bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in alcohol consumption in the Russian Federation during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gil A. , Vyshinsky K. , Fadeeva E. , Khalfin R. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionExcessive alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for various mental health disorders and can exacerbate the already high burden of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic itself can adversely affect alcohol consumption and thus contribute to alcohol-related problems, including mental health problems.ObjectivesThis study was aimed to assess changes in alcohol consumption that may have occurred as a result of the COVID-19pandemic and determine associated factors among population of Russian Federation.MethodsBy distributing a link to take part in an anonymous online survey,changes in volume and frequency of alcohol use,and frequency of heavy episodic drinking(6 or more servings of alcohol at a time)in the first months of COVID-19pandemic were assessed. 819respondents from Russia:321 men and 498women, submitted their responses during May-July,2020. Associations between changes in alcohol use were assessed in a univariate analysis with socio-demographic factors,alcohol use over the previous 12months,stress, individual perceptions of changes in daily and social life and other negative consequences of pandemic.The statistical significance of associations was assessed using the Pearson’sχ2 test.ResultsIndividuals with initially higher alcohol consumption increased their alcohol use, while those who drank less, decreased alcohol use even more during pandemic (p<0.05). Severe restrictions of social/everyday life were associated with more frequent alcohol use and in larger volumes (p<0.001). Negative professional/financial consequences of pandemic and stress were associated with increase of typical drinking volume (p<0.001), more frequent alcohol use (p<0.001)and heavy episodic drinking (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic could have increased health inequalities in Russia through changes in alcohol consumption.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Emerging Catatonia and Psychosis in Resolving COVID-19 Infection in an Adolescent
Authors: Choudhury N. , Milo B. , Chen P. , Carr B. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionCOVID-19 infection may lead to encephalopathy and various neurotrophic effects which can result in neuropsychiatric complications. Here, an asymptomatic adolescent female developed acute onset catatonia and psychosis manifesting during the resolution of Covid-19 infection.ObjectivesDiscuss differential diagnosis, medical workup, and initial treatment optimization for acute stabilization.MethodsThis 15-year-old female with no previous psychiatric history nor prodromal symptomatology was hospitalized secondary to Covid -19. During the immediate three-month recovery phase following resolution of Covid-19, the patient exhibited gradually increasing anxiety, paranoia, delusions, disorganized behavior, and weight loss leading to re-hospitalization secondary to catatonia. Negative workup included rapid strep test, urinalysis, chest and abdominal x-ray, EEG, and brain MRI. Lumbar puncture revealed elevated WBC of 18 but was unremarkable for NDMA receptor antibodies, CSF HSV, and encephalitis panel. IV steroids, IVIG, and Anakinra were all given without benefit. Inadequate response to olanzapine, clonidine, and lorazepam led to an Index Series of bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).ResultsThe provisional diagnosis of psychotic disorder secondary to COVID-19 infection responded robustly regarding sleep, behavior, and affect by session #6, yet positive symptoms of psychosis persist. Ongoing ECT, psychopharmacology, and narrowing of the differential diagnosis continue.ConclusionsAs more COVID-19 cases evolve during the pandemic, potential post-infectious neuropsychiatric complications should be considered as potentially contributory and kept in a thoughtful differential diagnosis. Regardless of ultimate causation, the acute symptom profile responded robustly to an initial Index Series of ECT.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Persistent emotional stress, fatigue and impaired neurocognitive function in recovered COVID-19 patients: a longitudinal prospective study
Authors: Rogiers A. , Launay S. , Duque G. , Soukias E. , Van Eycken S. , Besse-Hammer T. , Sanchez-Rodriguez D. , Chalon M. , Gazagne M.-D. , Maillart E. , Benoit F. , Surquin M. , Corrazza F. , Michel O. , Kornreich C. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionSeveral surveys report that post-COVID-19 patients (pts) could be at risk of persistent emotional distress, fatigue and impaired neurocognitive function (NCF).ObjectivesThe aim was to assess emotional distress, fatigue and NCF in order to provide adequate care.MethodsPatients with persistent physical or mental symptoms, at least 8 weeks post-COVID-19, were eligible for this ongoing prospective longitudinal single center trial. Data on depression, anxiety, cognition, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and fatigue were collected using 4 validated questionnaires at study entry (T0) and at 6 months (T1).ResultsNinety-three pts were recruited between November 2020-March 2021. Test results from 64 eligible pts (15 male pts) were analyzed at T0; 63 pts (98%) were treated in outpatient settings. Median age was 47 years [range 27-75]). Median time since COVID-19 was 29 weeks [range 8-53]. Twenty-two pts (34%) had a history of psychiatric disorders. According to the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), 44 pts (73%) reported anxiety symptoms and 26 pts (41%) reported depressive symptoms; 48 pts (69%) reported cognitive complaints according to the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire and 29 pts (45%) suffered from PTSS, according to the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C). Fifty-five pts (86%) had an elevated score on the Fatigue Severity Scale, indicating severe fatigue. Twenty-seven pts (42%) were still on sick leaf. Diminished social support and psychiatric history were predictive factors for neurocognitive dysfunction and PTSS.ConclusionsA majority of patients who recovered physically from COVID-19, are at risk for suffering from persistent anxiety, PTSS and neurocognitive dysfunction.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Viral topic about the COVID-19 vaccination: the attitudes towards it and the relationship with the well-being and religiosity in a group of Polish students
