Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic Surgeon in Pakistan (Preprint)

Author(s):  
Muhammad Muzzammil ◽  
Syed Jahanzeb ◽  
Ali Asghar ◽  
Saadia Jabbar ◽  
Hira Waheed

BACKGROUND In the light working under the constant threat of getting infected while treating orthopedic related patients, and trying to minimize their exposure as much as possible to avoid the contagion, has stressed out even the more seasoned orthopedicians. So we decided to initiate an anonymous online survey, and our target was to solely involve the orthopedic surgeons of our country to figure out how much this ongoing pandemic has affected their mental well-being, how prepared they feel they are to face this threat and what, according to them in the end-game solution to this pandemic. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice as well as psychological impact on orthopedic surgeons of Pakistan. METHODS An online survey involving orthopedic surgeons working in different regions of Pakistan through social media platforms like whatsapp and facebook and also through email, to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire comprises of multiple options all carefully chosen with a definitive aim to understand the impact of COVID-19 on their day to day practice and how well equipped they feel they are , in terms of knowledge as well as personal protective equipment . Our survey also aims to evaluate their state of mind and physical as well as emotional wellbeing in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Among 77 respondents, mean age of participants was 47 ± 12 years, mostly 31 (40.3%) were consultant and mostly 28(36.4%) having experience in field of orthopedics was between 5-10 years.This data revealed 48(62.3%) respondent did not received any specific training or recommendations about COVID pandemic from their institute and principle source of knowledge among them was social media 46 (59.7%) and only 37(48.1%) reported they are well informed on latest COVID guidelines. During pandemic 73(94.8%) did not operate any covid patient and among them 31(40.3%) not declared willingness to do elective orthopedic surgery on covid positive patient. Interestingly, this data revealed the willingness of orthopedic surgeons 30(39%) to take care of COVID-19 positive patients and support their colleagues in intensive care units, if needed. Concerning their orthopedic practice, mostly 35(45.5%) stopped planned surgeries and 20(26%) reported decrease in emergency surgeries during pandemic, this might be due to decrease in road traffic accident notified by study participant 24(31.2%). For consultation 56(72.7%) respondent used telemedicine and video conference during pandemic. During pandemic respondent revealed that in suspicious of covid infection mostly 34(44.2%) agreed on go through covid test and isolation while 28(36.4%) agreed to stay at home and observe and 65(84.4%) agreed on complete isolation on positive testing. 67(87%) feel anxious, stressed, furious, angry or depressed due to pandemic and most common fear among them was to infect their family members followed by getting infected and loss of their life and health. As the age decreased, the percentage of orthopaedic surgeons feeling stressed out increased and only 4(5.8%) estimate their protection as well protected. 40(51.9%) did not think their institute is well equipped to deal COVID pandemic and 31(40.3%) did not agreed to strategy of their institute to face COVID pandemic. Mostly agreed on specific vaccine 25(32.5%) quarantine 26(33.8%) would be best solution to preventive method to handle pandemic. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 pandemic has pitted our orthopedic community against challenges rarely encountered in the field of health care professionals. They nevertheless have to play an important role in the face of an increasing psycological and emotional stress which comes from working in a post COVID era . The dread of getting infected while treating and operating on patients and the sinking feeling of spreading the contagion to their loved ones has put a massive toll on the emotional well being of our orthopedic community and needs to be addressed through open and fair discussion . So during these trying times, we need to rise to the occasion and work as a close knitted team to overcome every obstacle encountered in the face of COVID-19 pandemic.

