Journal Description
COVID
COVID
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the study of coronaviruses, coronavirus-related diseases and global impact, published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 1.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- COVID is a companion journal of Viruses.
Latest Articles
Examining the Role of Social Determinants of Health and COVID-19 Risk in 28 African Countries
COVID 2024, 4(1), 87-101; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4010009 - 14 Jan 2024
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While the impact of the pandemic has varied between and within countries, there are few published data on the relationship between social determinants of health (SDoH) and COVID-19 in Africa. This ecological cross-sectional study examines the relationship between COVID-19 risk and SDoH among
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While the impact of the pandemic has varied between and within countries, there are few published data on the relationship between social determinants of health (SDoH) and COVID-19 in Africa. This ecological cross-sectional study examines the relationship between COVID-19 risk and SDoH among 28 African countries. Included were countries with a recent demographic and health survey (years 2010 to 2018). The response variables were COVID-19 case rates and death rates (reported as of 15 August 2020); and the covariates comprised eight broad topics common to multiple SDoH frameworks aggregated to the country level: geography (urban residence), wealth index, education, employment, crowding, and access to information. A negative binomial regression was used to assess the association between aspects of SDoH and COVID-19 outcomes. Our analysis indicated that 1 in 4 (25.1%) households in study countries are without safe and clean water and a space for handwashing. The odds of COVID-19 morbidity and deaths were higher in countries with a high proportion of households without access to safe and clean water. Having a high proportional of educated women (1.003: 95% CI, 1.001–1.005) and living in a less crowded home (0.959: 95% CI, 0.920–1.000) were negatively associated with COVID-19 deaths, while being insured and owning a mobile phone predicted illness. Overall, aspects of SDoH contribute either negatively or positively to COVID-19 outcomes. Thus, addressing economic and environmental SDoH is critical for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and re-emerging diseases on the African continent.
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Open AccessEditorial
Two Years of COVID: The Journey to Discover a New Disease
COVID 2024, 4(1), 85-86; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4010008 - 11 Jan 2024
Abstract
Two years ago, MDPI launched an "Instant Journal" entitled COVID with the intention of raising awareness of research into a new disease originating from the SARS-CoV-2 infection that has affected more than 700 million individuals, with over 6 million deaths in total worldwide
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Two years ago, MDPI launched an "Instant Journal" entitled COVID with the intention of raising awareness of research into a new disease originating from the SARS-CoV-2 infection that has affected more than 700 million individuals, with over 6 million deaths in total worldwide [...]
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Open AccessArticle
COVID-19 in New Zealand: The Moderating Effect of Involvement on the Roles of Attitudes and Subjective Norms
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COVID 2024, 4(1), 74-84; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4010007 - 11 Jan 2024
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Popular theories that explain or predict behavioural intentions are based on people’s attitudes and subjective norms. Their application is based on the (often implicit) assumption that people regard a subject (e.g., preventing the spread of COVID-19) as sufficiently important for them to formulate
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Popular theories that explain or predict behavioural intentions are based on people’s attitudes and subjective norms. Their application is based on the (often implicit) assumption that people regard a subject (e.g., preventing the spread of COVID-19) as sufficiently important for them to formulate stable attitudes and subjective norms about it. As this assumption rarely holds for all people, the influence of attitudes and subjective norms in determining behavioural intentions changes depending on the importance of the subject. In other words, importance has a moderating effect on the relationship between intentions, attitudes, and subjective norms. We hypothesise that, as importance declines, the influence on intentions of attitudes decreases and the influence of subjective norms increases. This has important implications for efforts to encourage the adoption of preventative behaviours in relation to COVID-19 because promotional strategies designed to modify attitudes differ markedly from those designed to modify subjective norms. We test this hypothesis by analysing three different large-scale surveys about people’s intentions, involvement, attitudes, and subjective norms regarding the spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand. The results support our hypothesis and highlight the importance of distinguishing between when the formation of behavioural intentions depends mainly on attitudes and when it depends mainly on subjective norms.
