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How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0
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How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0

A special issue of COVID (ISSN 2673-8112).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 23441

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Chiara Lorini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50121 Firenze, Italy
Interests: health literacy; epidemiology; determinants of health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mirko Duradoni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Education, Languages, Interculture, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
Interests: pro-environmental behaviors; well-being
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Andrea Guazzini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Education, Languages, Intercultural Studies, Literatures, and Psychology, University of Florence (FORLILPSI), 50135 Florence, Italy
Interests: social psychology; social cognition; cognitive psychology; participation; sense of community; psychology of virtual environment; sociophysics; complex systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Guglielmo Bonaccorsi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50121 Firenze, Italy
Interests: health literacy; primary health care; food and nutrition sustainability; healthcare for frail social groups (especially for older people)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Letizia Materassi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Social and Political Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Interests: public sector communication; public sector organizations’ changes; digital and social media processes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are thrilled to announce the second edition of our Special Issue, embarking on a comprehensive exploration of the four-year transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our primary focus remains on elucidating how this extended period has influenced the perspectives, knowledge, and conduct of individuals, communities, and institutions in response to the virus, the ailment, and pivotal interventions like vaccines.

Over the past two years, COVID-19 vaccines have claimed the global spotlight in public discourse, amplifying awareness and expertise in health matters. This heightened understanding has, at times, given rise to polarized and extreme viewpoints, occasionally manifesting as conspiracy theories. Presently, we confront a fresh challenge: a significant global reduction in booster dose rates.

In this ever-evolving scenario, the essential role of health institutions and public sector organizations in fostering public trust and managing information dissemination is of paramount importance, particularly within the digital realm.

As we navigate the intricate interplay between individuals, communities, institutions, and the virus itself, our Special Issue continues to provide a dynamic platform for academic exploration and insightful contributions. We warmly invite you to participate in this vital endeavor, contributing your expertise to the ongoing examination of the multifaceted responses to the enduring COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Chiara Lorini
Dr. Mirko Duradoni
Dr. Andrea Guazzini
Dr. Guglielmo Bonaccorsi
Dr. Letizia Materassi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. COVID is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • individual and social attitudes and awareness toward COVID-19
  • literacy (scientific, medical, vaccine, health)
  • vaccine hesitancy
  • compliance with screening and mitigation rules
  • pandemic community resilience
  • multifaceted responses to the enduring COVID-19 pandemic

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 301 KiB  
Article
Examining COVID-19 Sources of Information, Vaccine Hesitancy, and Uptake Behaviors Among Diverse Underserved Latinx Communities: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Approach
by Gira J. Ravelo, Weize Wang, Alvonee Penn, Tara G. Bautista, Mariana Sanchez, Elena Bastida and Olveen Carrasquillo
COVID 2024, 4(12), 1931-1950; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4120136 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 286
Abstract
At 63.7 million, Latinxs constitute the largest racial/ethnic minority in the United States (US). Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, Latinxs were disproportionately impacted and exhibited lower vaccine uptake. Widespread infodemics contributed to confusion, eroded trust, and fostered vaccine hesitancy among this population. This [...] Read more.
At 63.7 million, Latinxs constitute the largest racial/ethnic minority in the United States (US). Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, Latinxs were disproportionately impacted and exhibited lower vaccine uptake. Widespread infodemics contributed to confusion, eroded trust, and fostered vaccine hesitancy among this population. This study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach to analyze, integrate, and interpret concurrently collected data gathered as part of the Community Engaged Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities project, initiated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Target populations were three underserved Latinx communities of Miami-Dade County (MDC), Florida, during the pandemic’s peak. Qualitative findings show six themes and subthemes that integrate with quantitative survey data (N = 451). Themes included a “wait-and-see” approach to vaccine uptake; concerns about infodemics; attitudes about science, education, healthcare providers; and personal sources of information. Our findings highlight cultural significance, trusted sources, and reasons for hesitancy before vaccination decisions as corroborated by quantitative results. However, divergence was found regarding media sources. Consistent with the literature, although participants report concerns about infodemics and media bias, they still rely on media for updates, particularly with established television networks and trusted personalities. The value placed on education throughout the study (quantitative and qualitative) highlights the importance of culturally appropriate educational interventions. Moreover, the complex nature of the impact that media has on health-related information and vaccine uptake in this population underscores the need for media literacy interventions alongside health education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
10 pages, 1104 KiB  
Article
Long COVID as a Possible Contributor to Rising Suicide Mortality in Bharat (India): An Analysis of Suicide Trends Since the Emergence of COVID-19
by Karan Varshney and Mansoor Ahmed Panhwar
COVID 2024, 4(10), 1684-1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4100117 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 891
Abstract
Mortality due to suicide is amongst the largest public health concerns across the world today in Bharat (India). There have been concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to worsening mental health outcomes across the world, including in Bharat. Furthermore, long COVID has [...] Read more.
