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Problem, research strategy, and findingsCovid-19 significantly altered work, out-of-home activity participation, and travel, with much activity time being moved into the home. If these patterns hold, they could imply significant long-term changes for homes, businesses, cities, and transportation. We examined data for 34,000 respondents to the American Time Use Survey from 2019 (the pre-pandemic period), 2021 (the pandemic period), and 2022 and 2023 (the post-pandemic period). We used ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions to study participation in 12 out-of-home activities, travel (by auto, transit, and walking), and 16 in-home activities. We observed sharp declines in overall out-of-home activity, travel by all modes, and 10 of the 12 specific out-of-home activities in 2021 compared with 2019, whereas time spent on 13 of the 16 in-home activities rose during that period. By 2023, most of these changes persisted: Time spent out-of-home, traveling by all modes, and on six out-of-home activities remained notably lower in 2023 than in 2019, whereas time spent on nine in-home activities remained higher. The trend away from out-of-home activities and travel appears to be persisting.Takeaways for practiceFirst, given elevated remote work and shopping, planners should consider repurposing some office and retail land uses. Second, with fewer office workers, center cities may have to capitalize on other strengths such as recreational and residential desirability for some market segments, such as young people or others who prefer urban living. Third, more time at home may increase demand for more spacious and affordable housing, perhaps in lower-cost outlying suburbs of large metros and in smaller metropolitan areas. Finally, an end to ever-rising personal travel may lessen the need for costly interventions to increase the capacity of highway and transportation systems.

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 was detected in the Republic of the Congo in March 2020. Several control measures were implemented during the pandemic period. As a result, the number of reported cases decreased significantly, leading to the gradual lifting of barrier measures and the declaration of the end of the outbreak on 14 October 2022. The present study aimed to determine the post-pandemic prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the referral hospitals of Talangaï (HRT) and Makélékélé (HRM) in Brazzaville between October 2022 and April 2023. Nasopharyngeal samples collected from patients with respiratory syndrome were analyzed via qRT‒PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2. An overall prevalence of 5% of SARS-CoV-2 infection was found, with monthly fluctuations in cases during the study period, likely reflecting the endemic nature of the infection. The monthly proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection cases did not correlate with the number of patients with respiratory syndrome-related symptoms. Although the post-pandemic prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 has remained low, laboratory confirmation of COVID-19, which accounts for both clinical suspicion and detection of SARS-CoV-2, using at least one rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is needed to improve case-by-case management in health centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented global disruptions, profoundly impacting mental health and social well-being. While significant research has addressed the negative health consequences of social isolation, little is known about the post-pandemic experience, particularly in Greece. This qualitative study investigates the lasting effects of social isolation during the COVID-19 lockdowns on individuals in Greece, exploring both the negative and positive consequences in the post-pandemic context. One-on-one interviews were conducted with fifteen participants, and the data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the lockdown had a profound and enduring impact. Many participants reported heightened social anxiety, a sense of disconnection, and lingering fear about re-engaging in normal social interactions. Nostalgia for pre-pandemic life, characterized by greater social connection and freedom, was a recurring theme. Despite these challenges, the study also highlighted positive outcomes. Some participants viewed enforced solitude as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth, discovering new interests or deepening their understanding of personal values and goals. These findings underscore the complex and enduring effects of social isolation. The study calls for targeted interventions to foster social connectedness and mental health resources, ensuring support as society transitions to a post-pandemic reality. Continued attention from policymakers and public health professionals is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of antibodies (Abs) in the body is an indicator of the individual immune response to an infection. In the post-pandemic era, an accurate, cheap, and rapid antibiotic sensor is critically needed to monitor Ab levels. Therefore, we present a simple fabrication method for a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor that detects SARS-CoV2 spike Abs. The sensor comprises filter paper with a composite made of polypyrrole (PPy) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The rGO structure is observed using a scanning electron microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR). The presence of rGO improves protein conjugation which is identified using a fluorescent microscope and FTIR. The sensitivity test performs high selectivity and reproducibility in two different SARS-CoV2 Abs separately and shows the range of detection limits between 10 and 1000 fg/mL. The results demonstrate an advancement in developing PPy/rGO composite sensors for SARS-CoV2 Ab detection and as a promising sensor for monitoring COVID-19 