prevent high stress levels and chronic burnout. IMPACT: Studies conducted during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave showed an increased level of stress, anxiety, burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression experienced by healthcare professionals; moreover, midwives experienced drastic changes in care pathways and policies with struggles identified when providing high-quality woman-centred care following pandemic restrictions. Although it is recommended, there is lack of knowledge about long-term psychological effects of COVID-19 for midwives. Our study highlights that during the Omicron wave midwives experienced a high level of stress and burnout with an impact on individual dimensions and professional activities. Their stress and burnout were influenced by several factors, including restrictions in place, lack of organizational acknowledgement, work overload and need for extra childcare cover. Maternity services should provide the necessary resources for a safe and supportive working environment to prevent high stress levels and chronic burnout. Recommendations on how to facilitate this are suggested. REPORTING METHOD: During the writing process, we referred to 'The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies Epidemiology Statement', the guidelines for reporting observational studies from the Equator network. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: Work overload conditions negatively impacted on the quality of maternity services. Improving organizational aspects, reducing working hours, promoting family and friends' emotional support and improving women's awareness of midwife's role were the main strategies reported by midwives. These suggestions for ensuring a positive and safe working environment for midwives during a pandemic emergency could potentially be applied to similar situations where human resources are lacking.

Impacto psicológico de la pandemia de la COVID-19 en personal sanitario / Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health professionals

Introducción: La rápida propagación de la COVID-19 a escala mundial ocasionó el colapso de los sistemas sanitarios, lo cual contribuyó a que el personal sanitario incrementara el agotamiento sufrido, tanto físico como mental. Objetivo: Determinar el impacto psicológico de la pandemia de la COVID-19 en el personal sanitario. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico transversal, en 145 sujetos que se desempeñaron como personal sanitario en el periodo de enero a diciembre de 2021. La información se recopiló a través de un formulario online, precisando edad, sexo, antecedentes patológicos personales, institución, categoría laboral, acceso diario a información sobre la COVID-19, asistencia directa a pacientes infectados y muerte de personas cercanas. Se aplicó el Cuestionario de Salud General. Se utilizó la prueba de U de Mann-Whitney para buscar diferencias en la puntuación general reportada. Resultados: Presentaron un impacto psicológico alto el 62,1 por ciento de los encuestados; el 70,0 por ciento eran médicos y enfermeras; el 62,2 por ciento accedía más de 2 h al día a información sobre la COVID; el 64,4 por ciento participó directamente en la atención a pacientes infectados y el 35,6 por ciento había perdido a personas cercanas por la pandemia. Ser mujer (p= 0,008), acceder a información sobre la COVID-19 más de 2 h al día (p= 0,026), asistir directamente a pacientes infectados (p= 0,033) y la muerte de personas cercanas (p= 0,018) tuvo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el impacto psicológico. Conclusiones: La pandemia de la COVID-19 se asocia a un impacto psicológico alto en el personal sanitario(AU)

Introduction: The fast spread of COVID-19 around the world caused health systems collapse, which contributed to increase fatigue suffered by health workers, physical as well as mental. Objective: To determine psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health professionals. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out in 145 subjects who worked as health professionals from January to December 2021. This information was collected in an online form. Age, sex, medical record, institution, work category, daily access to COVID-19 information, direct assistance to infected patients and close people death was considered parameters in the applied form. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to find differences in the overall reported score. Results: 62.1 percent of health workers presented a High Psychological Impact, 70.0 percent were medical and nursing staff; 62.2 percent accessed to information about COVID-19 for more than 2 hours daily, 64.4 percent assisted infected patients directly, and 35.6 percent experienced close people death due to the pandemic. Being a woman (p= 0,008), accessing information about COVID-19 for more than 2 hours daily (p= 0,026), directly assisting infected patients (p= 0,033), and the death of close people (p= 0,018) had statistically significant differences in psychological impact. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a high psychological impact in health workers(AU)