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Open AccessArticle
Patterns of Mentally Active versus Passive Sedentary Behavior in Adults: Post-COVID-19 Insights
COVID 2024, 4(1), 63-73; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4010006 - 10 Jan 2024
Abstract
Background: Although sedentary behavior (SB) before and during COVID-19 has been studied, mental activity-based SB patterns have been overlooked. This secondary analysis investigated the patterns of mentally active vs. passive SB in adults post-COVID-19 pandemic and examined sex differences. Methods: Adults (n
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Background: Although sedentary behavior (SB) before and during COVID-19 has been studied, mental activity-based SB patterns have been overlooked. This secondary analysis investigated the patterns of mentally active vs. passive SB in adults post-COVID-19 pandemic and examined sex differences. Methods: Adults (n = 1255; 45% males; 50% aged between 20 and 29 years old) self-reported general characteristics, anthropometric and socioeconomic variables, and mentally active and passive SB (weekdays and weekend days) using a structured web-based survey. Adjusted ANCOVA on Ranks tests assessed differences between mentally active and mentally passive SB during the day, on weekdays, and weekend days. Adjusted Quade Nonparametric ANCOVA tests evaluated these differences in males vs. females. Results: Adults significantly spent greater time in mentally active vs. passive SB (5.61 ± 4.57 vs. 2.50 ± 3.25; p < 0.001). Mentally active SB was more prevalent on weekdays than on weekends (6.00 ± 5.00 vs. 5.00 ± 5.00; p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed for mentally passive SB (p > 0.05). Males significantly accumulated more mentally active SB compared to females (p < 0.001 for all). Females significantly spent more time in mentally passive SB on weekdays than males (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results highlight the need for individualized SB reduction strategies based on mental activity to obtain the most benefits of SB reduction interventions and promoting overall health post-COVID-19 pandemic.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities)
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Open AccessArticle
Public Decision Policy for Controlling COVID-19 Outbreaks Using Control System Engineering
COVID 2024, 4(1), 44-62; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4010005 - 08 Jan 2024
Abstract
This work is a response to the appeal of various international health organizations and the Automatic Control Community for collaboration in addressing Coronavirus/COVID-19 challenges during the initial stages of the pandemic. Specifically, this study presents scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of three primary
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This work is a response to the appeal of various international health organizations and the Automatic Control Community for collaboration in addressing Coronavirus/COVID-19 challenges during the initial stages of the pandemic. Specifically, this study presents scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of three primary non-pharmacological strategies for pandemic mitigation. We propose a control system to aid in formulating a public decision policy aimed at managing the spread of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, commonly known as coronavirus. The primary objective is to prevent overwhelming healthcare systems by averting the saturation of intensive care units (ICUs). In the context of COVID-19, understanding the peak infection rate and its time delay is crucial for preparing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring an adequate supply of intensive care units equipped with automatic ventilators. While it is widely recognized that public policies encompassing confinement and social distancing can flatten the epidemiological curve and provide time to bolster healthcare resources, there is a dearth of studies examining this pivotal issue from the perspective of control system theory. In this study, we introduce a control system founded on three prevailing non-pharmacological tools for epidemic and pandemic mitigation: social distancing, confinement, and population-wide testing and isolation in regions experiencing community transmission. Our analysis and control system design rely on the susceptible-exposed–infected–recovered–deceased (SEIRD) mathematical model, which describes the temporal dynamics of a pandemic, tailored in this research to account for the temporal and spatial characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 behavior. This model incorporates the influence of conducting tests with subsequent population isolation. An On–off control strategy is analyzed, and a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is proposed to generate a sequence of public policy decisions. The proposed control system employs the required number of critical beds and ICUs as feedback signals and compares these with the available bed capacity to generate an error signal, which is utilized as input for the PID controller. The control actions outlined involve five phases of “Social Distancing and Confinement” (SD&C) to be implemented by governmental authorities. Consequently, the control system generates a policy sequence for SD&C, with applications occurring on a weekly or biweekly basis. The simulation results underscore the favorable impact of these three mitigation strategies against the coronavirus, illustrating their efficacy in controlling the outbreak and thereby mitigating the risk of healthcare system collapse.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Modeling and Statistics for COVID-19)
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Open AccessCommunication
The Impact of Surgical Delay: A Single Institutional Experience at the Epicenter of the COVID Pandemic Treatment Delays in Women with Endometrial Cancer and Endometrial Intraepithelial Hyperplasia
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, , , , , and
COVID 2024, 4(1), 38-43; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4010004 - 28 Dec 2023
Abstract
The spread of COVID-19 led to a lockdown in New York in March of 2020. Nonemergent surgeries were postponed, including oncologic procedures. The backlog of surgeries was addressed starting May 2020. Our goal was to examine the change in waiting times for endometrial
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The spread of COVID-19 led to a lockdown in New York in March of 2020. Nonemergent surgeries were postponed, including oncologic procedures. The backlog of surgeries was addressed starting May 2020. Our goal was to examine the change in waiting times for endometrial cancer surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic in our institution. Data on surgery incidence and waiting time was gathered for patients diagnosed with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia and endometrial cancer. The association between days from diagnosis to surgery was adjusted for age, obesity, presence of comorbid conditions, race, smoking history and diagnosis and was examined using a general linear model. A total of 190 patients were identified for this retrospective study. Five subjects were missing information on race and were excluded from all analyses, resulting in 185 subjects in the final analyses. Mean waiting time during COVID-19 was 70.9 days (95%CI 55.0, 91.3), compared to 49.3 (95%CI 49.8, 63.8) days during the reference period. No significant associations were seen between the time and any of the clinical or demographic factors.
