Research

10 pages, 1135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of the Effect of Facemasks on Perceived Breathability and Air Quality during Daily Activities and Indoor Exercises

by Lai-Yin Qin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4144; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20054144 - 25 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1015

Abstract

Transmission of COVID-19 occurs predominantly through respired droplets and aerosols containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a solution, face masks have been used to protect against infection. Wearing face masks during indoor exercises is essential to prevent the spread of virus-containing respiratory droplets and [...] Read more.

Transmission of COVID-19 occurs predominantly through respired droplets and aerosols containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a solution, face masks have been used to protect against infection. Wearing face masks during indoor exercises is essential to prevent the spread of virus-containing respiratory droplets and aerosols. However, previous studies have not investigated all elements, including the users’ perceived breathability (PB) and perceived air quality (PAQ) when wearing a face mask during indoor exercises. The current study aimed to assess users’ perceived comfort (PC) of face masks based on assessment criteria of PB and PAQ during moderate to vigorous exercises, and compare them with those during normal daily activities. Data on PC, PB, and PAQ were collected from an online questionnaire survey from 104 participants doing regular moderate to vigorous exercises. Within-subjects comparison with self-controlled case series design was performed to compare PC, PB, and PAQ between wearing face masks during exercises and daily activities. Results showed that the degree of dissatisfaction with PC, PB, and PAQ while wearing face masks and performing indoor exercises is higher than when performing daily activities (p < 0.05). The significance of the study implies that masks comfortable for daily activities may not remain the same during moderate to vigorous exercises, especially during indoor exercises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Nutrition, Perception of Health and Quality of Life and Care in Times of COVID-19)

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14 pages, 1293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Family Socioeconomic Status and Adolescent Mental Health Problems during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Roles of Trait Mindfulness and Perceived Stress

by Yue Yuan, Aibao Zhou and Manying Kang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1625; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20021625 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1920

Abstract

The present study was conducted twice over one year during the COVID-19 pandemic with Chinese adolescents (n = 1582) to investigate the relationships among family socioeconomic status (SES), adolescent mental health problems, trait mindfulness, and perceived stress using self-reported measures. We administered [...] Read more.

The present study was conducted twice over one year during the COVID-19 pandemic with Chinese adolescents (n = 1582) to investigate the relationships among family socioeconomic status (SES), adolescent mental health problems, trait mindfulness, and perceived stress using self-reported measures. We administered the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PPS), the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and Conduct Problem Tendency Inventory (CPTDI) to a sample of Chinese adolescents. The results prove that (1) there were significant correlations among socioeconomic status, trait mindfulness, perceived stress, and adolescent mental health problems, and the (2) serial mediation analysis indicated that trait mindfulness and perceived stress performed as mediators on the path from SES to anxiety, depression, and externalizing problems. Our findings provide a contribution by showing the connection between socioeconomic position and adolescent mental health problems and by offering a reference for the treatment of psychological issues affecting adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Nutrition, Perception of Health and Quality of Life and Care in Times of COVID-19)

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21 pages, 4335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hierarchical Analysis of Forms of Support for Employees in the Field of Health Protection and Quality of Work during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Desired Post-Pandemic Forms of Support

by Izabela Dembińska, Agnieszka Barczak, Tomasz Rostkowski, Sabina Kauf and Natalia Marska-Dzioba

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15509; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192315509 - 23 Nov 2022

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Abstract

Issues of employee support during the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic period are of an interdisciplinary nature. Moreover, these should be considered from both an epistemological and a practical perspective. The aim of this study was to determine what forms of support for [...] Read more.

Issues of employee support during the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic period are of an interdisciplinary nature. Moreover, these should be considered from both an epistemological and a practical perspective. The aim of this study was to determine what forms of support for employees in terms of health and quality of work were provided by employers during the pandemic and what forms of support will be expected by employees after it ceases. The research process was carried out in two stages: primary and secondary exploration and quantitative clarification. In the first stage, a systematic review of the literature and a critical analysis of the so-called grey literature was performed. In the second stage, computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) methodology was used. Ward’s method was used for data analysis. The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic forced employers to search for new solutions to enable the continuation of their business activities, which consisted of switching from the traditional form of work to a remote form. The transition to the remote work mode changed the approach to the forms of work support provided for employees, with particular emphasis on the health of employees and the quality of work. The changes in the forms of support for employees in terms of health and quality of work were either bottom-up or top-down. Employers tried to provide access to remote infrastructure as much as possible, but the consequences of remote work in terms of the physical and mental health of employees were rarely noticed or considered. After the pandemic, online health support and access to the appropriate equipment and tools for remote work are unlikely to be needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Nutrition, Perception of Health and Quality of Life and Care in Times of COVID-19)

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12 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patients’ Health Experiences of Post COVID-19 Condition—A Qualitative Study

by Johanna Almgren, Emma Löfström, Julia S Malmborg, Jens Nygren, Johan Undén and Ingrid Larsson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 13980; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192113980 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1825

Abstract

Patients who suffer from long-term symptoms of COVID-19, described as post COVID-19 condition, are a new and large group of patients. There is a lack of knowledge concerning health experiences in this patient group. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ [...] Read more.