exposures and infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pupils and the potential value of outdoor learning (OL) as a strategy to overcome some of the challenges educators face in helping their pupils get 'back on track'. Interviews with nine primary school staff in the South West of England explored the impact of the pandemic on pupil wellbeing, academic attainment, friendships/social skills, and behaviour. We report on the effectiveness of OL in this context. Findings indicate that OL is being deployed as a useful post-pandemic pedagogical tool. Barriers to consistently implementing OL as a teaching strategy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on health care disparities among U.S. minority men remains limited, and post-pandemic changes in the health care delivery system may uniquely affect this population. We assessed the factors influencing California-based minority men's compliance with routine health checkup. An IRB-approved survey was conducted electronically by convenience sampling between October 2022 and July 2023. Data was collected on demographics, socioeconomic status, health insurance, and routine checkup attendance. Health insurance literacy was assessed by self-reported ability to locate insurance-covered clinics and health care information. The data was analyzed using random forest modeling with both feature importance and SHAP values for interpretability, and logistic regression analysis. A total of 266 male respondents participated. Of these, 60.5% were under 30 years old, and 66.9% identified as Latino/Hispanic.The majority were employed (82.7%), insured (84.9%), and earned less than $50,000 annually (64.5%). While 71.8% were connected to a clinic or hospital, only 50.8% attended routine health checkup, and 6.8% had visited a doctor in the past year. Key factors influencing compliance included zip code, connection to a clinic and the ability to locate a clinic covered by insurance. These findings highlight that half of insured minority men in California under 60 years of age are not attending routine checkups, suggesting significant barriers related to accessibility and health insurance literacy. Addressing these disparities could improve health care utilization and outcomes in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeification refers to the intensification of the home environment through the accelerated lifestyle changes triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes resulted in blurred and altered boundaries between places and new relations with spaces, things, and technologies. Drawing on multi-modal creative research with UK undergraduate students, this paper interrogates what 'home' represents, produces, and excludes for learners and learning in higher education, drawing on Braidotti to explore the entangled and subtle nature of these differences. We then recommend considering the possibilities and closures that 'home' produces for diverse learners and for universities working towards more inclusive and authentic practices, relations and pedagogies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of probable mental health disorders, including psychological distress, somatization, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety (PHO), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia among Chinese primary health care (PHC) physicians and nurses amid the post-pandemic period in 2022. METHOD: Region-stratified sampling was conducted to recruit a national sample of 4,246 respondents from 31 July 2022 to 12 August 2022. A total of 692 primary healthcare institutions were identified in 30 provincial-level administrative regions of China. An online questionnaire was used for assessing probable mental health disorders using Symptoms Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and sleeping problems using Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Data on demographics and work were also collected. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were conducted to identify significant correlates of probable mental health disorders. RESULTS: A total of 4,246 valid questionnaires were identified. Results showed that relative to the prevalence of probable mental health disorders among health care workers at the early stage of the pandemic in China, there was an overall decreased prevalence except for somatization, PHO, and OCD among the current PHC physicians and nurses. Multiple logistic regressions showed that significant risk factors of common probable mental health disorders, namely psychological distress, SOM, DEP, ANX, PHO, OCD, PTSD, and insomnia, were female gender, multimorbidity, history of psychiatric disorders, quarantine experience, never asking anyone for help, and overtime work. CONCLUSION: Attention should be given to preexisting psychiatric and multimorbid conditions, social support, and work-related stressors. Regular assessment and psychological interventions are needed to enhance the mental health of PHC professionals even after public health crisis.

The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted cultural institutions, including museums, to adapt to widespread closures. This study investigates the role of podcasts as a strategic tool for the most visited museums in Poland, Slovakia and Czechia during and after the pandemic. In the theoretical section, the paper discusses the emergence of podcasts, emphasising their marketing potential and role during the pandemic. The empirical part aims to identify the extent and nature of podcast integration by the ten most visited museums from each of the three monitored countries. The results show different approaches to the adaptation of podcasting in the observed space–time. Despite some differences, we also mapped similar trends. A crucial finding was that the end of the pandemic brought a certain modus vivendi of incorporating podcasting into museum activities, which can be framed as a normalisation, completing the lively development that took place during the pandemic.