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Open AccessArticle
Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Sequence Variants at Universities in Southwest Idaho
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COVID 2024, 4(1), 23-37; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4010003 - 25 Dec 2023
Abstract
Although the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on major metropolitan areas is broadly reported and readily available, regions with lower populations and more remote areas in the United States are understudied. The objective of this study is to determine the progression of SARS-CoV-2
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Although the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on major metropolitan areas is broadly reported and readily available, regions with lower populations and more remote areas in the United States are understudied. The objective of this study is to determine the progression of SARS-CoV-2 sequence variants in a frontier and remote intermountain west state among university-associated communities. This study was conducted at two intermountain west universities from 2020 to 2022. Positive SARS-CoV-2 samples were confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and variants were identified by the next-generation sequencing of viral genomes. Positive results were obtained for 5355 samples, representing a positivity rate of 3.5% overall. The median age was 22 years. Viral genomic sequence data were analyzed for 1717 samples and phylogeny was presented. Associations between viral variants, age, sex, and reported symptoms among 1522 samples indicated a significant association between age and the Delta variant (B 1.167.2), consistent with the findings for other regions. An outbreak event of AY122 was detected August–October 2021. A 2-month delay was observed with respect to the timing of the first documented viral infection within this region compared to major metropolitan regions of the US.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Bioinformatics)
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Open AccessArticle
Association between Priority Conditions and Access to Care, Treatment of an Ongoing Condition, and Ability to Obtain Prescription Medications among Medicare Beneficiaries during the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID 2024, 4(1), 13-22; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4010002 - 20 Dec 2023
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Several comorbid conditions have been observed to be associated with an increased risk of poor outcomes following a diagnosis of COVID-19. The purpose of this investigation was to assess associations between Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) designated priority conditions and an
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Several comorbid conditions have been observed to be associated with an increased risk of poor outcomes following a diagnosis of COVID-19. The purpose of this investigation was to assess associations between Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) designated priority conditions and an inability to access care, treat ongoing conditions, and obtain prescription medications among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally representative CMS Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) COVID-19 Supplement Public Use Files (PUF) were analyzed via bivariable, binomial generalized linear models across three time periods: (1) Summer 2020; (2) Fall 2020; and (3) Winter 2021. Across an estimated 55.3–57.4 million Medicare beneficiaries, approximately one-fifth reported an inability to access at least one type of care at the onset of the pandemic. Significantly worse odds of an ability to get care across various time periods was observed among several priority conditions including immune disorders, cancer, depression, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, and numerous cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. Among those reporting an inability to access care, approximately one-third involved treatment of an ongoing condition, and under one-tenth involved prescription medications. To identify modifiable risk factors and to develop active interventions, future work should continue to assess the complex associations between outcomes, access to care, comorbidities, evolving healthcare infrastructures, computerization, and various public health initiatives.
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Open AccessArticle
Video Games and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Virtual Worlds as New Playgrounds and Training Spaces
COVID 2024, 4(1), 1-12; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4010001 - 19 Dec 2023
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The COVID-19 pandemic forced the authorities to take an unprecedented measure in history: the house confinement of millions of people worldwide. Video games, especially open-world video games (OWVGs), became meeting spaces, a digital places to play, chat, learn and socialize due to the
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The COVID-19 pandemic forced the authorities to take an unprecedented measure in history: the house confinement of millions of people worldwide. Video games, especially open-world video games (OWVGs), became meeting spaces, a digital places to play, chat, learn and socialize due to the context of the health crisis, respecting the rules of social distancing. This article analyses the role of video games and, more specifically, OWVGs, as playgrounds and training spaces during the pandemic. Statistical data and analyses carried out by consulting companies and civil associations show the definitive insertion of these video games in our routine and social relations. The challenge is to take advantage of the skills and abilities that these video games develop within a new framework of individual and community learning. The conclusions of the research show that the virtual worlds of video games are for the new digital society, safe and comfortable meeting spaces, and that since the confinement, these digital places have greatly expanded their reach, previously only limited to the gamer community.
