The contribution of participation in meaningful activities on mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Spanish population / Contribución de la participación en actividades significativas sobre la salud mental en población española durante el confinamiento por COVID-19

Introduction: During the lockdown caused by COVID-19 in Spain, citizens had to stop performing activities in the usual way, which could have had an impact on mental health. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of participating in meaningful activitieson mental health in the Spanish population during the COVID-19 lockdown. Method:A cross-sectional online survey was developed and administered, where mental health (General Health Questionnaire), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), participation in meaningful activities (Engage-ment in Meaningful Activities Survey) and socio-demographic data were assessed. A hierarchical-linear-regression was used to identify key correla-tions. Results:The participants (N= 311) reported low mental health (M= 16.12/36) and a lower level of resilience (M = 25.48). The results of the re-gression revealed that 32.6% of the variance of the GHQ was significantly explained by the living space, including an outdoor space, resilience and participation in meaningful activities. The loss of meaningful activities was significantly related to mental health, with a significant contribution when controlling for the other variables (β = -.12). Conclusion:Although experi-mental studies are needed to determine causality, this study highlights the relationship between participation in meaningful activities and mental health during the lockdown.(AU)

Introduction: During the lockdown caused by COVID-19 in Spain, citizens had to stop performing activities in the usual way, which could have had an impact on mental health. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of participating in meaningful activities on mental health in the Spanish population during the COVID-19 lockdown. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was developed and administered, where mental health (General Health Questionnaire), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), participation in meaningful activities (Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey) and socio-demographic data were assessed. A hierarchical-linear-regression was used to identify key correlations. Results: The participants (N = 311) reported low mental health (M = 16.12/36) and a lower level of resilience (M = 25.48). The results of the regression revealed that 32.6% of the variance of the GHQ was significantly explained by the living space, including an outdoor space, resilience and participation in meaningful activities. The loss of meaningful activities was significantly related to mental health, with a significant contribution when controlling for the other variables (β = -.12). Conclusion: Although experimental studies are needed to determine causality, this study highlights the relationship between participation in meaningful activities and mental health during the lockdown.(AU)

The relationship between psychological distress, meaning in life,and life satisfaction in the COVID-19 pandemic / La relación entre la molestia psicológica, el sentido de la vida y la satisfacción con la vida en la pandemia del COVID-19

Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, el miedo a infectarse, perder a familiares y las medidas tomadas para prevenir la contaminación (por ejemplo, cierres, cuarentenas, distanciamiento espacial, etc.) han aumentado el riesgo de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. En el presente estudio, se exploró la relación entre la angustia psicológica, el significado de la vida y la satisfacción con la vida entre personas infectadas y no infectadas con COVID-19 durante la pandemia. El presente estudio es el primero en examinar estas variables simultáneamente. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 687 adultos mayores de 18 años (media = 30,51 años). Los resultados indicaron que las personas adultas con una alta satisfacción con la vida tenían niveles más bajos de angustia psicológica, encontraban la vida más significativa y buscaban menos el significado. El malestar psicológico se relacionó positivamente con la búsqueda de sentido en la vida y negativamente con la existencia de sentido en la vida. Además, la depresión y la existencia de sentido en la vida fueron predictores significativos de la satisfacción con la vida.(AU)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the fear of being infected, losing relatives, and measures taken to prevent contamination (e.g., lock-downs, quarantining, spatial distancing, etc.) have all increased the risk of depression, anxiety and stress. In the present study, the relationship be-tween psychological distress, meaning in life, and life satisfaction was ex-plored among individuals who were infected and not infected with COVID-19 during the pandemic. The present study is the first to examine these variables simultaneously. The sample comprised 687 adult individuals over the age of 18 years (mean=30.51 years). Results indicated that adult individuals with high life satisfaction had lower levels of psychological dis-tress, find life more meaningful, and seek meaning less. Psychological dis-tress was positively related with the search for meaning in life and nega-tively related with the existence of meaning in life. Moreover, depressive symptoms and the existence of meaning in life were significant predictors of life satisfaction.(AU)

Psychometric properties and measurement invariance of a European Portuguese version of the fear of COVID-19 scale / Propiedades psicométricas e invariancia de medida de una versión en portugués europeo de la escala de miedo de la COVID-19

