Author
Leonardo Mataruna
Other affiliations: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Canadian University of Dubai
Bio: Leonardo Mataruna is an academic researcher from American University in the Emirates. The author has contributed to research in topics: Psychosocial & Mental health. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 12 publications receiving 785 citations. Previous affiliations of Leonardo Mataruna include Federal University of Rio de Janeiro & Canadian University of Dubai.
Topics: Psychosocial, Mental health, Public health, Population, Higher education
Papers
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University of Sfax1, University of Münster2, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg3, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases4, University of Gafsa5, Rio de Janeiro State University6, University of Twente7, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart8, Estácio S.A.9, American University in the Emirates10, Imam Khomeini International University11, University of Paris12, University of Genoa13, University of Arkansas14, Stanford University15, University of Toulouse16, Assiut University17, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology18, Georgia Southern University19, Government of Extremadura20, University Medical Center Groningen21, University of Ulm22, Yarmouk University23, University of Jordan24, University of Porto25, Loughborough University26, Paris West University Nanterre La Défense27
TL;DR: Results indicate that isolation is a necessary measure to protect public health, but results indicate that it alters physical activity and eating behaviours in a health compromising direction.
Abstract: Background: Public health recommendations and governmental measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in numerous restrictions on daily living including social distancing, isolation and home confinement. While these measures are imperative to abate the spreading of COVID-19, the impact of these restrictions on health behaviours and lifestyles at home is undefined. Therefore, an international online survey was launched in April 2020, in seven languages, to elucidate the behavioural and lifestyle consequences of COVID-19 restrictions. This report presents the results from the first thousand responders on physical activity (PA) and nutrition behaviours. Methods: Following a structured review of the literature, the “Effects of home Confinement on multiple Lifestyle Behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak (ECLB-COVID19)” Electronic survey was designed by a steering group of multidisciplinary scientists and academics. The survey was uploaded and shared on the Google online survey platform. Thirty-five research organisations from Europe, North-Africa, Western Asia and the Americas promoted the survey in English, German, French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and Slovenian languages. Questions were presented in a differential format, with questions related to responses “before” and “during” confinement conditions. Results: 1047 replies (54% women) from Asia (36%), Africa (40%), Europe (21%) and other (3%) were included in the analysis. The COVID-19 home confinement had a negative effect on all PA intensity levels (vigorous, moderate, walking and overall). Additionally, daily sitting time increased from 5 to 8 h per day. Food consumption and meal patterns (the type of food, eating out of control, snacks between meals, number of main meals) were more unhealthy during confinement, with only alcohol binge drinking decreasing significantly. Conclusion: While isolation is a necessary measure to protect public health, results indicate that it alters physical activity and eating behaviours in a health compromising direction. A more detailed analysis of survey data will allow for a segregation of these responses in different age groups, countries and other subgroups, which will help develop interventions to mitigate the negative lifestyle behaviours that have manifested during the COVID-19 confinement.
1,275 citations
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Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg1, University of Sfax2, University of Münster3, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases4, Rio de Janeiro State University5, University of Twente6, Estácio S.A.7, Canadian University of Dubai8, Imam Khomeini International University9, University of Paris10, York University11, University of Giessen12, University of Arkansas13, Stanford University14, University of Toulouse15, University of Thessaly16, Assiut University17, Georgia Southern University18, Government of Extremadura19, University of Groningen20, University of Ulm21, Yarmouk University22, University of Jordan23, University of Porto24, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart25, Loughborough University26
TL;DR: The findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 home confinement period and provide a clear remit for the urgent implementation of technology-based intervention to foster an Active and Healthy Confinement Lifestyle AHCL.
