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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected older adults worldwide. Sedentary older adults experienced more severe adverse health effects due to their shelter-in-place. Physical activity was strongly recommended during periods of social distancing. The present study evaluated the impact of a virtually supervised exercise program on the physical fitness and mental health of Mexican older adults during the pandemic's lockdown. Methods: Participants were 44 older adults who were assigned to one of four physical fitness groups: a healthy control group (Ctrl-H, n = 15), a comorbidity control group (Ctrl-COM, n = 9), an exercise group without comorbidities (Exe-H, n = 11), and an exercise group with comorbidities (Exe-COM, n = 9). The participants engaged in a 60-min, virtually-supervised concurrent exercise session three times/week for 12 weeks. Fitness was measured using the online Senior Fitness Tests and the 4-m Gait Speed Test. Mental health was evaluated through virtual interviews using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Within-subject pre vs. post-intervention comparisons tested for significant differences, between-groups and over time. Results: Significant interactions were found in the scores of the Geriatric Depression Scale (p ≤ 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.35), the Hamilton Depression Scale (p ≤ 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.35), resilience scores (p ≤ 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.46), lower-body strength (p ≤ 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.32), timed up-and-go test (p = 0.018; ηp2 = 0.18), the 6MWT distance scores (p ≤ 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.39), and the 4-m gait speed test scores (p = 0.011; ηp2 = 0.20). Conclusion: A long-term virtually-supervised exercise program conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown period led to marked improvements in both the fitness and mental health of older Mexican adults. Comorbidities did not diminish these benefits. These findings provide empirical support for online exercise programs in the daily routines of older adults to make clinically meaningful improvements in both physical and mental well-being.

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BACKGROUND: Nurses are essential members of the healthcare workforce and were among the first-line carers for patients in community and hospital settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, they were at a heightened risk of infection, resulting in several reported deaths among nursing staff. Several preventive measures were adopted to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nurses regarding hand hygiene, mask wearing, and social distancing measures in healthcare settings in Barbados during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: An online survey of nurses working in public hospitals and polyclinics (public primary care clinics) in Barbados from March 2021 to December 2021 was conducted. A nonsystematic convenience sampling method was employed to recruit nurses who were readily available and willing to participate. A questionnaire captured the sociodemographic information and knowledge and practices related to hand hygiene, the use of face masks, and social distancing. Each correct response received one mark. Overall knowledge scores were categorized as poor (<60%), average (60-80%), or good (>80-100%). RESULTS: Of the 192 participants, the majority were female (82.8%) and had >5 years of experience (82%). The findings revealed that 45.8% had poor knowledge of hand hygiene, and that the knowledge of 43.8% of respondents was average. Multivariable logistic regression showed that, after adjustment for age and gender, registered nurses had 2.1 times increased odds (95% confidence interval 1.0, 4.2) of having good knowledge compared to other nursing categories. Regarding mask wearing, 53.6% of nurses had average knowledge, and 27.1% had good knowledge. Multivariable logistic regression showed that, after adjustment for age and gender, registered nurses had 3.3 times increased odds (95% confidence interval 1.5, 7.4) of having good knowledge compared to nursing assistants. A total of 68.6% of respondents followed the correct steps of handwashing every time, and 98.3% wore a mask in public places. More than half of the nurses (51.2%) kept a safe distance from others to avoid spreading SARS-CoV-2; one-third were in a crowded place(s) in the past three months, and 55.8% usually followed guidelines for social isolation as recommended by the WHO. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified knowledge deficiencies related to hand hygiene and wearing masks among nurses. It is imperative to provide additional training on infection control measures.

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COVID-19 pandemic has changed several aspects in human behaviour, whereas population mobility patterns have been strongly affected by social distancing. In parallel, changes in solid waste generation patterns have been reported worldwide. This work assessed the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on waste generation and collection in São Paulo city, Brazil, the largest city of Latin America. Data on nine types of wastes collected between 2013 and 2021 were obtained, and the quantities of wastes collected before and during the pandemic were compared. These data were also discussed in light of data on COVID-19 cases and rates of social distancing and mobility. An increase in the amount of recyclables collected during the first wave of COVID-19 (March to September 2020) was observed. Decreases in the quantities of construction, demolition and bulky wastes (first wave of COVID-19) and farmers market wastes (second wave - October 2020 to February 2021) were also evidenced. The quantities of medical wastes collected during the pandemic significantly increased. The amount of residential wastes was lower than the mean for the pre-pandemic period during the first months of COVID-19. Thus, changes in lifestyle and consumption patterns of the population of São Paulo city seem to have affected solid waste generation during the pandemic, which reinforces the need of implementing solid waste management policies based on a diagnostic that characterise and consider these changes.