El miedo generalizado de la COVID-19 parece haber exacerbado el impacto negativo de la pandemia. Por eso, es relevante monitorear el miedo de la COVID-19 y su asociación con la salud mental, el bienestar y los comportamientos de las personas, siendo necesarias medidas válidas y fiables de miedo de la COVID-19. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de una versión en portugués europeo de la escala Fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S-P). Un objetivo secundario fue evaluar la invariancia de medición transversal multigrupo de FCV-19S-P (mujeres vs. hombres). Una muestra de 572 adultos portugueses (72 % mujeres) completaron el FCV-19S-P y medidas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Los resultados del estudio respaldaron la validez de esta versión y fiabilidad (alfa de Cronbach = .84; confiabilidad compuesta = .83) y una estructura factorial similar a de la versión original. El miedo de la COVID-19 se asoció positivamente (.23 < r < .31) con depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Los resultados del análisis transversal de invariancia multigrupo respaldaron la invariancia escalar total de la FCV-19S-P y su invariancia residual parcial, lo que sugiere que esta medida puede usarse para llegar a conclusiones válidas con respecto a las comparaciones de género en muestras de adultos portugueses.(AU)

The novelty and uncertainty of the pandemic nourished a gener-alized fear of the COVID-19, which seems to have exacerbated the pan-demic’s negative impact. It is thus relevant to monitor fear of COVID-19 and its association with individuals’ mental health, well-being, and behav-iors. Valid and reliable measures of fear of COVID-19 are necessary for that purpose. This study aimed at assessing the psychometric properties of a European Portuguese version of the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S-P). A secondary aim was to assess FCV-19S-P’s multigroup measurement invariance (female vs.male). A sample of 572 Portuguese adults (72 % fe-male) completed the FCV-19S-P and measures of depression, anxiety, and stress. The study results supported this version validityand reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = .84; Composite Reliability = .83), and a factorial struc-ture similar to the original version. Fear of COVID-19 was positively asso-ciated (.23 < r < .31) with depression, anxiety, and stress. Results of the multigroup invariance analysis supported the FCV-19S-P total scalar invar-iance and its partial residual invariance, suggesting that this measure may be used to reach valid conclusions in respect to gender comparisons in samples of Portuguese adults in regard to group observed composite means.(AU)

Dreaming during a pandemic: Low incorporation of COVID-19-specific themes and lucidity in dreams of psychiatric patients and healthy controls

The present study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional quality of dreams, the incorporation of pandemic-related themes, and the occurrence of lucid dreaming. Dream reports and lucidity ratings of psychiatric outpatients (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 81) during two lockdowns in Germany were compared to those of healthy controls (n = 33) before the pandemic. Results confirmed previous reports that pandemic-specific themes were incorporated into dreams. Overall, however, incorporation into dreams was rare. Contrary to expectations, psychiatric outpatients did not differ from controls in the frequency of dream incorporation of pandemic-related content. Moreover, incorporation was independent of psychiatric symptoms and loneliness. Loneliness was, however, associated with threat-related content, suggesting that it represents a risk for bad dreams but not for crisis-specific dream incorporation. Regarding lucid dreaming, both groups had similar scores for its underlying core dimensions, i.e., insight, control, and dissociation, during the two lockdowns. Scores for control and dissociation but not insight were lower compared to the pre-pandemic sample. Our working hypothesis is that REM sleep during lockdowns intensified as a means of increased emotional consolidation, rendering the associated mental state less hybrid and thereby less lucid. (AU)

Effects of high-intensity interval training versus sprint interval training during the second wave of COVID-19 lockdown on soccer players

This study aimed to compare the effects of two intervention programs (i.e., high-intensity interval training [ΗΙΙΤ] versus sprint interval training [SIT]) during the second wave of pandemic COVID-19 in semi-professional soccer players. Twenty-nine male soccer players were divided into two groups: HIIT (N: 16, age: 19.6 ± 2.4 years, height: 1.8 ± 0.5 m, weight: 71.5 ± 4.6 kg, and body fat: 7.3 ± 2.6%), who performed a HIIT protocol with progressive intensity and resistance training; SIT (N: 13, age: 23.5 ± 5.1 years, height: 1.8 ± 0.1 m, weight: 74.0 ± 4.5 kg and body fat: 8.8 ± 2.6%) that performed a SIT program combined with body weight circuit training. According to the instructions from World Health Organization of basic protective measures against COVID-19, each session did not exceed 60 min. Aerobic capacity (Yo–Yo IR1) and countermovement jump (CMJ) height were measured before and after a 4-week intervention period. Aerobic variables (maximum oxygen uptake [V̇O2max], velocity at V̇O2max [vV̇O2max] and CMJ significantly increased (p<0.001), while maximum heart rate [HRmax] decreased (p<0.01) following the HIIT intervention program. Conversely, values remained unchanged in the SIT group after the training. Post-evaluation between-group comparisons revealed that V̇O2max was significantly higher in HIIT when compared to SIT (p<0.05). These results suggest that HIIT combined with resistance training, in different sessions, could lead to superior improvements in endurance and vertical jump ability in short time periods when compared to the combination of SIT and body-weighted strength training in semi-professional soccer players. (AU)

