Actividad física y estados emocionales en universitarios durante el confinamiento por COVID-19 / Atividade física e estados emocionais em universitários durante o confinamento por COVID-19 / Physical activity and emotional states in university students during COVID-19 confinement

El confinamiento social debido al brote por COVID-19 pudo alterar los estados emocionales de las personas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las diferencias en los estados emocionales (EE) positivos y negativos de acuerdo con diferentes formas de involucrarse en la actividad física (AF), con la cantidad de horas dedicadas a dicha actividad durante el confinamiento por COVID-19 y con el sexo de los participantes. Se envió a los participantes, 360 universitarios (126 hombres y 234 mujeres), una versión en línea de la Escala de Afectos Positivos y Negativos (PANAS) y un cuestionario diseñado ex profeso para indagar cómo éstos se involucraban en la AF. Mediante un análisis de varianza no paramétrico se evaluaron las diferencias entre los EE positivos y negativos en función de la AF realizada, las horas de AF y el sexo de los participantes. En general, se encontró: mayor nivel de EE positivos en quienes realizaban AF antes y durante el confinamiento en comparación con quienes no realizaban AF, con un tamaño del efecto mediano (g=0.768); mayores EE positivos en quienes realizaban más de ocho horas por semana de AF en comparación con quienes realizaban de cuatro a seis horas, con un tamaño del efecto grande (g=0.926); y mayores EE positivos en los hombres, con un tamaño del efecto mediano (g=0.402). La práctica constante de AF parece benéfica en el afrontamiento de situaciones aversivas como el confinamiento social, de manera que sería relevante diseñar programas que permitan a la población realizar AF de manera regular. (AU)

Social confinement due to the COVID-19 outbreak could have altered people's emotional states. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in positive and negative emotional states (ES) according to different ways of engaging in physical activity (PA), with the number of hours dedicated to such activity during confinement by COVID-19, and with the sex of the participants. The participants, 360 university students (126 men and 234 women), were sent an online version of the Scale of Positive and Negative Affects (PANAS) and a questionnaire specifically designed to find out how they get involved in PA. Using a non-parametric analysis of variance, the differences between the positive and negative ES were evaluated based on the PA performed, the hours of PA and the sex of the participants. In general, the following was found: a higher level of positive ES in those who performed PA before and during confinement compared to those who did not perform PA, with a medium effect size(g=0.768); greater positive ES in those who performed more than eight hours per week of PA compared to those who performed 4 to 6 hours, with a large effect size (g=0.926); and higher positive ES in men, with a medium effect size (g=0.402). The constantpractice of PA seems beneficial in coping with aversive situations such as social confinement, so it would be necessary to design relevant programs that allow the population to perform PA on a regular basis. (AU)

O confinamento social devido ao surto de COVID-19 pode ter alterado o estado emocional das pessoas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as diferenças nos estados emocionais (EE) positivos e negativos de acordocom diferentes formas de praticar atividade física (AF), com o número de horas dedicadas a tal atividade durante o confinamento por COVID-19 e com o sexo dos participantes. Os participantes, 360 estudantes universitários (126 homens e 234 mulheres), receberam uma versão online da Escala de Afetos Positivos e Negativos (PANAS) e um questionário especialmente elaborado para descobrir como eles estavam envolvidos na AF. Usando uma análise de variância não paramétrica, as diferenças entre os EE positivos enegativosforamavaliadas com base na AF realizada, nas horas de AF e no sexo dos participantes. De uma forma geral, verificou-se o seguinte: maior nível de EE positivo naqueles que realizaram AF antes e durante o confinamento face aos que não realizaram AF, com tamanho de efeito médio (g=0,768); maior EE positivo naqueles que praticavam AF por mais de oito horas semanais em comparação aos que realizavam AF de quatro a seis horas, com tamanho de efeito grande (g=0,926); e maior EE positivo em homens, com tamanho de efeitomédio (g=0,402). A prática constante de AF parece benéfica no enfrentamento de situações aversivas como o confinamento social, por isso seria relevante desenhar programas que permitam à população praticar AF de forma regular. (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)

The coming Omicron waves and factors affecting its spread after China reopening borders.

