scholarly journals Insights Gained in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Follow-Up Survey of a Recreational Training Program, Focusing on Sense of Coherence and Sleep Quality

Author(s):  
Etelka Szovák ◽  
Károly Varga ◽  
Imre Zoltán Pelyva ◽  
Rita Soós ◽  
Sára Jeges ◽  
...  

The original aim of this study was a follow-up assessment of a recreational program running for six months (September 2019–February 2020) within controlled conditions. Following the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey acquired a new goal: how do the subjects of the follow-up sampling experience this severe stress situation, and in this experience, what role does physical activity and a salutogenetic sense of coherence play. Austrian women (N = 53) took part in the training program, whose physical condition was assessed before the start of the program, then reassessed after three months and after six months; the organizers also had them fill out the sense of coherence questionnaire (SOC) as well as the Regensburger insomnia scale. After the lifting of the lockdown introduced due to the pandemic, participants completed an online survey relating to their changed life conditions, physical activities, sense of coherence and sleep quality. Results: After the first three months of the training, no significant changes were detected. After six months, the participants SOC and sleep quality improved (Friedman test: p = 0.005 and p < 0.001). During the lockdown, sleep quality generally deteriorated (W-rank test: p = 0.001), while SOC did not change. The women in possession of a relatively stronger SOC continued the training (OR = 3.6, CI 95% = 1.2–12.2), and their sleep quality deteriorated to a lesser degree. (OR = 1.7, CI 95% = 1.1–2.8). Conclusion: The data reinforce the interdependency between physical exercise (PE) and SOC; furthermore, the personal training that the authors formulated for middle-aged women proved to be successful in strengthening their sense of coherence, and it also reduced the deterioration in sleep quality due to stress.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A30-A30
Author(s):  
M Crowther ◽  
S Ferguson ◽  
R Adams ◽  
A Reynolds

Abstract Paramedics are at increased risk of occupational injuries, mental illness and poor health outcomes. Little is known however about the role of poor sleep in such outcomes and the way in which sleep may change as an individual commences work as a paramedic. The aim of the present study is to investigate changes in sleep as paramedics commence work. As part of an ongoing, longitudinal study of Australian paramedics, participants undertake a baseline assessment prior to commencing work and a follow up every three months for a year. At each time point paramedics wear an actigraph (GENEActiv) for seven days, and complete an online survey including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The present preliminary analysis utilised linear mixed models to test the effect of commencing work as a paramedic on participants’ sleep quality. Preliminary results from the first cohort of recruits are reported (n=9 commencing paramedics, mean age (+SD) = 25.2±4.4, 56% female). There was a significant increase in PSQI scores from baseline (T0: 2.4±1.4) to three months (T1: 5.2±3.9) (F(1, 8) = 5.47, p = 0.05). The percentage of individuals with clinically poor sleep (PSQI ≥5) increased from 0% (n=0) at T0 to 56% (n=5) at T1. Commencing paramedics report significantly poorer sleep quality compared to their pre-commencement levels. Interestingly, baseline PSQI scores indicate no participants were experiencing clinically defined poor sleep. However, at follow-up over half the sample reported clinically defined poor sleep. Findings of objective sleep and wake outcomes are anticipated for the meeting in October.


2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (8) ◽  
pp. 821-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Yang ◽  
Zhenghe Yu ◽  
You Xu ◽  
Wenjuan Liu ◽  
Lu Liu ◽  
...  

Aim: To study the sleep and mental health of chronic insomnia patients in China during coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. Methods: A total of 764 patients with chronic insomnia were included in this study. From 17 January 2020 to 24 January 2020, insomnia, anxiety and physical symptoms were evaluated online, and they were followed up for 4 and 8 weeks. Main outcomes and indicators were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and each factor score, the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), respectively. In addition, insomnia, anxiety and physical symptoms were assessed at baseline and at the end of fourth and eighth weeks. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the changes in patients’ scale scores at different time points. Results: Among the 764 participants, there were 755 and 738 evaluators who completed the fourth and eighth weeks, respectively, and the questionnaire completion rates were 98.82% and 96.60%, respectively. Among them, there are 459 (60.0%) aged 41–60 years old, 546 (71.5%) women, 218 (28.5%) men and 313 (41%) college degrees. After 8 weeks of follow-up, the differences in sleep status, anxiety symptoms and physical symptoms were statistically significant. Among the factors of PSQI, there were differences in subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep disturbance (disorder), sleep efficiency and daytime function. At 4 weeks of follow-up, there was a statistically significant difference in the use of hypnotic drugs; at 8 weeks of follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in the use of hypnotic drugs. Conclusion: Under the influence of the COVID-19, the sleep status and anxiety of patients with chronic insomnia are affected by the epidemic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1987-1996
Author(s):  
Sherine R. Tambyraja