Exposure to potentially morally injurious events and mental health outcomes among frontline workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The current studies explored associations between exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) and mental health outcomes among frontline workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic. METHOD: We administered online self-report surveys to emergency responders (N = 473) and hospital personnel (N = 854) in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States between April and June of 2020. Surveys assessed frequency and intensity of exposure to PMIEs alongside psychological and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Between 20% and 30% of frontline workers reported exposure to PMIEs of at least moderate frequency and intensity. Exposure to more intense PMIEs was associated with greater psychological symptoms (i.e., stress, depression, and anxiety) and functional impairment (i.e., professional burnout), especially among emergency responders who reported frequent exposure but also hospital workers who reported few exposures. CONCLUSION: Efforts to facilitate and maintain the well-being of the public health workforce should specifically address critical incidents encountered by frontline workers that have embedded moral and ethical challenges. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Preocupação e medo como preditores de fatalismo por COVID-19 no cotidiano de trabalho dos enfermeiros / Worry and fear as predictors of fatalism by COVID-19 in the daily work of nurses / Preocupación y miedo como predictores de fatalismo por COVID-19 en lo cotidiano laboral de enfermeros

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a relação entre a preocupação e o medo da COVID-19 com o fatalismo no cotidiano de trabalho dos enfermeiros. Método: estudo transversal analítico, realizado com 449 enfermeiros. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de instrumentos validados no Peru. Na análise, foram utilizados o teste de Shapiro-Wilk e o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman, sendo estimados dois modelos de regressão múltipla, com seleção de variáveis por etapas. Resultados: os enfermeiros apresentaram nível moderado de fatalismo e baixo nível de medo e preocupação com a COVID-19. O primeiro modelo estatístico, que incluiu variáveis sociodemográficas, explica apenas 3% da variância de fatalismo. No entanto, um segundo modelo que inclui medo e percepção explica 33%. Conclusão: a preocupação, o medo e ter sido diagnosticado com COVID-19 foram fatores preditores de fatalismo. Sugere-se a implementação de intervenções psicoemocionais no cotidiano de trabalho, voltadas para profissionais de Enfermagem que apresentem altos níveis de medo ou preocupação, para reduzir o fatalismo e, assim, prevenir consequências fatais da pandemia e promover a saúde.

Abstract Objective: to analyze the relationship between the concern and fear of COVID-19 with fatalism in the daily work of nurses. Method: analytical cross-sectional study carried out with a total of 449 nurses. Data collection was performed using instruments validated in Peru. In the analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test and the Spearman correlation coefficient were used, and two multiple regression models were estimated, with variable selection in stages. Results: nurses had a moderate level of fatalism and a low level of fear and concern about COVID-19. The first statistical model, which included sociodemographic variables, explains only 3% of the fatalism variance. However, a second model that includes fear and perception explains 33% of it. Conclusion: Worry, fear and having been diagnosed with COVID-19 were predictors of fatalism. It is suggested the implementation of psycho-emotional interventions in daily work - aimed at Nursing professionals who present high levels of fear or concern - to reduce fatalism and prevent fatal consequences of the pandemic and promote health.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la relación entre la preocupación y el miedo al COVID-19 con el fatalismo, en lo cotidiano laboral de los enfermeros. Método: estudio transversal tipo analítico, realizado en 449 enfermeros. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante instrumentos validados en Perú. En el análisis se utilizó la prueba de Shapiro-Wilk, el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman y se estimaron dos modelos de regresión múltiple, con selección de variables por pasos. Resultados: los enfermeros presentaron un nivel moderado de fatalismo y un nivel bajo de miedo y preocupación por la COVID-19. El primer modelo estadístico que incluyó las variables sociodemográficas apenas explica un 3% de la varianza de fatalismo; sin embargo, un segundo modelo que incluye el miedo y la percepción explica el 33%. Conclusión: la preocupación, el miedo y el haber sido diagnosticado con COVID-19 fueron factores predictores de fatalismo. Se sugiere implementar intervenciones psicoemocionales en el cotidiano laboral - focalizadas en profesionales de Enfermería que presenten altos niveles de miedo o preocupación - para reducir el fatalismo y de esta manera prevenir consecuencias fatales de la pandemia y promover la salud.

El valor de la psicología cubana ante la pandemia por COVID-19 / The value of Cuban psychology in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMEN Desde que la COVID-19 irrumpiera como pandemia en 2020, las sociedades cambiaron, y con ellas las ciencias. Hombres y mujeres de todas las ramas del conocimiento cuestionaron los fundamentos epistemológicos de sus saberes, incapaces desde sus prácticas habituales de solucionar un problema inédito, dada su extensión e implicaciones sociales. La inexistencia de una cura definitiva y la modificación frecuente de protocolos de atención, originaron el despliegue de estrategias para combatir la pandemia y contener su impacto en la subjetividad de las personas. La ciencia psicológica, muy alejada de posiciones elitistas, replanteó su quehacer en múltiples campos para adaptarse a la nueva situación. En este artículo se exponen criterios sobre el accionar de la psicología, que confirman su valor ante la pandemia por COVID-19. Las respuestas de esta ciencia abarcan la psicología clínica, de la salud, social y educativa. Las alternativas e intervenciones generadas no solo han permitido afrontar la situación actual, sino que, en alguna medida, se adelantan para prevenir afectaciones futuras (AU).