The Chinese government relaxed the Zero-COVID policy on Dec 15, 2022, and reopened the border on Jan 8, 2023. Therefore, COVID prevention in China is facing new challenges. Though there are plenty of prior studies on COVID, none is regarding the predictions on daily confirmed cases, and medical resources needs after China reopens its borders. To fill this gap, this study innovates a combination of the Erdos Renyl network, modified computational model [Formula: see text], and python code instead of only mathematical formulas or computer simulations in the previous studies. The research background in this study is Shanghai, a representative city in China. Therefore, the results in this study also demonstrate the situation in other regions of China. According to the population distribution and migration characteristics, we divided Shanghai into six epidemic research areas. We built a COVID spread model of the Erodos Renyl network. And then, we use python code to simulate COVID spread based on modified [Formula: see text] model. The results demonstrate that the second and third waves will occur in July-September and Oct-Dec, respectively. At the peak of the epidemic in 2023, the daily confirmed cases will be 340,000, and the cumulative death will be about 31,500. Moreover, 74,000 hospital beds and 3,700 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds will be occupied in Shanghai. Therefore, Shanghai faces a shortage of medical resources. In this simulation, daily confirmed cases predictions significantly rely on transmission, migration, and waning immunity rate. The study builds a mixed-effect model to verify further the three parameters' effect on the new confirmed cases. The results demonstrate that migration and waning immunity rates are two significant parameters in COVID spread and daily confirmed cases. This study offers theoretical evidence for the government to prevent COVID after China opened its borders.

A computational approach to identifiability analysis for a model of the propagation and control of COVID-19 in Chile.

A computational approach is adapted to analyze the parameter identifiability of a compartmental model. The model is intended to describe the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile during the initial phase in early 2020 when government declared quarantine measures. The computational approach to analyze the structural and practical identifiability is applied in two parts, one for synthetic data and another for some Chilean regional data. The first part defines the identifiable parameter sets when these recover the true parameters used to create the synthetic data. The second part compares the results derived from synthetic data, estimating the identifiable parameter sets from regional Chilean epidemic data. Experiments provide evidence of the loss of identifiability if some initial conditions are estimated, the period of time used to fit is before the peak, and if a significant proportion of the population is involved in quarantine periods.

Dias das mães - Onde está sua mãe durante a quarentena?

O Dia das Mães ganha novos significados e formatos em tempo de pandemia, principalmente para aquelas que estão longe de seus filhos. Nesta hora, vídeos e fotos são um alento para matar a saudade. Nossa homenagem hoje é direcionada para todas as mães que estão trabalhando em linha de frente do atendimento a vítimas de coronavírus! Obrigado por tudo e um feliz Dia das Mães!

Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 y el confinamiento estricto de la población en la incidencia de fractura de cadera en España. Una revisión sistemática / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict population confinement on hip fracture incidence in Spain: A systematic review

Antecedentes y objetivo Durante la pandemia por COVID-19, en España se decretó un confinamiento estricto de la población. Ante una situación de crisis sanitaria y de saturación del sistema sanitario resulta de gran importancia para la correcta gestión de recursos y de procesos el conocimiento de las enfermedades cuyo tratamiento no es demorable. El objetivo fue conocer la influencia de la pandemia por COVID-19 y del confinamiento estricto de la población en la incidencia de fractura de cadera en España. Material y método Revisión sistemática siguiendo las guías PRISMA. Búsqueda en Pubmed y Cochrane Library el 11/11/2022: hip fracture AND COVID-19 AND Spain. Resultados Cumplieron los criterios de inclusión 6 estudios, el 50% mostraron un descenso en la incidencia de fracturas de cadera durante el confinamiento estricto (todos en hospitales de la Comunidad de Madrid), y en el otro 50% no hubo diferencias (todos en hospitales de otras comunidades autónomas). Es constante que las fracturas de cadera, o no disminuyeron, o disminuyeron mucho menos que el resto de fracturas durante el período de confinamiento estricto de la población, aumentando su número relativo respecto al total de ingresos en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología. Conclusiones El comportamiento del número de fracturas de cadera durante el confinamiento estricto decretado por la pandemia por COVID-19 no ha sido simétrico en todas las comunidades autónomas. Para diseñar e implementar los planes de contingencia ante una situación de pandemia con adecuada organización de los recursos materiales y de personal, deben ser tenidos en cuenta estos datos (AU)

