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Background: The extensive use of various electronic games and communication devices, particularly among children and adolescents, has raised concerns, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the link between screen time and internalizing disorders, such as anxiety and depression, among individuals aged =18 during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This systematic review aims to summarize scientific publications from 2019 to early 2022 by searching databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO, to identify suitable studies. In each paper, we searched the following keywords and their synonyms: screen, child, high school, middle school, and psychiatric disorders. The quality of the selected papers was evaluated using a checklist recommended by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for observational cohort studies. Results: Out of 986 reports identified, we included 12 papers with 14,483 participants. The study revealed a negative correlation between screen time (TV, computer, video games, and mobile phones) and behavioral outcomes. Smartphones were the most frequently used devices, with video games being more prevalent among older participants for education, communication, and entertainment purposes. The prevalence of depression ranged between 10% and 25%. Furthermore, anxiety and depression were identified as predictors of increased screen usage. Some results displayed variation based on the type of screen exposure, the questionnaires used, and the age of the participants. Conclusions: The findings imply an indirect association between increased screen time and depression and anxiety. It is crucial to consider limitations on screen time exposure and parental supervision as measures to prevent certain mental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‑19), which has affected almost all medical professions, has had a significant negative influence on dental care. Additionally, non‑urgent dental procedures were stopped during the epidemic in a number of countries. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the impact of COVID‑19 on individuals who had undergone or are currently having orthodontic treatment in any capacity during/after the pandemic’s occurrence. After a thorough search of the online journals, a total of 634 documents were found, and 416 of the papers were initially chosen. The removal of 362 similar or duplicate publications that followed led to the initial availability of 54 separate papers. The final selection consisted of 23 documents, mostly in vitro investigations, cross‑sectional studies, and comparative evaluations, which satisfied the necessary inclusion and exclusion criteria. COVID‑19 had a significant impact on nearly every sphere of the patients’ lives who were undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, people who are currently availing of various orthodontic treatment modalities did not experience the same issues as the ones faced by patients earlier. Teleorthodontics emerged as a viable option to access treatment during the lockdown period caused due to the pandemic. COVID‑19 also had an overall negative impact on the psyche and morale of orthodontists around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic has challenged and overwhelmed most healthcare institutions and healthcare workers, across the world. Despite being unprepared for this pandemic, frontline workers have worked relentlessly to provide the much-needed care to these patients. Doctors from different branches of medicine, including dermatologists, came forward and played a substantial role in mitigating the impact of this pandemic on the general population. Sadly, in the process, these healthcare workers faced many personal, social, psychological, economic, and health-related issues. The psychological burden and health-related issues received due attention in the main-stream news as well as scientific research papers. With most frontline workers isolated from their families, social media became the new platform to reduce the sense of isolation and share their anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. This article is aimed at highlighting various challenges faced by healthcare workers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human world is realizing and giving importance to prayers and its healing effect throughout the world. In times of natural crisis, public health emergency like COVID 19 pandemic, it has even garnered more attention. There are many evidence based research that proves the benefits of such practices. This paper reviews the effect of prayer and its role in managing, coping and healing during the time of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to a state of a public health emergency. As studied in earlier pandemics, awareness and perceived threats regarding an infectious disease play an essential role in instigating preventative measures. This study attempted to assess the association of age, gender, and education with awareness and perceived threat during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire using a nonprobability snowball sampling technique, and a dataset of 1068 participants was analyzed. Results: Age was significantly correlated with awareness, anxiety, and threat, with a positive correlation observed for awareness and a negative correlation observed for an overall perceived threat. On the other hand, education was correlated significantly only with awareness, and this correlation was positive. Conclusions: This study aimed to determine the vulnerable population in terms of age, gender, and years of education. The most susceptible sections of society are the youths, especially those with a low level of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health-care workers' psychological status is essential to Preventive control measures in