RESUMO Introdução As sociedades atuais e a sua constante evolução e globalização, têm demonstrado um impacto significativo na forma como se estruturam os postos de trabalho ao longo dos anos, nos quais, mais recentemente e com maior tradução mediática, se destaca a possibilidade de praticar teletrabalho, potenciada pela inovação tecnológica. Objetivos Conhecer a literatura mais recentemente publicada acerca do teletrabalho; bem como a sua relação com fatores de risco de origem psicossocial e inferir sobre a necessidade de implementação e aperfeiçoamento de políticas voltadas para promoção da saúde mental em contexto ocupacional, com enfoque na prevenção dos riscos psicossociais. Metodologia Revisão da literatura integrativa com os termos “teleworking”, “remote work”, “telework”, “telecommuting”, “psychosocial risks”, “mental health” e “occupational health”, em português e em inglês. Foram utilizadas como principais bases de dados a Pubmed, UpToDate, Clinical Key, Medscape, World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bem como a Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional e a Direção Geral de Saúde. Selecionaram-se os 24 documentos com maior relevância na temática em estudo, publicados entre 2010 e 2023. Discussão As fontes de riscos psicossociais do teletrabalho encontram-se em constante mudança e acompanham as alterações demográficas e da organização. A prática de teletrabalho parece ser uma oferta cada vez mais comum, a sua adoção em larga escala e inesperada devido à COVID-19 e coligada ao enorme avanço dos processos de digitalização, aumentaram as situações de stress tecnológico entre os trabalhadores, com possíveis consequências adversas para a saúde mental. Esta massificação do Teletrabalho, embora com o intuito de proteger os trabalhadores relativamente a um risco biológico aumentou, em diversas situações, o isolamento social, os conflitos trabalho-família e a falta de suporte social, com consequências negativas na saúde mental da população ativa. Conclusão Com o aumento deste tipo de trabalho emerge a necessidade de avaliar os fatores de risco psicossociais que surgem em conformidade, para que estes sejam reconhecidos pelos peritos em saúde ocupacional e intervencionados, assegurando assim que o teletrabalho se torna mais saudável.

ABSTRACT Introduction Our society’s characteristics, with their constant evolution and globalization, have shown a significant impact on the way jobs have been structured over the years, with one of the most highlighted aspects being the possibility of practicing telecommuting. The prevalence of telecommuting and other forms of remote work enabled by technological innovations has increased in recent years. Objectives Exploring the most recently published literature on telecommuting; examining its relationship with psychosocial risk factors and making inferences about the need for the implementation and improvement of policies aimed at promoting mental health in occupational settings, with a focus on preventing psychosocial risks. Methodology Integrative literature review using the terms "teleworking," "remote work," "telework," "telecommuting," "psychosocial risks," "mental health," and "occupational health" in both Portuguese and English. The primary databases used for the research included Pubmed, UpToDate, Clinical Key, Medscape, World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional” and “Direção Geral de Saúde”. A total of 24 documents with the highest relevance to the study’s theme were selected, published between 2010 and 2023. Discussion Psychosocial risks in telecommuting are undergoing constant changes and align with demographic, nature, content and organization. These changes may increase exposure to already recognized psychosocial risks or give rise to new emergent ones. The widespread and unexpected adoption of telecommuting due to COVID-19 with the simultaneous advancement of digitization processes have made telecommuting a more common practice. However, this mass adoption has increased instances of technological stress among workers, potentially leading to adverse consequences for mental health. While the widespread implementation of telecommuting aimed to protect workers from biological risks, it has, in various situations, increased social isolation, work-family conflicts, and a lack of social support, with negative consequences for the mental health of the working population. Conclusion The increasing of telecommuting in our society is leading to assess the psychosocial risk factors that arise with it, so that they are recognized by occupational health experts and intervened upon, thus ensuring that telecommuting becomes healthier.

Resumo No contexto social e político em que vivemos, com um incremento de atores sociais neopopulistas e um cenário de instabilidade democrática, é fundamental entender a qualidade do jornalismo na pós-democracia. A situação de infodemia, que vivemos durante a pandemia da COVID-19, ressaltou os aspetos negativos do uso das redes sociais como ferramenta de informação que ajuda a desenvolver as competências básicas para exercer uma cidadania ativa na democracia liberal. Nestas circunstâncias, é fundamental analisar o papel do jornalismo de referência no combate à desinformação e a sua importância no fomento do pensamento crítico da cidadania, para, desse modo, inserir na agenda pública temas de interesse público. O objetivo principal desta investigação é analisar a qualidade do conteúdo produzido por jornais espanhóis de referência e disponibilizado aos cidadãos por meio das redes sociais. Para isso, utilizamos como metodologia os paradigmas qualitativo e quantitativo, centrados no quadro epistemológico em que estão circunscritos, para realizar uma análise ao conteúdo, a sua tendência e viés político relativamente aos boatos sobre o coronavírus publicados pelos jornais de referência no cenário nacional e regional nos seus perfis do Facebook. Os resultados desta investigação revelam uma baixa interação da audiência com as publicações e abrem novas discussões sobre o tipo de matérias que atraem a atenção do público e que, ao mesmo tempo, podem cumprir com a formação e o fomento do pensamento crítico da cidadania.