Concentración de colesterol-HDL y riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en personas mayores de 75 años: una cohorte con medio millón de participantes de la Comunidad de Madrid / HDL-cholesterol concentration and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in people over 75 years of age: a cohort with half a million participants from the Community of Madrid

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la relación entre el colesterol-HDL y el riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en mayores de 75 años residentes en la Comunidad de Madrid. Métodos: Estudio de una cohorte de base poblacional, compuesto por todos los residentes en Madrid (España) nacidos antes del 1 de enero de 1945 y vivos el 31 de diciembre de 2019. Los datos demográficos, clínicos y analíticos se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas electrónicas de atención primaria desde enero de 2015. La infección confirmada por SARS-CoV-2 se definió como un resultado positivo en la RT-PCR o en la prueba de antígeno. Los datos sobre infección por SARS-CoV-2 corresponden al periodo del 1 de marzo de 2020 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2020. Resultados: De los 593.342 participantes de la cohorte, 501.813 tenían al menos una determinación de colesterol-HDL en los últimos 5 años. Su edad media era 83,4±5,6 años y el 62,4% eran mujeres. Un total de 36.996 (7,4%) tuvieron una infección confirmada por SARS-CoV2 durante el año 2020. El riesgo de infección (odds ratio [intervalo de confianza 95%]) por SARS-CoV2 según los quintiles crecientes de colesterol-HDL fue de 1; 0,960 (0,915-1,007), 0,891 (0,848-0,935), 0,865 (0,824-0,909) y 0,833 (0.792-0,876), tras ajustar por edad, sexo, factores de riesgo cardiovascular y comorbilidades. Conclusiones: Existe una relación inversa y dosis-dependiente entre la concentración de colesterol-HDL y el riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV2 en los mayores de 75 años de la Comunidad de Madrid. (AU)

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between HDL-cholesterol and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in over 75-year-olds residing in the Community of Madrid. Methods: Study of a population-based cohort, composed of all residents in Madrid (Spain) born before January 1, 1945 and alive on December 31, 2019. Demographic, clinical and analytical data were obtained from primary care electronic medical records from January 2015. Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined as a positive RT-PCR or antigen test result. Infection data correspond to the period March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Results: Of the 593,342 cohort participants, 501,813 had at least one HDL-cholesterol determination in the past 5 years. Their mean age was 83.4±5.6 years and 62.4% were women. A total of 36,996 (7.4%) had a confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection during 2020. The risk of infection [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)] for SARS-CoV2 according to increasing quintiles of HDL-cholesterol was 1, 0.960 (0.915-1.007), 0.891 (0.848-0.935), 0.865 (0.824-0.909) and 0.833 (0.792-0.876), after adjusting for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. Conclusions: There is an inverse and dose-dependent relationship between HDL-cholesterol concentration and the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection in subjects aged over 75 years of age in the Community of Madrid. (AU)

Decúbito prono en pacientes COVID-19 con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo y ventilación mecánica invasiva / Prone positioning in Covid-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and invasive mechanical ventilation

Objetivos: Identificar eventos adversos secundarios al decúbito prono (DP) en pacientes con COVID-19 con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) moderado/severo, analizar los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de úlceras por presión (UPP) en DP y describir la evolución oximétrica de estos pacientes durante el DP. Método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo realizado sobre 63 pacientes ingresados en la UCI de un hospital de segundo nivel, con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2, SDRA moderado/severo, ventilación mecánica invasiva, que precisaron maniobras de DP, durante marzo y abril de 2020. Se usó un muestreo no probabilístico consecutivo y se analizaron las variables seleccionadas a través de una regresión logística. Resultados: Se realizaron un total de 139 sesiones de pronación. La mediana de sesiones fue de 2 [1-3] y la duración de 22 h [15-24] por sesión. La aparición de eventos adversos ocurrió en 84,9% de los casos, siendo los fisiológicos (por ejemplo, hiper/hipotensión) los más frecuentes. Al comparar pacientes pronados que mantuvieron la integridad cutánea (34 de 63 pacientes, 54%) vs. los que desarrollaron UPP (29 de 63, 46%), estos últimos presentaron los siguientes factores de riesgo: mayor edad, ser hipertensos, prealbúmina < 21 mg/dL, mayor número de sesiones de prono y mayor gravedad al ingreso. Se observó un incremento significativo entre la PaO2/FiO2 previa al DP y en los diferentes cortes temporales durante el prono, además de una caída significativa tras despronar. Conclusiones: Existe una alta incidencia de eventos adversos debidos al DP, siendo los de tipo fisiológico los más frecuentes. La identificación de varios factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de UPP ayudará a prevenir la aparición de estas lesiones durante la pronación. La terapia de DP en pacientes COVID-19 con SDRA moderado/severo ha demostrado una mejora en los parámetros de oxigenación.(AU)