a weak and unstable health system with poor infrastructural constraints. This study examines the psychological impact of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the health-care providers working in primary health-care settings in Sudan. Materials and Methods: This is a health facility–based cross-sectional study conducted in primary health-care units in White Nile State, Sudan. The psychological impact of stress and anxiety was determined using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). A self-administered questionnaire measured depression, anxiety, and stress. The population of this study included health professionals working in health centers, including physicians, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and other support staff. Results: A total of 167 health professionals were systematically recruited. The mean anxiety score in the study population was 8.26 & 9.0 (corresponding to mild anxiety). Participants without anxiety constituted 26.35% (n = 44) of the participants. Women were significantly more likely to be affected than men (P = 0.0). Age (21–40 years), female nurses, and other health-care workers (anesthesiology, public health, health education, occupational health, psychiatry, etc.) could be strong predictors of psychological disorders (P-value of 0.0). Conclusion: This study provided evidence for primary health care at its preparatory levels, as they are the first line of protection against the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the high-risk population is a high priority in the preliminary phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected people all over the world and poses challenges to health-care services. Lockdown was first response strategy implemented by governments including India to prevent spread of coronavirus 2. The lockdown and anxiety among public had severely affected transfusion services. This paper analyses the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on blood transfusion services. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the transfusion services for 5 months was carried out. The data regarding blood collections, blood donation camps, blood issued, and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) performed were collected and analyzed during 3 phases of the study period, i.e., phase 1 (pre-lockdown, 84 days), phase 2 (complete lockdown, 40 days), and phase 3 (partial lockdown, 28 days), and compared. Results: A significant drop (P = 0.010) was observed in blood donation from phase 1 to phase 2 but slight nonsignificant improvement was found from phase 2 to phase 3. The issue of blood was significantly reduced from phase 1 to phase 2 (P < 0.0001) and improved from phase 2 to phase 3 (P < 0.0049). There was a significant reduction (P < 0.00001 and 0.002) in patients referred for TPE during two phases of LD. Conclusion: There is significant decrease in blood supply and utilization due to pandemic and lockdown. An emergency blood management plan is required which can include donor education focusing to alleviate donor hesitation, relaxation to donor selection criteria, blood drive planning with inventory management and ensuring staff and product safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both popular and professional narratives during the COVID pandemic have focused on the perceived mental health needs of the population. Anxiety and distress have figured high in the list of mental health problems anticipated either during the crisis or in the aftermath. Some of this has been based on previous experience of disasters, but the current pandemic is unique in that there are no modern-day comparable equivalents. A number of cross sectional studies, many from China, have reported high levels of symptoms, particularly anxiety. However, the interpretation of these is difficult as it is not clear if the reported high scores on questionnaires translate into the presence of diagnosable mental disorders. By focusing on the population effects of the pandemic, we are in danger of neglecting the needs of the existing severely mentally ill. It is also becoming increasingly clear that the pandemic could continue for months or years. Existing mental health services have been badly affected by the ongoing lockdown. Considering that the treatment gap is already wide in India and resources stretched in meeting the existing needs, we cannot afford to lose the gains we have made in meeting the needs of people with severe mental disorders. This paper describes, in the light of an example from Kerala, how we can adapt to the changed circumstances without care being significantly compromised. It could also be that these changes forced on us now, could actually make the delivery of mental healthcare even better in future. The COVID challenge also provides opportunities for reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: As the health services were reorganized during the COVID-19 restricting access to family caregivers, we explored the experience of women in the perinatal period, attending a specialist perinatal mental health service. Methods: Patients (n = 38) in the outpatient list for review were assessed over phone based on a predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire, comprising both quantitative (demographic, clinical variables) and qualitative open-ended questions regarding their experience of services during COVID-19. Results: The responses provided insight into how the pandemic affected the experience of pregnancy of mentally ill women and the impact of changes in perinatal mental health services. The main concerns centered around reduced support from close family members during the perinatal period due to the lockdown, anxiety regarding COVID transmission, absence of a supporting persons in antenatal clinics, difficulty accessing support from midwives, and health visitors as well as the use of virtual clinics for mental health consultations. Conclusions: The results suggested possible methods of improving perinatal mental health support during challenging times, which included ensuring in-person consultations, access to family even remotely, increasing accessibility through alternative means; providing and close monitoring of additional psychosocial support when needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The causal impact of income shocks on mental well-being in developing countries is an under-researched area. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the economic recession caused by the lockdowns to reduce transmission, provides a natural experimental setting to examine the causal impact of a decline in monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) on mental health of the general population in India during the pandemic. Aim: To evaluate the impact of income shocks on mental health of adults in metro cities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The data were collected using the abridged version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Schedule administered through a telephonic survey on adult residents of six metropolitan cities in September-August 2020 and July-August 2021. Results: In the present study, 994 adults participated from six metropolitan cities. Average treatment effects were estimated using Propensity Score Matching. The mean normalized scores are significantly higher for respondents whose MPCE had fallen (treated) vis-à-vis respondents whose MPCE had remained same or increased (control): anxiety (0.21 for treated vs -0.19 for control), stress (0.16 vs -0.14), and depression (0.04 vs -0.19). Propensity score matching reveals that the normalized scores for anxiety, stress, and depression were 33 (95% confidence intervals, CI: 20.0-46.7), 25 (95% CI: 12.9-36.9), and 36 (95% CI: 18.6-53.1) higher among the treated group vis-a-vis control group. The ATET was 34 (95% CI: 18.9-48.9), 26 (95% CI: 10.1-42.9), and 32 (955 CI: 12.3-50.7) for these three outcomes, respectively. The post-estimation tests indicated that the results are valid. Conclusions: The study advocates that policies to ensure income security should be made an integral part of the response packages to tackle pandemics like COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic peaked, few studies have thereafter assessed the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers. Objectives: To determine the rate and predictors of self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety among physicians at a public tertiary care teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia about 2 years after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2021 to April 2022 and targeted all physicians working at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder-7 were used to elicit self-reported data regarding depression and anxiety, respectively. In addition, sociodemographic and job-related data were collected. Results: A total of 438 physicians responded, of which 200 (45.7%) reported symptoms of depression and 190 (43.4%) of anxiety. Being aged 25–30 years, female, resident, and reporting reduction in work quality were factors significantly associated with both anxiety and depression. Female gender (AOR = 3.570; 95% CI = 2.283–5.582; P < 0.001), working an average 9–11 hours/day (AOR = 2.130; 95% CI = 1.009–4.495; P < 0.047), and self-perceived reduction in work quality (AOR = 3.139; 95% CI = 2.047–4.813; P < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of anxiety. Female gender (AOR = 2.929; 95% CI = 1.845–4.649; P < 0.001) and self-perceived reduction in work quality (AOR = 3.141; 95% CI = 2.053–4.804; P < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of depression. Conclusions: About half of the physicians reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. These findings are suggestive of the need for large-scale studies to determine the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across India, there have been multiple studies conducted to address the issues of the mental health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study estimated the pooled prevalence of psychological morbidity among healthcare workers during the early phase of the COVID 19 pandemic in India. We searched the following electronic bibliographic databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley online library, and Google scholar for studies conducted from the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic until 25 September 2021. The methodological quality of each study was scored and outcome measures with uniform cut off scores as per various screening measurements were evaluated. According to the current meta analysis, the pooled estimates of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia among Indian healthcare workers during the COVID 19 pandemic are 20.1% (95% CI: 15.6 to 24.6%; n = 21 studies), 25.0% (95% CI: 18.4 to 31.6%; n = 20 studies), 36% (95% CI: 23.7 to 48.2%; n = 22 studies) and 18.9% (95% CI: 9.9 to 28.0%; n = 6 studies) respectively. In subgroup analyses, low quality studies based on the JBI checklist (Score < 3/9) and studies using DASS 21 showed a higher pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety. About 20–36% of the healthcare workers in India reported having depression, anxiety, and stress during the early phase of the COVID 19 pandemic. The present study provides a comprehensive review of the overall burden of mental health problems among healthcare workers during the COVID 19 pandemic in India necessitating appropriate intervention strategies to protect these frontline groups before the memory of the pandemic crisis starts to fade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The article aims to explore the studies performed on suicide because of coronavirus disease 19 through a bibliometric analysis. A quantitative analysis of