FEAR AND STIGMATIZATION IN THE GENERAL POPULATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the feeling of fear and stigmatization in the general population, during the pandemic. . PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 1076 people attending a vaccination center in the Region of Argos, a prefecture of Peloponnese Region. The study was conducted from May 2021 to August 2021. In this study we used the Fear Investigation Scale(FCV-19S) and the COVID-19 Stigma scale. RESULTS: Results: A total of 1076 participants took part in the study. Vaccinated participants for Sars Cov-2 had higher levels of fear (U=117,569.00, p<0.001) and individuals with unspecified employment status had a higher level of fear compared to civil servants, pensioners, unemployed, private employees and freelancers (H = 17.225, p=0.004). Higher levels of fear were also seen by those who reported that they were uncertain that the COVID-19 pandemic was likely to be treated soon compared to those who believed it would be treated soon and those who did not believed this (H = 31.299, p<0.001). Vaccinated citizens showed a higher stigmatization rate of health professionals. Professional uncertainty and unemployment shows that they are a factor for increased fear. Strong social and family ties also indicate the reduced presence of stigmatization. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: An important imprint of the pandemic was the stigmatization of population's groups, such as health professionals, foreigners, as well as the infected by COVID-19. It is evident in society, that it was the fear of contracting the disease that contributed to stigmatization and isolation.

Associations between Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Greece.

Physical activity is an important factor in achieving healthy aging, offering older persons multiple benefits in terms of maintaining and improving their health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity on the quality of life of older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2022, using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A total of 124 people aged 65 and over participated in the survey. The average age of the participants was 71.6 years, and 62.1% were women. Participants showed a moderate quality of life with regard to the physical health dimension (mean score 52.4) and a higher quality of life with regard to the mental health dimension (mean score 63.1) compared to the expected values of the population. Low levels of physical activity were recorded among older adults, reaching a rate of 83.9%. A moderate or high level of physical activity has been found to contribute to a better physical functioning (p = 0.03), vitality (p = 0.02) and general health (p = 0.01). Finally, comorbidity had a negative impact on physical activity (p = 0.03) and quality of life regarding mental and physical health in older adults. The study showed very low levels of physical activity in older Greek adults. The management of this problem, which was intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, should be a high priority in public health programs focusing on healthy aging, as physical activity affects and promotes many of the basic aspects of quality of life.

Exploring Loneliness, Fear and Depression among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greek Provincial Towns.

BACKGROUND: With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, life changed abruptly for older adults in Greece. Social isolation, lockdowns, the fear of serious illness and death, all contributed to an increased risk of developing depression. OBJECTIVE: To explore the presence and severity of depression in older adults in Greek provincial towns during the pandemic and to explore any possible relationships with loneliness and fear. METHODS: A convenience sample of 200 participants aged >65, completed a socio-demographic form, the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Geriatric Depression-15 Scale (GDS-15) and the COVID-19 Fear Scale (FCV-19S). Data were collected from April to May 2022. RESULTS: The average age of participants was 76.6 years and 35.5% of the participants presented depressive symptoms (mean prevalenceof depression 5 ± 3.7). A moderate to low level of loneliness (mean value 39 ± 11.3) and a moderate level of COVID-19 fear (mean value 18.9 ± 6.5) were also experienced. Higher levels of loneliness were found among participants with lower perceived health status and among those participants registered in Primary Health and Social Care (PHSC) services. Loneliness was positively correlated with depression (r = 0.7, p < 0.001), and increased loneliness and depression were associated with an increase in fear of COVID-19 (r = 0.2, p = 0.01 for both). CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, older adults experienced loneliness, fear of COVID-19 and depression which were positively associated with each other. It is imperative to develop PHSC policies that are aimed at addressing the mental health problems of the older population, which have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, through developing their resilience, offering psychological support and promoting social connections.

Perceptions, Attitudes and Intentions of Greek Parents Toward their Underaged Children Vaccination Against Covid 19.