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Open AccessArticle
Development and Validation of a Methodology to Measure Exhaled Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Control Indoor Air Renewal
COVID 2023, 3(12), 1797-1817; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3120124 - 18 Dec 2023
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The measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as a cost-effective and straightforward technique for indirectly managing indoor air quality, aiding in the reduction of the potentially pathogen-laden aerosol concentrations to which we are exposed. Unfortunately, inadequate practices often limit the
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The measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as a cost-effective and straightforward technique for indirectly managing indoor air quality, aiding in the reduction of the potentially pathogen-laden aerosol concentrations to which we are exposed. Unfortunately, inadequate practices often limit the interpretation of CO2 levels and neglect methodologies that ensure proper air renewal. This study presents a novel methodology for measuring and controlling indoor CO2 levels in shared spaces, comprising four stages: analysis, diagnosis, correction protocols, and monitoring/control/surveillance (MCS). This methodology underwent validation in practical settings, including a cultural center (representing spaces with uniform activities) and 40 commercial spaces (with diverse activities) in Zaragoza, Spain. The results indicate the feasibility of swiftly implementing measures to enhance shared air renewal, with the immediate opening of doors and windows being the most direct solution. The proposed methodology is practical and has the potential to mitigate the risk of the aerosol transmission of respiratory diseases. Consequently, we anticipate that this work will contribute to establishing methodological foundations for CO2 measurement as a valuable, standardized, and reliable tool.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Airborne Transmission of Diseases in Outdoors and Indoors)
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Open AccessArticle
Analytical Solution of the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered/Removed Model for the Not-Too-Late Temporal Evolution of Epidemics for General Time-Dependent Recovery and Infection Rates
COVID 2023, 3(12), 1781-1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3120123 - 16 Dec 2023
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The dynamical equations of the susceptible-infected-recovered/removed (SIR) epidemics model play an important role in predicting and/or analyzing the temporal evolution of epidemic outbreaks. Crucial input quantities are the time-dependent infection ( ) and recovery (
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The dynamical equations of the susceptible-infected-recovered/removed (SIR) epidemics model play an important role in predicting and/or analyzing the temporal evolution of epidemic outbreaks. Crucial input quantities are the time-dependent infection ( ) and recovery ( ) rates regulating the transitions between the compartments and , respectively. Accurate analytical approximations for the temporal dependence of the rate of new infections and the corresponding cumulative fraction of new infections are available in the literature for either stationary infection and recovery rates or for a stationary value of the ratio . Here, a new and original accurate analytical approximation is derived for general, arbitrary, and different temporal dependencies of the infection and recovery rates, which is valid for not-too-late times after the start of the infection when the cumulative fraction is much less than unity. The comparison of the analytical approximation with the exact numerical solution of the SIR equations for different illustrative examples proves the accuracy of the analytical approach.