the topic furnishes data on the publication pattern, influential research journals, highly cited articles, productive countries and organizations, the authorship pattern, and the collaborative pattern between authors. Methods: Data regarding the type of documents, most cited articles, influential research journals, contributions per country, and so on were extracted for the study from the Scopus database. Data analysis and visualization were performed through R-Studio and the VOSviewer application. Results: A bibliometric analysis encompassing scientific contributions based on suicide or suicide-related ideation because of the coronavirus pandemic showed a total of 494 documents published in 230 journals/books. The articles published by proficient authors in reputed journals highlighted the key areas of research in the field. USA dominated the list of scientific production of countries contributing to 340 documents. Conclusion: The results provided by this analysis could act as a steppingstone for experts to design a roadmap for mental health research during the pandemic. Studies can be designed to gather information on mental health conditions across specific age groups. Research collaborations that facilitate the publication of pooled protocols and data are encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Medical interns were among the frontline healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and represented a special group of key workers. They were both learners and care providers, experiencing great challenges during the pandemic. This study examined the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among Omani medical interns during the COVID-19 pandemic and determined the independent predictors of depression and anxiety among the study sample. Methods: This online cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of Omani medical interns from 2020 to 2021, using a self-reported questionnaire that included the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) information related to vaccination status and caring for patients with COVID-19. Results: A total of 193 interns participated in this study (81% females). The median age was 26 years. Female participants scored higher for both anxiety (P = 0.200) and depression scales (P = 0.183). Most of the participants (143, 74.1%) had a negative result following testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with significant association with vaccination status (P = 0.004), especially for participants who had taken the first dose (51%). Participants who had the first dose of the vaccine significantly tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 (P = 0.053) compared to participants who had not had the vaccine. The GAD-7 and PHQ-9 showed that 150 (79%) and 91 (47%) participants had mild to severe anxiety and depression. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has directly contributed to the development of psychologic distress among medical interns, which can lead to adverse outcomes. This study emphasizes the importance of including disaster management and psychologic well-being training program during the internship to help medical interns better cope in crises, such as a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Lockdown and social isolation during the pandemic situation caused an especially stressful situation for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities. The psychological repercussions on parents of these children remain unattended. Aims: The primary aim was to find the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among parents of children with special needs during COVID-19 pandemic using Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS)-21. The secondary aim was to determine the correlation between the three domains of DASS-21 scale with the parent characteristics. Settings and Design: This was an observational study on parents of children with special needs visiting tertiary care center and special schools. Subjects and Methods: Eighty-seven parents of children with special needs participated Either parent of each child with special needs answered the questionnaire DASS-21. The total score of each participant was calculated for each component under each domain of the questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency distribution for occurrence of depression, anxiety and stress was analyzed. The linear associations were studied using correlation coefficient. Results: Out of 87 parents who participated in the study, 5.6% of the subjects had depression, 15.3% had anxiety, and 12.5% had stress. There was no significant correlation noted between individual domains of DASS-21 and the parent characteristics (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in parents of children with special needs was not significant. Further, no correlation was found between DASS-21 and the demographic characteristics of the parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study was undertaken to assess the perceived stress levels in medical students and doctors in India during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Various studies have been done to assess the perceived stress levels among medical professionals and other associated health care workers, but no significant study has been done among medical students. This study is done with a special emphasis on the latter. Methods: A semi-validated online questionnaire was used to collect stress scores among medical students and doctors using Perceived Stress Scale. The aggravating and relieving factors of stress were also recorded and analyzed. Results:A total of 346 responses were analyzed from across various medical schools of country. The mean cumulative stress score among participants was 18.2 ± 6.8 indicating moderate stress with 34 (9.8%) respondents reporting high stress scores. Female gender was identified as a risk factor (OR 2.76, 