Background and objectivo During the COVID-19 pandemic, a strict population confinement was decreed in Spain. In a situation of health crisis and health system saturation, knowledge of pathologies whose treatment cannot be delayed is of great importance for the correct management of resources and processes. The objective was to determine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict population confinement on hip fracture incidence in Spain. Material and method Systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. Search in Pubmed and Chocrane Library on 11/11/2022: hip fracture and COVID-19 and Spain Results Six studies met the inclusion criteria, 50% showed a decrease in the hip fractures incidence during strict population confinement (all in Comunidad de Madrid hospitals), and in the other 50% there were no differences (all in other region hospitals). It was constant that hip fractures, either did not decrease, or decreased much less than the rest of fractures during the period of strict population confinement, increasing their relative number with respect to the total admissions in orthopedic surgery and traumatology. Conclusions The behavior of the hip fractures number during the strict population confinement decreed by the COVID-19 pandemic has not been symmetrical in all regions. To design and implement contingency plans in the event of a pandemic situation, these data must be taken into account in order to properly plan material and human resources (AU)

Utilization of the Unlinked Case Proportion to Control COVID-19: A Focus on the Non-pharmaceutical Interventional Policies of the Korea and Japan.

OBJECTIVES: Korea and Japan have managed the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using markedly different policies, referred to as the "3T" and "3C" strategies, respectively. This study examined these differences to assess the roles of active testing and contact tracing as non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). We compared the proportion of unlinked cases (UCs) and test positivity rate (TPR) as indicators of tracing and testing capacities. METHODS: We outlined the evolution of NPI policies and investigated temporal trends in their correlations with UCs, confirmed cases, and TPR prior to the Omicron peak. Spearman correlation coefficients were reported between the proportion of UCs, confirmed cases, and TPR. The Fisher r-to-z transformation was employed to examine the significance of differences between correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The proportion of UCs was significantly correlated with confirmed cases (r=0.995, p<0.001) and TPR (r=0.659, p<0.001) in Korea and with confirmed cases (r=0.437, p<0.001) and TPR (r=0.429, p<0.001) in Japan. The Fisher r-to-z test revealed significant differences in correlation coefficients between the proportion of UCs and confirmed cases (z=16.07, p<0.001) and between the proportion of UCs and TPR (z=2.12, p=0.034) in Korea and Japan. CONCLUSIONS: Higher UCs were associated with increases in confirmed cases and TPR, indicating the importance of combining testing and contact tracing in controlling COVID-19. The implementation of stricter policies led to stronger correlations between these indicators. The proportion of UCs and TPR effectively indicated the effectiveness of NPIs. If the proportion of UCs shows an upward trend, more testing and contact tracing may be required.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patient Changes during the COVID-19 Quarantine.

Background and Objective: To examine the effects of the lockdown on diet adherence and stress levels in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Materials and Methods: Patients with a positive LPR diagnosis at the hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance-pH monitoring were treated from a pre- to lockdown period with a 3-month high-protein, low-fat, alkaline, plant-based diet, with behavioral changes, and an association of pantoprazole (20 MG/d) and alginate (Gaviscon 3/d). The following patient-reported outcomes questionnaire and findings instrument were used: Reflux Symptom Score-12 (RSS-12) and Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA). At the posttreatment time, patients were invited to evaluate the impact of lockdown on diet adherence and stress management with a predefined grid of foods and beverages and the perceived stress scale (PSS), respectively. Results: Thirty-two patients completed the evaluations. RSS-12 and RSA significantly improved from baseline to 3-month posttreatment. Most patients experienced mild-to-severe stress levels at the end of the lockdown. The level of stress substantially increased in 11 patients (34%) due to the lockdown, while it did not change in 11 patients (44%). In 11 cases (34%), patients reported that the adherence to the anti-reflux diet was better than initially presumed thanks to the lockdown period, while 44% (N = 14) reported that the lockdown did not impact the adherence to a diet. PSS and RSS-12 were significantly correlated at the end of the pandemic (rs = 0.681; p < 0.001). The increase in stress level was positively associated with the lack of adherence to diet (rs = 0.367; p = 0.039). Conclusions: During the lockdown, the diet habits of LPR patients were improved in one-third and unchanged in 44% of cases. The stress level was increased in one-third of patients, which was associated with an increase in symptom scores.

Effects of behaviour change on HFMD transmission.