Patients who suffer from long-term symptoms of COVID-19, described as post COVID-19 condition, are a new and large group of patients. There is a lack of knowledge concerning health experiences in this patient group. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ health experiences of post COVID-19 condition. Data collection was performed through 14 semi-structured interviews. The qualitative content analysis resulted in six sub-categories, three categories, and an overall theme. Patients experienced symptoms of varying duration—ranging from 5–21 months. The results showed that patients’ health experiences of post COVID-19 condition moved between uncertainty and new insights. This was shown by patients experiencing: (1) loss of abilities, including losing smell and taste and lacking energy, (2) loss of control, including being foreign to oneself and seeking answers, and (3) revaluation of life, including accepting the transformed body and prioritizing health. This study illustrates that patients living with post COVID-19 condition need to be treated with flexibility, based on each individual’s unique challenges and experiences of the symptoms and the consequences for their health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Nutrition, Perception of Health and Quality of Life and Care in Times of COVID-19)

8 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Hand Creams during the Period of Frequent Disinfection in COVID-19 Pandemic—Preference Survey and Evaluation of Mercury Contamination

by Anna Puścion-Jakubik, Monika Pienkiewicz, Karolina Steckiewicz, Aleksandra Stypułkowska, Monika Grabia, Joanna Bielecka, Renata Markiewicz-Żukowska and Katarzyna Socha

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13025; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192013025 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1210

Abstract

The skin is one of the ways the human body is exposed to toxic elements, including mercury (Hg). Hand creams are cosmetics that should be of high quality due to the fact that they can be used on irritated skin, which can facilitate [...] Read more.

The skin is one of the ways the human body is exposed to toxic elements, including mercury (Hg). Hand creams are cosmetics that should be of high quality due to the fact that they can be used on irritated skin, which can facilitate the absorption of many ingredients. The study consisted of two stages: a consumer questionnaire was conducted regarding the preferences of the respondents, and then the Hg content in hand creams was determined. The survey covered 184 people with an age of 26.9 ± 7.8 years. Based on their preferences, 140 hand creams were selected for the study. The Hg content in the creams was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with the amalgamation technique. The median content of this toxic element was 4.067 µg/kg. No influence of the country of origin, price, package size, main ingredients, and direction of action on the Hg content was shown. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment using the hazard quotient (HQ) indicated that the tested creams are safe. However, it should be emphasized that Hg has been shown in over 99% of the samples, which indicates that the content of this element in hand creams should be monitored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Nutrition, Perception of Health and Quality of Life and Care in Times of COVID-19)

10 pages, 364 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adherence to Carbohydrate Counting Improved Diet Quality of Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus during Social Distancing Due to COVID-19

by Gabriela Correia Uliana, Manuela Maria De Lima Carvalhal, Talita Nogueira Berino, Aline Leão Reis, Karem Miléo Felício, João Soares Felício and Daniela Lopes Gomes

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9776; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19169776 - 09 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1590

Abstract

To control glycemic variability in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), it is essential to perform carbohydrate counting (CC), a strategy that ensures better quality of life for these patients. Thus, this study aims to analyze potential factors associated with adherence to [...] Read more.

To control glycemic variability in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), it is essential to perform carbohydrate counting (CC), a strategy that ensures better quality of life for these patients. Thus, this study aims to analyze potential factors associated with adherence to CC in adults with T1DM during social distancing due to COVID-19 in Brazil. This was a single cross-sectional study carried out in July 2020. An online form was used to collect sociodemographic and economic data on the purchasing of supplies and food, as well as social distancing. The Chi-square test was performed with adjusted residuals analysis and a binomial logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). Of 472 adults, 37.71% reported performing CC in the same frequency as before social distancing. There was an association between performance of CC and the type of city (p = 0.027), family income (p = 0.000), use of financial emergency aid (p = 0.045), type of insulin administration and glycemic monitoring (p < 0.000), and cooking more (p = 0.012). Participants who maintained or reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods were 0.62 times more likely to adhere to CC (OR 0.626, 95% IC: 0.419–0.935) and participants who cooked more were 1.67 times more likely to adhere to CC (OR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.146–2.447). There are still people with T1DM who did not know about and did not use CC method, which highlights the need for diabetes education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Nutrition, Perception of Health and Quality of Life and Care in Times of COVID-19)

12 pages, 343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experiences of How Health and Lifestyle among Individuals with Knee Pain Have Been Influenced during the COVID-19 Pandemic, a HALLOA Study

by Evelina Sunesson, Charlotte Sylwander, Emma Haglund, Maria L. E. Andersson and Ingrid Larsson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8255; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148255 - 06 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1722