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Open AccessArticle
Analyzing County-Level COVID-19 Vaccination Rates in Texas: A New Lindley Regression Model
COVID 2023, 3(12), 1761-1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3120122 - 04 Dec 2023
Abstract
This work aims to study the factors that explain the COVID-19 vaccination rate through a generalized odd log-logistic Lindley regression model with a shape systematic component. To accomplish this, a dataset of the vaccination rate of 254 counties in the state of Texas,
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This work aims to study the factors that explain the COVID-19 vaccination rate through a generalized odd log-logistic Lindley regression model with a shape systematic component. To accomplish this, a dataset of the vaccination rate of 254 counties in the state of Texas, US, was used, and simulations were performed to investigate the accuracy of the maximum likelihood estimators in the proposed regression model. The mathematical properties investigated provide important information about the characteristics of the distribution. Diagnostic analysis and deviance residuals are addressed to examine the fit of the model. The proposed model shows effectiveness in identifying the key variables of COVID-19 vaccination rates at the county level, which can contribute to improving vaccination campaigns. Moreover, the findings corroborate with prior studies, and the new distribution is a suitable alternative model for future works on different datasets.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Modeling and Statistics for COVID-19)
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Open AccessReview
The Two Sides of the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID 2023, 3(12), 1746-1760; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3120121 - 04 Dec 2023
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On 5 May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the end of the coronavirus disease-19 (or COVID-19) pandemic. Even before the official announcement from the WHO, signs of recovery from the pandemic started appearing, especially after rapid worldwide vaccination. As society
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On 5 May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the end of the coronavirus disease-19 (or COVID-19) pandemic. Even before the official announcement from the WHO, signs of recovery from the pandemic started appearing, especially after rapid worldwide vaccination. As society is getting back to its usual with each passing day, with the increasing socio-economic activities, discussion of the negative and positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic remain the predominant topic of debate. Through this review, we discuss the bright side of the pandemic without undermining the pain and suffering everyone has gone through in this pandemic. The review also examined the painful side of the pandemic. Therefore, this review can be looked at as a comparison between this pandemic’s positive and negative effects. The review discussed aspects ranging from technological development, including mRNA-based vaccines, artificial intelligence-based screening, and telemedicine, to social behavior, from individual to global and from health to the environment. The review also examined the areas needing more attention for managing future pandemics. The review also highlighted what should be followed or continued for our preparedness for any possible pandemic. Toward the end, we also discussed how this pandemic has better prepared the world for future pandemics, as predicted by experts.
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Open AccessArticle
Incorporating Virtual Problem-Based Learning in Instrumental Chemistry during the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID 2023, 3(12), 1733-1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3120120 - 29 Nov 2023
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The COVID-19 pandemic has presented substantial challenges to higher education, leading to economic loss and disruptions in STEM courses. This study addresses these issues through the successful implementation of a problem-based learning research project within the Instrumental Chemistry course at Georgia Gwinnett College
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The COVID-19 pandemic has presented substantial challenges to higher education, leading to economic loss and disruptions in STEM courses. This study addresses these issues through the successful implementation of a problem-based learning research project within the Instrumental Chemistry course at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). Focused on instrumental chemistry, the project spans various categories, requiring students to propose solutions to real-case scenarios using specific analytical instruments. Despite the shift to a hybrid teaching modality, students exhibited commendable preparation and investigation skills, as demonstrated by their projects. Assessment data, including a student survey and written report evaluations, underscore significant skill improvements in literature survey, instrument selection, experimental design, and data analysis. This problem-based learning approach not only mitigated the disruptions caused by the pandemic but also fostered enhanced capabilities and motivation among students. The study’s findings contribute insights into the adaptability and effectiveness of problem-based learning in analytical chemistry education within a hybrid teaching framework, offering valuable considerations for future educational strategies in STEM disciplines and beyond.
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Open AccessArticle
Eating Habits and Mental Health of College Students in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID 2023, 3(12), 1721-1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3120119 - 26 Nov 2023
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While the relationship between eating habits and mental health has been widely studied, there is limited research focusing on college students during emergency situations such as pandemics. We conducted an online questionnaire survey to address this gap. Clustering analysis was applied to identify
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While the relationship between eating habits and mental health has been widely studied, there is limited research focusing on college students during emergency situations such as pandemics. We conducted an online questionnaire survey to address this gap. Clustering analysis was applied to identify students’ eating habits, which are possibly more complex than traditional eating habits. Based on the identified eating habits, the students were separated into five groups. We evaluated the relationship between eating habits and mental health in these five groups using University Personality Inventory scores. Based on the results, the largest group—corresponding to slightly less than half of the participants—had the highest vegetable intake and mental health levels. This aligns with findings from numerous prior studies. However, our novel discovery was the presence of another group within those with higher vegetable intake, who had lower levels of mental health. Conversely, a group with lower vegetable intake had higher levels of mental health; remarkably, students in this group frequently consumed soft drinks, suggesting that, during the COVID-19 emergency, indulgent food and drinks may have played a role in enhancing mental health.