We propose a hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) transmission model for children with behaviour change and imperfect quarantine. The symptomatic and quarantined states obey constant behaviour change while others follow variable behaviour change depending on the numbers of new and recent infections. The basic reproduction number R0 of the model is defined and shown to be a threshold for disease persistence and eradication. Namely, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if R0≤1 whereas the disease persists and there is a unique endemic equilibrium otherwise. By fitting the model to weekly HFMD data of Shanghai in 2019, the reproduction number is estimated at 2.41. Sensitivity analysis for R0 shows that avoiding contagious contacts and implementing strict quarantine are essential to lower HFMD persistence. Numerical simulations suggest that strong behaviour change not only reduces the peak size and endemic level dramatically but also impairs the role of asymptomatic transmission.

Leveraging an epidemic-economic mathematical model to assess human responses to COVID-19 policies and disease progression.

It is imperative that resources are channelled towards programs that are efficient and cost effective in combating the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study proposed and analyzed control strategies for that purpose. We developed a mathematical disease model within an optimal control framework that allows us to investigate the best approach for curbing COVID-19 epidemic. We address the following research question: what is the role of community compliance as a measure for COVID-19 control? Analyzing the impact of community compliance of recommended guidelines by health authorities-examples, social distancing, face mask use, and sanitizing-coupled with efforts by health authorities in areas of vaccine provision and effective quarantine-showed that the best intervention in addition to implementing vaccination programs and effective quarantine measures, is the active incorporation of individuals' collective behaviours, and that resources should also be directed towards community campaigns on the importance of face mask use, social distancing, and frequent sanitizing, and any other collective activities. We also demonstrated that collective behavioral response of individuals influences the disease dynamics; implying that recommended health policy should be contextualized.

Effect of Quarantine on Body Weight Among Residents of Assisted Living Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Assisted living facility (ALF) residents are at greater risk of declining health and death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to advanced age, frailty, chronic conditions, and transmission prevention methods. One method, room quarantine, can lead to isolation and potential weight changes. Continuous room quarantine was mandated by the state for all nursing home and ALF residents. The objective of the current study was to determine the degree and significance of weight loss during quarantine through retrospective chart review and use these findings to guide a quality improvement project. Pre-and post-COVID-19 weights were compared for 53 house call program residents. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used. This small convenience sample demonstrated significant weight loss for 40% of ALF residents quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Males showed a greater risk of significant weight loss. Weight loss of 5% in 1 month is considered problematic in older adults. As quarantine measures continue to be used for COVID-19 outbreaks, weight changes, particularly among males, need to be monitored and reported for intervention. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(9), 29-34.].

The effect of shortening the quarantine period and lifting the indoor mask mandate on the spread of COVID-19: a mathematical modeling approach.

In this paper, we present a mathematical model to assess the impact of reducing the quarantine period and lifting the indoor mask mandate on the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Korea. The model incorporates important epidemiological parameters, such as transmission rates and mortality rates, to simulate the transmission of the virus under different scenarios. Our findings reveal that the impact of mask wearing fades in the long term, which highlights the crucial role of quarantine in controlling the spread of the disease. In addition, balancing the confirmed cases and costs, the lifting of mandatory indoor mask wearing is cost-effective; however, maintaining the quarantine period remains essential. A relationship between the disease transmission rate and vaccine efficiency was also apparent, with higher transmission rates leading to a greater impact of the vaccine efficiency. Moreover, our findings indicate that a higher disease transmission rate exacerbates the consequences of early quarantine release.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its possible impact on the treatment of odontogenic and intraoral abscesses.

Most odontogenic and intraoral abscesses can be treated on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. However, severe disease progression may require an incision under general anesthesia (GA) with postoperative inpatient treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the first "COVID-19 year" in Germany and compare the first "COVID-19 year" with the two previous years. All consecutive cases with odontogenic or intraoral abscesses treated in an outpatient or inpatient setting between 2018 and 2021 were included in this study. Data were collected, including the type of anesthesia, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Despite the lower total number of abscess treatments in the first year of COVID-19 (n = 298 patients) than that in the two previous years (n = 663 patients), the number of advanced abscesses requiring intervention under GA was significantly higher (p < 0.001). This increased burden of care was also reflected in increased healthcare costs. The measures taken against the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the course of other diseases, for example, odontogenic and intraoral abscesses. The results showed an emerging conflict in patient care during the pandemic crisis that should be considered in possible future pandemics.

Exercise Effect on Mental Health in Isolating or Quarantining Adults.