Author(s):  
Muhammad Muzzammil ◽  
Syed Jahanzeb ◽  
Ali Asghar ◽  
Saadia Jabbar ◽  
Hira Waheed

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The objective of our study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice as well as psychological impact on orthopedic surgeons of Pakistan.</p><p><strong>Method</strong>: An online survey involving orthopedic surgeons through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook and also through email, to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Our survey also aims to evaluate their state of mind and physical as well as emotional wellbeing in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Among 77 respondents, mostly 31 (40.3%) were consultant and mostly 28 (36.4%) having experience in field of orthopedics was between 5-10 years. This data revealed 48 (62.3%) respondents did not received any specific training or recommendations about COVID pandemic from their institute and only 37 (48.1%) reported they are well informed on latest COVID guidelines. Interestingly, this data revealed the willingness of orthopedic surgeons 30 (39%) to take care of COVID-19 positive patients in ICU.</p><p>67 (87%) feel anxious, stressed, furious, angry or depressed due to pandemic and most common fear among them was to infect their family members followed by getting infected and loss of their life and health. 40 (51.9%) did not think their institute is well equipped to deal COVID pandemic.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Orthopedic community nevertheless have to play an important role in the face of an increasing psychological and emotional stress which comes from working in a post COVID era. The dread of getting infected while treating and the sinking feeling of spreading the contagion to their loved ones has put a massive toll on the emotional well-being and needs to be addressed through open and fair discussion.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iffat Elbarazi ◽  
Basema Saddik ◽  
Michal Grivna ◽  
Faisal Aziz ◽  
Deena Al Souri ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic created a crisis in the world of information and digital literacy. The amount of misinformation surrounding COVID-19 that has circulated through social media (SM) since January 2020 is notably significant and it has been linked to rising levels of anxiety and fear amongst SM users. The COVID-19 'infodemic' was singled out by the World Health Organization (WHO) and several newly published studies as one of the causes of anxiety, depression, and fear amongst the global population OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess SM practices during COVID-19 and investigates their impact on well-being. METHODS An online infodemic cross-sectional survey was distributed via different SM platforms in the United Arab Emirates and other countries. Adults above 18 years of age were invited to complete an online survey that covered multiple domains, including the WHO-5 Well-being Index. RESULTS The study sheds light on the use of SM during the pandemic and its impact on well-being throughout the novel coronavirus pandemic. Out of 993 participants, 73% were females, 76% were non-Emirati, 91% university graduates, and 50% were employed in various occupations, of which 20% were health care professionals. Participants indicated that they acquired COVID-19 related information primarily from social media, of which WhatsApp was the most accessed. Most participants reported sharing the information after the verification. The mean well-being score was 12.6 ±5.6 with 49% of participants had poor well-being (WHO-5 score <12.5). The adjusted linear regression showed that Facebook usage was negatively associated with well-being score. Also, high time-usage was associated with poorer well-being. When adjusting for other factors, including low confidence in information around COVID-19 and poor knowledge overall, SM usage was significantly associated with poorer well-being CONCLUSIONS Social media practices during emergencies and disasters may impact public well-being. Authorities are advised to step in to minimize the spread of misinformation and more frequent use of social media, as it may influence well-being leading to increased levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. Public health specialists, information technology and communication experts should collaborate to limit the infodemic effect on communities.


Author(s):  
Iryna Muzyka ◽  
◽  
Barbara Belka ◽  
Yulia Ostrovska ◽  
Oksana Zayachkivska ◽  
...  