ABSTRACT Since the COVID-19 broke out as pandemic in 2020, the societies changed, and with them the sciences. Men and women from all branches of knowledge questioned the epistemological foundations of their knowledge, incapable of solving an unprecedented problem from their usual practices, given its extent and social implications. The absence of a definitive cure and the frequent modification of care protocols led to the deployment of strategies to fight the pandemic and contain its impact on people's subjectivity. Psychological science, far removed from elitist positions, reexamined its work in multiple fields to adapt to the new situation. This article presents criteria on the action of psychology, which confirm its value in the face of the pandemic by COVID-19. The responses of this science include clinical, health, social and educational psychology. The alternatives and interventions generated have not only made it possible to deal with the current situation, but are, to some extent, being advanced to prevent future effects (AU).

Conductas ansiógenas y depresivas en el personal de salud de Ecuador ante la emergencia covid-19 / Anxiogenic and depressive behaviors in Ecuador's health personnel in the face of the COVID-2019 emergency

RESUMEN Introducción: la covid-2019 es una de las grandes pandemias que ha azotado la humanidad, ocasionando millones de infectados y la muerte de miles de personas. Ecuador está entre los ocho primeros países de América Latina y el Caribe más afectados por la enfermedad, que ha generado un colapso en el sistema de salud y otras consecuencias dañinas, como la afectación de la salud mental de los profesionales que atienden a los pacientes infectados. Objetivo: identificar la presencia de conductas ansiógenas y depresivas en el personal de salud de Ecuador ante la emergencia sanitaria por covid-2019. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal de 400 profesionales de diversas áreas de la salud en Ecuador. Se utilizó una ficha sociodemográfica y la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, especialidad y sintomatología de ansiedad y depresión. Resultados: del total de profesionales estudiados, el 46,40 % presentó ansiedad, y en el 34,50 % se identificó sintomatología depresiva. Las puntuaciones más altas de ansiedad y depresión se reportaron en el personal de enfermería. Conclusiones: el estudio descriptivo mostró la presencia de conductas ansiógenas y depresivas en los trabajadores sanitarios, en especial en el personal de enfermería, seguido de médicos y psicólogos. Se demostró que los trabajadores de salud se encuentran en el grupo vulnerable a presentar afectaciones psicológicas derivadas del enfrentamiento a la pandemia covid-19 (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: COVID-2019 is one of the great pandemics that have struck humanity, causing millions of infected people and the deaths of thousands. Ecuador is among the top eight countries in Latin America and the Caribbean most affected by the disease, which has led to a collapse in the health system and other harmful consequences, such as affecting the mental health of professionals who care for infected patients. Objective: to identify the presence of anxiogenic and depressive behaviors in the health personnel of Ecuador in the face of the health emergency by COVID-2019. Materials and methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study of 400 professionals from various health areas in Ecuador was carried out. A socio-demographic chart and the Hospital Scale of Anxiety and Depression were used. The variables age, sex, specialty and symptoms of anxiety and depression were studied. Results: of the total number of professionals studied, 46.40 % had anxiety, and in 34.50 % depressive symptoms were identified. The highest anxiety and depression scores were reported in the nursing staff. Conclusions: the descriptive study showed the presence of anxiogenic and depressive behaviors in health workers, especially in the nursing staff, followed by doctors and psychologists. It was shown that health workers are in the group vulnerable to having psychological effects arising from the confrontation with the COVID-19 pandemic (AU).

Mental health among healthcare workers and other vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic and other coronavirus outbreaks: A rapid systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Although most countries and healthcare systems worldwide have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, some groups of the population may be more vulnerable to detrimental effects of the pandemic on mental health than others. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise evidence currently available from systematic reviews on the impact of COVID-19 and other coronavirus outbreaks on mental health for groups of the population thought to be at increased risk of detrimental mental health impacts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of reviews on adults and children residing in a country affected by a coronavirus outbreak and belonging to a group considered to be at risk of experiencing mental health inequalities. Data were collected on symptoms or diagnoses of any mental health condition, quality of life, suicide or attempted suicide. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in the online PROSPERO database prior to commencing the review (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=194264). RESULTS: We included 25 systematic reviews. Most reviews included primary studies of hospital workers from multiple countries. Reviews reported variable estimates for the burden of symptoms of mental health problems among acute healthcare workers, COVID-19 patients with physical comorbidities, and children and adolescents. No evaluations of interventions were identified. Risk- and protective factors, mostly for healthcare workers, showed the importance of personal factors, the work environment, and social networks for mental health. CONCLUSIONS: This review of reviews based on primary studies conducted in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic shows a lack of evidence on mental health interventions and mental health impacts on vulnerable groups in the population.