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health and lifestyles of both the general population and of vulnerable groups. Individuals with knee pain are recommended to lead an active lifestyle to relieve pain but find it difficult to maintain health and lifestyle compared to [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health and lifestyles of both the general population and of vulnerable groups. Individuals with knee pain are recommended to lead an active lifestyle to relieve pain but find it difficult to maintain health and lifestyle compared to the general population due to the cause of chronic pain, impaired physical function, and a diminished quality of life. This study aimed to explore experiences of how health and lifestyle among individuals with knee pain have been influenced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews (n = 19) were conducted in 2021 and analysed with qualitative content analysis. The results showed how individuals with knee pain adjusted their behaviour and revalued their life to maintain health and lifestyle during COVID-19. Adjusted behaviours emerged, such as spending more time at home, becoming digital, and spending more time outdoors, while revaluing life emerged as having a positive outlook on life and sharing responsibility. In conclusion, behaviour was adjusted, and life revalued to manage health and lifestyle during the pandemic. However, the findings are probably similar to the general population, i.e., individuals with knee pain live similar lives as the general population despite knee pain. The results may contribute to alternative ways of maintaining health and lifestyle in various vulnerable groups and may be applied in situations other than the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Nutrition, Perception of Health and Quality of Life and Care in Times of COVID-19)

14 pages, 530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Challenges and Strategies towards Healthy Eating during COVID-19 Home Confinement Period among Working Adults with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² Enrolled in a Weight Loss Program: Qualitative Findings

by Siti Munirah Abdul Basir, Zahara Abdul Manaf, Norhayati Mohd. Noor, Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin, Suzana Shahar and Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6656; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116656 - 30 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2371

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting our lifestyles, such as work, living, and health. In Malaysia, the Restriction of Movement Order (RMO) was first announced in March 2020 to curb the spread of the virus. Since then, many Malaysians have been confined to [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting our lifestyles, such as work, living, and health. In Malaysia, the Restriction of Movement Order (RMO) was first announced in March 2020 to curb the spread of the virus. Since then, many Malaysians have been confined to their own home. This new lifestyle can cause a change of eating habits where healthy eating may be a challenge. Hence, our qualitative study explored the challenges and strategies for healthy eating during the first wave of the COVID-19 home confinement period among working adults overweight and obese in Malaysia. Eleven participants were individually interviewed through phone calls. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then coded with NVIVO 12 based on thematic analysis. We found that social pressure, changes in the social setting, more free time to access food, and extra stock of unhealthy foods at home were among the challenges to healthy eating. Some participants countered these perceived challenges by reducing unhealthy food stock, limiting kitchen visits, and utilizing self-monitoring apps to monitor their calorie intake. Social media was not consistently perceived to influence their eating behavior during this period. We conclude that COVID-19 home confinement has created challenges to healthy eating habits among overweight and obese adults with overweight and obesity. Our study provides evidence that vulnerable groups such as overweight and obese individuals require specific nutritional support during pandemic-related confinement to enhance eating self-efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Nutrition, Perception of Health and Quality of Life and Care in Times of COVID-19)

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14 pages, 651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in the Lifestyle of the Spanish University Population during Confinement for COVID-19

by Sandra Sumalla-Cano, Tamara Forbes-Hernández, Silvia Aparicio-Obregón, Jorge Crespo, María Eléxpuru-Zabaleta, Mónica Gracia-Villar, Francesca Giampieri and Iñaki Elío

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2210; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19042210 - 15 Feb 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3026

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on eating and physical activity behavior, in a university population. A healthy diet such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD) pattern, rich in fruit and vegetables, [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on eating and physical activity behavior, in a university population. A healthy diet such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD) pattern, rich in fruit and vegetables, can prevent degenerative diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. We conducted a cross-sectional study and data were collected by an anonymous online questionnaire. Participants completed a survey consisting of 3 sections: sociodemographic data; dietary behavior and physical activity; the Mediterranean Diet questionnaire (MEDAS-14) and the Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ). A total of 168 participants completed the questionnaire: 66.7% were women, 79.2% were from Spain, 76.8% were students, 76.2% lived in their family home and 66.1% were of normal weight. During lockdown our population shopped for groceries 1 time or less per week (76.8%); maintained the same consumption of fruits (45.2%), vegetables (50.6%), dairy products (61.9%), pulses (64.9%), fish/seafood (57.7%), white meat (77.4%), red and processed meat (71.4%), pastries and snacks (48.2%), rice/pasta/potatoes (70.2%) and nuts (62.5%), spirits (98.8%) and sugary drinks (91.7%). Cooking time increased (73.2%) and the consumption decreased of low alcohol drinks (60.1%), spirits (75%) and sugary drinks (57.1%), and physical activity also diminished (49.4%). University Employees (UE) gained more weight (1.01 ± 0.02) than students (0.99 ± 0.03) (p < 0.05) during the confinement period. A total of 79.8% of the participants obtained a Medium/High Adherence to the MD during lockdown. Emotional and very emotional eaters were higher in the female group (p < 0.01). In the event of further confinement, strategies should be implemented to promote a balanced and healthy diet together with the practice of physical activity, taking special care of the female and UE groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle, Nutrition, Perception of Health and Quality of Life and Care in Times of COVID-19)

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