Mortality due to suicide is amongst the largest public health concerns across the world today in Bharat (India). There have been concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to worsening mental health outcomes across the world, including in Bharat. Furthermore, long COVID has been proposed to be a major consequence of COVID-19, which can also worsen mental health outcomes. Therefore, our objective in this study was to analyse trends in suicide mortality across Bharat and to compare these trends to changes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; in addition, we aimed to analyse if long COVID had any role in these changes. It was found that, at a national level, the average annual increase in the suicide rate between 2019 and 2022 was 0.7 per 100,000 people (a 6.41% increase). There was also an average annual rise in suicide rates across 27 states/union territories (out of the 33 that were analysed). States/UTs with the highest annual increases since the start of the COVID-19, despite a decrease from 2018 to 2019, were Tamil Nadu (increased by 2.7; a 15.17% increase) and Telangana (increased by 1.9; a 9.22% increase). Multi-linear regression showed that the annual suicide rate changes were not associated with COVID-19 deaths per 10,000 people (standardized beta coefficient = 0.077; p = 0.605) but were associated with COVID-19 cases per 100 people (standardized beta coefficient = 0.578; p < 0.001). It has been shown that suicide mortality has worsened, and long COVID may have a potential role in this in Bharat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
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23 pages, 2274 KiB  
Article
The Association between Self-Reported Long COVID Symptoms and COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories in Jordan and Kuwait
by Malik Sallam, Kholoud Al-Mahzoum, Moudhi Ahmad Alenezi, Maryam Alsaeed, Fatmah Alsaeed, Noor Albayati, Sarah Alkhaldi, Rawan J. Obeidat and Muna Barakat
COVID 2024, 4(9), 1440-1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4090102 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1148
Abstract
Long COVID comprises persistent symptoms that extend beyond four weeks post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. The potential association between long COVID and the endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories has not been explored, particularly in Arab countries, where high endorsement of these theories has been reported. This [...] Read more.
Long COVID comprises persistent symptoms that extend beyond four weeks post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. The potential association between long COVID and the endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories has not been explored, particularly in Arab countries, where high endorsement of these theories has been reported. This study aimed to explore the association between endorsing COVID-19 conspiracy theories and the prevalence of self-reported long COVID symptoms among adults in Jordan and Kuwait in addition to other Arab countries. The study employed a cross-sectional design using Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI), conducted in Arabic. Recruitment utilized convenience-based snowball sampling via social media and the survey was distributed in July 2024. Long COVID manifestations were assessed across ten recognized symptoms, and belief in conspiracy theories was measured using a five-point Likert scale across five items. The final study sample comprised 755 respondents, the majority of whom self-reported a history of confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis at least once (n = 493, 65.2%). The results indicated a neutral average attitude towards COVID-19 conspiracy theories (mean score = 15.18 ± 4.64 out of 30.00). Participants with high COVID-19 conspiracy theories scores were more likely to report high (aOR = 6.85, p < 0.001) or middle long COVID symptoms (aOR = 2.82, p = 0.008) compared to those with lower scores. Additional predictors of higher long COVID reporting included female sex, lower household income, frequent COVID-19 infections, and hospitalizations. The study results revealed a significant correlation between the endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories and a higher frequency and magnitude of long COVID symptom reporting. The findings also highlighted the influence of sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 infection history on long COVID reporting, which suggests that public health strategies should address these factors to mitigate long COVID challenges effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
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14 pages, 403 KiB  
Article
“The Right to Our Own Body Is Over”: Justifications of COVID-19 Vaccine Opponents on Israeli Social Media
by Liron Inchi, Amit Rottman and Chen Zarecki
COVID 2024, 4(7), 1012-1025; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4070070 - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1147
Abstract
Vaccines decrease morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, their benefits depend on public response. During COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy and refusal were rampant, threatening public health. A thorough understanding of opponents’ arguments is required to address the diffusion of unreliable information on social media and prevent [...] Read more.