Acompañamiento emocional en adultos mayores ante la covid-19: una necesidad impostergable / Emotional support in elder people toward COVID-19: an urgent need

RESUMEN Los adultos mayores representan un grupo de importante vulnerabilidad ante la enfermedad, asociada muchas veces a pronósticos desfavorables. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo fundamentar las posiciones teóricas que sustentan la importancia del acompañamiento emocional en adultos mayores ante la covid-19. Durante el proceso de investigación se buscaron los antecedentes históricos e investigativos sobre el tema, y se abordaron los principales preceptos relacionados con el mismo, así como estudios que demuestran su importancia. Se proponen herramientas teóricas para el apoyo social, que ofrecen la posibilidad de que los adultos mayores minimicen la presencia de estados emocionales negativos que se vivencian ante el virus SARS-CoV-2 en Cuba (AU).

ABSTRACT Elder people represent a group of significant vulnerability to the disease, often associated to unfavorable prognoses. The aim of the current work is substantiating the theoretical positions underpinning the importance of the emotional support in elder people toward COVID-19. The historical and research antecedents of the theme were looked for during the research and the main related precepts were approached, and also studies showing its importance. Theoretical tools for the social support are proposed; they offer the possibility for elder people to minimize the presence of negative emotional conditions that are experienced in Cuba with COVID-19 (AU).

Cuide da sua saúde mental durante a pandemia

Conheça a Plataforma Cidades Contra COVID-19​​, com peças de comunicação que reforçam a importância de medidas de prevenção contra a doença e a relevância da vacinação. O material pode ser usado livremente: https://cidadescontracovid19.org.br​​

Trabalhadoras da saúde face à pandemia: por uma análise sociológica do trabalho de cuidado / Female healthcare workers and the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil: a sociological analysis of healthcare work

Resumo Este texto tem como finalidade discutir o cuidado de trabalhadoras da área da saúde em face da Covid-19, sob a análise sociológica de autoras que o vêm discutindo enquanto um trabalho que é desempenhado, na sua maioria, pelas mulheres das classes populares, é desvalorizado e sofre baixa remuneração. É uma atividade que envolve as construções sociais das emoções e tem utilizado o corpo como um instrumento de trabalho no cuidado com o outro. Além disso, a precarização do trabalho em saúde na sociedade brasileira acirrada nas últimas décadas, como o aumento de contratos temporários, perdas de direitos trabalhistas, a sobrecarga das atividades, condições de trabalho precárias, dentre outros, soma-se com o aumento dos atendimentos médico-hospitalares diante da pandemia da Covid-19. Neste contexto, as trabalhadoras em saúde vivenciam as ausências de equipamentos de proteção individual, medo de contaminação pelo vírus, preocupações com filhos e familiares, vivências diante da morte e do adoecimento de si e de colegas de profissão. Este texto aponta para a necessidade de atenção governamental, bem como para a gestão do trabalho em saúde e dos órgãos de classe profissional, analisando as condições de trabalho que as trabalhadoras em saúde estão vivendo no enfrentamento da pandemia.

Abstract The article aims to discuss the care provided by female healthcare workers in Brazil during the Covid-19 pandemic, based on a sociological analysis by authors who discuss such care as devalued and poorly paid work performed to a large extent by low-income women. The work involves social constructions of emotions and has used the body as a work instrument in care for others. In addition, the increasingly precarious nature of health work in Brazilian society, aggravated in recent decades, with an increase in temporary contracts, loss of labor rights, overload of tasks, and adverse work conditions, among others, adds to the increase in medical and hospital care in the Covid-19 pandemic. In this context, female healthcare workers experience lack of personal protective equipment, fear of coronavirus infection, concerns with their children and other family members, and illness and death of coworkers and themselves. The article highlights the need for government attention and management of healthcare work and professional societies, analyzing the work conditions female healthcare workers are experiencing in confronting the pandemic.