INTRODUCTION: In response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), travelers are typically subject to quarantine, which is often associated with poorer mental health (MH). While the protective benefits of community-based exercise are widely recognized, the degree to which this extends to the confined setting is unknown. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effect of exercise on MH in isolating or quarantining adults.METHODS: A literature search of Ovid MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews limited to January 2019-September 2021 inclusive yielded five eligible studies.RESULTS: Data comprised a total of 2755 college and university students, most of whom were confined. Depending on the scale used, 24.9-76.7% of respondents demonstrated impaired MH, which improved with physical activity (PA), especially when regular and moderate or vigorous. The frequency, duration, and participants of exercise increased as lockdown progressed. One study showed that while sleep, diet, and PA all have an impact on MH, PA was the factor most strongly correlated with MH.DISCUSSION: Physical fitness should be optimized before and maintained during quarantine while exercise space and equipment should be accessible. Importantly, the sustainability of persistent quarantine must be considered given the pervasiveness of COVID-19.Chu V, Newman DG. Exercise effect on mental health in isolating or quarantining adults. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(9):686-695.

Quaresma, quarentena, Páscoa. Refletir, reagir, celebrar!

Nesta Sexta-feira Santa, o AtivaIdade propõe uma reflexão sobre o momento que estamos vivendo e a esperança de um novo tempo trazida pela Páscoa. Junte-se a nós no vídeo de hoje. Coleção: AtivaIdade

Aos poucos

Graças à sua colaboração, que manteve os protocolos de higiene, limpeza e distanciamento social, aos poucos estamos reabrindo alguns setores. Mas não se esqueça: a Cidade de São Paulo continua em quarentena. Se puder, fique em casa. Se sair, use máscara, lave as mãos e evite aglomerações. Faça a sua parte, para não contrair e transmitir o vírus.

Quarentena Coronavírus

Entenda por que o sistema de saúde depende da quarentena para conseguir atender ao maior número de pessoas com coronavírus. Faça a sua parte. Respeite a quarentena. Agora é todo mundo em casa pro bem de todo mundo. Coleção: PMSP

Motivos para el consumo de tabaco, alcohol y cannabis en el contexto del confinamiento por COVID-19 / Motives for tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use in the confinement context due to COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción. Las drogas producen importantes consecuencias negativas en las sociedades. La prevalencia de su consumo sigue aumentando debido a que existen diversos motivos que acercan a las personas a consumirlas. Objetivo. Identificar las diferencias en la frecuencia y cantidad del consumo de tabaco, alcohol y cannabis durante y después del confinamiento por la pandemia de COVID-19; así como la influencia del confinamiento en los motivos y los riesgos de desarrollar un consumo problemático. Metodología. Estudio transversal analítico con muestreo no probabilístico en dos momentos. Participaron 520 jóvenes: 246 estudiantes de bachillerato y universidad en el año 2020, durante el confinamiento y 274, en 2022. Se evaluaron datos sociodemográficos, motivos de consumo y consumo problemático. Resultados. El consumo de cannabis durante el confinamiento (41,1 %) fue mayor que en el posconfinamiento (29,6 %; p 0,006). Hubo diferencias entre los grupos de consumo problemático de tabaco durante el confinamiento y los motivos sociales (W 8,178, p 0,017) y de afrontamiento (W 26,456, p < 0,001); también, entre los grupos de consumo problemático de alcohol y los motivos sociales (W 6865,5, p < 0,001); de animación (W 6768,0, p < 0,001); de afrontamiento (W 6176,0, p = 0,002) y de expansión (W 6774,0, p < 0,001). Entre los motivos del consumo problemático de cannabis se destacan los sociales (W 6,404, p 0,041); de animación (W 9,409, p 0,009); de afrontamiento (W 9,265, p 0,010) y de expansión (W 27,692, p < 0,001). Conclusión. El confinamiento incrementó el riesgo de consumir tabaco y cannabis. Los motivos de consumo también aumentaron, excepto las asociadas al consumo de alcohol en universitarios. El consumo problemático de tabaco estuvo motivado por necesidades sociales y de afrontamiento; el de alcohol y cannabis, por necesidades sociales, de animación, de afrontamiento y de expansión