Background: Vaccination of children along with public health protection measures can limit transmission of SARS-COV-2. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the attitudes and perceptions of Greek parents that affect their intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 230 parents of underaged children who were administered a demographic characteristics questionnaire and the "Parental Acceptability of Free COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Under the Age of 18 Years" scale. Results: The majority of participants were females (70.4%), aged 41-50 years old (43.3%), married (86.5%), with university degree (63.5%). The prevalence of parental acceptability of free covid-19 vaccination was moderate (36.6 %) and a small percentage (23.9%) had already vaccinated their children. According to the univariate logistic regression analysis, female gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.05, 95% CI 1.43-6.47, p=0.004), highest educational level ([AOR] 2.66, 95% CI 1.21-5.84, p=0.015), history of seasonal influenza vaccination ([AOR] 2.08, 95% CI 1.09-3.98, p=0.026) and self-reported vaccination ([AOR] 17.38, 95% CI 2.29-131.86, p=0.006) were significantly associated with parental acceptability of vaccination. Increasing positive attitude perceptions was associated with an increased likelihood of parental acceptability of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion: The moderate parental acceptability of underaged children vaccination against COVID 19 and its association with perceptions and attitudes of parents found in the present study, indicate that it is important to raise awareness of parents about the vaccination of their children and public health policies need to focus on strengthening positive attitudes, increasing social consensus and facilitating the desired behavior.

The Effect of Preoperative Educational Intervention on Anxiety and Pain of Patients Undergoing Spinal Decompression Surgery: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative patient education is an effective intervention of the healthcare team, which has been used to promote patient recovery and well-being. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a nursing preoperative educational intervention on the anxiety and pain of patients undergoing spinal decompression surgery. METHODS: In this pilot randomized controlled study, patients (n=40) undergoing spinal decompression surgery, were randomized into an intervention group (underwent educational intervention, n=23) and a control group (n=17). The preoperative educational intervention included an oral briefing and a leaflet with perioperative care information as well as post-discharge care. Participants completed the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), the subscale "State" of the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), the Numerical Rating Scale, and a questionnaire about demographic characteristics, the day before surgery (T0) and the first post-operation day (T1). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0. The statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: A significant reduction was found in pain intensity before and after surgery in both groups. Pain levels, after surgery, were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to pain levels in the control group (t=2.174, p=0.036). In both groups, high state anxiety scores on the STAI-S scale before surgery were confirmed by high anxiety scores in APAISsurgery. Additionally, in both groups after surgery, high state anxiety scores on the STAI-S scale were associated with high pain levels. There were no statistically significant group differences with regard to scores of STAI-S before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing preoperative educational intervention in patients undergoing spinal decompression surgery had a positive impact on reducing the intensity of pain after surgery. These results indicated that nurses and health care providers should integrate patient education and health literacy into their daily clinical practice.

Factors underlying denial of and disbelief in COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors that influence or promote disbelief and negative attitudes toward COVID-19. METHODS: This was cross-sectional study involving 544 males and females ≥ 18 years of age in Greece between December of 2020 and January of 2021. All participants were informed about the purpose of the study, protection of anonymity, and volunteer participation. Participants completed an online anonymous 40-item questionnaire. Analysis of data included the identification of correlations and use of t-tests and ANOVA. RESULTS: The level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 transmission routes, manifestations, and prevention was high in our sample. Women appeared to have a more positive attitude toward COVID-19 prevention and management than did men (p = 0.032 and p = 0.018, respectively). Younger people (18-30 years of age) seemed to deny the validity of scientific data and mass media reports about ways to deal with the pandemic more commonly than did those > 30 years of age (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). People who resided in cities more commonly believed in scientific announcements than did those living in villages (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: In order to minimize cases of denial of and disbelief in COVID-19 and to promote vaccination, a series of actions are required. Governments should implement a series of measures to contain the disease, taking into consideration the psychological and social aspects of those policies.

Stress levels and coping strategies among undergraduate nursing students in Greece during economic recession: a cross-sectional study.

AIM: To identify factors contributing to Greek nursing students' stress and the coping strategies used. BACKGROUND: Stress experienced by nursing students in the context of ongoing economic recession is as yet unexplored. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study . METHODOLOGY: Undergraduate nursing students (n = 424) completed the Student Nurse Stress Index (short version) and the Brief COPE questionnaires during the year 2017. RESULTS: Most of the participants stated that their current financial status (81.7%) contributed towards their experience of stress, and they had higher scores on the interface worries subscale (p < 0.001). Female gender (p < 0.001) seniority (p = 0.005) and stress of transportation from home to university (p = 0.019) significantly increased the SNSI total score as well as most of the stress subscales scores. As far as coping subscales were concerned, higher means were shown in active/positive coping (mean 2.95), seeking support (mean 2.84), expression of negative feelings (mean 2.71) and avoidance (2.47). However, the use of higher maladaptive coping strategies was noted in cases presenting higher SNSI Total score, interface worries and personal problems. CONCLUSION: The introduction of stress management training and conflict management skills ought to be considered. Fund raising initiatives should be considered to provide financial assistance to those in need.