Objective: To identify adverse events related to prone positioning in COVID-19 patients with severe disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome, to analyze the risk factors associated with the development of anterior pressure ulcers, to determine whether the recommendation of prone positioning is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Methods: Retrospective study performed in 63 consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to intensive care unit on invasive mechanical ventilation and treated with prone positioning between March and April 2020. Association between prone-related pressure ulcers and selected variables was explored by the means of logistic regression. Results: A total of 139 proning cycles were performed. The mean number of cycles were 2 [1-3] and the mean duration per cycle was of 22 hours [15-24]. The prevalence of adverse events this population was 84.9%, being the physiologic ones (i.e., hypo/hypertension) the most prevalent. 29 out of 63 patients (46%) developed prone-related pressure ulcers. The risk factors for prone-related pressure ulcers were older age, hypertension, levels of pre-albumin < 21 mg/dL, the number of proning cycles and severe disease. We observed a significant increase in the PaO2/FiO2 at different time points during the prone positioning, and a significant decrease after it. Conclusions: There is a high incidence of adverse events due to PD, with the physiological type being the most frequent. The identification of the main risk factors for the development of prone-related pressure ulcers will help to prevent the occurrence of these lesions during the prone positioning. Prone positioning offered an improvement in the oxygenation in these patients.(AU)

Tratamientos coadyuvantes a la ventilación mecánica invasiva en el manejo del síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo secundario a covid-19 / Adjuvant treatments to invasive mechanical ventilation in the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to COVID-19

Introducción: La presente revisión bibliográfica está realizada con el fin de obtener respuestas acerca de aspectos relacionados con las técnicas y tratamientos, así como cuidados asociados al paciente crítico diagnosticado con covid-19. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia científica disponible sobre la efectividad de la utilización de la ventilación mecánica invasiva junto con otras técnicas coadyuvantes, en la reducción de la tasa de mortalidad en pacientes con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo y juicio clínico de covid-19 atendidos en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistematizada en las bases de datos PubMed, CUIDEN, LILACS, Medline, CINAHL y Google Scholar, utilizando términos MeSH (adult respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation, prone position, nitric oxide, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, nursing care) y los operadores booleanos correspondientes. Los estudios seleccionados se sometieron a una lectura crítica realizada entre el 6 de diciembre de 2020 y el 27 de marzo de 2021 utilizando la herramienta Critical Appraisal Skills Programme en español y un instrumento de evaluación de estudios epidemiológicos transversales. Resultados: Se seleccionaron un total de 85 artículos. Tras realizar la lectura crítica se incluyeron en la revisión un total de 7 artículos, consistiendo en 6 estudios descriptivos y un estudio de cohortes. Tras el análisis de dichos estudios, se desprende que la técnica que mejor resultados ha obtenido es la oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea, siendo importantes los cuidados proporcionados por el personal de enfermería cualificado y capacitado. Conclusión: La mortalidad por covid-19 aumenta en pacientes tratados con ventilación mecánica invasiva respecto a los pacientes tratados con oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea. Los cuidados de enfermería y la especialización pueden repercutir en una mejora de los resultados en los pacientes.(AU)

Introduction: This bibliographic review is carried out in order to obtain answers about aspects related to techniques and treatments, as well as care associated with the critically ill patient diagnosed with COVID-19. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of the use of invasive mechanical ventilation together with other adjuvant techniques, in reducing the mortality rate in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and clinical trial of COVID-19 treated in intensive care units. Methodology: A systematized bibliographic review was carried out in the PubMed, CUIDEN, LILACS, Medline, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases, using MeSH terms (adult respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation, prone position, nitric oxide, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, nursing care) and the corresponding Boolean operators. The selected studies underwent a critical reading carried out between December 6, 2020 and March 27, 2021 using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool in Spanish and a cross-sectional epidemiological studies evaluation instrument. Results: A total of 85 articles were selected. After performing the critical reading, a total of 7 articles were included in the review, 6 being descriptive studies and one a cohort study. After analyzing these studies, it appears that the technique that has obtained the best results is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with the care provided by qualified and trained nursing staff being very important. Conclusion: Mortality from COVID-19 increases in patients treated with invasive mechanical ventilation compared to patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Nursing care and specialization can have an impact on improving patient outcomes.(AU)