Authors: Karakula K. , Forma A. , Sitarz E. , Rog J. , Baj J. , Juchnowicz D. , Karakula-Juchnowicz H. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic currently remains the most significant stressor affecting the global population. Researchers continually report widespread mistrust and negative attitudes towards vaccination, but only a little focus on its association with the emotional well-being.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19, as well as its relationship with well-being and religiosity after one year of the pandemic duration amongst Polish students.MethodsWe conducted an anonymous online cross-sectional survey between 12th April – 1st June 2021 amongst Polish students (n=1202). To evaluate emotional distress, we used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), for measuring spirituality/religiosity we used The Duke University Religion Index.ResultsThe highest rate of vaccinated individuals was noted in a group of medical students (69.9%), the lowest - among responders studying science (1.9%). Students who wanted to be vaccinated had higher levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms compared to those who were already vaccinated (p=0.04); they also had higher depressive symptoms than unvaccinated and unwilling participants (p=0.028). Students who didn’t want to be vaccinated against COVID-19 showed the highest religiosity compared to those who would like to be vaccinated (p<0.001) or were vaccinated (p=0.003). There was a negative correlation between the level of religiosity and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms (p=0.002).Conclusions1. The attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19 depended on the fields of study. 2. Religiousness has been linked with the attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination as well as level of depression and anxiety amongst Polish students.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Bidirectional Associations Between Covid-19 Infection And Mental Disorders
Authors: Turki M. , Blanji S. , Daoud A. , Ellouze S. , Abdellatif M. , Gargouri N. , Halouani N. , Aloulou J. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic brought unbearable psychological pressure to people worldwide, because of serious threats to one’s physical health and life. From early stages of this pandemic, concerns have been raised about its effect on mental health. However, we still know little whether pre-existing psychiatric disorder (PD) affects the susceptibility and evolution of this infection.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the interactions between COVID-19 infection and PD.MethodsWe conducted a litterature review through pubmed database, using the keywords :«COVID 19», «psychiatry», «mental disorders», « schizophrenia », « anxiety », « depression », «insomnia».ResultsOn one hand, prior surveys suggested that the infection is associated with increased incidence of a first psychiatric symptom. Mental health disturbances mostly include anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment and post-traumatic stress disorder. On the other hand, recent studies showed that patients with pre-existing mental disorders were associated with high susceptibility to be infected, increased risk of intensive care unit admission and a high mortality. The susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 was associated with pre-existing mood disorders, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Infection severity was associated with pre-existing or subsequent mood disorders and sleep disturbances; or a pre-extisting schizophrenia. Mortality is increased in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.ConclusionsThe complicated interactions between COVID-19 infection and PD have several implications. Enhanced psychiatric follow-up should be considered for survivors of COVID-19. Besides, early detection and intervention for PD are needed to control morbidity and mortality induced by the COVID-19 infection.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Burnout among pharmacists in Tunisia during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Falfel D. , Cherif D. , Falfel H. , Tlili N. , Drira C. , Razgallah Khrouf M. , Hamdi G. , Ben Ammar H. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionBoth public and private sector pharmacists were instrumental in containing this health crisis in Tunisia. The high workload had a considerable impact on their mental health during the outbreak of the Corona Virus.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess burnout and the psychological toll of the pandemic among pharmacists in Tunisia during covid-19.Methods258 Tunisian pharmacists working in the public and private sector participated in a questionnaire. Burnout was assessed by the Maslach burnout scale. Regression analysis was used to assess the impact of the pandemic on Tunisian pharmacists.Results80% of the respondents were women. Participants ranged in age from 22 to 62, 60% were married, 57% had at least one child, and 42% had been working for less than five years. The burnout scale revealed 76% burnout among them. Univariate linear regression showed that female gender (p = 0.014 <0.05) was associated with the development of burnout.ConclusionsThe considerable prevalence of burnout among pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia can be attributed to the enormous and overwhelming responsibilities that any health care worker endured.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Mandatory containment of COVID-19 patients in Monastir: Legislative framework and impact on freedoms