Background: Headaches are a common symptom in healthcare workers (HCWs), mainly associated with high levels of stress. Different research has studied their incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of them with correlational designs, and at the beginning of the pandemic and focused on the associated occupational variables. Aims: (1) To analyze the incidence of headaches in HCWs at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and their maintenance six months later. (2) To explore the risk factors associated with their onset and maintenance, including sociodemographic, occupational, emotional symptomatology, and personality variables. (3) To propose a model to explain the chronification of stress in burnout, including the moderating role of chronic headaches. Methods: A prospective study (n = 259 HCWs) at three points in time during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the alarm state phase (T1: May–June 2020) to the post-pandemic stage (T3: April–July 2022), including an intermediate measure six months after T1 (T2). Descriptive analyses, Pearson’s chi-square, Student’s t, logistic regressions, and moderated mediation models were conducted using the Process package for SPSS. In addition to headaches, socio-demographic, occupational, emotional symptomatology, and personality variables were included. Results: At T1 the prevalence of headaches was 69.9%. At T2 the prevalence was 73.7%. Of these, 59.5% are T1–T2 sustained headaches. Headaches at T1 were associated with age (p = 0.010) (younger HCWs), professional category (p = 0.049) (nurses), service (p = 0.023) (ICU, COVID hospitalization), non-availability of PPE (p = 0.010), additional COVID-19 symptomatology (p < 0.001), and concern for contagion of family members (p < 0.001) (higher scores). In addition, HCWs with headaches had higher levels of stress (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.001), depression (p = 0.041), and sleep disorders (p < 0.001). A subsequent logistic regression analysis showed that of the above variables, the presence of additional COVID-19 symptoms (p < 0.001) and depression (p = 0.010) were the predictor variables. With regard to the maintenance of headaches (T1–T2), anxiety (p = 0.035), stress (p = 0.001), and cognitive fusion (p = 0.013) were found to be the significant variables. The tested model proposes anxiety (T1) as antecedent, cognitive fusion (T2) as mediator, burnout (T3) as consequent, and chronic headaches (yes/no) as the moderating variable between anxiety and burnout (model 5). The model is significant (F = 19.84, p < 0.001) and contributes to the explanation of 36% of the variance of burnout. The relationships in the model are all statistically significant, and specifically chronic headaches contribute to a 6-fold increase in the likelihood of burnout. Conclusions: The present research differentiates between precipitating and maintenance factors of headaches in HCWs. The former, more studied in previous research, are usually related to sociodemographic and occupational variables and levels of anxiety and stress. Maintenance factors, scarcely explored, are related to the maintenance of emotional symptomatology and the inability to manage intrusive thoughts (i.e., cognitive fusion). Of particular interest is that the presence of chronic headaches itself is capable of producing burnout as a post-COVID syndrome.

The arrival of the pandemic changed the peaceful lives of human beings, with many things that were taken for granted becoming difficult to do or prohibited. It redefined the relationship between safety and danger, private and public, and changed people's daily lives and habits. But while the pandemic brought negative aspects such as illness, panic, injury, and isolation, it also prompted more communication and understanding among people, pushing people to use a variety of approaches to integrate into this new public environment with protection for each individual and to find appropriate modes of getting along to explore the boundaries and transformations of the space. Under the rules and policies of segregation, a new consensus is gradually emerging in society. Distance is becoming a non-two-dimensional label, but a two-way transformation between psychological separation and physical isolation which are opposite but inter-flowing. How to define private and public space in the new living model, to realize communication and balance is the main topic of this project.

Introduction: Nurses seem to be persistently experiencing intense psychological repercussions, even after the official conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study conducted after the end of the pandemic crisis, from 1 June 2023 to 30 June 2023, we evaluated the levels and explored the associations between anger, insomnia, and resilience among Greek nurses. Methods: A total of 441 nurses participated in an online survey and were invited to state their work experience, gender, and age and to complete the self-report measures of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5 (DAR-5), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Results: Overall, 62.1% of the participants presented with positive scores on the AIS, and 41.5% displayed positive values on the DAR-5 scale, whereas 24.9% demonstrated scores indicative of low resilience on the BRS. A regression analysis revealed that 23.5% of the variance in the AIS scores can be attributed to the DAR-5 scores and 3% to the BRS scores. A mediation analysis confirmed the protective role of resilience, contributing as a negative mediator in the DAR-5 and AIS relationship. Conclusions: Screening for insomnia symptoms and anger issues among nurses after the end of the pandemic and implementing appropriate interventions is considered imperative to avoid long-term health consequences.