Purpose This study investigated the extent to which speech-language pathologists (SLPs) facilitate parents' completion of homework activities for children with speech sound disorder (SSD). In addition, this study explored factors related to more consistent communication about homework completion and strategies considered particularly effective for supporting this element of parental involvement. Method Licensed SLPs serving at least one child with SSD were invited to participate in an online survey. Questions relevant to this study gathered information regarding (a) frequency of communication about homework distribution and follow-up, (b) demographic and workplace characteristics, and (c) an open-ended question about the specific strategies used to support parental involvement and completion of homework activities. Results Descriptive results indicated considerable variability with respect to how frequently SLPs engaged in communication about homework completion, but that school-based SLPs were significantly less likely to engage in this type of follow-up. Strategies considered effective, however, were similar across therapy contexts. Conclusion These results suggest potentially important differences between school-based services and therapy in other contexts with respect to this particular aspect of service provision for children with SSD.


Swiss Surgery ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-10
Author(s):  
Knoefel ◽  
Brunken ◽  
Neumann ◽  
Gundlach ◽  
Rogiers ◽  
...  

Die komplette chirurgische Entfernung von Lebermetastasen bietet Patienten nach kolorektalem Karzinom die einzige kurative Chance. Es gibt jedoch eine, anscheinend unbegrenzte, Anzahl an Parametern, die die Prognose dieser Patienten bestimmen und damit den Sinn dieser Therapie vorhersagen können. Zu den am häufigsten diskutierten und am einfachsten zu bestimmenden Parametern gehört die Anzahl der Metastasen. Ziel dieser Studie war es daher die Wertigkeit dieses Parameters in der Literatur zu reflektieren und unsere eigenen Patientendaten zu evaluieren. Insgesamt konnte von 302 Patienten ein komplettes Follow-up erhoben werden. Die gebildeten Patientengruppen wurden mit Hilfe einer Kaplan Meier Analyse und konsekutivem log rank Test untersucht. Die Literatur wurde bis Dezember 1998 revidiert. Die Anzahl der Metastasen bestätigte sich als ein prognostisches Kriterium. Lagen drei oder mehr Metastasen vor, so war nicht nur die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer R0 Resektion deutlich geringer (17.8% versus 67.2%) sondern auch das Überleben der Patienten nach einer R0 Resektion tendenziell unwahrscheinlicher. Das 5-Jahres Überleben betrug bei > 2 Metastasen 9% bei > 2 Metastasen 36%. Das 10-Jahres Überleben beträgt bislang bei > 2 Metastasen 0% bei > 2 Metastasen 18% (p < 0.07). Die Anzahl der Metastasen spielt in der Prognose der Patienten mit kolorektalen Lebermetastasen eine Rolle. Selbst bei mehr als vier Metastasen ist jedoch gelegentlich eine R0 Resektion möglich. In diesen Fällen kann der Patient auch langfristig von einer Operation profitieren. Das wichtigere Kriterium einer onkologisch sinnvollen Resektabilität ist die Frage ob technisch und funktionell eine R0 Resektion durchführbar ist. Ist das der Fall, so sollte auch einem Patienten mit mehreren Metastasen die einzige kurative Chance einer Resektion nicht vorenthalten bleiben.


2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-193
Author(s):  
Kacem Abdelhadi ◽  
Houar Abdelatif ◽  
Zerf Mohamed ◽  
Bengoua Ali

SummaryThis study tests the impact of COVID-19 on sleep of Algerian population before and during the COVID-19 quarantine by an estimated online survey, adapted from the PSQI Italian version. Including 1210 participants (age between 18-60 years old). The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22.0 software. Our results showed a significant change in sleeping quality during quarantine, the sleep timing markedly changed, we also noticed additional use of sleeping medications. Algerian scientists recommend to build public awareness and to provide necessary information regarding Algerian sleep quality, especially for Algerian adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 83-83
Author(s):  
Maria J. Marques ◽  
Bob Woods ◽  
Eva Y.L. Tan ◽  
Marjolein de Vugt ◽  
Frans Verhey ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTIONRelationship quality (RQ) in dyads of persons with dementia and their family carers is important both as a clinical outcome and as a determinant of health and quality of life. In previous work we studied RQ using baseline data of a large-scale European longitudinal study on timely access to and use of community formal services in dementia (EU-JPND Acticare). We concluded that neuropsychiatric symptoms and carer stress contributed to discrepancies in RQ ratings within the dyad, which were less favourable when reported by family carers. This and other associations (e.g. between carer-rated RQ and sense of coherence) were cautiously interpreted, in the context of a cross-sectional analysis.OBJECTIVESTo analyse how carer-reported RQ varies over time and to examine its most important influencing factors.METHODSWe present preliminary longitudinal analyses from the Actifcare cohort study of 451 community-dwelling persons with dementia and their primary carers in eight European countries (12-month follow-up). Comprehensive assessments included the Positive Affect Index (PAI) to assess RQ, persons with dementia’s neuropsychiatric symptoms, persons with dementia and carers’ unmet needs, carers’ anxiety and depression, social support, sense of coherence and stress.RESULTSCarers’ mean PAI scores decreased over the 12 -month period. The person with dementia neuropsychiatric symptoms and unmet needs, and carers’ perceived social support were significant predictors of carers’ RQ change.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONWe analysed carer-reported RQ variation over time and predictors in a large European sample of persons with dementia and their family carers. As expected, RQ decreased over the oneyear follow-up period as the disease progressed. Its main predictors in this sample (neuropsychiatric symptoms and the person’s unmet needs, together with carers’ social support) can all influence the impact that caregiving has on the carer and on how time and energy-consuming caregiving is. The role of increased clinical symptoms (also affecting communication difficulties), together with carers’ exhaustion, must be equated. Overall, these results may help us to tailor interventions addressing RQ and potentially improve dementia outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Somayeh Makaremnia ◽  
Marieh Dehghan Manshadi ◽  
Zahra Khademian