Factors underlying denial of and disbelief in COVID-19 / Fatores subjacentes à negação e descrença em relação à COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate factors that influence or promote disbelief and negative attitudes toward COVID-19. Methods: This was cross-sectional study involving 544 males and females ≥ 18 years of age in Greece between December of 2020 and January of 2021. All participants were informed about the purpose of the study, protection of anonymity, and volunteer participation. Participants completed an online anonymous 40-item questionnaire. Analysis of data included the identification of correlations and use of t-tests and ANOVA. Results: The level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 transmission routes, manifestations, and prevention was high in our sample. Women appeared to have a more positive attitude toward COVID-19 prevention and management than did men (p = 0.032 and p = 0.018, respectively). Younger people (18-30 years of age) seemed to deny the validity of scientific data and mass media reports about ways to deal with the pandemic more commonly than did those > 30 years of age (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). People who resided in cities more commonly believed in scientific announcements than did those living in villages (p = 0.029). Conclusions: In order to minimize cases of denial of and disbelief in COVID-19 and to promote vaccination, a series of actions are required. Governments should implement a series of measures to contain the disease, taking into consideration the psychological and social aspects of those policies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar fatores que influenciam ou promovem a descrença e atitudes negativas em relação à COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo 544 homens e mulheres com ≥ 18 anos de idade na Grécia entre dezembro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021. Todos os participantes foram informados sobre o objetivo do estudo, proteção do anonimato e participação voluntária. Os participantes responderam a um questionário on-line anônimo com 40 itens. A análise dos dados incluiu a identificação de correlações e o uso de testes t e ANOVA. Resultados: O nível de conhecimento sobre as vias de transmissão, manifestações e prevenção da COVID-19 foi alto em nossa amostra. As mulheres pareceram ter uma atitude mais positiva em relação à prevenção e manejo da COVID-19 do que os homens (p = 0,032 e p = 0,018, respectivamente). As pessoas mais jovens (18-30 anos de idade) pareceram negar mais a validade dos dados científicos e reportagens da mídia sobre as formas de lidar com a pandemia do que aquelas com > 30 anos de idade (p = 0,003 e p = 0,001, respectivamente). As pessoas que residiam em cidades grandes acreditavam mais nos pronunciamentos científicos do que as que residiam em vilas (p = 0,029). Conclusões: Para minimizar o número de casos de negação e descrença em relação à COVID-19 e promover a vacinação, é necessária uma série de ações. Os governos devem implementar uma série de medidas para conter a doença, levando em consideração os aspectos psicológicos e sociais dessas políticas.

Data on advanced glycation end-products concentrations and haemodynamic parameters following caffeine and nicotine consumption in nursing students.

This work presents data from a non-invasive interventional trial investigating the early effects of caffeine and nicotine on both the concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and haemodynamic parameters in 178 healthy nursing students aged between 18 and 40. These students were allocated into four groups (A, B, C and D) and the concentrations of AGEs as well as haemodynamic parameters were measured non-invasively using the AgeReader and the Finometer devices, respectively. The haemodynamic parameters that were measured included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, inter-beat interval, stroke volume, cardiac output, ventricular ejection time, total peripheral resistance, ascending aorta impedance and total arterial compliance. According to our protocol, each beverage contained 100 mg of caffeine each cigarette contained 1.5 mg of nicotine. The present data reveal the combined effect of smoke and caffeine consumption to several hemodynamic parameters that may be related to the onset of elevated blood pressure during smoking and following caffeine consumption.

Psychometric Properties of the Family Stigma in Alzheimer's Disease Scale in Greek Professional Caregivers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES: The present study was undertaken in order to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Family Stigma in Alzheimer's Disease Scale (FS-ADS) in the Greek population. METHODS: The Greek version of the FS-ADS as well as the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was administered to 171 healthcare professional caring for people with dementia. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to examine the factor structure of the FS-ADS. Test-retest reliability was measured by administration of the FS-ADS in 20 individuals. RESULTS: Principal component analysis revealed 5, 8 and 3 factors (subscales) for each dimension of the original questionnaire, respectively, similar to other previously reported results in the literature. The overall Cronbach's α was .899, yielding a high internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was very high (r = 0.903, p < .001). Statistically significant relationships were found between most of the FS-ADS dimensions and Maslach subscales. CONCLUSION: The findings favor the use of FS-ADS in nurses and professional caregivers in general, for measuring stigma in dementia in Greece.