Heba Ashi,1 Marwah A Afeef,2 Faris M Almutairi,3 Razin H Subahi,4 Emad A Aljohani,5 Zuhair S Natto1 1Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Research & Studies, Al-Thagher Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Respiratory Therapy, Al-Thagher Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 4Specialty Dental Centre. Al-Thagher Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Health Services and Hospital Management, Al-Thagher Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Marwah A Afeef, Al-Thagher Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tel +966535732762, Email mafeef@moh.gov.saObjective: In this study, we aim to determine post-pandemic level of secondary traumatic stress and the associated factors among healthcare workers practicing in the Western province of Saudi Arabia.Methods: Healthcare workers practicing at public health sector of the Western province of Saudi Arabia. Received Web-based Self-administered questionnaire, assessing post-pandemic Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS), using Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS).Results: A total of 380 responses received. Logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors of secondary traumatic stress (STS). Females had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing STS (OR=2.425, p< 0.001). Doctors were significantly more likely to experience STS compared to other specialties (OR=2.863, p=0.016). Participants sleeping 7 hours were associated with a lower likelihood of STS (OR=0.427, p=0.016), while sleeping 6 hours showed a trend towards lower STS but was not statistically significant (p=0.068). Participants aged 50 and above were significantly less likely to experience STS (OR=0.275, p=0.021). Lastly, Saudi nationals were significantly more likely to experience STS compared to non-Saudis (OR=2.717, p=0.014).Conclusion: Female healthcare workers, doctors, and those younger than 50 years old were all found to be at a significantly higher risk of STS. Interestingly, sleep duration emerged as a potential protective factor, with those sleeping 7 hours exhibiting a lower risk of STS. Finally, the analysis revealed a higher prevalence of STS among Saudi nationals compared to non-Saudis.Keywords: secondary traumatic stress, post-pandemic, healthcare workers, Saudi Arabia, public sector

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected global health systems and daily life, exacerbating vulnerabilities, particularly in Indonesia. This study investigates the impact of anxiety and education level on mental health, with spiritual intelligence as an intervening variable among post-COVID-19 patients in Indonesia. Methods Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 390 post-COVID-19 patients in Indonesia. Structured questionnaires assessed anxiety, education level, spiritual intelligence, and mental health. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships among these variables. Results The findings indicate that anxiety significantly affects both spiritual intelligence and mental health, with spiritual intelligence acting as a mediating factor. Additionally, higher educational attainment is positively associated with enhanced spiritual intelligence and improved mental health outcomes. Conclusions The study underscores the importance of incorporating spiritual development practices into mental health interventions and educational programs to boost resilience and overall well-being in the post-pandemic era. While these findings are promising, the cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and future research should consider longitudinal studies to examine these relationships over time. These practices can help mitigate the adverse effects of anxiety and educational disparities on mental health.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented policies to physically separate citizens. As a consequence, an increased prevalence of loneliness was observed. This article examined whether the prevalence of loneliness in the Netherlands has returned to pre-pandemic levels after the restrictive policy was ended. We studied age differences in the course of loneliness. Single interrupted time series design. Data were from the Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences (age range 16–102 years) and the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (age range 65–101 years). Both studies included respondents sampled from the Dutch population registers. Data collected relatively soon and later after the pandemic outbreak (nine and five observations in 2020–2023, respectively) were compared to extrapolated trend data based on a long period of time before the outbreak (since 2008 and 1992, respectively). With two exceptions, the results of the two studies including five age categories and three types of loneliness measurement instruments showed that after an increased prevalence during the pandemic, prevalence at the last observation was at or below the level of the extrapolated trend. It is highly likely that the pandemic was indeed an interruption and not a fundamental trend change in loneliness. This shows individuals' resilience and the ability to reactivate social ties after the interruptive pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nurses seem to be persistently experiencing intense psychological repercussions, even after the official conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study conducted after the end of the pandemic crisis, from 1 June 2023 to 30 June 2023, we evaluated the levels and explored the associations between anger, insomnia, and resilience among Greek nurses. Methods: A total of 441 nurses participated in an online survey and were invited to state their work experience, gender, and age and to complete the self-report measures of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5 (DAR-5), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Results: Overall, 62.1% of the participants presented with positive scores on the AIS, and 41.5% displayed positive values on the DAR-5 scale, whereas 24.9% demonstrated scores indicative of low resilience on the BRS. A regression analysis revealed that 23.5% of the variance in the AIS scores can be attributed to the DAR-5 scores and 3% to the BRS scores. A mediation analysis confirmed the protective role of resilience, contributing as a negative mediator in the DAR-5 and AIS relationship. Conclusions: Screening for insomnia symptoms and anger issues among nurses after the end of the pandemic and implementing appropriate interventions is considered imperative to avoid long-term health consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Aims: The post‐COVID‐19 pandemic period has heightened concerns about student mental health and suicide risk in Bangladesh. While studies have explored these issues during the pandemic, post‐pandemic student suicides remain under‐researched. This study investigates the characteristics, methods, and triggering events associated with suicidal behaviors among students in Bangladesh during the post‐pandemic period (2022–2023). Methods: Data were collected from 150 online newspaper portals in Bangladesh, covering student suicides from 2022 to 2023. Variables such as causes, methods, timing, location, sex, age, and education level were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, SPSS, and ArcGIS. Results: A total of 984 student suicide cases were identified. Females accounted for 61% of the cases, while males represented 39%, indicating a higher vulnerability among female students. The majority of cases (72.5%) involved students aged 13–19 years, followed by those aged 20–25 years (18.4%). Secondary school students represented 44.9% of the cases, with 7.2% from madrasahs. Hanging was the most common method (79.7%). Major causes included emotional distress (28%), romantic relationship issues (19.5%), academic pressure (8.4%), family problems (8.1%), mental instability (7%), and sexual harassment (3.3%). The Dhaka division reported the highest rate (27.8%) of student suicides. Suicide rates were lowest in August 2022 (4.3%) but spiked in 2023 (12.6%). Conclusion: This study highlights the significant rise in student suicides in Bangladesh after the pandemic, primarily driven by emotional distress, with females and the 13–19‐year age group being most vulnerable. These findings emphasize the urgent need for gender‐specific mental health interventions to address this growing issue. Summary: During the post‐COVID‐19 period, nearly 1000 student suicides occurred in Bangladesh, with over half occurring in 2022. A slight decrease later that year raised concerns about the impacts of the pandemic on students' lives.Compared with male students, female students demonstrated a greater prevalence of suicide, which was impacted by a range of triggering factors, such as emotional hardship, academic pressure and failure, personal relationships, family problems, and sexual harassment.Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 experienced the greatest risk of suicide, emphasizing the necessity for focused interventions and assistance.Dhaka, the capital city, has the most elevated incidence of student suicides, potentially attributable to factors such as high population density and lifestyle habits.The suggested measures include conducting mental health screenings, incorporating mental health awareness into educational institutions, and building a nationwide suicide surveillance system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the post-pandemic period, an increasing number of students have been using online learning environments, as students find them more convenient and feel less academic pressure. However, some students are comparatively disadvantaged due to their lack of access to a fast network or a powerful computer to attend online classes. Consequently, students may feel isolated due to their lack of internet connectivity. Based on conservation of resources theory, we aim to provide empirical evidence that various forms of student interaction in online learning classes mitigate negative psychological outcomes, such as distress and anxiety problems. A single-stage cluster sampling design was used for data collection. An online survey of 422 university students in Hong Kong was conducted in 2022; the students participated in online learning classes during the year. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used for data analysis. The results showed that student–teacher, student–student and student–content interactions can reduce students' psychological distress by reducing their performance and technology anxieties in online learning environments. Practical performance and technology anxieties served as partial mediators of the association between online class interactions and psychological distress. Interaction did not have a direct effect on psychological distress. When using blended or online teaching and learning modes, more interaction should be promoted. For example, group exercises can be introduced by teachers during tutorials to enhance student–student interaction, teachers can use polling exercises to encourage student–teacher interaction and virtual reality environments can be introduced during classes to enhance student–content interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Headaches are a common symptom in healthcare workers (HCWs), mainly associated with high levels of stress. Different research has studied their incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of them with correlational designs, and at the beginning of the pandemic and focused on the associated occupational variables. Aims: (1) To analyze the incidence