Introduction. Drugs produce significant negative consequences in societies. The prevalence of drug use continues to increase because various reasons lead people to use them. Objective. Identify differences in the frequency and amount of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use during and after COVID-19 pandemic confinement, the influence of confinement on motives, and risks for developing problematic use. Methodology. Analytical cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic sampling at two points in time. Five hundred and twenty young people participated: 246 high school and university students during the confinement in 2020, and 274 in 2022. Sociodemographic data, reasons for consumption, and problematic consumption were evaluated. Results. Cannabis use during confinement (41.1 %) was higher than post-confinement (29.6 %; p 0.006). There were differences between the groups of problematic tobacco use during confinement and the social (W 8.178, p 0.017), and coping (W 26.456, p < 0.001) motives; also, between the groups of problematic alcohol consumption and social motives (W 6865.5, p < 0.001); encouragement (W 6768.0, p < 0.001); coping (W 6176.0, p = 0.002) and expansion (W 6774.0, p < 0.001). Among the motives for problematic cannabis use, social (W 6.404, p 0.041); animation (W 9.409, p 0.009); coping (W 9.265, p 0.010), and expansion (W 27.692, p < 0.001) were highlighted. Conclusion.Confinement increased the risk of tobacco and cannabis use. Motives for use also increased, except those associated with alcohol use in university students. Problem tobacco use was motivated by social and coping needs; alcohol and cannabis use was motivated by social, entertainment, coping and expansion needs

Application of telemedicine system on the management of general patient in quarantine.

To limit the epidemic of COVID-19, most countries and regions have adopted the policy of quarantine, providing an opportunity for the development of telemedicine. This study aims to develop a telemedicine system within a quarantined district and validate its effectiveness and safety in managing a variety of diseases within the population. Appling the private network and specialized set, telemedicine system and service process were constructed in the quarantine district. Based on the patients' conditions, the staffs supplied kinds of medical service for the patients in the quarantine district. The basic characteristics and results of patients in the quarantine area who used telemedicine system during January to September 2022 were statistically analyzed. Within this period, 2410 cases were included in this study, among which, 1803 patients directly saw a doctor by the Internet hospital in the Internet hospital of telemedicine system, 607 patients used telemedicine system, 166 patients achieved referral to a specific hospital via telemedicine system, and 162 cases made further consultation, with no infection cases in the quarantine zone and no death cases. The six most occurred diseases were respiratory disease (20.6%), ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology (12.9%), cardiovascular diseases (12.7%), digestive system disease (12.5%), dermatological diseases (10.6%), and metabolic and endocrine diseases (7.6%). The top three referred cases were obstetric diseases (19.3%), others (12.0%) and respiratory disease (10.2%). There were statistically significant differences between the diseases of the cases using telemedicine system with and without referral (P < 0.001). It is feasible, effective and efficient to construct and use telemedicine system in quarantine area. It is an approach to manage many patients by indirectly contact. With the solution of follow-up related problems and the application of novel technologies, telemedicine may usher in greater development.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 transmission, prevention, and self-quarantine management among public servants in selected locations of the Sidama region, Southern Ethiopia: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic has put an enormous strain on the world's healthcare systems, lifestyles, and quality of life. Ethiopia attempted to meet the myriad needs of its people due to the COVID-19 epidemic and the government has demonstrated a strong commitment in order to lessen the epidemic's impact on the populace. Despite this fact, the population's compliance with measures was not as needed. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 transmission, prevention, and self-quarantine management among public employees in selected locations of the Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia, in 2020. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 01 October to 30 October 2020, among 399 public servants in selected locations of the Sidama Region, Sothern Ethiopia. One-stage cluster sampling was used to randomly select 16 public service sector offices from the total 32 sector offices in the selected locations of the region. Simple random sampling was employed to select respondents following equal distribution of the samples to 16 sector offices. Data were collected using an adapted self-administered questionnaire. Data entered using EpiData version 3.1 and SPSS version 24 were used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to compute frequencies, percentages, and means for independent and dependent variables. Result: Overall, 42.36% of respondents had good knowledge of COVID-19, while the remaining 57.64% had poor knowledge. The percentage of favorable attitudes toward COVID-19 prevention and control were 65.2, 54.4% of respondents had a good level of practice of COVID-19 preventive and control measures, and 52.4% of the respondents had a good level of knowledge regarding self-quarantine management. Conclusion: The level of knowledge, attitude, practice, and self-quarantine management in the area is insufficient for preventing and controlling the disease. Evidence-based awareness creation and law enforcement in the study areas and surroundings, with an emphasis on infection prevention and control (IPC) in the public sector and other public gathering areas, is recommended.