Abstract Background Thalassemia have a negative impact on the patients' psychological health and sleep quality. This study aimed to determine the effects of a positive thinking training program on hope and sleep quality of patients with thalassemia major. Methods This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 78 patients with thalassemia major including 36 males (46.2%) and 42 females (53.8%) with a mean age of 25.56 ± 29.6 in Iran. Subjects were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. Experimental group received 16 h training based on positive thinking materials published by Martin Seligman. Control group received only usual programs. Data were collected at baseline, as well as immediately and one month after the intervention, using Snyder’s Hope Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Software 18.0; statistical tests included the independent T-test, the Chi-square, Mann Whitney, and Friedman test. Significance level was set at 0.05 in this study. Results The experimental group had a significantly higher mean hope score compared to the control group immediately (45.38 ± 7.82 vs. 35.32 ± 5.54, P < 0.001) and one month following intervention (44.67 ± 3.47 vs. 35 ± .54, P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean sleep quality scores of the experimental group was significantly greater than that for control group immediately (5.35 ± 2.02 vs. 7 ± 2.4, P = 0.004) and one month after the intervention (4.23 ± 2.2 vs.7.02 ± 3.03, P < 0.001). Conclusion Since our training program on positive thinking improved hope and quality of sleep in patients with thalassemia major, we recommend the use of such courses as an important step toward promotion of hope and sleep quality among these patients. Trial registration The name of the registry: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Trial Registration Number: IRCT2017010431774N1. URL of the trial registry record: https://en.irct.ir/trial/24923. Registration Date: 07/03/2017.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1132.3-1133
Author(s):  
G. Jurado Quijano ◽  
L. Fernández de la Fuente Bursón ◽  
B. Hernández-Cruz ◽  
P. Muñoz Reinoso ◽  
V. Merino Bohóquez ◽  
...  