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Abstract Objectives The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent lockdowns and social distancing measures adopted worldwide raised questions about the possible health effects of human social isolation. Methods We conducted a systematic review on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase electronic databases using terms related to human social isolation - defined as the isolation of an individual from regular routines and usual social contact - and psychological stress, searching for simulated or naturalistic isolation environments. We present the main results, as well as the validity and limitations of each model. PROSPERO registry number: CRD42021241880. Results Despite the diversity of contexts reviewed, some outcomes almost ubiquitously relate to psychological stress, i.e., longer periods, expectation of a longer period, confinement, lack of social interaction, and support. Based on the results, and considering that most studies were not designed for the purpose of understanding isolation itself, we propose a group of recommendations for future experimental or naturalistic research on the topic. Conclusion Evidence on the impact of different situations in which individuals are subjected to social isolation can assist in development of directed preventive strategies to support people under similar circumstances. Such strategies might increase the general public's compliance with social distancing as a non-pharmacological intervention for emerging infectious diseases.

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ABSTRACT Introduction: As the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus as a pandemic in March 2020, physical therapy is more difficult to execute, and social distancing is mandatory in the healthcare sector. Objective: In physical therapy, an online video analysis software that provides real-time graphic and numerical information about the patient's movement executions without direct personal contact would mean a significant improvement in eHealth treatment. Methods: We have developed a software layer on top of OpenPose human body position estimation software that can extract the time series of angles of arbitrary body parts using the output coordinates from OpenPose processing the data recorded by two cameras simultaneously. To validate the procedure of determining the joint angles using the Openpose software we have used the Kinovea software. Results: The comparison of the determined maximal knee angle in our and the Kinovea software, which is widely used in biomechanical measurements, was not significantly different (2.03±1.06°, p<0.05) Conclusion: This indicates, that the developed software can calculate the appropriate joint angles with the accuracy that physiotherapy treatments require. As, to our knowledge no such software yet exists, with the help of this software development, therapists could control and correct the exercises in real-time, and also from a distance, and physical therapy effectiveness could be increased. Level of Evidence II; Experimental, comparative.

RESUMEN Introducción: Como la Organización Mundial de la Salud declaró el nuevo coronavirus como una pandemia en marzo de 2020, la fisioterapia es más difícil de ejecutar, el distanciamiento social es obligatorio en el sector de la salud. Objetivo: En la práctica de fisioterapia un software de análisis de vídeo online que proporcione información gráfica y numérica en tiempo real sobre las ejecuciones de movimiento del paciente sin contacto personal directo supondría una mejora significativa en el tratamiento de la eSalud. Métodos: Fue desarrollado una capa de software sobre el software de estimación de posición del cuerpo humano OpenPose que puede extraer la serie temporal de ángulos de partes arbitrarias del cuerpo utilizando las coordenadas de salida de OpenPose procesando los datos registrados por dos cámaras simultáneamente. Para validar el procedimiento de determinación de los ángulos articulares mediante el software Openpose fue utilizado el software Kinovea. Resultados: La comparación del ángulo máximo de rodilla determinado en nuestro software y Kinovea, que es ampliamente utilizado en mediciones biomecánicas, no fue significativamente diferente (2,03±1,06°, p<0,05). Conclusión: Esto indica que el software desarrollado puede calcular los ángulos articulares adecuados con la precisión que requieren los tratamientos de fisioterapia. Dado que aún no existe dicho software, con la ayuda de este desarrollo de software, los terapeutas podrían controlar y corregir los ejercicios en tiempo real, y también a distancia, y se podría aumentar la eficacia de la fisioterapia. Nivel de Evidencia II; Experimental, comparativo.

