Analysis of Psychological Trends and Policy Recommendations of Medical Staff in Northern China in the Latter Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Aim: Since the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, medical staff have faced greater psychological stress and are prone to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, as confirmed by several studies. This study further clarifies the psychological status of Chinese medical staff during the stable phase of the pandemic through a cross-sectional investigation in a large population sample in northern China. Methods: Subjects: Clinical frontline medical staff from seven hospitals in Liaoning Province were recruited from November 2020 to February 2021. Research Tools: The research tools used were the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), and General Status Questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: SPSS 22.0, ANOVA variance analysis, and multiple logistics regression were used for statistical analysis. P-values of <0.05 indicated significant statistical differences. Results: A total of 3,144 medical staff completed the survey (599 men [19.1%] and 2,545 women [80.9%]; 1,020 doctors [32.4%] and 2,124 nurses [67.6%]). Among all subjects, the rates of anxiety and depression were 21.1% (663/3, 144) and 43.9% (1,381/3,144), respectively. Multiple logistic comparative analysis revealed that age (OR = 1.272, 95% CI = 1.036-1.561, P = 0.022), the need for psychological counseling (OR = 1.566, 95% CI = 1.339-1.830, P < 0.001), and the coexistence of depression (OR = 0.050, 95% CI = 0.038-0.066, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with anxiety. Coexisting anxiety was also associated with the occurrence of depression (OR = 0.050, 95% CI = 0.038-0.065, P < 0.001). Conclusions: In the later stages of the pandemic in China, the occurrence rates of anxiety and depression among medical staff remain high. In addition to age, there is little correlation between anxiety or depression and general factors such as gender and profession. As a special group, medical staff show different psychological changes at various times during a stressful event. Concerning for the psychological needs of medical staff and different psychologically oriented policy implementation are needed.

An investigation of mental health status of children and adolescents in china during the outbreak of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The sudden outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a dramatic effect on the mental health of the public. In the present study, we demonstrated the psychological effects on children and adolescents associated with the epidemic . METHODS: By using convenience sampling method, questionnaires, such as Spence Child Anxiety Scale, Child Depression Inventory and Coping style Scale, were distributed to participating 359 children and 3254 adolescents online. RESULTS: The anxiety levels of children and adolescents were (23.87 ± 15.79) and (29.27 ± 19.79), respectively. 22.28% respondents were suffering from depressive symptoms. Seven significant factors associated with increased levels of anxiety, including female, resident in urban regions, emotion-focused coping style. Nine factors associated with increased levels of depression, such as smartphone addiction (OR 1.411, 95% CI 1.099-1.180), Internet addiction (OR 1.844, 95% CI 1.209-2.811), and resident in Hubei province (OR 3.107, 95% CI 1.252-7.708). Two additional factors associated with decreased levels of depressive symptoms: hours spend on Internet per day before the epidemic (OR 0.652, 95% CI 0.609-0.697) and tendency to apply problem-focused coping style (OR 0.937, 95% CI 0.923-0.951). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant psychosocial impact on children and adolescents. Findings of current levels of anxiety and depression not only highlight the need to address emotional distress for children and adolescents during the epidemic but also provide researchers with scientific fundamentals to formulate targeted interventions based on the significant influencing factors.

Association between ADORA2A gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia in the North Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND: A large number of studies have shown a close relationship between ADORA2A and the pathological mechanism of schizophrenia. However, to our knowledge, there has been no studies examining the association between the ADORA2A gene and schizophrenia in Chinese Han population. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between adenosine A2A receptor (ADORA2A) single nucleotide polymorphisms and schizophrenia in the North Chinese Han population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We detected ADORA2A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and summarized our results using SPSS statistical software and Haploview in schizophrenia case group (n=398) and healthy control group (n=535). RESULTS: The frequency of the CC homozygote genotype of SNP rs2298383T/C were significantly higher in the case than the control group (p=0.005, OR=1.712, 95% CI=1.172-2.502). After linkage disequilibrium analysis, SNPs rs5996696A/C and rs2298383T/C displayed strong linkage disequilibrium. We found that the frequencies of haplotypes TA (χ2=6.268, p=0.0123) and CA (χ2=7.012, p=0.0081) were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, SNPs in the ADORA2A gene may be associated with schizophrenia in the northern Chinese Han population.