3 research outputs found
Use of preventive measures, beliefs and information received about COVID-19 and their effects on mental health, in two stages of the pandemic in Colombia
Background: Several studies have highlighted the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on both
physical and mental health. The aim of this study is to analyse the effects on mental health in
two phases of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 and February 2021) in the population
of Colombia.
Methods: Observational, prospective, cross-sectional study along two periods, April 2020 and
February 2021. The sample (N=1309) was extracted from the Colombian population, only
including individuals over the age of 18 and residing in Colombia during the pandemic. The
IMPACTCOVID-19 questionnaire was used, previously validated in Spain and cross-culturally
adapted to the Colombian population, which included sociodemographic data, use of preventive
measures, information received and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for
psychological distress (PD). Participants had to sign an informed consent before taking part in
the investigation.
Results: A higher level of PD was observed among women (M=3.99, SD = 3.39) (p<.001), in
those who lived without a partner (M=3.83, SD = 3.47) (p = .036), and in those with a worse
perception of health (M=6.27, SD = 3.51) (p<.001). PD decreased in the second period from
M=3.99 (SD = 3.36) to M=2.98 (SD = 3.30) (p<.001), coinciding with a higher use of preventive
measures, less distress caused by COVID-19 and greater confidence in healthcare professionals
and clinical structures. In the second period, the time spent in getting informed decreased,
but the sources of information were the same, principally social media and official sources.
Conclusions: Better information on the effects and preventive measures to prevent the pandemic
improves confidence in the health system and its professionals, reducing the level of PD.
There is a need for quality information on social networks and an adaptation of telemedicine to
address the pandemic effects on mental health
Adverse Health Effects and Mercury Exposure in a Colombian Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Community
The aim of this study was, first of all, to associate the mercury (Hg) concentrations and respiratory functions of the gold miners in the artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) environment in San MartÃn de Loba, Colombia. We carried out a cross-sectional study using a survey whereby we collected basic demographic information, occupational medical history, and applied two validated questionnaires (Q16 and SF36). We measured Hg levels in all volunteers using direct thermal decomposition-atomic absorption spectrometry. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were carried out for all variables, performing logistic regression to assess the effect of ASGM on health outcomes. Volunteers enrolled (n = 124) were between the ages of 20 and 84 years (84% miners and 79% males). No changes were found in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate from the ASGM miners, in crude and adjusted statistical analyses. ASGM miners increased 8.91 (95% confidence interval, 1.55–95.70) times the risk of having these than of having neurotoxic effects. Concentrations of total whole blood mercury (T-Hg) in all participants ranged from 0.6 to 82.5 with a median of 6.0 μg/L. Miners had higher T-Hg concentrations than non-miners (p-value = 0.011). Normal and abnormal respiratory spirometry patterns showed significant differences with the physical role and physical function of quality-of-life scales (the (p-value was 0.012 and 0.004, respectively). The spirometry test was carried out in 87 male miners, with 25% of these miners reporting abnormalities. Out of these, 73% presented a restrictive spirometry pattern, and 27%, an obstructive spirometry pattern. The ASGM population had higher Hg concentrations and worse neurotoxic symptomatology than non-miners of the same community