Worse psychological traits associated with higher probability of emotional problems during the Omicron pandemic in Tianjin, China

Background and Objectives: Individuals with specific psychological weaknesses are prone to mental problems during the coronavirus pandemic. This self-rating study assessed the combined effects of infection-related stress, resilience, worry, and loneliness on the likelihood of depression and anxiety among infected and non-infected individuals during the Tianjin Pandemic in 2022.MethodsIndividuals infected with Omicron (n = 249) and health residents (n = 415) were recruited from two hospitals and communities in Tianjin. Each respondent completed the following on-site assessment: Self-developed Scale of Demographics, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), De Jong Gierveld Scale (DJGLS), and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). The respondents were categorized into depression or non-depression group by SDS scores, and anxiety or non-anxiety group by SAS scores.ResultsThe overall scores of CD-RISC, DJGJLS, and PSWQ were significantly different both between the depression group and non-depression groups and between the anxiety group and non-anxiety groups. The greater likelihood of depression was associated with lower overall scores of CD-RISC and higher scores of PSWQ; the greater likelihood of anxiety was associated with higher scores of PSWQ. The likelihood of depression was also positively associated with having infection-related stress and three demographics. (AU)

The emotional state of young people in northern Spain after one year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic

Background and objectives: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the young population has been suffering from an accumulation of psychological symptoms in northern Spain. The main objectives of this study were (1) to assess whether psychological symptoms persisted after one year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic in northern Spain sample of young people, and (2) to analyze whether pandemic-specific variables (having a chronic illness, living with a person who has a chronic illness, having been infected with COVID-19, having a close person who has died or believing that people are respecting the measures imposed) are related to psychological symptomatology.MethodsSymptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression were measured using the Depression and Stress Anxiety Scale-21 (DASS-21). An ad hoc online questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographical information related to chronic illnesses of the participants, living with a chronically ill person, contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, having people close to them who have died of COVID-19, and their perception of whether or not people respect the health measures.ResultsYoung people have suffered higher stress, anxiety, and depression levels than at the beginning of the pandemic.ConclusionsThe present study highlights the importance of addressing young people's mental health, and ensure that future adults emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic in a psychologically strong state. (AU)

Comparison of inflammation markers and severity of illness among patients with COVID-19, acute psychiatric disorders and comorbidity

Background and objectives: Neutrophil, lymphocyte counts, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, fibrinogen, and comorbid illness are associated with the course and prognosis of COVID-19. However, the course of acute severe psychiatric disorders overlapping with COVID-19 infection was not investigated and remained as an unclarified research area. This study aimed to demonstrate inflammatory markers and the course of patients suffering from both conditions.MethodsThirty-eight inpatients with COVID-19 and comorbid acute psychiatric disorders (COVID-19+PD), 31 inpatients with COVID-19, and 38 inpatients with an acute psychiatric disorder (PD) were included in the study. Neutrophil, lymphocyte counts, serum ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, fibrinogen, Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were compared to evaluate inflammation levels.ResultsPatients with SARS-CoV-2 infection had older age compared to the PD group. CALL (Comorbidity, age, lymphocyte, lactate dehydrogenase) scores which predict the progression risk in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, of both COVID-19 groups were found similar. The COVID-19+PD had higher SII in the study sample. Additionally, the COVID-19+PD group had higher NLR, ferritin, and CRP levels than those of the PD group.ConclusionsThe prognosis of COVID-19 is not worse when accompanied by a psychiatric disorder. Laboratory assessment can guide clinicians to distinguish those infected with SARS-CoV-2 within psychiatric inpatient units. The biochemical assessment did not robustly support higher inflammatory levels in the comorbid COVID-19 and psychiatric disorder group compared to the COVID-19 group. (AU)

Low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among patients presenting at a Parisian psychiatry University Hospital Group

Abstract: We examine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among patients admitted to a Parisian psychiatric University Hospital Group (GHU).A total of 548 patients were admitted to the GHU...s full-time psychiatric wards between April 6 and May 3 2020. More than 80% were tested. A total of 7 patients tested positive for the SARS-Cov-2 (1.3%), with 5 patients (in 92, 5.4%) testing positive in the first week.GHU patients presented a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, even if all patients live in the hardest hit region in France. Social isolation and loneliness, as well as self-isolation of patients with symptoms could explain our results. (AU)

Medical publishing: a flawed model in dire need of reform

Recently, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, high-profile retractions of some papers published in prestigious medical journals have highlighted the necessity for structural reform to the current model of medical publishing. We discuss what ails the current system and what can be done to remedy it. (AU)