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Open AccessArticle
Does COVID-19 Really Exacerbate Urticaria? A Survey of 166 Patients in China
COVID 2023, 3(12), 1707-1720; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3120118 - 21 Nov 2023
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global healthcare systems. The impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection on urticaria and its management are unknown. This study aimed to collect information about patients with urticaria infected with SARS-CoV-2 and to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on urticaria
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The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global healthcare systems. The impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection on urticaria and its management are unknown. This study aimed to collect information about patients with urticaria infected with SARS-CoV-2 and to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on urticaria severity, course, and treatment to better support recovery. This was a questionnaire-based study of patients with urticaria infected with SARS-CoV-2. Changes in urticaria severity (measured with the urticaria activity score (UAS)), course, and treatment were assessed before, during, and after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mean (±SD) UAS scores were 5.17 ± 1.67, 4.23 ± 1.98, and 4.37 ± 1.93 before, during, and after SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively (F = 8.839, p < 0.01). The median (IQR) wheal score was 0.464 (0.464, 0.763), 0.464 (0.138, 0.763), and 0.464 (0.138, 0.763) before, during, and after infection, respectively (Kruskal–Wallis H-test, H = 12.230, p = 0.02). The median (IQR) pruritus score was 0.695 (0.395, 0.695), 0.394 (0.123, 0.695), and 0.394 (0.123, 0.695) before, during, and after infection, respectively (Kruskal–Wallis H-test, H = 21.001, p < 0.01). Within the limitations of a questionnaire study, urticaria appears to improve during SARS-CoV-2 infection and worsens slightly after recovery, and the frequency of Western medicine use increases.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immune Responses in Coronavirus Disease)
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Open AccessArticle
Relationship between BMI and COVID-19
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COVID 2023, 3(11), 1698-1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3110117 - 19 Nov 2023
Abstract
Body mass index has been studied as one of the factors that negatively influences COVID-19. In this work, we intend to analyze this influence. A representative sample of the population of Beira Interior was used (around 2%), on which immunity research and a
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Body mass index has been studied as one of the factors that negatively influences COVID-19. In this work, we intend to analyze this influence. A representative sample of the population of Beira Interior was used (around 2%), on which immunity research and a socio-demographic survey were carried out. It was found that obesity influences the vaccination rate, and that all other variables analyzed were not influenced by body mass index.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Host Response against SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Implications for Diagnosis, Treatment and Vaccine Development)
Open AccessArticle
Service Uptake Challenges Experienced by Pasifika Communities during COVID-19 Lockdowns in New Zealand
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COVID 2023, 3(11), 1688-1697; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3110116 - 10 Nov 2023
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Background: New Zealand was one of the first countries to adopt an elimination strategy based on a four-tier Alert Level system that included strict lockdowns at levels three and four. The lockdowns meant shutting out external social networks and being confining to individual
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Background: New Zealand was one of the first countries to adopt an elimination strategy based on a four-tier Alert Level system that included strict lockdowns at levels three and four. The lockdowns meant shutting out external social networks and being confining to individual household ‘bubbles’ only. This presented challenges for minority Pasifika communities in New Zealand as their cultural values are based on social bonding, interconnectedness, community engagement and caring for each other. The aim of this research was to conduct a small-scale pilot study to test and refine the study design and identify the major challenges faced by Pasifika communities in relation to accessing health, social and mental services while in lockdown. Methods: This exploratory study was designed using an online anonymous questionnaire survey targeting people who identified as Pasifika. A total of eighty-seven respondents were included in our analyses following the questionnaire survey. Results: Five main barriers to accessing health, social and mental health services during lockdowns were identified; (1) unavailability of or limited services; (2) fear of contracting the virus; (3) perception of high costs associated with seeking medical assistance; (4) transportation difficulties; and (5) lack of time. Almost a quarter of the respondents reported losing their jobs, 80% indicated a decline in their household income and more than half experienced some form of psychosocial distress while in lockdown. Conclusions: The findings of this research highlight existing challenges faced by Pasifika communities in adequately accessing essential services. Future research can focus on the key barriers to access identified in this research to gain a deeper understanding of services and its interaction with Pasifika communities during lockdowns.