Social distancing related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS COV2 is an important precautionary measure, implemented by WHO approximately 1 year ago. At the same time, it is a large-scale stressor that has led to multiple changes in the lifestyle around the world. In this crisis, the well-being and health of medical students who belong to the individuals with a high risk of distress in the population are very important for society. The purpose of this research is to study the impact of COVID-19-related stay-at-home policy, social isolation, online academic learning, and working on the medical students' lifestyle and well-being focusing on their self-perception of telecommunication technologies, social media, as well as on the psychophysiological state, and eating behavior of medical students of Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University (LNMU). Methods. A prospective, cohort study was carried out on 273 medical students of the LNMU via an anonymous online survey using Google Forms. 273 people of different ethnicities answered the original questionnaire, which includes: 1) general questions (age, gender, ethnicity, family, education, work, and economic status); 2) issues related to the use of social media; 3) questions about the impact of social distancing on lifestyle; 4) the scale of stress perception. Results: The cohort for the study consisted of 166 women and 107 men in the following age groups: from 17 to 24 — 92 %, 25–31 — 4 %, 35–44 — 2 %, and over 45 years — 2 %. Ethnic groups included Asian — 47 %, Caucasian — 41 %, African — 7 %, Hispanic — 3 %, and multiracial people — 2 %. Social exclusion during COVID-19 was found to be caused by a change in the use of social media, more time spent on using them by all respondents. Among these, 88 % acknowledge that social media have a great impact and 71 % of responders learn basic information about the pandemic via social media. However, 52 % doubt the reliability of the information. The feeling of anxiety, panic, which characterized the perception of stress caused by information on social media, was reported by 56 % of respondents. Almost all respondents changed their lifestyle, which was characterized by physical inactivity and changed eating behavior. About 60 % of respondents reported overeating in the evening and at night (19:00 — 5:00) and almost half of all respondents reported weight gain in the last year. All respondents know about the benefits of physical activity to overcome signs of psycho-emotional stress, but only about 10 % of respondents exercise regularly. There were no differences in the responses from students belonging to the Caucasian group or other ethnicities. Conclusions. The lifestyle of student youth, their eating behavior, and psycho-emotional state are being modified during COVID-19. Social media is an important informative factor in the context of social exclusion and the fight against chronic stress


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0256998
Author(s):  
Duika L. Burges Watson ◽  
Miglena Campbell ◽  
Claire Hopkins ◽  
Barry Smith ◽  
Chris Kelly ◽  
...  

Background Qualitative olfactory (smell) dysfunctions are a common side effect of post-viral illness and known to impact quality of life and health status. Evidence is emerging that taste and smell loss are common symptoms of Covid-19 that may emerge and persist long after initial infection. The aim of the present study was to document the impact of post Covid-19 alterations to taste and smell. Methods We conducted exploratory thematic analysis of user-generated text from 9000 users of the AbScent Covid-19 Smell and Taste Loss moderated Facebook support group from March 24 to 30th September 2020. Results Participants reported difficulty explaining and managing an altered sense of taste and smell; a lack of interpersonal and professional explanation or support; altered eating; appetite loss, weight change; loss of pleasure in food, eating and social engagement; altered intimacy and an altered relationship to self and others. Conclusions Our findings suggest altered taste and smell with Covid-19 may lead to severe disruption to daily living that impacts on psychological well-being, physical health, relationships and sense of self. More specifically, participants reported impacts that related to reduced desire and ability to eat and prepare food; weight gain, weight loss and nutritional insufficiency; emotional wellbeing; professional practice; intimacy and social bonding; and the disruption of people’s sense of reality and themselves. Our findings should inform further research and suggest areas for the training, assessment and treatment practices of health care professionals working with long Covid.


Author(s):  
Duika L Burges Watson ◽  
Miglena Campbell ◽  
Claire Hopkins ◽  
Barry Smith ◽  
Chris Kelly ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundQualitative olfactory (smell) dysfunctions are a common side effect of post-viral illness and known to impact on quality of life and health status. Evidence is emerging that taste and smell loss are common symptoms of Covid-19 that may emerge and persist long after initial infection. The aim of the present study was to document the impact of post Covid-19 alterations to taste and smell.MethodsWe conducted passive and active thematic analysis of user-generated text from 9000 users of the AbScent Covid-19 Smell and Taste Loss moderated Facebook support group from March 24 to 30th September 2020.ResultsParticipants reported difficulty understanding, explaining and managing altered taste and smell; a lack of interpersonal and professional explanation or support; altered eating; appetite loss, weight change; loss of pleasure in food, eating and social engagement; altered intimacy and an altered relationship to self and others.ConclusionsOur findings suggest altered taste and smell with Covid-19 lead to a severe disruption to daily living that impacts on psychological well-being and health. Moreover, this impact is broad, spanning flavour perception; desire and ability to eat and prepare food; weight gain, loss and nutritional sufficiency; emotional wellbeing; professional practice; intimacy; social bonding and erosion of people’s very sense of reality. Our findings should inform the training, assessment and treatment practices of health care professionals working with long Covid.