Abstract In today’s social and political landscape, marked by the rise of neopopulist social players and heightened democratic uncertainty, it becomes imperative to understand the quality of journalism in post-democratic frameworks. The infodemic witnessed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the pitfalls of relying on social media as a primary information source able to facilitate the development of fundamental skills necessary for active citizenship within liberal democracies. Given these circumstances, it is essential to analyse the pivotal role of mainstream journalism in countering disinformation and fostering critical thinking among citizens, thereby elevating public interest concerns onto the societal agenda. The primary objective of this research is to assess the quality of the content produced by prominent Spanish newspapers and disseminated to the public via social media. Employing both qualitative and quantitative paradigms as a methodology within the epistemological framework that guides them, we analyse the content’s tendencies and political biases concerning rumours about the coronavirus published by leading national and regional newspapers on their Facebook profiles. The findings of this investigation indicate minimal audience engagement with the posts, prompting further discussions on the kinds of stories that capture public interest while also nurturing critical thinking skills among citizens.

ABSTRACT The article addresses the incidence of social platformization in public universities in Córdoba, Argentina, after the period of pedagogical exceptionality that took place between 2020 and 2022. We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a series of pre-existing trends and brought to light the need to design teaching-learning modalities that challenge the classic divisions between face-to-face and distance education. In this sense, the process developed in recent decades is reconstructed and the focus is placed on the advances of platformization and the processes of transformation of socio-educational practices. To illustrate this process, some policies carried out in higher level institutions in the province of Córdoba and the systematization of teaching experiences and in the area of educational management are analyzed.

RESUMEN El artículo aborda la incidencia de la plataformización social en universidades públicas de Córdoba, Argentina, posterior al período de excepcionalidad pedagógica que tuvo lugar entre 2020 y 2022. Comprendemos que la pandemia de COVID-19 precipitó una serie de tendencias preexistentes y puso en escena la necesidad de diseñar modalidades de enseñanza-aprendizaje que desafían las divisiones clásicas entre la educación presencial y a distancia. En tal sentido, se reconstruye el proceso desarrollado en las últimas décadas y se hace foco en los avances de la plataformización y los procesos de transformación de las prácticas socioeducativas. Para ilustrar dicho proceso se analizan algunas políticas llevadas adelante en instituciones del nivel superior de la provincia de Córdoba y la sistematización de experiencias docentes y en el área de gestión educativa.

RESUMO O artigo aborda a incidência da plataformização social nas universidades públicas de Córdoba, Argentina, após o período de excepcionalidade pedagógica ocorrido entre 2020 e 2022. Entendemos que a pandemia da COVID-19 precipitou uma série de tendências pré-existentes e trouxe à luz a necessidade de desenhar modalidades de ensino-aprendizagem que desafiem as divisões clássicas entre educação presencial e a distância. Nesse sentido, reconstrói-se o processo desenvolvido nas últimas décadas e o foco é colocado nos avanços da plataformização e nos processos de transformação das práticas socioeducativas. Para ilustrar este processo, são analisadas algumas políticas realizadas em instituições de nível superior na província de Córdoba e a sistematização de experiências docentes e na área de gestão educacional.

ABSTRACT Financing is relevant to deal with business crises, even more after the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore, the objective of the study is to determine the influence of the characteristics of the companies and the managers of the organizations registered in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Azogues on the decision of additional financing during the health crisis, for this a questionnaire was applied to 135 partners. Using Spearman's correlation and binary logistic regression, it is evident that the characteristics of the companies (economic sector, legal structure, experience, number of workers, paralysis of activities and capital structure) partially influence the decision of additional financing, given that only the capital structure has a positively significant relationship with the treatment variable, while the characteristics of the manager (age, sex, level of education and years of experience) have no influence.