Vaccines decrease morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, their benefits depend on public response. During COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy and refusal were rampant, threatening public health. A thorough understanding of opponents’ arguments is required to address the diffusion of unreliable information on social media and prevent vaccine hesitancy from developing into vaccine refusal. The focus on the opponents’ viewpoints and their justifications makes the study unique. Accordingly, textual content analysis of reader comments on three health-related Israeli Facebook pages was conducted. Data collection encompassed the Israeli COVID-19 vaccination period from October 2020 to May 2022. The comments were analyzed according to the health beliefs model (HBM). We found that vaccine opponents were characterized by low perceptions of the severity of the disease combined with high perceptions of the damages of the vaccine; low perceived benefits of vaccine compliance; vaccine hesitancy and fear along with public distrust as barriers to change; and call for action to resist the vaccine and spread related anti-establishment views on the web. Hesitancy was found to develop into public distrust in the state systems and escalate into conspiracy beliefs and anti-vaccination activism. These results are important and instructive that early detection is necessary to prevent future vaccine resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
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12 pages, 334 KiB  
Article
Psychological Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake among Pregnant Women in Kenya: A Comprehensive Model Integrating Health Belief Model Constructs, Anticipated Regret, and Trust in Health Authorities
by Sylvia Ayieko, Christine Markham, Kimberly Baker and Sarah E. Messiah
COVID 2024, 4(6), 749-760; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4060050 - 5 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1113
Abstract
Pregnant women, considered at risk of COVID-19 complications because of the immunosuppressive and physiological changes in pregnancy, were initially hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccination. This study assessed the association between COVID-19 vaccination uptake, psychological determinants (health belief model (HBM) constructs, anticipated regret, trust [...] Read more.
Pregnant women, considered at risk of COVID-19 complications because of the immunosuppressive and physiological changes in pregnancy, were initially hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccination. This study assessed the association between COVID-19 vaccination uptake, psychological determinants (health belief model (HBM) constructs, anticipated regret, trust in health authorities), and provider recommendation among pregnant women in Kenya. Using data from a cross-sectional study, we conducted correlations, binary and multivariable logistic regressions, and moderation analysis to explore relationships between COVID-19 vaccination and psychological variables. Of the 115 pregnant women, 64% reported receiving provider recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination. There were weak positive correlations between the variables. Participants with high anticipated regret scores were more likely to receive COVID-19 vaccination compared to their peers (AOR = 4.27; 95% CI, 1.23–14.85), while provider recommendation increased the odds of COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 3.70; 95% CI, 1.53–8.92). None of the HBM constructs were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination. The findings related to psychological variables require the reconceptualization of theory-informed interventions to streamline healthcare provision. The critical role of healthcare providers in COVID-19 vaccination recommendations suggests a need to empower health practitioners with effective communication skills to improve maternal health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
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13 pages, 320 KiB  
Article
Belief in Conspiracy Theories about COVID-19 Vaccines among Brazilians: A National Cross-Sectional Study
by Emerson Lucas Silva Camargo, Caíque Jordan Nunes Ribeiro, Guilherme Reis de Santana Santos, Valdemar Silva Almeida, Herica Emilia Félix de Carvalho, Guilherme Schneider, Leticia Genova Vieira, André Luiz Silva Alvim, Fabiana Guerra Pimenta, Liliane Moretti Carneiro, Odinéa Maria Amorim Batista, Anderson Reis de Sousa, Álvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa and Carla Aparecida Arena Ventura
COVID 2024, 4(4), 518-530; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4040035 - 17 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2119
Abstract
Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a complex challenge that demands a comprehensive approach, one that not only acknowledges legitimate concerns within communities but also actively confronts misinformation. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of belief in conspiracy theories about COVID-19 [...] Read more.
Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a complex challenge that demands a comprehensive approach, one that not only acknowledges legitimate concerns within communities but also actively confronts misinformation. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of belief in conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines among Brazilians, seeking to understand the factors associated with this behavior. Method: Utilizing a national online survey conducted between May and August 2020, with a sample of 4247 participants, we conducted multivariate analysis to identify the independent determinants of this adherence, calculating adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) and their 95% confidence intervals. Results: It was revealed that 27.7% of participants believed in at least one conspiracy theory. Factors associated with a higher level of adherence included agreement with at least one piece of COVID-19 misinformation on social media (APR: 3.65; 95% CI: 3.07–4.34), lack of difficulty accessing leisure activities during the pandemic (APR: 3.11; 95% CI: 1.85–5.24), age 50 years or older (APR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.49–1.94), absence of difficulty accessing protective measures (APR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.26–1.72), use of face masks (APR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.33–1.97), non-use of at least one traditional media source for information (APR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.26–1.72), female gender (APR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.25–1.60), and age between 30 and 49 years (APR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.19–1.52). Conclusions: Our findings highlight that it is crucial to recognize that vaccine hesitancy is not merely an isolated phenomenon but often rooted in a complex interplay of social, cultural, psychological, and political factors. There is a need for multifaceted strategies to combat vaccine hesitancy, effectively address conspiracy theories, and consider the various factors associated with their prevalence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
18 pages, 533 KiB  
Article
Peritraumatic Distress among Chinese Canadians during the Early Lockdown Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sociodemographic and Pandemic-Related Predictors
by Alexandra Katsiris, Kesaan Kandasamy and Lixia Yang
COVID 2024, 4(3), 391-408; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4030026 - 13 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1233
Abstract
The current study investigates the peritraumatic distress of Chinese residents living in Canada and identifies the associated sociodemographic and pandemic-related predictors during the initial phases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown (i.e., from April 2020 to June 2020). A final sample [...] Read more.
The current study investigates the peritraumatic distress of Chinese residents living in Canada and identifies the associated sociodemographic and pandemic-related predictors during the initial phases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown (i.e., from April 2020 to June 2020). A final sample of 457 valid participants aged 18 or older completed an online survey in which peritraumatic distress was assessed with the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). The results showed 32.76% of the sample was in the mild to moderate range (i.e., 28–51) and 5.03% in the severe range (i.e., 52 to higher) for peritraumatic distress. The hierarchical regression models on the continuous CPDI score identified life satisfaction as a consistent protector for the CPDI (absolute values of βs = −1.21 to −0.49, ps < 0.001). After controlling for life satisfaction, the following sociodemographic risk factors were identified: being middle-aged, being employed (relative to retired people/students), living in Ontario (rather than elsewhere), and a poor health status. Furthermore, the following pandemic-related risk factors were identified: a higher self-contraction worry, more of a COVID-19 information authenticity concern, a higher future infection rate prediction, and a higher personal health hygiene appraisal. The results of our study shed light on cognitive, experiential, behavioural, and sociodemographic factors associated with peritraumatic distress for Chinese residents living in Canada during the early outbreak stage of the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
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13 pages, 1375 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Teachers’ Workplace Climate and Anxiety Response during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Information Seeking Platforms
by Medina Srem-Sai, Frank Quansah, Edmond Kwesi Agormedah, John Elvis Hagan, Jr. and Thomas Schack
COVID 2024, 4(3), 378-390; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4030025 - 13 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1582
Abstract
The COVID-19 disease affected the school workplace climate for teachers and led to psychological consequences. However, it is not clear how the workplace climate affected the anxiety levels of teachers. This study assessed the connection between workplace climate and COVID-19-related anxiety among senior [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 disease affected the school workplace climate for teachers and led to psychological consequences. However, it is not clear how the workplace climate affected the anxiety levels of teachers. This study assessed the connection between workplace climate and COVID-19-related anxiety among senior high school (SHS) teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study further examined the moderating role of professional and social media platform use on the relationship between workplace climate and COVID-19-related anxiety among teachers. Through a cross-sectional survey design, 395 high school teachers were conveniently sampled from various schools in the Central Region of Ghana. A questionnaire was used to survey participants, and the obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics as well as simple linear regression and moderation analyses with Hayes’ PROCESS. This study revealed a negative association between workplace climate and anxiety. The relationship between workplace climate and anxiety was contingent on social media use but not professional platform use. Therefore, the consumption of unscrutinised COVID-19-related information on social media heightened fear and anxiety among teachers, even in the midst of a safe workplace environment. An effective strategy against teachers’ COVID-19-related anxiety required the provision of accurate science-driven information about the virus. School counselling psychologists, school welfare officers, and school health coordinators are encouraged to collaborate towards designed interventions that promote a safe working environment and the mental health of teachers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