RESUMO Introdução: Como a Organização Mundial da Saúde declarou o novo coronavírus como pandemia em março de 2020, a fisioterapia é mais difícil de executar, o distanciamento social é obrigatório no setor de saúde. Objetivo: Na prática da fisioterapia, um software de análise de vídeo online que fornece informações gráficas e numéricas em tempo real sobre as execuções de movimento do paciente sem contato pessoal direto significaria uma melhora significativa no tratamento eHealth. Métodos: Desenvolveu-se uma camada de software em cima do software de estimativa de posição do corpo humano OpenPose que pode extrair as séries temporais de ângulos de partes do corpo arbitrárias usando as coordenadas de saída do OpenPose processando os dados gravados por duas câmeras simultaneamente. Para validar o procedimento de determinação dos ângulos articulares utilizando o software Openpose utilizou-se o software Kinovea. Resultados: A comparação do ângulo máximo do joelho determinado em nosso e no software Kinovea, amplamente utilizado em medidas biomecânicas, não foi significativamente diferente (2,03±1,06°, p<0,05) Conclusão: Isso indica que o software desenvolvido pode calcular os ângulos articulares adequados com a precisão que os tratamentos de fisioterapia exigem. Como esse software ainda não existe, com a ajuda do desenvolvimento desse software, os terapeutas puderam controlar e corrigir os exercícios em tempo real, e também à distância, aumentando a eficácia da fisioterapia. Nível de Evidência II; Experimental, comparativo.

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Resumo Este estudo qualitativo visou compreender a experiência de oito casais de adultos jovens em coabitação durante a pandemia de covid-19 e as repercussões do período na vida conjugal. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, seis presenciais e duas online, com casais heterossexuais, sem filhos, que coabitavam há menos de três anos. A análise temática reflexiva gerou três temas: desafios e dificuldades na pandemia; aproximação entre o casal; ganhos e aprendizados. Níveis aumentados de estresse, insegurança e ansiedade, sensação de sobrecarga e de privação devido às medidas de distanciamento social, dificuldades na delimitação dos espaços individuais dentro de casa e aumento nos conflitos conjugais foram os principais desafios relatados. Apesar disso, o enfrentamento colaborativo resultou em maior intimidade e no fortalecimento do vínculo conjugal, aumentando o compromisso com a relação. Tais resultados ilustram como um contexto pandêmico pode impactar relacionamentos durante o início da coabitação.

Abstract This qualitative study investigated the cohabitation experience of eight young adult couples during in the pandemic and its repercussions on marital life. Semi structured interviews were conducted, six in-person and two online, with childfree heterosexual couples living together for less than three years. The reflexive thematic analysis generated three themes: pandemic-related challenges and difficulties, couple bonding, gains and learnings. Increased levels of stress, insecurity and anxiety, a sense of of overload and deprivation due to social distancing measures, difficulties in delimiting individual spaces within the home and an increase in marital conflicts were the main challenges reported. Conversely, the ability to collaboratively cope with these challenges resulted in more intimacy and strengthened the marital bond, generating greater couple commitment. These findings illustrate how pandemics can impact relationships during the beginning of cohabitation.

Resumen Este estudio cualitativo tuvo como objetivo comprender las experiencias de ocho parejas de adultos jóvenes en cohabitación en el transcurso de la pandemia del covid-19 y sus repercusiones en la vida conyugal. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas, seis presenciales y dos en línea, con parejas heterosexuales, sin hijos, que vivían en cohabitación hace menos de tres años. El análisis temático reflexivo generó tres temas: desafíos y dificultades en la pandemia, acercamiento entre la pareja, conquistas y aprendizajes. El aumento de los niveles de estrés, inseguridad y ansiedad, los sentimientos de sobrecarga y privación por las medidas de distanciamiento social, las dificultades para delimitar los espacios individuales dentro del hogar y el aumento de los conflictos conyugales fueron los principales desafíos informados. Además, afrontar estos desafíos de forma colaborativa redundó en mayor intimidad y en el fortalecimiento del vínculo conyugal, repercutiendo en el aumento del compromiso con la relación. Estos resultados muestran cómo el contexto pandémico puede impactar el comienzo de la convivencia de las relaciones de pareja.