of headaches in HCWs at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and their maintenance six months later. (2) To explore the risk factors associated with their onset and maintenance, including sociodemographic, occupational, emotional symptomatology, and personality variables. (3) To propose a model to explain the chronification of stress in burnout, including the moderating role of chronic headaches. Methods: A prospective study (n = 259 HCWs) at three points in time during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the alarm state phase (T1: May–June 2020) to the post-pandemic stage (T3: April–July 2022), including an intermediate measure six months after T1 (T2). Descriptive analyses, Pearson's chi-square, Student's t, logistic regressions, and moderated mediation models were conducted using the Process package for SPSS. In addition to headaches, socio-demographic, occupational, emotional symptomatology, and personality variables were included. Results: At T1 the prevalence of headaches was 69.9%. At T2 the prevalence was 73.7%. Of these, 59.5% are T1–T2 sustained headaches. Headaches at T1 were associated with age (p = 0.010) (younger HCWs), professional category (p = 0.049) (nurses), service (p = 0.023) (ICU, COVID hospitalization), non-availability of PPE (p = 0.010), additional COVID-19 symptomatology (p < 0.001), and concern for contagion of family members (p < 0.001) (higher scores). In addition, HCWs with headaches had higher levels of stress (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.001), depression (p = 0.041), and sleep disorders (p < 0.001). A subsequent logistic regression analysis showed that of the above variables, the presence of additional COVID-19 symptoms (p < 0.001) and depression (p = 0.010) were the predictor variables. With regard to the maintenance of headaches (T1–T2), anxiety (p = 0.035), stress (p = 0.001), and cognitive fusion (p = 0.013) were found to be the significant variables. The tested model proposes anxiety (T1) as antecedent, cognitive fusion (T2) as mediator, burnout (T3) as consequent, and chronic headaches (yes/no) as the moderating variable between anxiety and burnout (model 5). The model is significant (F = 19.84, p < 0.001) and contributes to the explanation of 36% of the variance of burnout. The relationships in the model are all statistically significant, and specifically chronic headaches contribute to a 6-fold increase in the likelihood of burnout. Conclusions: The present research differentiates between precipitating and maintenance factors of headaches in HCWs. The former, more studied in previous research, are usually related to sociodemographic and occupational variables and levels of anxiety and stress. Maintenance factors, scarcely explored, are related to the maintenance of emotional symptomatology and the inability to manage intrusive thoughts (i.e., cognitive fusion). Of particular interest is that the presence of chronic headaches itself is capable of producing burnout as a post-COVID syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a positive psychological resource, the concept of the flow experience has attracted significant attention across various domains. However, there remain gaps in our understanding of the underlying psychological processes governing the flow experience as well as its relevance and potential applications within the tourism industry. This study aims to address these gaps by exploring the interrelationships among the different dimensions of the flow experience and providing empirical evidence for the psychological process thereof. Specifically, this study considers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as an external environmental variable by collecting data from tourists who visited the same destination before and after the pandemic. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that the pandemic exerted a significant influence on the factors initiating the flow experience, the degree of process control, and tourists' perceptions of time during their experience. In light of these findings, we recommend that tourism industry managers be vigilant regarding changes in tourists' psychological states during the post-pandemic recovery phase and consider offering high-quality services as a means to enhance tourist satisfaction and foster loyalty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth work is a practice that supports young people and bolsters mental health and well‐being. In the aftermath of the Covid‐19 pandemic, young people in the UK have experienced rising levels of mental distress. However, in the broader youth policy field, youth work is rarely acknowledged as a mental health support. This article draws upon research uncovering to what extent youth workers provide mental health support for young people. A survey questionnaire was distributed to youth workers across selected local authorities in central Scotland and north‐east England. Our original findings show that most youth workers provide initial mental health support for young people and, since the pandemic, this has become a key component of youth work practice. The youth workers surveyed were confident that they had the skills, experience and training to provide such support but were struggling to meet increased demand due to funding shortages in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the effects of modular distance learning in post-pandemic on junior high school students' academic performance in mathematics in the Philippines from a teacher's perspective, specifically how the academic performance in terms of class participation and understanding the mathematical concepts of Grade 10 learners have been affected following modular distance learning, the specific challenges Grade 10 learners faced in their efforts to learn Mathematics after the modular distance learning