Abstract: Although recognised as effective measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, social distancing and self-isolation have been suggested to generate a burden throughout the population. To provide scientific data to help identify risk factors for the psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 outbreak, an international cross-disciplinary online survey was circulated in April 2020. This report outlines the mental, emotional and behavioural consequences of COVID-19 home confinement. The ECLB-COVID19 electronic survey was designed by a steering group of multidisciplinary scientists, following a structured review of the literature. The survey was uploaded and shared on the Google online survey platform and was promoted by thirty-five research organizations from Europe, North Africa, Western Asia and the Americas. Questions were presented in a differential format with questions related to responses “before” and “during” the confinement period. 1047 replies (54% women) from Western Asia (36%), North Africa (40%), Europe (21%) and other continents (3%) were analysed. The COVID-19 home confinement evoked a negative effect on mental wellbeing and emotional status (P < 0.001; 0.43 ≤ d ≤ 0.65) with a greater proportion of individuals experiencing psychosocial and emotional disorders (+10% to +16.5%). These psychosocial tolls were associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviours with a greater proportion of individuals experiencing (i) physical (+15.2%) and social (+71.2%) inactivity, (ii) poor sleep quality (+12.8%), (iii) unhealthy diet behaviours (+10%), and (iv) unemployment (6%). Conversely, participants demonstrated a greater use (+15%) of technology during the confinement period. These findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 home confinement period and provide a clear remit for the urgent implementation of technology-based intervention to foster an Active and Healthy Confinement Lifestyle AHCL).
218 citations
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University of Sfax1, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases2, Rio de Janeiro State University3, University of Twente4, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart5, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro6, American University in the Emirates7, Imam Khomeini International University8, University of Paris9, University of Genoa10, University of Arkansas11, Stanford University12, National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse13, Assiut University14, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology15, Drexel University16, Georgia Southern University17, University Medical Center Groningen18, University of St Andrews19, University of Ulm20, Yarmouk University21, University of Jordan22, University of Porto23, University of Oxford24, University of Waterloo25, Loughborough University26, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg27
TL;DR: The results indicate that isolation is a necessary measure to protect public health, but it alters physical activity and eating behaviours in a direction that would compromise health.
Abstract: Background Public health recommendations and governmental measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have enforced numerous restrictions on daily living including social distancing, isolation and home confinement. While these measures are imperative to abate the spreading of COVID-19, the impact of these restrictions on health behaviours and lifestyle at home is undefined. Therefore, an international online survey was launched in April 2020 in seven languages to elucidate the behavioral and lifestyle consequences of COVID-19 restrictions. This report presents the preliminary results from the first thousand responders on physical activity (PA) and nutrition behaviours. Methods Thirty-five research organisations from Europe, North-Africa, Western Asia and the Americas promoted the survey through their networks to the general society, in English, German, French, Arabic, Spanish, Portugese, and Slovenian languages. Questions were presented in a differential format with questions related to responses before and during confinement conditions. Results 1047 replies (54% women) from Asia (36%), Africa (40%), Europe (21%) and other (3%) were included into a general analysis. The COVID-19 home confinement had a negative effect on all intensities of PA (vigorous, moderate, walking and overall). Conversely, daily sitting time increased from 5 to 8 hours per day. Additionally, food consumption and meal patterns (the type of food, eating out of control, snacks between meals, number of meals) were more unhealthy during confinement with only alcohol binge drink decreasing significantly. Conclusion While isolation is a necessary measure to protect public health, our results indicate that it alters physical activity and eating behaviours in a direction that would compromise health. A more detailed analysis of survey data will allow for a segregation of these responses in different age groups, countries and other subgroups which will help develop bespoke interventions to mitigate the negative lifestyle behaviors manifest during the COVID-19 confinement.
86 citations
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Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg1, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases2, Rio de Janeiro State University3, University of Twente4, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart5, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro6, American University in the Emirates7, Imam Khomeini International University8, University of Genoa9, University of Arkansas10, Stanford University11, University of Toulouse12, Assiut University13, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology14, Georgia Southern University15, University Medical Center Groningen16, University of Ulm17, Yarmouk University18, University of Jordan19, University of Porto20, ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon21, University of Waterloo22, Loughborough University23, Paris West University Nanterre La Défense24
TL;DR: The findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the current home confinement period and provide a clear remit for the urgent implementation of technology-based intervention to foster an Active and Healthy Confinement Lifestyle (AHCL).