Résumé Cette étude qualitative a examiné l'expérience de cohabitation de huit jeunes couples adultes pendant la pandémie et ses répercussions sur la vie conjugale. Des entretiens semi-directifs ont été réalisés, six face-à-face et deux en ligne, auprès de couples hétérosexuels sans enfants vivant ensemble depuis moins de trois ans. L'analyse thématique réflexive a dégagé trois thèmes: les défis et difficultés liés à la pandémie, le lien du couple, les acquis et les enseignements. Des niveaux accrus de stress, d'insécurité et d'anxiété, des sentiments de surcharge et de privation dus aux mesures de distanciation sociale, des difficultés à délimiter les espaces individuels chez eux et une augmentation des conflits conjugaux sont les principaux défis signalés. Cependant, la capacité à faire face ensemble à ces défis a permis d'accroître l'intimité et de renforcer le lien conjugal, générant ainsi un plus grand engagement du couple. Ces résultats illustrent l'impact que les pandémies peuvent avoir sur les relations au début de la cohabitation.

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Santa Catarina é considerado o estado de maior longevidade do país. A pandemia de COVID-19, especialmente nos seus primeiros meses, afetou de modo mais intenso as pessoas idosas, que passaram a ser consideradas "grupo de risco" e por isso, a aderir mais intensamente ao distanciamento social. Esta pesquisa objetiva caracterizar as Representações Sociais relativas ao distanciamento social como medida de prevenção à COVID-19 para as pessoas idosas no estado de Santa Catarina. Para isso, 301 participantes responderam a um questionário autoaplicado online, composto por questões abertas e fechadas relativas à experiência do distanciamento social, dados sociodemográficos e de inclusão digital. Os participantes foram em maioria mulheres, brancas, casadas, com alto grau de escolaridade, renda e inclusão digital. A partir da análise de conteúdo avaliativa e categorial temática das questões abertas, constatou-se a predominância da dimensão atitudinal das representações sociais, com destaque para as atitudes negativas, revelando que a atribuição de sentido a este novo fenômeno envolveu afeto e tomada de posicionamento. Também foram descritas as dimensões foi possível informação e imagem, que se fizeram presentes, respectivamente, na relação com a mídia e na descrição da "quarentena" como um período de transformações, perdas e como uma experiência nova. Constatou-se que os processos de objetivação e, principalmente de ancoragem, revelaram diferenças de gênero.(AU)

Santa Catarina is considered the state of greatest longevityin the country. The COVID-19 pandemic, especially in its first months, affected the elderly people more intensely, who came to be considered a "risk group" and, therefore, adhered more intensely to social distancing. This research aims to characterize the Social Representations related to social distancing as a preventive measure against COVID-19 for elderly people in the state of Santa Catarina. For this, 301 participants answered a self-administered online questionnaire, consisting of open and closed questions relating to the experience of social distancing, sociodemographic data and digital inclusion. The participants were mostly white, married women, with a high level of education, monthly income and digital inclusion. From the analysis of the evaluative content and thematic category of the open questions, the predominance of the attitudinal dimension of social representations was found, with emphasis on negative attitudes, revealing that the attribution of meaning to this new phenomenon involved affection and positioning. The dimensions of information and image were also described, which were present, respectively, in the relationship of participants with the media and in the description of the "quarantine" as a period of transformations, losses and as a new experience. We also found that the processes of objectification, and especially anchoring, revealed gender differences.(AU)

Santa Catarina es considerado el estado más longevo del país. La pandemia de COVID19, especialmente en sus primeros meses, afectó más intensamente las personas mayores, quienes pasaron a ser considerados parte del "grupo de riesgo" y, por lo tanto, se adhirieron más intensamente al distanciamiento social. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo caracterizar las Representaciones Sociales relacionadas con el distanciamiento social como medida preventiva contra el COVID-19 para personas mayores en el estado de Santa Catarina. Para ello, 301 participantes respondieron un cuestionario en línea autoadministrado, compuesto por preguntas abiertas y cerradas relacionadas con la experiencia del distanciamiento social, datos sociodemográficos e inclusión digital. Los participantes fueron en su mayoría mujeres blancas, casadas, con un alto nivel de educación, ingresos e inclusión digital. A partir del análisis del contenido evaluativo y de categorias temáticas de las preguntas abiertas, se encontró el predominio de la dimensión actitudinal de las representaciones sociales, con énfasis en las actitudes negativas, revelando que la atribución de significado a este nuevo fenómeno implicaba afecto y toma de posición. También se describieron las dimensiones de información e imagen, que estuvieron presentes, respectivamente, en la relación con los medios de comunicación y en la descripción de la "cuarentena" como un período de transformaciones, pérdidas y como una nueva experiencia. Se encontró además que los procesos de objetivación, y especialmente de anclaje, revelaron diferencias de género.(AU)