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15 pages, 1276 KiB  
Article
Pro-Vaccination Flu and COVID-19 Messages: Evidence of Congenial Targeted and Spillover Effects
by James Price Dillard and Lijiang Shen
COVID 2024, 4(3), 363-377; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4030024 - 11 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1236
Abstract
Given the plentitude of messages in the public arena that promote vaccination against different diseases or raise the possibility of vaccine mandates, we asked whether message effects in one disease domain might spill over into other domains. Our experiment exposed individuals (N [...] Read more.
Given the plentitude of messages in the public arena that promote vaccination against different diseases or raise the possibility of vaccine mandates, we asked whether message effects in one disease domain might spill over into other domains. Our experiment exposed individuals (N = 1755) recruited from an opt-in online panel (Qualtrics) on influenza or COVID-19 pro-vaccination messages then measured intentions to vaccinate for each disease and intentions to support a vaccine mandate for each disease. Messages that targeted flu (vs. COVID-19) exhibited stronger effects on intentions to vaccinate for corresponding (vs. noncorresponding) disease. We observed positive spillover from intention to vaccinate against one disease to intention to vaccinate against the other disease, as well as from vaccination intention type to support for corresponding and noncorresponding vaccine mandates. Although pro-vaccination flu and COVID-19 messages have multiple effects, those effects are congenial. The results adjudicate differences in spillover theory and suggest synergistic effects between pro-vaccination campaigns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
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19 pages, 1107 KiB  
Article
The Effects of a Collegiate Recovery Community Psychotherapy Program Incorporating Equine Interaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Adults with Substance Abuse Disorder
by Katie Holtcamp, Molly C. Nicodemus, Tommy Phillips, David Christiansen, Brian J. Rude, Peter L. Ryan and Karen Galarneau
COVID 2024, 4(2), 151-169; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4020013 - 25 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1394
Abstract
While psychotherapy incorporating equine interaction (PIE) has proven to be a viable therapeutic intervention, it is not a common mental health service found on college campuses. Nevertheless, with the rise of mental health challenges on campuses after the COVID-19 pandemic, a need for [...] Read more.
While psychotherapy incorporating equine interaction (PIE) has proven to be a viable therapeutic intervention, it is not a common mental health service found on college campuses. Nevertheless, with the rise of mental health challenges on campuses after the COVID-19 pandemic, a need for effective therapeutic solutions is warranted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of a collegiate recovery community (CRC) PIE program for substance abuse disorder (SUD) compared to that of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and to determine whether physiological synchronization occurs between the human and horse during the therapy process. College-aged adults were recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic for two types of short-term SUD therapeutic interventions, CRC-PIE and CBT. Both groups completed a self-reporting survey assessing emotional safety. Vital signs measurements for human and horse participants within the CRC-PIE were collected prior to and after the first and last therapeutic sessions. Results concluded that although emotional safety did not improve significantly for PIE participants by the last therapy session (p = 0.85), emotional safety scores were significantly different between therapy types, with lower post-therapy scores for PIE (p = 0.04). As for physiological measures for PIE participants, respiratory rates (Human: p = 0.01; Horse: p = 0.01) and pain rating scores (Human: p = 0.03; Horse: p = 0.01) significantly decreased post-therapy and a strong positive correlation (R = 0.73, R2 = 0.53) associated with vital signs was observed between humans and horses. This human–horse physiological synchronization during the therapeutic intervention suggests that the horse may be a viable tool within campus CRC programs for the development of therapeutic alliances within the therapy process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
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Review

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27 pages, 885 KiB  
Review
Trust Us—We Are the (COVID-19 Misinformation) Experts: A Critical Scoping Review of Expert Meanings of “Misinformation” in the Covid Era
by Claudia Chaufan, Natalie Hemsing, Camila Heredia and Jennifer McDonald
COVID 2024, 4(9), 1413-1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4090101 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 7871
Abstract
Since the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, prominent social actors and institutions have warned about the threat of misinformation, calling for policy action to address it. However, neither the premises underlying expert claims nor the standards to separate truth from falsehood have been [...] Read more.