Abstract: Background Although recognised as effective measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, social distancing and self-isolation, have been suggested to generate burden throughout the population. To provide scientific data to help identify risk-factors for the psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 outbreak, an international cross-disciplinary online survey was circulated in April 2020. This report outlines the mental, emotional and behavioural consequences of COVID-19 home confinement. Method Thirty-five research organisations from four continents promoted the survey through their networks to the general society, in Ten different languages. Questions were presented in a differential format with questions related to responses “before” and “during” confinement period. Results 1047 replies (54% women) from Western-Asia (36%), North-Africa (40%), Europe (21%) and other countries (3%) were analysed. The COVID-19 home confinement evoked a negative effect on mental wellbeing and emotional status (P Conclusion These findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the current home confinement period and provide a clear remit for the urgent implementation of technology-based intervention to foster an Active and Healthy Confinement Lifestyle (AHCL).
53 citations
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Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg1, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases2, Rio de Janeiro State University3, University of Twente4, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart5, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro6, American University in the Emirates7, Imam Khomeini International University8, University of Paris9, University of Genoa10, Loughborough University11, Stanford University12, University of Toulouse13, Assiut University14, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology15, Georgia Southern University16, University Medical Center Groningen17, University of Ulm18, Yarmouk University19, University of Jordan20, University of Porto21, ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon22, University of Waterloo23, University of Arkansas24
TL;DR: Preliminary findings revealed psychosocial strain during the enforced COVID-19 home confinement, and implementation of national strategies focused on promoting social inclusion through technology-based solution is urgently needed to mitigate the negative psychossocial effects of home confinement.
Abstract: Background Public health recommendations and governmental measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have enforced numerous restrictions on daily living including social distancing, isolation and home confinement. While these measures are imperative to mitigate spreading of COVID-19, the impact of these restrictions on psychosocial health is undefined. Therefore, an international online survey was launched in April 2020 in seven languages to elucidate the behavioral and lifestyle consequences of COVID-19 restrictions. This report presents the preliminary results from the first thousand responders on social participation and life satisfaction. Methods Thirty-five research organisations from Europe, North-Africa, Western Asia and the Americas promoted the survey through their networks to the general society, in English, German, French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and Slovenian languages. Questions were presented in a differential format with questions related to responses “before” and “during” confinement conditions. Results 1047 replies (54% women) from Asia (36%), Africa (40%), Europe (21%) and other (3%) were included in the analysis. Preliminary findings revealed psychosocial strain during the enforced COVID-19 home confinement. In particular, large decreases in the amount of social activity through family (58%), friends/neighbors (44.9%) or entertainment (46.7%) were triggered by the enforced confinement. These negative effects on social participation were also associated with lower satisfaction (−30.5%) during the confinement period. Conversely, social contact score through digital technologies has significantly increased (p Conclusion These preliminary findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the current home confinement period. Therefore, in order to mitigate the negative psychosocial effects of home confinement, implementation of national strategies focused on promoting social inclusion through technology-based solution is urgently needed.
19 citations
Cited by
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University of Sfax1, University of Münster2, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases3, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg4, University of Gafsa5, Rio de Janeiro State University6, University of Twente7, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart8, Estácio S.A.9, American University in the Emirates10, Imam Khomeini International University11, University of Paris12, University of Genoa13, University of Arkansas14, Stanford University15, University of Toulouse16, Assiut University17, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology18, Georgia Southern University19, Government of Extremadura20, University Medical Center Groningen21, University of Ulm22, Yarmouk University23, University of Jordan24, University of Porto25, Loughborough University26, Paris West University Nanterre La Défense27
TL;DR: Results indicate that isolation is a necessary measure to protect public health, but results indicate that it alters physical activity and eating behaviours in a health compromising direction.