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A emergência sanitária deflagrada pela pandemia de COVID-19 exigiu que os serviços de saúde especializados na assistência aos Transtornos Alimentares se adaptassem às novas circunstâncias impostas pela necessidade de distanciamento social. Considerando essa perspectiva, delineou-se uma revisão de escopo com objetivo de analisar as estratégias de cuidado adotadas por profissionais da saúde para garantirem a continuidade do atendimento interdisciplinar aos pacientes em tempos de COVID-19. Foram consultadas as bases Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, LILACS e SciELO entre 2020 e 2022. Identificaram-se 387 registros nas bases de dados, dos quais 11 preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade e foram selecionados. Os resultados foram organizados em três categorias temáticas: (1) a "não escolha" da escolha do formato online: prós e contras; (2) foco na comunicação e acolhimento: ressignificando o uso do dispositivo online; (3) intervenções online: adaptações, inovações e recursos alternativos. As principais estratégias utilizadas durante a transição do tratamento para o ambiente online foram: teleatendimento e psicoterapia online. Apesar de terem sido bem avaliadas, foram percebidas barreiras para superar as limitações do cuidado online, como a desconfiança dos pacientes e seus potenciais efeitos na qualidade do vínculo terapêutico.

The health emergency triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic demanded that health services specialized in treating Eating Disorders adapt to the new circumstances imposed by social distancing. Considering this perspective, a scoping review was designed with the objective of analyzing the care strategies adopted by health professionals to maintain continuity of interdisciplinary care to patients in times of COVID-19. The Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, LILACS, and SciELO databases were queried. A total of 387 records were identified in the databases, of which 11 met the eligibility criteria and were selected. The results were organized into three thematic categories: (1) the "non-choice" of choosing the online format: pros and cons; (2) focus on communication and welcoming: resignifying the use of the online device; (3) online interventions: adaptations, innovations and alternative resources. The main strategies used during the transition of the treatment to the online environment were: telehealth and online psychotherapy. Although well evaluated, barriers to overcome the limitations of online care were perceived, such as patients' distrust and its potential effects on the quality of the therapeutic bond.

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Aim In response to the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic, governments worldwide implemented measures to prevent infection, resulting in restricted school activities, restricted children's freedom of movement, and increased risk of violence and injuries at home, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), among children. In Brazil, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the causes, severity, and mortality of pediatric TBI have not yet been investigated. Thus, our study aimed to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the epidemiology of pediatric TBI among Brazilian children. Materials and methods We investigated the patients with TBI aged <18 years who visited a tertiary trauma center in Brazil in 2019 and 2020. TBI-related variables, such as classification, mechanism, clinical manifestations, need for intervention, morbidity, and mortality, were recorded. Furthermore, we used a nationwide databank to collect information on mortality from external causes of trauma and violence in the pediatric population in 2019 and 2020. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare quantitative variables related to the mechanisms and severity of TBI in both periods in order to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Of the patients with traumatic brain injury, 1371 visited the trauma center in 2019 and 1052 in 2020. No difference was noted in the incidence rate of abusive head trauma between these periods (p=0.142) or in mortality from violence in Brazil. Recreational causes of pediatric TBI increased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and falls from bicycles significantly increased during the pandemic (p<0.001). Conclusion A global reduction in pediatric admissions to emergency rooms as well as no impact on mortality and severity of pediatric TBI were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Additionally, a public education program regarding child safety during recreational activities, particularly how to avoid falls from bicycles was recommended.