in post-pandemic, and recommendations that teachers can offer to mitigate learning loss and enhance the learning experiences of Grade 10 learners in Mathematics, considering the impact of modular distance learning. This study utilized qualitative interviews in a case study approach with five (5) Grade 10 Mathematics teachers; the study revealed significant issues such as diminished mathematical understanding, lower student participation, challenges in reading comprehension, and a lack of basic math skills among students. Furthermore, the research highlighted a notable decline in students' motivation and engagement. To counteract these adversities, teachers recommended strategies focused on peer collaboration and the reinforcement of foundational math skills to promote meaningful learning experiences and mitigate learning losses. It can be concluded that the mathematics learning of the grade 10 learners was greatly affected by modular distance learning as a learning modality during a pandemic. This paper underscores the urgent need for adaptive educational strategies and interventions to support effective mathematics instruction in a distance learning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mental health of children and adolescents in the Chilean Educational System (ChES) has become a severe post-pandemic public health problem. This cross-sectional study, which included 1,174 children and adolescents from five Chilean regions, used the DASS-21 scale, focusing on determining the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as identifying associated risk factors. The results exposed a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (60.2%, 63.6%, and 50.2%, respectively). Risk factors for depression involve being female, having separated parents, being in high school, having a cell phone, difficulty sleeping, ruminative thoughts, and low self-esteem. For anxiety, factors included being female, being 12 years old, owning a cell phone, having sleep problems, having ruminations, having low self-esteem, and being an atheist. For stress, factors were identified as being female, owning a cell phone, sleep problems, ruminations, low self-esteem, being atheist, as well as extensive use of social networks. The research underscores the urgent need for intervention by educational authorities, given the marked deterioration in the mental health of children and adolescent students in the ChES, to prevent long-term consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with people's avoidance of hospital exposure, led to a reduction in medical consultations and delays in care seeking. Numerous reports have shown a decrease in the number of appendectomies performed and an increased incidence of complicated appendicitis during the pandemic. We aimed to investigate these findings during and after the cessation of COVID-19-related restrictions. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single centre, including consecutive adult patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis during three different periods: the pandemic cohort (7 March–30 June 2020), the post-pandemic cohort (7 March–30 June 2022) and the pre-pandemic control cohort (7 March–30 June 2019). A total of 103 patients were included and divided into the three cohorts. The patients' demographics, clinical presentation, investigations, and operative data were compared. Results: The three groups did not differ significantly regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, or the number of appendectomies. However, a duration of symptoms at presentation of less than 2 days was significantly more frequent in the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic groups than the pandemic group (p = 0.001). The interval between admission and operation was significantly shorter in the post-pandemic group than in the pandemic group. The pandemic group also showed a higher incidence of complicated appendicitis compared to the others (p = 0.025). Conclusions: The termination of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions promoted the earlier presentation of acute appendicitis cases and lowered the incidence of complicated appendicitis. This emphasises the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute appendicitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Social connections not only contribute to psychological and emotional well-being but also positively impact physical health, with social isolation and loneliness linked to early mortality and detrimental health outcomes. Objectives. This study aims to evaluate an online Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) group intervention designed to enhance social connectedness and subjective well-being while reducing loneliness, depression, and anxiety among older adults. Methods. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) will involve an intervention group receiving a 2 h ACL session via videoconferencing. Eligible participants selected after screening will be assigned randomly to either a treatment or waitlist-control group. Participants in both conditions will complete the assessments at three time points, including baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Tools for assessing the concerned variables include the Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale, de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2) Scale, and World Health Organisation—Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Conclusions. This study will offer a robust framework for investigating the impact of the online ACL intervention on loneliness and social connectedness among Chinese older adults. The result of this study will reach theoretical, empirical, practical, and teaching significance on mental health care strategies for Chinese older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]