Abstract: Background: Public health recommendations and governmental measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in numerous restrictions on daily living including social distancing, isolation and home confinement. While these measures are imperative to abate the spreading of COVID-19, the impact of these restrictions on health behaviours and lifestyles at home is undefined. Therefore, an international online survey was launched in April 2020, in seven languages, to elucidate the behavioural and lifestyle consequences of COVID-19 restrictions. This report presents the results from the first thousand responders on physical activity (PA) and nutrition behaviours. Methods: Following a structured review of the literature, the “Effects of home Confinement on multiple Lifestyle Behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak (ECLB-COVID19)” Electronic survey was designed by a steering group of multidisciplinary scientists and academics. The survey was uploaded and shared on the Google online survey platform. Thirty-five research organisations from Europe, North-Africa, Western Asia and the Americas promoted the survey in English, German, French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and Slovenian languages. Questions were presented in a differential format, with questions related to responses “before” and “during” confinement conditions. Results: 1047 replies (54% women) from Asia (36%), Africa (40%), Europe (21%) and other (3%) were included in the analysis. The COVID-19 home confinement had a negative effect on all PA intensity levels (vigorous, moderate, walking and overall). Additionally, daily sitting time increased from 5 to 8 h per day. Food consumption and meal patterns (the type of food, eating out of control, snacks between meals, number of main meals) were more unhealthy during confinement, with only alcohol binge drinking decreasing significantly. Conclusion: While isolation is a necessary measure to protect public health, results indicate that it alters physical activity and eating behaviours in a health compromising direction. A more detailed analysis of survey data will allow for a segregation of these responses in different age groups, countries and other subgroups, which will help develop interventions to mitigate the negative lifestyle behaviours that have manifested during the COVID-19 confinement.
1,275 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the literature that investigated differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour before vs during the COVID-19 lockdown was presented, with the majority of studies reporting decreases in physical activities and increases in sedentary behaviours during their respective lockdowns across several populations.
Abstract: Objective In March 2020, several countries banned unnecessary outdoor activities during COVID-19, commonly called ‘lockdowns. These lockdowns have the potential to impact associated levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Given the numerous health outcomes associated with physical activity and sedentary behaviour, the aim of this review was to summarise literature that investigated differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour before vs during the COVID-19 lockdown. Design, data sources and eligibility criteria Electronic databases were searched from November 2019 to October 2020 using terms and synonyms relating to physical activity, sedentary behaviour and COVID-19. The coprimary outcomes were changes in physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour captured via device-based measures or self-report tools. Risk of bias was measured using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results Sixty six articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review (total n=86 981). Changes in physical activity were reported in 64 studies, with the majority of studies reporting decreases in physical activity and increases in sedentary behaviours during their respective lockdowns across several populations, including children and patients with a variety of medical conditions. Conclusion Given the numerous physical and mental benefits of increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behaviour, public health strategies should include the creation and implementation of interventions that promote safe physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour should other lockdowns occur.
577 citations
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TL;DR: It was showed that being a woman, having fair/poor general health status, being 18 to 24 years old, spending 8 or more hours on screens daily, and knowing someone infected predicted higher levels of psychological impact when risk factors were considered simultaneously.
Abstract: Background University students are increasingly recognized as a vulnerable population, suffering from higher levels of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and disordered eating compared to the general population. Therefore, when the nature of their educational experience radically changes—such as sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic—the burden on the mental health of this vulnerable population is amplified. The objectives of this study are to 1) identify the array of psychological impacts COVID-19 has on students, 2) develop profiles to characterize students' anticipated levels of psychological impact during the pandemic, and 3) evaluate potential sociodemographic, lifestyle-related, and awareness of people infected with COVID-19 risk factors that could make students more likely to experience these impacts. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected through web-based questionnaires from seven U.S. universities. Representative and convenience sampling was used to invite students to complete the questionnaires in mid-March to early-May 2020, when most coronavirus-related sheltering in place orders were in effect. We received 2,534 completed responses, of which 61% were from women, 79% from non-Hispanic Whites, and 20% from graduate students. Results Exploratory factor analysis on close-ended responses resulted in two latent constructs, which we used to identify profiles of students with latent profile analysis, including high (45% of sample), moderate (40%), and low (14%) levels of psychological impact. Bivariate associations showed students who were women, were non-Hispanic Asian, in fair/poor health, of below-average relative family income, or who knew someone infected with COVID-19 experienced higher levels of psychological impact. Students who were non-Hispanic White, above-average social class, spent at least two hours outside, or less than eight hours on electronic screens were likely to experience lower levels of psychological impact. Multivariate modeling (mixed-effects logistic regression) showed that being a woman, having fair/poor general health status, being 18 to 24 years old, spending 8 or more hours on screens daily, and knowing someone infected predicted higher levels of psychological impact when risk factors were considered simultaneously. Conclusion Inadequate efforts to recognize and address college students’ mental health challenges, especially during a pandemic, could have long-term consequences on their health and education.