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Open AccessArticle
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in The Netherlands on Primary Healthcare Use and Clinical Outcomes in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes
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COVID 2023, 3(11), 1677-1687; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3110115 - 03 Nov 2023
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide, including the postponing or canceling of appointments and procedures for type 2 diabetes (T2D) care by general practitioners (GPs) in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to investigate the
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide, including the postponing or canceling of appointments and procedures for type 2 diabetes (T2D) care by general practitioners (GPs) in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary healthcare use and clinical measurements for people with T2D. Additionally, we aimed to determine if changes were observed among specific risk groups: (1) persons 70 years or older, or below 70 years, (2) patients who were meeting their HbA1c targets and those who were not, and (3) patients with high-risk and non-high-risk T2D. This retrospective cohort study among persons with T2D was conducted using data from the DIAbetes MANagement and Treatment (DIAMANT) data infrastructure, deriving data from electronic medical records of Dutch GPs. The study assessed GP visit counts, and counts and values of clinical measurements, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Adjusted negative binomial (NB) regression and generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were used to estimate GP visit counts and population averages of clinical measurements, respectively, comparing 2019 (pre-pandemic) with 2020 (during the pandemic). Changes in specific groups were examined by stratifying outcomes for the aforementioned subgroups. The cohort consisted of 182,048 patients with T2D (47% female, mean age 69 ± 13 years) on 1 March 2019, of which 168,097 persons (92%) still contributed follow-up data in 2020. We observed an increase in total GP visits in 2020, with an adjusted rate ratio (RR) of 1.09 (95% CI 1.08–1.09). The frequency increased for office visits (RR 1.06; 1.06–1.07) and phone calls (RR 1.33; 1.31–1.35) but remained stable for home visits (RR 1.02; 0.99–1.04). On both population and individual levels, HbA1c values increased in 2020 by 1.65 (1.59–1.70) mmol/mol compared to 2019. Observed changes in 2020 for BMI, LDL, and SBP values were also statistically significant but small. Subgroup stratifications showed higher scores of all clinical measurements in younger persons (<70 years), those who met their HbA1c target, and non-high-risk T2D patients than their respective high-risk subgroups. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands, changes in primary healthcare use were observed among persons with T2D, with an increase in GP office visits and phone calls and a decreased number of clinical measurements and GP home visits. HbA1c levels increased among patients with T2D in 2020. Further research is necessary to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term clinical outcomes and (long-term) T2D complications.
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Prevalence of Post COVID-19 Condition among Healthcare Workers: Self-Reported Online Survey in Four African Countries, December 2021–January 2022
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COVID 2023, 3(11), 1663-1676; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3110114 - 30 Oct 2023
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The impact of Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC) is ongoing despite the declaration that the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic has ended. In this study, we explore the prevalence of PCC among healthcare workers (HCWs) in four African Countries and its influence on their professional performance.
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The impact of Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC) is ongoing despite the declaration that the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic has ended. In this study, we explore the prevalence of PCC among healthcare workers (HCWs) in four African Countries and its influence on their professional performance. This study was conducted as an online cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers from four African countries (Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, and Somalia) between the 20th of December 2021 to 12th of January 2022. We determined the prevalence of PCC based on the WHO case definition and assessed variables associated with a higher prevalence of PCC in these countries using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A total of 706 HCWs from four African countries were included in this survey. Most of the HCWs were aged between 18–34 years (75.8%, n = 535). Our findings showed that 19.5% (n = 138) of the HCWs had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. However, 8.4% (n = 59) were symptomatic for COVID-19 but tested negative or were never tested. Two-thirds of the HCWs (66.4%, n = 469) have received a COVID-19 vaccine and 80.6% (n = 378) of those vaccinated had been fully vaccinated. The self-reported awareness rate of PCC among the HCWs was 16.1% (n = 114/706) whereas the awareness rate of PCC among COVID-19-positive HCWs was 55.3% (n = 109/197). The prevalence of PCC among HCWs was 58.8% (n = 116). These changes include the self-reported symptoms of PCC which included headache (58.4%, n = 115), fatigue (58.8%, n = 116), and muscle pain (39.6%, n = 78). Similarly, 30% (n = 59) and 20.8% (n = 41) of the HCWs reported the loss of smell and loss of taste long after their COVID-19 infection, respectively. Some HCWs (42%, n = 83) believed that their work performance has been affected by their ongoing symptoms of PCC. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of PCC among the vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs (p > 0.05). Of the socio-demographic variables, age (older HCWs between 45–54 years; OR:1.7; 95% CI: 1.06, 10.59; p = 0.001) and location (Egypt; OR:14.57; 95% CI: 2.62, 26.76; p = 0.001) were more likely to have experienced PCC than other age groups and countries respectively. The study revealed a low prevalence of PCC among the surveyed HCWs. In addition, it observed the need for adequate medical and psychological support to HCWs with PCC and improved mass advocacy campaigns on PCC.
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