Authors: Betbout I. , Amemou B. , Ben Haouala A. , Iben Khedher S. , Benzarti M. , Zaafrane F. , Mhalla A. , Gaha L. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionTunisia found itself in an exceptional situation during the covid 19 pandemic requiring a legal regime of exceptionality and sanitary necessity with a double challenge: the fight against the sanitary crisis, and the preservation of democratic gainsObjectivesTo describe the legislative framework put in place concerning patients with COVID-19 who stayed at the compulsory containment and to discuss the legality of these emergency decisionsMethodsThe authors conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients with COVID-19 staying in the compulsory containment centre of Monastir, with a review of the literature The data were collected through telephone calls. A review of the literature as well as a consultation of the different legislativeResultsThe average age was 41.39 ± 1.26 and the sex ratio was 1.17.Imported cases represented 45.3% of the sample and 23% of them expressed a desire to consult a specialist. The duration of mandatory confinement was on average 35.86±1.31 days with extremes ranging from 7 to 86 days. Concerning the legislative framework of the emergency decisions taken during the first wave, the President of the Republic and the Head of Government used Articles 80 and 70 of the Tunisian Constitution, respectively, to issue legislative texts announcing the state of emergency and accompanying. Thus, these legislative measures were restrictive of rights and freedoms and seriously threatened the fragile gains of our democracyConclusionsCOVID-19 redefined not only the health system but also the economic conditions, as well as the normative and legislative system 2014DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Preexisting mild cognitive impairment as a risk factor for COVID-19 infection: A scoping review and case reports
Authors: Catapano P. , Messina M. , Russo A. , Tucci C. , Luciano M. , De Santis V. , Perris F. , Catapano F. , Coppola N. , Fabrazzo M. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionSARS-Co-V2 neuroinvasive ability might be the basis for the onset of delirium and neuropsychiatric outcomes.ObjectivesWe hypothesized that some infected patients with preexisting cognitive dysfunction may present delirium as unique manifestation of COVID-19 infection or as a prodrome of a new episode consistent with the psychiatric history.MethodsWe conducted a PubMed literature search to verify whether cognitive impairment might predispose to COVID-19. We included three patients with mild cognitive impairment and delirium at admission for SARS-Co-V2 suspected infection. Delirium was diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria‚ Cognitive Assessment Method and Coma Glasgow Scale.ResultsLiterature analysis evidenced patients presenting delirium or delirium-like symptoms as clinical manifestation of COVID-19, plus a cognitive impairment‚ from mild to severe‚ which preexisted or was evidenced during the acute phase or after the infection. Most studies described delirium in patients with a past neurological/psychiatric history. Contrasting data emerged on the potential link between COVID-19 and delirium in patients with cognitive impairment and without a past neuropsychiatric history. Our patients had no history of other medical complications. Our first patient had no psychiatric history‚ the second reported only a depressive episode‚ and the third had story of bipolar disorder. Delirium resolved completely after 2 days in the first patient. The other patients required 4 and 14 days to resolve: delirium appeared as the prodrome of a new psychiatric episode in line with their past history.ConclusionsClinicians should acknowledge the possibility that COVID-19 infection may appear as delirium and acute psychiatric sequelae as unique manifestation.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Impact of Covid-19 on mental health of Portuguese health professionals – longitudinal study, phase I
Authors: Machado D. , Borges A. , Laureano C. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe Covid-19 pandemic brought enormous challenges for health professionals. As in past epidemics, the uncertainty, danger and fear of contamination and an excessive load of work under dramatic conditions may contribute to aggravate the mental health of health professionals.ObjectivesExplore how the Covid-19 crisis impacted the mental health of healthcare workers and how their mental status relates with perspectives on the recent past and near future.MethodsA longitudinal study will be applied in two phases, Q1 and Q2, one year apart, to evaluate depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress among health professionals from a healthcare center in Portugal. Phase Q1 is concluded and comprised the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) and a questionnaire about the past and the future.ResultsThe IES-R scale revealed that nurses are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than other professionals. The levels of depression and anxiety in the DASS-21 show no significant differences. Interestingly, professionals who worked almost exclusively at inpatient wards show higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress than those who worked at several hospital units (emergency, inpatient and outpatient units). A positive correlation was found between depression and anxiety and negative perspectives about the past and the future.ConclusionsCovid-19 posed a terrible challenge for health professionals. Its impact on the mental health of healthcare workers may be significant even after the pandemic is under control.