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BACKGROUND: It is plausible that depression symptoms and disrupting sleep quality were differently affected according to the rigidity of social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare depression symptoms and sleep quality amongst older Brazilian and Chinese women who were submitted to different social distancing measures (less rigid (Brazil) versus more rigid (China)). METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study assessed urban older women who underwent home confinement with less (Brazil; n=1015) or more (China; n=644) rigidity. Socio-demographic correlates, general health information, depression symptoms [Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS15)], and sleep quality [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)] were assessed through interviews. RESULTS: 1659 older women (66.74 ± 5.48 years old; 38.8% Chinese; 61.2% Brazilian) were included for analysis. 22% of Brazilians and 19.6% of Chinese women presented depression symptoms. The frequency of bad sleepers was 56.4% and 37.7% amongst Brazilian and Chinese older women, respectively. After adjusting for socio-demographic variables, general health status, and PSQI global score, Chinese women had a significantly higher score of depression symptoms (3.88 ± 0.13) compared to the Brazilians (3.26 ± 0.10; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The frequency of poor sleep quality was very high regardless of the country. After adjusting for confounders and sleep quality, older Chinese women had a significantly superior score. of depression symptoms exacerbating psychological distress by confinement rigidness.

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Introdução e objetivo: Devido à pandemia do novo coronavírus, as crianças passaram a ficar mais tempo em casa, e essa mudança implicou diretamente nas manifestações de diversas doenças, inclusive da rinite. A rinite é a inflamação da mucosa causada, principalmente, por alérgenos, ocasionando sintomas como rinorreia, espirros, obstrução nasal, hiperemia conjuntival, prurido nasal e ocular. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as consequências do isolamento social nas crianças com rinite, a fim de compreender a modificação da doença nesse período. Métodos: O estudo é observacional transversal, com dados obtidos através de um questionário eletrônico, para pais e/ou responsáveis de crianças entre 5 e 12 anos. Resultados: No total de 116 respostas, 51,7% das crianças eram do sexo masculino, e a mediana de idade foi de 8,5 anos. Em relação à rinite, em 81% dos casos foi relatado melhora ou manutenção do quadro durante o período de isolamento social. Em um quarto da amostra houve piora na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Os sintomas com maior piora foram espirros e prurido nasal, e o sintoma com maior melhora foi a rinorreia. Os desencadeantes de sintomas mais frequentes foram animais domésticos, tapetes e perfumes. O uso de medicamentos foi relatado em 59,4% dos casos, sendo que em 32,7% não houve prescrição médica. Conclusão: Os resultados encontrados evidenciaram que o isolamento social teve um impacto positivo em relação às manifestações clínicas da rinite na população estudada.

Introduction and objective: The COVID-19 pandemic required children to spend more time at home, and this change had a direct impact on the manifestations of various diseases, including rhinitis. Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused mainly by exposure to allergens, resulting in symptoms such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction, conjunctival hyperemia, and itchy eyes and nose. This study aimed to evaluate the consequences of social distancing in children with rhinitis in order to understand the changes in the disease pattern during the pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with data obtained through an electronic questionnaire answered by parents and/or guardians of children aged 5 to 12 years. Results: From a total of 116 responses, 51.7% of children were male with a median age of 8.5 years. In 81% of cases, rhinitis symptoms improved or remained unchanged during the period of social distancing. In a quarter of the sample, there was a worsening of patients' quality of life. The symptoms with the greatest worsening were sneezing and nasal itching, and the symptom with the greatest improvement was rhinorrhea. The most frequent symptom triggers were pets, carpets, and perfumes. Medication use was reported in 59.4% of cases, with the use of over-the-counter medications in 32.7% of them. Conclusion: The results showed that social distancing had a positive impact on the clinical manifestations of rhinitis in the study population.