RESUMEN El financiamiento es relevante para afrontar las crisis empresariales, más aún luego de la pandemia por la COVID-19, por tanto, el objetivo del estudio es determinar la influencia de las características de las empresas y de los directivos de las organizaciones registradas en la Cámara de Comercio e Industrias de Azogues en la decisión de financiamiento adicional durante la crisis sanitaria, para lo cual, se aplica un cuestionario a 135 socios. Mediante el uso de correlación de Spearman y regresión logística binaria, se evidencia que las características de las empresas (sector económico, estructura legal, experiencia, número de trabajadores, paralización de actividades y estructura de capital) influyen parcialmente en la decisión de financiamiento adicional, dado que únicamente la estructura de capital tiene una relación positivamente significativa con la variable de tratamiento, mientras que las características del administrador (edad, sexo, nivel de educación y años de experiencia) no tienen ninguna influencia.

Abstract As a result of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, the incorporation of new technologies for face-to-face and distance learning was even more necessary. Technology represents a way to offer cutting-edge education responding to the needs of the current context. The main objective of this investigation, as a case study, is to analyzes the acquisition of learning by students of different courses at the Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón, México in relation to face-to-face and distance education after the health crisis. The research had a quantitative approach with correlational scope. The sampling was probabilistic by conglomerates and was made up of fifth semester students from 15 courses of the university. The results show that after the pandemic, in particularly context, in the face-to-face modality, the students perceive a better planning by the teachers, which has a consequence a better use of time and the possibility of carrying out diverse activities to strengthen the understanding topics; using digital tools and group work techniques as support. On the other hand, distance classes are described as not very useful and interesting with an excessive academic load. Although the face-to-face learning experience continues to be better evaluated, it is considered important to implement strategies to increase the academic quality of distance classes, as it is a modality that will be used in all universities in the near future, using new technologies and instructional design as support, as well as training programs for teachers and students.

Resumen Como resultado de la pandemia por SARS-CoV2, la incorporación de nuevas tecnologías para la impartición de clases en modalidad presencial y a distancia se hizo aún más necesaria. La tecnología representa una manera de ofrecer educación de vanguardia respondiendo a necesidades del contexto actual. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar, a través de un estudio de caso, la adquisición de aprendizajes por parte de estudiantes de diferentes licenciaturas de la Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón, en relación con la educación presencial y a distancia después de la crisis sanitaria. La investigación tuvo un enfoque cuantitativo con alcance correlacional. El muestreo se planteó probabilístico por conglomerados y estuvo conformado por estudiantes de quinto semestre en delante de 15 licenciaturas. Los resultados muestran que después de la pandemia, en el contexto particular, la modalidad presencial es percibida por el estudiantado como mejor en la planeación por parte de los docentes, lo que tiene como consecuencia un mejor aprovechamiento del tiempo y la posibilidad de realizar actividades diversas para fortalecer la comprensión de las temáticas; utilizando como apoyo herramientas digitales y técnicas de trabajo grupal. Por el contrario, las clases a distancia son descritas como poco útiles e interesantes y con una carga académica excesiva. Aunque la experiencia de aprendizaje presencial sigue siendo mejor ponderada, se considera importante implementar estrategias que incrementen la calidad académica en las clases a distancia, al ser una modalidad que será utilizada en todas las universidades en un futuro cercano, utilizando como apoyo las nuevas tecnologías y un diseño instruccional adecuado, así como programas de capacitación a docentes y alumnos.

Abstract Covid-19 pandemic can be considered one of the biggest international public health problems in the last decades, and had a severe impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people around the world linked to the imposition of confinement. We carried out a systematic literature review with the aim of analyzing the effects of restriction of freedom and social isolation on the quality of life of people in Portugal during the pandemic period. We used the Online Knowledge Library (B-On), looking for articles published between September 2019 and March 2022, and using the terms: “Mental Health AND Confinement OR Quarantine OR Lockdown”, selecting the field “[TI Title]” and “Portugal OR Portuguese”. We tried to identify negative effects of confinement on mental well-being and emotional state, associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, physical and social inactivity, poor sleep quality, unhealthy eating behaviors, unemployment or work inactivity and greater use of technology during the confinement period. The restriction measures culminated in the worsening of depressive and anxiety symptoms and a decrease in quality of life, associated with feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Resumo A pandemia da Covid-19 pode ser considerada um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública internacional dos últimos decénios, sendo evidentes os problemas de saúde mental ligados à imposição do confinamento durante a mesma. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática de literatura com o objetivo de analisar os efeitos da restrição da liberdade e do isolamento social na qualidade de vida das pessoas em Portugal durante o período de pandemia. Recorremos à Biblioteca do Conhecimento Online (B-On), procurando artigos publicados entre setembro de 2019 e março de 2022, e utilizando os termos: “Mental Health AND Confinement OR Quarantine OR Lockdown”, com seleção do campo “[TI Título]” e “Portugal OR Portuguese”. Os artigos incluídos no estudo identificaram efeitos negativos do confinamento no bem-estar mental e no estado emocional, associados a comportamentos de estilo de vida pouco saudáveis, inatividade física e social, má qualidade de sono, comportamentos alimentares pouco saudáveis, desemprego ou inatividade laboral e maior utilização da tecnologia durante o período de confinamento. As medidas de restrição culminaram no agravamento da sintomatologia depressiva, de ansiedade e na diminuição da qualidade de vida, associada a sentimentos de solidão e isolamento social.