95% CI: 1.58, 4.78; P < 0.001). Stress scores were higher among those not directly involved in COVID-19 care (OR 1.08, 95% CI: 0.57, 2.05; P=0.47). Education and health of the family were major concerns recorded in 39% and 38% participants, respectively. The main stress aggravating factors were found to be news/media (39%) and unsafe work environment (16%). Among the stress relieving factors, hobbies (31%), family support (25%), and meditation (23%) were common. Conclusions: A moderate to high stress was reported in medical students and doctors. Educational concerns should be equally addressed as health care delivery and personal safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In January 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new corona virus disease, COVID-19 to be public health Emergency of International concern and by March 2020 it had progressed rapidly across several continents to be a pandemic. After COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic the U.K. Government placed strict measures in mid-March 2020 to limit spread by enforcing social distancing, travel restrictions and complete lockdown. In U.K. by end of April 2020 official estimates of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases reached 161,000 and the number of deaths has exceeded 26,000 in hospitals and in care homes. COVID-19 continues to have an impact on all aspects of life in U.K. The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych), London, a leading professional body of U.K. and global mental health professionals was prompt to act in this public health emergency. RCPsych lias issued guidance for clinicians, patients & carers, organised a series of webinars to support members and undertook a membership survey. It lias played a crucial role in influencing national policy decisions. This article will focus on mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic inU.K. and the initiatives taken by RCPsych. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global health threat. The South-Asian (SA) countries have witnessed both the initial brunt of the outbreak as well as the ongoing rise of cases. Their unique challenges in relation to mental health during the pandemic are worth exploring. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted for all the original studies on the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on psychological health/well-being in the SA countries of the World Psychiatric Association Zone 16. PubMed, Google Scholar, PSYCHINFO, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched till June 2020. Studies conducted in the age group of 18-60 years with a minimum sample size of 10, and statistically significant results were included. Results: Thirteen studies were included in the review. They showed increase prevalence in nonpsychotic depression, anxiety, somatic concerns, alcohol-related disorders, and insomnia in the general population. Psychological symptoms correlated more with physical complaints of fatigue and pain in older adults and were directly related to social media use, misinformation, xenophobia, and social distancing. Frontline workers reported guilt, stigma, anxiety, and poor sleep quality, which were related to the lack of availability of adequate personal protective equipment, increased workload, and discrimination. One study validated the Coronavirus anxiety scale in the Indian population while another explored gaming as a double-edged sword during the lockdown in adolescents. Another study from Bangladesh explored psychosexual health during lockdown. Most studies were cross-sectional online surveys, used screening tools and had limited accessibility. Conclusion: The ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its impact serve as an important period for adequate mental healthcare, promotion, research, and holistic biopsychosocial management of psychiatric disorders, especially in vulnerable groups. Mental healthcare and research strategies during the pandemic and preparedness for postpandemic aftermath are advocated subsequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised about its effect on mental health and on patients with psychiatric illnesses. A few reports suggest that patients with COVID-19 have increased symptoms of anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, increased substance use, and insomnia. There is an increased trend seen in flare-up of psychotic symptoms and new emergence of psychotic symptoms in previously healthy adults. There is extensive research available on the impact of COVID-19 on physical health, but there is a paucity of studies on the effects of COVID-19 on psychiatric illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a humanitarian crisis, healthcare workers are on the frontline in providing their services. Despite being crisis management personnel, healthcare workers may get exposed to occupational stress due to unprecedented circumstances, challenges in delivery of high-quality care, lack of resources, and most importantly for being at high risk to suffer from the impact of the situation itself. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the mental health of healthcare workers on a regular basis and more so during a pandemic like COVID-19. For addressing the occupational stress in healthcare workers, a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) based intervention is suggested, also supported by a Cochrane review, which can build/ improve/ enhance resilience, needed to shield individuals against the development of psychopathology, at the public health level in humanitarian crises. In addition to developing resilience, which will be helpful in combating anxiety, depression, somatization, and incapacitation, CBT will also help in dealing with the social isolation which has been part and parcel of COVID-19 and similar pandemic situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]