Health behaviour changes during COVID-19 and the potential consequences: A mini-review

© The Author(s) 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about profound changes to social behaviour. While calls to identify mental health effects that may stem from these changes should be heeded, there is also a need to examine potential changes with respect to health behaviours. Media reports have signalled dramatic shifts in sleep, substance use, physical activity and diet, which may have subsequent downstream mental health consequences. We briefly discuss the interplay between health behaviours and mental health, and the possible changes in these areas resulting from anti-pandemic measures. We also highlight a call for greater research efforts to address the short and long-term consequences of changes to health behaviours

Comparison of commonly used screening tools for determining obstructive sleep apnea amongst aviation employees

© 2020 Elsevier B.V. Introduction: Epidemiological evidence suggests the prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) ranges 9–38%. Multiple screening tools are used to aid diagnosis. In professions that require high levels of attentiveness, safety, and responsibility for other\u27s lives, inaccuracies and biases are probable for self-reported data. We sought to assess the best screening tool for OSA amongst aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs). Methods: Data were collected as part of routine clinical care for patients presenting to Sleep Disorders Specialized Clinic. A total 1384 patients attended the clinic (2012–2018), of which 254 were either pilots or ATCs. Patients responded to three questionnaires, regularly used for OSA screening: 1) Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); 2) Berlin Questionnaire (BQ); 3) STOP-BANG Questionnaire (SBQ). We used non-parametric ROC analysis, sensitivity, and specificity measures, along with positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) to determine the most accurate diagnostic instrument. Results: The ROC (95% CI) for the ESS, BQ, and SBQ was 0.49 (0.39–0.59), 0.58 (0.49–0.67), and 0.56 (0.47–0.65), respectively. When the SBQ was used in combination with the ESS, the sensitivity was high at 100% (78.2–100.0), as were the PPV and NPV, 83.3% (58.6–96.4) and 100.0 (2.5–100.0), respectively. Conclusion: The SBQ, in combination with the ESS, was the most reliable diagnostic tool for OSA in pilots and ATCs. Physicians should prioritize use of these screening tools for predicting OSA when assessing those working in the aviation industry and similar occupational groups, such as drivers. Given the scarcity of literature in this population, we recommend future studies replicate ours to either confirm or refute the findings

Generalized Anxiety Mediates the Relationship Between Loneliness and Sleep Quality Amongst Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, restrictions to minimize its spread have had a profound effect. Government instigated restrictions, such as social isolation, have affected millions worldwide, and the downstream consequences of perceived loneliness upon mental health and sleep are largely unknown. A total of 1662 individuals participated in an online survey. Loneliness, anxiety, and sleep quality were assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorders scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Higher levels of perceived loneliness, as well as each one-unit increase in anxiety, were independent predictors of poor sleep quality, where OR = 1.16 (95% CI: 1.03–1.31) and 1.16 (1.11–1.21), respectively, and after adjustment. In our path analysis, we revealed significant direct effects between loneliness and sleep quality (β = 0.25, p \u3c .001), as well as generalized anxiety and sleep quality (β = 0.28, p \u3c .001), and generalized anxiety mediated the relationship between loneliness and sleep quality (β = 0.33, p \u3c .001). Heightened anxiety and perceived loneliness appear to be significant drivers of poor sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital media platforms that encourage support groups for those experiencing social isolation are encouraged, along with self-help and meditative practices, which may minimize an increase of mental health and sleep disorder diagnoses post COVID-19