Background:Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody against the CD20 B cell antigen that has been used successfully in recent years for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is an effective drug that reaches survival rates of 60% at 5 years of treatment as reflected in the British experience. However, survival in Spanish patients is unknown.Objectives:To study the survival of RTX treatment and the characteristics of patients with RA treated with the drug since its commercialization in Spain.Methods:Observational, retrospective and analytical study of a cohort of patients with RA treated with at least one dose of RTX. We reviewed the medical records of all patients with RA from January 2007 to June 2017. A total of 178 previous defined variables were collected, highlighting data about treatment (use of RTX, associated conventional synthetic disease modifying drugs [FAMEsc], doses of corticosteroids [GC] used) and activity indices. Descriptive statistics were performed (median and the 25th and 75th percentiles are shown). The comparative analysis was done with χ2 and U of Mann Whitney for categorical variables and paired sign rank test or Student’s t for continuous. Survival Kaplan Mayer curves were constructed. The study was carried out in accordance with the standards of our Clinical Research Ethics Committee.Results:A total of 54 patients were analyzed. 74% (n = 40) of them were women, the age was 61.2 years (51.0 - 67.4). 74% (n = 40) presented some type of relevant comorbidity. Its RA was FR + in 96% (n = 52) and ACCP + in 78% (n = 42) of the cases, with an evolution time of 9.3 years (3.5-19, 2), and with radiographic erosions in up to 63% (n = 34). At the time of the start of the RTX, 100% of the patients (n = 54) received some FAMEsc, and 33 (61%) were treated with prednisone; the daily dose of prednisone was 9 (6-12) mg. The baseline DAS28-VSG was 5 (4.1 - 6.0). The duration of the follow-up was 56.6 (29.3-92.1) months. Patients received a mean of 5 (1-6) cycles of RTX at a dose of 1000 mg on days 0 and 15 in most cases. The final DAS28-VSG was 2.6 (2.1 - 4.0), p = 0.00001 compared to baseline. The delta between baseline and final DAS was -2.36 (-0.55 - -3.1). At the end of the RTX treatment, the EULAR response rate was good in 64% (n = 25), reaching remission in 17 (31%) of the patients, and moderate response in 21% (n = 8) of them (Figure 1). Only 2 (4%) patients were treated with GCC at the end of the follow-up, p<0,00001 compared to baseline. The daily dose of PDN at the end of follow-up was 6 mg in a case and 12 mg in the other, p=00001 compared to baseline. At the end of the follow-up 24%of the patients (n = 13) changed or discontinued the drug: 9 changed due to secondary failure, 2 suspended due to adverse events, 1 due to death due to prior neoplastic process and 1 due to complete disease remission. Survival at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 years was 92%, 92%, 82% 78%, 75%, 75% and 65% respectively; with a mean survival rate of 90 months (Figure 1).Conclusion:The results of our analysis show that patients with RA undergoing RTX treatment have adequate control of disease activity and drug survival rates, like published data. RTX treatment allowed stopped GCC treatment in 31 cases (90%).References:[1]Oldroyd AGS, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2018 Jun 1;57(6):1089-1096.Disclosure of Interests:Gonzalo Jurado Quijano: None declared, Lola Fernández de la Fuente Bursón: None declared, Blanca Hernández-Cruz Speakers bureau: Sociedad Española de Reumatología, Abbvie, Roche, Bristol, MSD, Lilly, Pfizer, Amgen, Sanofi, Consultant of: Abbvie, Lilly, Sanofi, STADA, UCB, Amgen, Grant/research support from: Fundación para la Investigación Sevilla, Junta de Andalucía, Fundación Andaluza de Reumatología, Paloma Muñoz Reinoso: None declared, Vicente Merino Bohóquez: None declared, José Javier Pérez Venegas: None declared


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Emre Erdem ◽  
Ahmet Karatas ◽  
Tevfik Ecder

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The effect of high serum ferritin levels on long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients is unknown. The relationship between serum ferritin levels and 5-year all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients was investigated in this study. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 173 prevalent hemodialysis patients were included in this study. The patients were followed for up to 5 years and divided into 3 groups according to time-averaged serum ferritin levels (group 1: serum ferritin &#x3c;800 ng/mL, group 2: serum ferritin 800–1,500 ng/mL, and group 3: serum ferritin &#x3e;1,500 ng/mL). Along with the serum ferritin levels, other clinical and laboratory variables that may affect mortality were also included in the Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Eighty-one (47%) patients died during the 5-year follow-up period. The median follow-up time was 38 (17.5–60) months. The 5-year survival rates of groups 1, 2, and 3 were 44, 64, and 27%, respectively. In group 3, the survival was lower than in groups 1 and 2 (log-rank test, <i>p</i> = 0.002). In group 1, the mortality was significantly lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.16 [0.05–0.49]; <i>p</i> = 0.001). In group 2, the mortality was also lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.12–0.88]; <i>p</i> = 0.026). No significant difference in mortality between groups 1 and 2 was found (HR [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.23–1.04]; <i>p</i> = 0.063). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Time-averaged serum ferritin levels &#x3e;1,500 ng/mL in hemodialysis patients are associated with an increased 5-year all-cause mortality risk.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Martin Čadek ◽  
Stuart W. Flint ◽  
Ralph Tench

Abstract Objective: The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) is a mandatory initiative delivered in England to children in reception and year 6. To date, no research has explored the methods used to deliver the NCMP by Local Government Authorities (LGA) across England. Design: An online survey was administered between February 2018 and May 2018 to explore the delivery of the NCMP across the 152 LGAs in England and disseminated using non-probability convenience sampling. Setting: LGAs received an anonymous link to the survey. Participants: A total of 92 LGAs participated in the survey. Results: Most LGAs who responded provide result feedback (86%), a proactive follow-up (71%) and referrals to services (80%). Additionally, 65% of the authorities tailor Public Health England specimen result letters to suit their needs, and 84% provide attachments alongside. Out of 71% of LGAs who provide proactive follow-up, 19 (29%) provide the proactive follow-up only to upper weight categories, and only 4 (6 %) include Healthy Weight category with other categories in proactive follow-up. Regarding the service availability for children, out of 80% of LGAs who indicated that services are available, 32 (43%) targeted solely upper weight categories while the other 42 (57%) offered services across all weight categories. Finally, most LGAs (88%) commission providers to manage various parts of the NCMP. Conclusions: The results show that LGAs in England localise the NCMP. Further guidance regarding standards of best practice would help LGAs to find the most suitable localisation out of various options that exist across other LGAs.


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