2021 ◽  
pp. 019372352110671
Author(s):  
Connor Penfold ◽  
Jamie Cleland

This article explores the views of 906 football fans (96% of whom selfidentified as White), collected via an online survey from May-June 2019, regarding the impact of the leading equality and inclusion organization, Kick It Out, in delivering initiatives to challenge the multifaceted expressions of racism by some White English football fans. Whilst fans recognize the importance of raising awareness of racial discrimination, nearly three quarters of White fans do not engage with any Kick It Out initiatives. In the face of new challenges, including the largely unregulated space of social media, and a socio-political climate that has facilitated the resurgence of overtly expressed bigoted, colour and cultural-based racisms, the article stresses that the English football authorities must support the work of anti-racism organizations to increase their potency amongst White fans if racial discrimination is to be more effectively challenged in the future.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aizza Anwar ◽  
Daisy Mui Hung Kee ◽  
Ahmad Salman ◽  
Gul Jabeen

PurposeThe study's objective is to examine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) social media news (SMN) on work boredom (WB) and task performance (TP). The study proposes that psychological well-being (PWB) and depression mediate the relationship between COVID-19 SMN, WB and TP.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this research was collected from white-collar employees of two Asian countries, Pakistan (study 1, n = 167) and Malaysia (study 2, n = 118), was collected using an online survey during strict movement control order (MCO), work from home, at the beginning of the year 2020.FindingsIn both studies, the PWB of employees mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and their WB. On the other hand, depression only mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and WB in Pakistan. PWB only mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and TP in study 2. Depression only mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and TP in study 1.Research limitations/implicationsA couple of limitations worth noting are that the study adopted a cross-sectional approach. Thus, the sample size is not large in both counties. Because of the outbreak, limited employees agree to be part of an online survey. The scope of the study also restricts the authors to collect data during MCO, when employees were forced to work from home. In Pakistan, MCO began on 20th March and ended on 30th April, while in Malaysia, MCO started on 18th March and ended on 12th May. This also limits the study's claim of generalizability.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of the study is to guide practitioners of both Pakistan and Malaysia in developing strategies that help them understand that employees having PWB look for growth and challenging opportunities even during pandemic situations; employers can leverage it to deal with external threats like COVID-19 because improving the PWB can improve TP and reduce WB. The interesting results highlighted the fact that high TP not necessarily means everything is fine with employees, when the uncertainty level is high, employees may be performing well due to fear and depression instead of work motivation. Thus, employers should be more vigilant during a pandemic situation. This study also helps policymakers understand that the overall economic situation affects the individual employee’s state of mind and work behavior.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to scare literature on COVID-19 and SMN and illustrates employees' work behavior when forced to work from home during the MCO.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan M Batt ◽  
Niamh M Cummins