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Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the sleep quality and the Social Jetlag frequency in young adults during social distancing because of COVID-19. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 308 students aged ≥18 years and with Internet access. Questionnaires used: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - Brazil (PSQI-BR), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the students was 21 ± 3 years (17 - 42y), with no statistically significant difference between genders. The PSQI-BR indicated that 257 (83.4%) had poor sleep quality. The mean of Social Jetlag for young adults was 02:00 ± 01:49h, and we observed that 16.6% (n = 51) had Social Jetlag. Compared to men in the good sleep quality group, women had higher means for sleep duration on study days and free days, mid-point of sleep on study days and free days and corrected mid-point of sleep on free days. However, when compared to men in the group of poor sleep quality, we observed higher means for women regarding sleep duration on study days, the mid-point of sleep on study days, and the corrected mid-point of sleep on free days. Conclusions: Thus, the high frequency of young adult students who had poor sleep quality associated with Social Jetlag (2 hours) in the present study may reflect a pattern of sleep irregularity, which may be associated with impairment of environmental synchronizers and stimulation of social synchronizers during the lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Neste estudo, examinamos as atividades de lazer entre os professores durante a COVID-19, avaliando questões relacionadas ao perfil sociodemográfico e às condições de trabalho. Trata-se de um websurvey transversal, realizado com professores da educação básica pública de Minas Gerais. Foi utilizado um formulário digital para a coleta de dados em 2020. A prática de lazer na pandemia foi a variável dependente. Na análise múltipla, foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson. Participaram do estudo 15.641 professores, dos quais 43% não estavam tendo práticas de lazer na pandemia. Houve maior prevalência de ausência da prática de lazer entre as mulheres, entre os idosos, professores pardos e pretos, contratados/designados e insatisfeitos com o trabalho docente na pandemia. Assim, esta pesquisa buscou discutir temas socioculturais, destacando que o acesso às práticas de lazer carece de uma visão social, humana e voltada para a desigualdade.

In this study, we examined leisure activities among teachers during the COVID-19, assessing issues related to sociodemographic profile and working conditions. This is a cross-sectional websurvey, performed with teachers of public basic education of Minas Gerais. A digital form was used to collect data in 2020. Leisure practice in pandemic was the dependent variable. In the multiple analysis, Poisson regression was used. A total of 15,641 teachers participated in the study, of which 43% were not having leisure practices in pandemic. There was a higher prevalence of absence of leisure practice among women, among the elderly, brown and black-skinned teachers, contracted/designated teachers and those not satisfied with teaching work in pandemic. Thus, this research sought to discuss sociocultural topics, highlighting, that access to leisure practices lacks a social, human vision focused on the inequality.

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The COVID-19 pandemic impacts on eating habits among adolescents may be more relevant in pediatric patients with immunocompromised chronic diseases. This case-control study conducted between June and October 2020 aimed to: (i) describe dietary patterns of adolescents with chronic conditions compared to healthy controls and (ii) determine associations between food consumption, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (184 immunocompromised and 58 healthy adolescents, aged 14.3 [SD 2.5]) responded to HRQL and sleep validated instruments (PedsQL and PSQI) and three 24 h food recalls via online software. Adjusted linear and logistic regressions were used to assess differences in dietary patterns and associations between food consumption (according to Nova classification) and HRQL and sleep quality. Adolescents with gastrohepatic, rheumatic, and kidney diseases had an improved dietary pattern vs. their healthy peers, showing greater consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods (unstandardized coefficient (b) = 7.35%[95%CI 1.59; 13.1]; b = 15.10%[95%CI 7.00; 23.1]; and b = 11.2%[95%CI 5.68; 16.8]), and lower consumption of ultraprocessed foods (b = -7.53%[95%CI-12.90; -2.18]; b = -11.4%[95%CI-18.90; -3.94]; b = -10.8%[95%CI-16.00; -5.68]). Consumption of culinary ingredients was associated with reduced psychological HRQL in controls (standardized coefficient (ß) = -0.26[95%CI-0.52; -0.004]), and processed food consumption was associated with improved sleep latency in immunocompromised participants (ß = 0.16[95%CI 0.01; 0.31]). These findings suggest diet quality may play a role in HRQL and sleep quality in this population, and may be relevant for clinical practitioners and policy makers when considering the importance of dietary quality in immunocompromised youths.