Bienestar emocional de los padres de niños con lesión del plexo braquial obstétrica: un estudio transversal / Emotional well-being of parents with children with obstetric brachial plexus injury: A cross-sectional study

Hay evidencia de que las madres de niños con lesión de plexo braquial obstétrica (PBO) muestran sintomatología depresiva y ansiosa y presentan baja calidad de vida. La mayoría de estos estudios evalúan solo a las madres (sin considerar a los padres) y no hay datos recientes que recojan su adaptación durante la pandemia por la COVID-19. Además, hasta la fecha no se ha explorado el papel del apoyo social en esta población y su bienestar emocional. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la sintomatología depresiva, ansiedad, apoyo social y calidad de vida esta población. Para ello, todos los participantes fueron entrevistados online con el objetivo de evaluar estas variables. Participaron los padres (90% mujeres; edad media = 37,47; DT = 4,82) de 30 niños entre 0 y 6 años con lesión de plexo braquial (40% mujeres; edad media = 2,80; DT = 1,60). Los niveles de sintomatología depresiva y ansiosa fueron moderados. El nivel de satisfacción respecto al apoyo social recibido fue elevado, mientras que la media de personas que prestan ayuda fue baja. Los participantes presentaron una alta calidad de vida y salud en variables como función física, rol físico, dolor corporal, salud general, función social, rol emocional y salud mental. Sin embargo, presentaron un nivel moderado de calidad de vida y salud en vitalidad. Este estudio aporta evidencia sobre variables relacionadas con la salud mental de los cuidadores primarios de niños con PBO durante la pandemia por la COVID-19 en España. (AU)

There is evidence that mothers of children with obstetric brachial plexus injury (PBO) show depressive and anxious symptoms and have low quality of life. Most of these studies evaluate only mothers (without considering fathers) and there are no recent data that collect their adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the role of social support in this population and their emotional well-being has not been explored to date. The aim of the current study was to evaluate depressive symptoms, anxiety, social support and quality of life in this population. To do this, all participants were interviewed online in order to evaluate these variables. Parents (90% women; mean age = 37.47; SD = 4.82) of 30 children between 0 and 6 years old with brachial plexus injury (40% women; mean age = 2.80; SD = 1, 60) participated. The levels of depressive and anxious symptomatology were moderate. The level of satisfaction regarding the social support received was high, while the average number of people who provide help was low. The participants presented a high quality of life and health in variables such as physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, social function, emotional role and mental health. However, they presented a moderate level life quality and health in vitality. This study provides evidence on variables related to the mental health of primary caregivers of children with PBO during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. (AU)

The Effects of 10,000 IU Vitamin D Supplementation on Improvement of Clinical Outcomes, Inflammatory and Coagulation Markers in Moderate COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized-Controlled Trial / Los efectos de la suplementación con 10 000 UI de vitamina D en la mejora de los resultados clínicos, los marcadores inflamatorios y de coagulación en pacientes con COVID-19 moderado: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado

Background & aims: Vitamin D supplementation as animmunomodulator has been identified as a potential strategy to prevent and treat Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to analyze the effect of 10,000 IU vitamin D3supplementation on 25(OH)D levels on primary clinical outcomes (conversion length), inflammatory markers (TotalLymphocyte Count (TLC), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio(NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR)) and coagulationmarker (D-Dimer) in moderate COVID-19 patients atWahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia.Methods: We conducted a singleblind randomized-controlled trial on the confirmed moderate COVID-19 patientsabove 18 years old and low vitamin D status. Each of inter-vention and control groups were supplemented of 10,000 IUand 1000 IU cholecalciferol that taken daily for 2 weeks.Levels of 25(OH)D were analyzed for the primary endpoint(conversion length), then correlated to secondary endpoints(Length of Stay (LOS)), clinical manifestations improvement,and markers TLC, NLR, PLR, and D-Dimer serum, handgripstrength (HGS) as functional capacity measurement, after ad-justed to age, sex, nutritional status based on body mass in-dex (BMI) and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) tool, co-morbidities, and anticoagulant administration. Medical nutri-tional therapy was given and presented as energy, protein,carbohydrate, and fat achievement, and vitamin D intake wasalso calculated.Results: A significant effects was found in 60 samples withpre-intervention vitamin D deficiency (61.7%) and insuffi-ciency (38.3%) status, and 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 supplementation could increase 25(OH)D levels within 2 weeks toreach sufficiency status (16.7%). The Vitamin D3 supplementation of 10,000 IU and 1000 IU could significantly increase25(OH)D levels compared to the control group of 1000 IU(4.61±5.43 vs. -0.29±2.72; P <0.0001) and it was correlatedto primary clinical outcome, which is length of conversion...(AU)

Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria y ansiedad en estudiantes durante la pandemia por COVID-19: Un estudio transversal / Eating disorders and anxiety in students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Introducción: La pandemia debido al coronavirus 2019(COVID-19) ha trastornado profundamente la vida cotidiana en todo el mundo, con profundos efectos negativos en la salud física y mental, principalmente en la población estudiantil. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) y los niveles de ansiedad en estudiantes universitarios durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Asimismo, explorar la asociación de TCA y ansiedad con las variables sexo, edad, semestre y programa educativo. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal correlacional en una muestra no probabilística por conveniencia de 572 estudiantes de una universidad del no-roeste de México, previo consentimiento informado. Se diseñóun cuestionario en línea utilizando la plataforma de Google Forms que incluía cuatro preguntas de identificación, el instrumento Eating Attitudes Test 26 (EAT-26) y el Inventario de ansiedad BAI. Se calcularon estadísticas descriptivas, la prueba Chicuadrado para explorar la asociación entre variables categóricas y se calculó los Odds ratio (OR) e intervalode confianza por medio de la regresión logística considerando como variables dependientes riesgo de TCA y presencia de ansiedad en los modelos. Resultados: Dado el punto de corte de 20 para el EAT-26,se encontró 20.1% de estudiantes en riesgo de presentar TCA. El riesgo fue significativamente mayor en las mujeres(22.4%) en comparación a los hombres (14.7%) (χ2(1) =4.39; p < .001, Phi = -0.088). Predominaron niveles moderado de ansiedad (32.2%) y severo (24.3%) en los estudiantes. El riesgo de TCA puede aumentar hasta cuatro veces más si tiene síntomas de ansiedad (OR = 2.179; IC95%1.20, 3.97). Conclusiones: Una parte importante de los encuestados presentó conductas alimentarias de riesgo asociadas con los niveles de ansiedad mostrada durante la pandemia.(AU)

Introduction: Due to the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19)pandemic, worldwide daily life has profoundly disrupted, withprofound negative effects on physical and mental health, primarily in the student population. Objetive: To determine the prevalence of eating disorder(ED) risk and anxiety levels in college students during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, to explore the association of ED and anxiety with gender, age, semester, and educational program variables.Materials and methods: A descriptive cros-sectionalcorrelational study was conducted in a non-probabilistic con-venience sample of 572 students from a university in north-western Mexico, with prior informed consent. An online questionnaire was designed using the Google Forms platform thatincluded four identification questions, the Eating AttitudesTest 26 (EAT-26) instrument and the BAI Anxiety Inventory.Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test were calculated to explore the association between categorical variables and OddsRatio (OR) and confidence interval were calculated by logisticregression considering as dependent variables risk of ED andpresence of anxiety in the models. Results: Given the cutoff point of 20 for the EAT-26,20.1% of students were found to be at risk of developing ED.The risk was significantly higher in females (22.4%) comparedto males (14.7%) (χ2(1) = 4.39; p < .001, Phi = -0.088).Moderate level of anxiety predominated in 32.2% of studentsand severe in 24.3%. The risk of ED may increase up to fourtimes more if anxiety symptoms are present (OR = 2.179;95%CI: 1.20, 3.97). Conclusions: A significant portion of respondents presented risky eating behaviors associated in the levels of anxiety displayed during the pandemic.(AU)

Actividad física y salud cognitiva-psicológica en pacientes dados de alta por enfermedad COVID- 19 / Physical exercise and cognitive-psychology health in COVID-19 recovered-patients

Introducción: Es importante identificar variables de protección de la salud cognitiva-psicológica en pacientes dados de alta por COVID 19, específicamente que mitiguen las quejas cognitivas de memorias, sobre todo si es la actividad física,que ayuda a mantener el peso y da muchos beneficios más.Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre el malestar psicológico y las quejas subjetivas de memoria, en paciente dados de alta por COVID 19, y el rol de la actividad física como variable moderadora. Metodología: Estudio correlacional multivariable, basado en un formulario online, en 299 personas que se contagiaron de la enfermedad COVID 19. Se utilizaron los siguientes instrumentos DASS 21, cuatro preguntas para evaluar quejassubjetivas de memoria e ítems específicos de una escala deEstilo de vida saludables. Los análisis de moderación se hicieron a través del comando PROCESS22 en SPSS V.23. Resultados: Se muestran asociaciones negativas significativas del ejercicio físico y el malestar psicológico en término de ansiedad (r= -0,21**) y depresión (r=-0,13**), además de evidenciar que el efecto conjunto de ambas variables e ssignificativo y negativo frente a las quejas cognitivas subjetivas de memoria (Ansiedad /Ejercicio físico = β = −0.08, p <0,05; Depresión /Ejercicio físico = β = −0,08, p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Se confirma el rol de moderación del ejercicio físico, la variable se comporta como factor de protección de la salud cognitiva-psicológica en pacientes dados de alta por COVID-19.(AU)