<p>Background</p><p>The impact of social media and online learning in health professions education has previously shown generally positive results in medical, nursing and pharmacy students. To date there has not been any extensive research into social media and online learning use by prehospital health care professionals such as paramedics.</p><p>Aim &amp; Methods</p><p>We sought to identify the extent to which Irish pre-hospital practitioners make use of online learning and social media for continuous professional competency (CPC), and the means by which they do so. A cross-sectional online survey of practitioners was conducted to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data. The release of the survey was in a controlled manner to PHECC registrants via various channels. Participation was voluntary and anonymous.</p><p>Results</p><p>A total of 248 respondents completed the survey in full by closing date of 31 March 2015, representing 5.4% of all registrants (n=4,555). 77% of respondents were male, and the majority were registered as Emergency Medical Technicians (49%), followed by Advanced Paramedics (26%). Over 78% of respondents used a mobile device in the course of their clinical duties; the majority used an iOS device. Social media and online learning were considered learning tools by over 75% of respondents, and over 74% agreed they should be further incorporated into prehospital education. The most popular platforms for CPC activities were YouTube and Facebook. The majority of respondents (88%) viewed self-directed activities to constitute continuous professional development activity, but 64% felt that an activity that resulted in the awarding of a certificate was better value. Over 90% of respondents had previous experience with online learning, but only 42% indicated they had previously purchased or paid for online learning.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Prehospital practitioners in Ireland in the population studied consider online learning and social media acceptable for CPC purposes. The main social media outlets used by PHECC registrants are YouTube and Facebook. Practitioners consider online learning that awards a certificate to be better value than self-directed activities. The majority have previous experience of online learning. The results of this study can be used to ensure educational interventions are targeted at practitioners through the correct channels.</p><p> </p>


Author(s):  
Achraf Ammar ◽  
Patrick Mueller ◽  
Khaled Trabelsi ◽  
Hamdi Chtourou ◽  
Omar Boukhris ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundPublic health recommendations and government measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have enforced restrictions on daily living, which may include social distancing, remote work/school, and home confinement. While these measures are imperative to abate the spreading of COVID-19, the impact of these restrictions on mental health and emotional wellbeing is undefined. Therefore, an international online survey was launched on April 6, 2020 in seven languages to elucidate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on mental health and emotional well-being. This report presents the preliminary results from the first thousand responders on mental wellbeing and mood and feelings questionnaires.MethodsThe ECLB-COVID19 electronic survey was designed by a steering group of multidisciplinary scientists and academics, following a structured review of the literature. The survey was uploaded and shared on the Google online survey platform. Thirty-five research organizations from Europe, North-Africa, Western Asia and the Americas promoted the multi-languages survey through their networks to general society. Of the 64 questions, 7 were from the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS), and 13 were from the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), which are both validated instruments.ResultsAnalysis was conducted on the first 1047 replies (54% women) from Asia (36%), Africa (40%), Europe (21%) and other (3%). The COVID-19 home confinement had a negative effect on both mental wellbeing and on mood and feelings. Specifically, a significant decrease (p<0.001 and Δ%= 9.4 %) in the total score of mental wellbeing was noted. More individuals (+12.89%) reported a low mental wellbeing “during” compared to “before” home confinement. Furthermore, results from the mood and feelings questionnaire (i.e., depressive symptoms) showed a significant increase by 44.9% (p<0.001) in total score with more people (+10%) developing depressive symptoms “during” compared to “before” home confinement.ConclusionThe ECLB-COVID19 survey revealed an increased psychosocial strain triggered by the enforced home confinement. To mitigate this high risk of mental disorders and to foster an Active and Healthy Confinement Lifestyle (AHCL), a crisis-oriented interdisciplinary intervention is urgently needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352199884
Author(s):  
Catherine Heidi Seage ◽  
Lenira Semedo

Pernicious anemia (PA) is a chronic condition that is usually treated using B12 injections. Due to the pandemic, many patients were prescribed an alternative oral B12 treatment. There is limited evidence that this is effective at managing symptoms of PA. The aim of this study was to document treatment changes across the United Kingdom and the impact on patient experience. An online survey explored how the treatment of PA has been managed during the early stages of the pandemic; responses were analyzed for a subsample of participants receiving prescribed B12 injections and where changes in treatment applied (n = 329) using content analysis. The most common reported change was the suspension of injections, with oral B12 being offered as an alternative treatment. Patients were concerned about the long-term impact that changes would have on their condition management, and many stated that they were dissatisfied with the level of care received. Those who were supported by health care providers to continue their usual treatment reported experiencing improved health and well-being. This study highlights the major impact of treatment changes on patient health outcomes and the need to further support health care professionals with PA management during and beyond the pandemic.


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