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Covid-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, broke out as a pandemic during the beginning of 2020. The rapid spread of the disease prompted an unprecedented global response involving academic institutions, regulatory agencies, and industries. Vaccination and nonpharmaceutical interventions including social distancing have proven to be the most effective strategies to combat the pandemic. In this context, it is crucial to understand the dynamic behavior of the Covid-19 spread together with possible vaccination strategies. In this study, a susceptible-infected-removed-sick model with vaccination (SIRSi-vaccine) was proposed, accounting for the unreported yet infectious. The model considered the possibility of temporary immunity following infection or vaccination. Both situations contribute toward the spread of diseases. The transcritical bifurcation diagram of alternating and mutually exclusive stabilities for both disease-free and endemic equilibria were determined in the parameter space of vaccination rate and isolation index. The existing equilibrium conditions for both points were determined in terms of the epidemiological parameters of the model. The bifurcation diagram allowed us to estimate the maximum number of confirmed cases expected for each set of parameters. The model was fitted with data from São Paulo, the state capital of SP, Brazil, which describes the number of confirmed infected cases and the isolation index for the considered data window. Furthermore, simulation results demonstrate the possibility of periodic undamped oscillatory behavior of the susceptible population and the number of confirmed cases forced by the periodic small-amplitude oscillations in the isolation index. The main contributions of the proposed model are as follows: A minimum effort was required when vaccination was combined with social isolation, while additionally ensuring the existence of equilibrium points. The model could provide valuable information for policymakers, helping define disease prevention mitigation strategies that combine vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as social distancing and the use of masks. In addition, the SIRSi-vaccine model facilitated the qualitative assessment of information regarding the unreported infected yet infectious cases, while considering temporary immunity, vaccination, and social isolation index.

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BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world experienced social distancing that resulted in changes in habits and lifestyle. Such changes can compromise healthy eating habits and the practice of physical activities, known risk factors for developing weight gain and obesity. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to describe the change in eating habits, lifestyle, and cognition of the population of Rio Grande do Sul, a state in Southern Brazil, during social distancing due to COVID-19. METHODS: The study was conducted from July 21 to August 10, 2020, through a structured online questionnaire that asked for sociodemographic information (age, gender, and education), anthropometric (reported weight and height), change in eating habits, lifestyle (sleep quality and physical activity), and cognition. Chi-square, McNemar tests, and univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the variables. Confidence intervals were calculated with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Of a total of 1072 participants, 57.3% of respondents reported weight gain, and an increased percentage of people were classified as obese. Nearly half of the participants (46%) reported changes in their eating habits for the worse. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with increased consumption of unhealthy foods. Our results identified high physical inactivity (46.9%) and obesity (19%) during social distancing. The changes in eating habits and lifestyle also increased the risk for decreased cognition. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlighted that social distancing impacted eating habits and lifestyle, which increased obesity rates and might predispose to decreased cognition.

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This paper examines the impacts of emergency cash-transfers on individuals' social distancing behaviour and beliefs about COVID-19. We focus on the impacts of "Auxilio Emergencial" (AE): a large-scale cash-transfer in Brazil targeting low-income individuals who were unemployed or informally employed during the pandemic. To identify causal effects we exploit exogenous variation, arising from the AE design, in individuals' access to the cash-transfer programme. Using data from an online survey, our results suggest that eligibility to the emergency cash transfer led to a reduced likelihood of individuals contracting COVID-19, likely to have been driven by a reduction in working hours. Moreover, the cash transfer seems to have increased perceptions about the seriousness of coronavirus, while also exacerbating misconceptions about the pandemic. These findings indicate effects of emergency cash-transfers in determining individuals' narratives about a pandemic, in enabling social distancing and potentially in reducing the spread of the disease.

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Background: An epidemiological model (susceptible, un-quarantined infected, quarantined infected, confirmed infected (SUQC)) was previously developed and applied to incorporate quarantine measures and calculate COVID-19 contagion dynamics and pandemic control in some Chinese regions. Here, we generalized this model to incorporate the disease recovery rate and applied our model to records of the total number of confirmed cases of people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in some Chilean communes. Methods: In each commune, two consecutive stages were considered: a stage without quarantine and an immediately subsequent quarantine stage imposed by the Ministry of Health. To adjust the model, typical epidemiological parameters were determined, such as the confirmation rate and the quarantine rate. The latter allowed us to calculate the reproduction number. Results: The mathematical model adequately reproduced the data, indicating a higher quarantine rate when quarantine was imposed by the health authority, with a corresponding decrease in the reproduction number of the virus down to values that prevent or decrease its exponential spread. In general, during this second stage, the communes with the lowest social priority indices had the highest quarantine rates, and therefore, the lowest effective viral reproduction numbers. This study provides useful evidence to address the health inequity of pandemics. The mathematical model applied here can be used in other regions or easily modified for other cases of infectious disease control by quarantine.

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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.913096.].