444 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared hospitalisation rates, ICU admissions and mortality for patients with COVID-19 who were consistently inactive, doing some activity or consistently meeting physical activity guidelines.
Abstract: Objectives To compare hospitalisation rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and mortality for patients with COVID-19 who were consistently inactive, doing some activity or consistently meeting physical activity guidelines. Methods We identified 48 440 adult patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis from 1 January 2020 to 21 October 2020, with at least three exercise vital sign measurements from 19 March 2018 to 18 March 2020. We linked each patient’s self-reported physical activity category (consistently inactive=0–10 min/week, some activity=11–149 min/week, consistently meeting guidelines=150+ min/week) to the risk of hospitalisation, ICU admission and death after COVID-19 diagnosis. We conducted multivariable logistic regression controlling for demographics and known risk factors to assess whether inactivity was associated with COVID-19 outcomes. Results Patients with COVID-19 who were consistently inactive had a greater risk of hospitalisation (OR 2.26; 95% CI 1.81 to 2.83), admission to the ICU (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.18 to 2.55) and death (OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.33 to 4.67) due to COVID-19 than patients who were consistently meeting physical activity guidelines. Patients who were consistently inactive also had a greater risk of hospitalisation (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.32), admission to the ICU (OR 1.10; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.29) and death (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.60) due to COVID-19 than patients who were doing some physical activity. Conclusions Consistently meeting physical activity guidelines was strongly associated with a reduced risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes among infected adults. We recommend efforts to promote physical activity be prioritised by public health agencies and incorporated into routine medical care.
375 citations
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Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg1, University of Sfax2, University of Münster3, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases4, University of Gafsa5, Rio de Janeiro State University6, University of Twente7, Estácio S.A.8, Canadian University of Dubai9, Imam Khomeini International University10, University of Paris11, York University12, University of Genoa13, Paris West University Nanterre La Défense14, University of Thessaly15, Loughborough University16, Stanford University17, University of Toulouse18, Assiut University19, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology20, Georgia Southern University21, Government of Extremadura22, University Medical Center Groningen23, University of Ulm24, Yarmouk University25, University of Jordan26, University of Porto27, ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon28, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart29, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw30, University of Sousse31, University of Arkansas32, Manouba University33
TL;DR: The preliminary findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the early COVID-19 home confinement period in 2020 and suggest implementation of national strategies focused on promoting social inclusion through a technology-based solution is strongly suggested.
Abstract: Public health recommendations and governmental measures during the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have enforced numerous restrictions on daily living including social distancing, isolation, and home confinement. While these measures are imperative to mitigate spreading of COVID-19, the impact of these restrictions on psychosocial health is undefined. Therefore, an international online survey was launched in April 2020 to elucidate the behavioral and lifestyle consequences of COVID-19 restrictions. This report presents the preliminary results from more than one thousand responders on social participation and life satisfaction. Methods: Thirty-five research organizations from Europe, North-Africa, Western Asia, and the Americas promoted the survey through their networks to the general society, in 7 languages (English, German, French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and Slovenian). Questions were presented in a differential format with questions related to responses “before” and “during” confinement conditions. Results: 1047 participations (54% women) from Asia (36%), Africa (40%), Europe (21%), and others (3%) were included in the analysis. Findings revealed psychosocial strain during the enforced COVID-19 home confinement. Large decreases (p < 0.001) in the amount of social activity through family (−58%), friends/neighbors (−44.9%), or entertainment (−46.7%) were triggered by the enforced confinement. These negative effects on social participation were also associated with lower life satisfaction (−30.5%) during the confinement period. Conversely, the social contact score through digital technologies significantly increased (p < 0.001) during the confinement period with more individuals (+24.8%) being socially connected through digital technology. Conclusion: These preliminary findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the early COVID-19 home confinement period in 2020. Therefore, in order to mitigate the negative psychosocial effects of home confinement, implementation of national strategies focused on promoting social inclusion through a technology-based solution is strongly suggested.
284 citations