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Anxiety among frontline healthcare professionals during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Maatouk O. , Kammoun R. , Kammoun I. , Askri F. , Karoui M. , Nefzi H. , Ellouz F. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionAnxiety has become a topical issue since the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, especially for frontline healthcare professionals as they deal with patients affected by the Covid-19.ObjectivesObjectify anxiety in frontline medical and paramedical staff and study its associated factors.MethodsWe conducted a national descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study via a survey over a 2-month period from September to October 2020. We used “Beck Anxiety Inventory” to screen anxiety as well as “Brief Cope Scale” to detect probable correlations between anxiety and coping mechanisms.ResultsWe collected 78 persons. The mean age was 29.86 years. 35.9% moved out of home. 39.7% worked in Covid units. 7.7% had personal psychiatric history. 76.9% provided direct care to patients with Coronavirus. The frontline staff reported that only 29.5% of patients were stables. Only 48.4% received adequate training of protection against Covid-19. 64.1% of professionals did PCR test and only 16.7% of them tested positive. We objectified an increase of 6.4% in the anxiolytics use. Stigma affected 57.7% of professionals. We highlighted a link between anxiety and social support strategy (p=0.048). 92.3 % of the staff suffered from anxiety according to Beck Anxiety Inventory.ConclusionsScreening anxiety among frontline medical and paramedical staff might enhance their productivty and thus provide patients with the best care.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Perceived Stress among Iranians during COVID-19 Pandemic; Stressors and Coping Mechanisms: A Mixed-methods Approach
Authors: Nadoushan A.H. , Faghankhani M. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThis study was a mixed-methods study. We distributed a web-based 1scale (PSS-10), to measure perceived stress scores, through social networks from March 12 to 23, 2020. Then, we interviewed 42 students, 31 homemakers, 27 healthcare providers, and 21 male participants to identify the sources of stress and coping mechanisms.ObjectivesWe examined the correlates of stress among a large sample of Iranian citizens, the second country hit hard by the pandemic, and still a hot spot.MethodsThis anonymous survey had 19 items falling into two sections: sociodemographic data and Cohen’s 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS-10).ResultsA statistically significant difference was observed between the levels of perceived stress in individuals with different health statuses with a higher median of total PSS-10 scores reported for hospitalized individuals. The total PSS-10 scores were higher in those who were practicing self-isolation, had a relative affected with COVID-19 disease, and had experienced the death of a relative due to COVID-19 disease.ConclusionsThis study highlighted the most vulnerable groups overloaded with stress in society and the sources of their stress. Furthermore, we identified the groups that perceived lower levels of stress along with their coping mechanisms. The most frequent source of stress among the most stressful groups including homemakers, students, and health care workers has directly related to their job and their principal role in this period. Abstract thought about the COVID-19 pandemic and its complications were more prevalent among students while homemakers and health care providers showed concrete thinking about the COVID-19 pandemic.DisclosureI have no significant financial interest, consultancy, or other relationship with products, the manufacturer(s) of products, or providers of services related to this abstract?
Assessment of worries and attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccine among Tunisian elderly
Authors: Moalla M. , Lansari R. , Saida R. , Zrelli M. , Larnaout A. , Melki W. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat particularly to the elderly. Although the current vaccination strategy is recognized as an adequate measure to reduce mortality, it still raises concerns about its efficacy and safety.ObjectivesAssessment of worries and attitudes among Tunisian elderly towards the pandemic.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study on a sample of 50 consultants in a geriatric service, aged between 65 years and over. A questionnaire was formulated based on the recommendations of WHO and INEAS.ResultsThe average age of our population is 74.6 years. The participants were mainly female, retired (76%) and with low educational attainment. Most of the elderly reported that they respected the wearing of the mask in public (90%) and washing their hands regularly (92%). Social distancing was respected by only 44% of the participants. Concerning the vaccine registration, we noted that 48% of the subjects expressed their willingness to register on the Evax.tn platform. On the other hand, 15 people expressed their refusal to receive the anti-Covid vaccine. We noted that only 22% had a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Only 4% of the respondents did not have concerns about new variants of the virus. About half (52%) of the subjects expressed significant concern about an increased risk of virulence and mortality due to the new variant. Vaccination was considered ineffective by most of the participants (70%).ConclusionsAddressing worries about vaccine would be an important step to accept it among Tunisian elderly. Adequate information strategy is essential to change attitudes during the pandemic.DisclosureNo significant relationships.