Correlation of Clinical and Radiological Outcome After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With a Polyetheretherketone Cage.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage is considered as the gold standard for patients with cervical disc disease. However, there are limited in vivo data on the impact of ACDF on the cervical kinematics and its association with patient-reported clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of altered cervical sagittal alignment (cervical lordosis) and sagittal range of motion (ROM) on patients' self-reported pain and functional disability, after ACDF with a PEEK cage. METHODS: We prospectively studied 74 patients, who underwent single-, or consecutive two-level ACDF with a PEEK interbody cage. The clinical outcomes were assessed by using the pain numeric rating scale (NRS) and the neck disability index (NDI). Radiological outcomes included cervical lordosis and C2-C7 sagittal ROM. The outcome measures were collected preoperatively, at the day of patients' hospital discharge, and also at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction of the NRS and NDI scores postoperatively at each time point (P < 0.005). Cervical lordosis and also ROM significantly reduced until the last follow-up (P < 0.005). There was significant positive correlation between NRS and NDI preoperatively, as well as at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.005). In regard to the ROM and the NDI scores, there was no correlation preoperatively (P = 0.199) or postoperatively (6 months, P = 0.322; 12 months, P = 0.476). Additionally, there was no preoperative (P = 0.134) or postoperative (6 months, P = 0.772; 12 months, P = 0.335) correlation between the NDI scores and cervical lordosis. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, reduction of cervical lordosis and sagittal ROM did not appear to significantly influence on patients' self-reported disability. Such findings further highlight the greater role of pain level over the mechanical limitations of ACDF with a PEEK cage on patients' own perceived recovery.

Depression in patients with cardiovascular disease.

It has been widely suggested that depression negatively affects patients with cardiovascular disease. There are several pathophysiological mechanisms as well as behavioral processes linking depression and cardiac events. Improvements in nursing and medical care have prolonged survival of this patient population; however, this beneficial outcome has led to increased prevalence of depression. Since mortality rates in chronic heart failure patients remain extremely high, it might be as equally important to screen for depression and there are several valid and reliable screening tools that healthcare personnel could easily employ to identify patients at greater risk. Consultation should be provided by a multidisciplinary team, consisting of cardiologists, psychiatrists, and hospital or community nurses so as to carefully plan, execute, and evaluate medical intervention and implement lifestyle changes. We aim to systematically review the existing knowledge regarding current definitions, prognostic implications, pathophysiological mechanisms, and current and future treatment options in patients with depression and cardiovascular disease, specifically those with heart failure.

Telemonitoring in chronic heart failure: a systematic review.

Heart failure (HF) is a growing epidemic with the annual number of hospitalizations constantly increasing over the last decades for HF as a primary or secondary diagnosis. Despite the emergence of novel therapeutic approached that can prolong life and shorten hospital stay, HF patients will be needing rehospitalization and will often have a poor prognosis. Telemonitoring is a novel diagnostic modality that has been suggested to be beneficial for HF patients. Telemonitoring is viewed as a means of recording physiological data, such as body weight, heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and electrocardiogram recordings, by portable devices and transmitting these data remotely (via a telephone line, a mobile phone or a computer) to a server where they can be stored, reviewed and analyzed by the research team. In this systematic review of all randomized clinical trials evaluating telemonitoring in chronic HF, we aim to assess whether telemonitoring provides any substantial benefit in this patient population.

Cognitive impairment in heart failure.

Cognitive impairment (CI) is increasingly recognized as a common adverse consequence of heart failure (HF). Although the exact mechanisms remain unclear, microembolism, chronic or intermittent cerebral hypoperfusion, and/or impaired cerebral vessel reactivity that lead to cerebral hypoxia and ischemic brain damage seem to underlie the development of CI in HF. Cognitive decline in HF is characterized by deficits in one or more cognition domains, including attention, memory, executive function, and psychomotor speed. These deficits may affect patients' decision-making capacity and interfere with their ability to comply with treatment requirements, recognize and self-manage disease worsening symptoms. CI may have fluctuations in severity over time, improve with effective HF treatment or progress to dementia. CI is independently associated with disability, mortality, and decreased quality of life of HF patients. It is essential therefore for health professionals in their routine evaluations of HF patients to become familiar with assessment of cognitive performance using standardized screening instruments. Future studies should focus on elucidating the mechanisms that underlie CI in HF and establishing preventive strategies and treatment approaches.