Experiences of healthcare providers during the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on them: protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Frontline healthcare providers are redeployed to areas outside their clinical expertise and assigned high-loading workload to address the surge of patients with each coronavirus outbreak. Their importance in crisis is not in doubt. However, they experienced considerable physical distress and psychological stressors, even leading to psychological illness and infection in this environment. There is an urgent need to accurately, comprehensively and objectively understand their experiences, perceptions and current situation of burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, insomnia and coronavirus infection. Therefore, this protocol is to conduct a mixed-methods systematic review to summarise the evidence on the experiences of healthcare providers and impacts of the coronavirus on their psychological status and infection during the pandemics. METHODS: Published studies on experience, perspective, impact, burnout, PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infection of healthcare providers with SARS, Middle East respiratory syndrome and COVID-19, and written in English and Chinese will be accepted. Databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, PubMed, Psychology Information, WanFang and SinoMed) from inception until 30 July 2020 will be searched. Two reviewers will select, screen, extract data and assess the risk of bias independently. Risk of bias of results will be using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Using a convergent integrated approach on qualitative/quantitative studies, we will synthesise qualitative and quantitative data separately. The incidence and number of cases about burnout, PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia and coronavirus infection among medical staff will be extracted. Then we will transform quantitative data to synthesise narrative findings. This protocol will be reported per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical assessment is not required due to the nature of the proposed systematic review. Findings of our research will be disseminated at conferences related to this field and through publication in peer-reviewed journals. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020198506.

What We Have Learned from Two Decades of Epidemics and Pandemics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Psychological Burden of Frontline Healthcare Workers.

In light of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and potential future infectious disease outbreaks, a comprehensive understanding of the negative effects of epidemics and pandemics on healthcare workers' mental health could inform appropriate support interventions. Thus, we aimed to synthesize and quantify the psychological and psychosomatic symptoms among frontline medical staff. We searched four databases up to March 19, 2020 and additional literature, with daily search alerts set up until October 26, 2020. Studies reporting psychological and/or psychosomatic symptoms of healthcare workers caring for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome, H1N1, Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome, or COVID-19 were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently conducted the search, study selection, quality appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis and involved a third reviewer in case of disagreement. We used random effects modeling to estimate the overall prevalence rates of psychological/psychosomatic symptoms and the I2 statistic. We included 86 studies, reporting data from 75,991 participants. Frontline staff showed a wide range of symptoms, including concern about transmitting the virus to the family (60.39%, 95% CI 42.53-76.96), perceived stress (56.77%, 95% CI 34.21-77.95), concerns about own health (45.97%, 95% CI 31.08-61.23), sleeping difficulties (39.88%, 95% CI 27.70-52.72), burnout (31.81%, 95% CI 13.32-53.89), symptoms of depression (25.72%, 95% CI 18.34-33.86), symptoms of anxiety (25.36%, 95% CI 17.90-33.64), symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (24.51%, 95% CI 18.16-31.46), mental health issues (23.11%, 95% CI 15.98-31.10), and symptoms of somatization (14.68%, 95% CI 10.67-19.18). We found consistent evidence for the pervasive and profound impact of large-scale outbreaks on the mental health of frontline healthcare workers. As the CO-VID-19 crisis continues to unfold, guaranteeing easy access to support structures for the entire healthcare workforce is vitally important.

Experiences of Social Distancing During Coronavirus Disease 2019 as a Catalyst for Changing Long-Term Care Culture.

Purpose In this article, we draw a parallel between the experience of social isolation that occurred throughout the world during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic and similar experiences occurring in everyday life for people with communication disorders living in long-term care (LTC) facilities. We propose that speech-language pathologists can use the widespread experience of social isolation as a learning catalyst in the effort to shift the LTC culture to one that more highly values a communicative environment that is accessible to all, thereby reducing risk of social isolation for those with communication disorders. Conclusions Many training paradigms for promoting an accessible communicative environment are available in the speech-language pathology literature, yet institutional barriers exist for their widespread implementation. Overcoming these barriers is a challenge that requires awareness and learning on the part of staff and administration regarding the impact of an unfriendly communicative environment on social isolation, and the resulting psychosocial consequences. Learning theory indicates that new learning in adults is motivated by connections between personal experiences and the material to be learned. Explicitly infusing established training programs with the experience of social isolation brought on by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic may be the key needed for changing the communicative environment in LTC.