Since the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, prominent social actors and institutions have warned about the threat of misinformation, calling for policy action to address it. However, neither the premises underlying expert claims nor the standards to separate truth from falsehood have been appraised. We conducted a scoping review of the medical and social scientific literature, informed by a critical policy analysis approach, examining what this literature means by misinformation. We searched academic databases and refereed publications, selecting a total of 68 articles for review. Two researchers independently charted the data. Our most salient finding was that verifiability relied largely on the claims of epistemic authorities, albeit only those vetted by the establishment, to the exclusion of independent evidentiary standards or heterodox perspectives. Further, “epistemic authority” did not depend necessarily on subject matter expertise, but largely on a new type of “expertise”: in misinformation itself. Finally, policy solutions to the alleged threat that misinformation poses to democracy and human rights called for suppressing unverified information and debate unmanaged by establishment approved experts, in the name of protecting democracy and rights, contrary to democratic practice and respect for human rights. Notably, we identified no pockets of resistance to these dominant meanings and uses. We assessed the implications of our findings for democratic public policy, and for fundamental rights and freedoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
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14 pages, 2683 KiB  
Review
Prevalence and Predictors of Long COVID-19 and the Average Time to Diagnosis in the General Population: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
by John Kyalo Muthuka, Japeth Mativo Nzioki, Jack Oluoch Kelly, Everlyn Nyamai Musangi, Lucy Chepkemei Chebungei, Rosemary Nabaweesi and Michael Kibet Kiptoo
COVID 2024, 4(7), 968-981; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4070067 - 5 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1339
Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to assess the prevalence of long COVID-19 and estimate the average time to its diagnosis and meta-regression for covariates. Methods: We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression from 43 studies (367,236 patients) (June 2020–August 2022). With the random-effects model, [...] Read more.
Objectives: We aimed to assess the prevalence of long COVID-19 and estimate the average time to its diagnosis and meta-regression for covariates. Methods: We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression from 43 studies (367,236 patients) (June 2020–August 2022). With the random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of long COVID-19 was measured. Publication bias was ascertained, and meta-regression analysis was performed on predetermined covariates. The trial was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022328509). Results: The pooled prevalence of long COVID-19 was 42.5% (95% CI 36% to 49.3%), with 25% and 66% at four and two months, respectively. Mostly, long COVID-19 signs and symptoms occurred at three (54.3%) to six (57%) months (p < 0.0001), further increasing at 12 months (57.9%, p = 0.0148). Hypertension was significantly associated with long COVID-19 at 32% (0.322 (95% CI 0.166, 0.532) (p < 0.001) and hospital re-admission contributed to 17% (Q = 8.70, df = 1, p = 0.0032) (R2 = 0.17). All the covariates explained at least some of the variance in effect size on long COVID-19 at 53% (Q = 38.81, df = 19, p = 0.0047) (R2 analog = 0.53). Conclusion: The prevalence of long COVID-19 was 42.5% when linked with a cardiovascular disorder. Hospital re-admission majorly predicted the incidence of long COVID-19. Clinical and methodological characteristics in a specific study contributed to over 50% of long COVID-19 events, with most signs and symptoms occurring between 3 and 6 months and increasing at 12 months. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 and Long COVID Changed Individuals and Communities 2.0)
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