Introduction: Identifying protection factors that preservecognitive-psychology health in COVID 19 recovered-patientsis important. Specifically, those that mitigate subjective memory complaints, punctually physical Exercise helps to maintaina healthy weight and much more benefits. Objective: To determine the association between psycho-logical distress and subjective memory complaints in COVID19 recovered-complaints and physical exercise as a moderatevariable. Methodology: Correlational multivariable study, with anonline form. Results: In 299 recovered-patients, negative associationsbetween physical exercise and psychological distress arefound in terms of anxiety (r=-0.21**) and depression (r=-0.13**), additionally the moderate effect of both variables inthe subjective memory complaints is significant (Anxiety/Physical Exercise = β = −0.08, p < 0.05; Depression/Physical Exercise = β = −0.08, p < 0.05). Conclusion: independent moderation role of physical exercise and mindfulness was tested and determined. Both variables could be identified as protection factors.(AU)

Utilización del equipo de protección personal e infección por SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores del sector salud / Use of Personal Protective Equipment and SARS-Cov-2 Infection Among Healthcare Workers

Introducción: Los trabajadores de salud son los primeros en enfrentarse a brotes epidemiológicos, como el causado con el agente infeccioso emergente síndrome agudo respiratorio severo de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2). El cumplimiento de las medidas de protección es primordial para evitar el contagio. Para ello se implementó el uso se equipos protección personal (EPP)Método: Difusión de encuesta voluntaria y anónima entre los empleados de centros sanitarios. (Datos obtenidos desde 6 de noviembre 2020 al 6 febrero de 2021). Se recibieron 443 respuestas validas con las que se evaluó la correcta utilización y acceso al EPP, se midió los casos de enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) y el efecto de la pandemia en el personal del sector salud. Diseño del estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal Resultados: Mayor percepción de los erro-res cometidos (x2=161,663 con una p=0,000), probabilidad de contagio (x2=81,118 con una p=0,024) y duración síntomas (x2=440,955 con una p=0,001) según la profesión. Existe relación entre la residencia y nacionalidad del trabajador y la infección por SARS-CoV-2 x2=72,630 con una p=0,020 y una x2=61,247 con una p=0,132. Hay relación entre el número de ítems de EPP usado y la infección por SARS-CoV-2 (x2=38,373 con una p=0,032). Mayor riesgo de contagio según el departamento: residencias (x2=10,223 con una p=0,006), las unidades de pacientes con problemas respiratorios (x2=6,050 con una p=0,049) y las unida-des de paliativos (x2=7,795 con una p=0,020).Conclusiones: Los sanitarios no han estado debidamente protegidos contra la infección por SARS-CoV-2, sobre todo al principio de la pandemia. (AU)

Background: Frontline healthcare workers are the first to face epidemiological outbreaks, such as the caused by the emerging infectious agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Compliance with protective measures is essential to avoid the infection. Therefore, use of personal protection equipment (PPE) was implemented.Method: Dissemination of a voluntary and anon-ymous survey among employees in healthcare centers. (Data obtained from 6th November 2020 to 6th February 2021). 443 valid answers were re-ceived. The correct use and access to PPE was evaluated, cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were measured as well as the effect of the pandemic on healthcare workers.The design of the study is cross-sectional, de-scriptive and prospective.Results: Greater perception of the errors com-mitted (x2=161.663 with a p=0.000), greater probability of contagion (x2= 81.118 with a p=0.024) and longer duration of symptoms (x2= 440.955 with a p= 0.001) according to the pro-fession.Relationship between the residence and nation-ality of the healthcare worker with the infection by SARS-CoV-2 x2=72.630 with a p=0.020 and x2=61.247 with a p=0.132. Relationship between the number of PPE used and SARS-CoV-2 infec-tion (x2= 38.373 with a p= 0.032). Greater risk of contagion according to the workplace: care homes (x2= 10.223 with a p= 0.006), respiratory wards (x2=6.050 with a p= 0.049) and palliative care units (x2= 7.795 with a p=0.020).Conclusions: Healthcare workers have not been adequately protected against the SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially at the beginning of the pandemic. (AU)