Abstract Several measures were undertaken by governments globally to prevent the dissemination of COVID-19. However, little is known about how populations perceived these measures and their implementation. Thus, this study aims to explore how adults residing in Portugal perceived the management of the COVID-19 pandemic by governmental entities. A sample of 88 adults were interviewed (n = 45; 51%; age range: 19 to 92 years). Semi-structured interviews were conducted between Jan-Sep 2022, transcribed, and analyzed according to codebook Thematic Analysis. Three main themes were identified: 1) Indispensable measures in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) The government did the best it could; and 3) The dark side of the COVID-19 pandemic’s management in Portugal. Our findings suggest that participants perceived the COVID-19 pandemic’s management as successful, stating that the government adopted well-conceived measures, even with limited information and resources. However, adults complained about not understanding the reasoning behind some of the measures, the off-timing of some measures’ implementation, and failures in governmental communication. Thus, governments should increase transparency in the decision-making process, as well as improve communication with the population, thus potentially increasing adherence to the necessary measures and feelings of safety and tranquility during a public health crisis.

Resumo Várias medidas foram implementas por governos em todo o mundo para impedir a disseminação da COVID-19. Contudo, pouco se sabe sobre a forma como as populações percecionaram essas medidas e a sua implementação. Assim, este estudo pretende explorar a forma como as pessoas adultas residentes em Portugal percecionam a gestão da pandemia COVID-19 pelas entidades governamentais. Foram entrevistadas 88 pessoas adultas (n = 45; 51%; Min: 19 anos; Máx.: 92 anos). As entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas entre janeiro e setembro de 2022, transcritas e analisadas de acordo com a Análise Temática codebook. Foram identificados três temas principais: (a) Medidas indispensáveis no combate à pandemia da COVID-19; (b) As autoridades oficiais fizeram o melhor que puderam; e (c) O lado negro da gestão da pandemia COVID-19 em Portugal. As nossas conclusões sugerem que os participantes consideraram a gestão da pandemia COVID-19 como bem-sucedida, afirmando que o governo adotou medidas bem concebidas, mesmo com informações e recursos limitados. No entanto, as pessoas adultas queixaram-se de não compreenderem o raciocínio por detrás de algumas das medidas, do atraso na implementação de algumas medidas e de falhas na comunicação governamental. Assim, os governos devem aumentar a transparência no processo de tomada de decisão, bem como melhorar a comunicação com a população, aumentando assim potencialmente a adesão às medidas necessárias e os sentimentos de segurança e tranquilidade durante uma crise de saúde pública.

Abstract The recent Covid-19 pandemic has had a strong impact on relationships between older adults, particularly in terms of sexual intimacy and the consequent mental health of older people. The research question was: How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the sexual intimacy and mental health of the elderly, and the objectives of the study were: (1) To analyze the effect of the pandemic on the sexual intimacy of older adults and (2) To investigate the influence of sexual intimacy on the mental health of older people during the pandemic. Method: The qualitative study, with snowball convenience sampling, involved 456 participants aged between 65 and 87. For the first objective, five themes emerged: (1) Lower sexual satisfaction (68%); (2) Lower sexual desire (67%); (3) Stronger emotional relationships (34%); (4) Fear of contracting physical diseases (29%); and (5) Lower attractiveness (23%). Three themes were mentioned for the second theme: (1) Less anxiety and stress (78%); (2) Greater attention to negative emotional states (55%); and (3) Less emotional tension (41%). The pandemic contributed negatively to the sexual intimacy of older adults, while sexual intimacy had a positive effect on their mental health.

Resumo A recente pandemia Covid-19 teve um forte impacto nas relações entre os idosos, nomeadamente ao nível da intimidade sexual e consequente saúde mental dos idosos. A questão de investigação foi a seguinte; Como a pandemia da COVID-19 influenciou a intimidade sexual e a saúde mental dos idosos?, e os objetivos do estudo os seguintes: (1) Analisar o efeito da pandemia na intimidade sexual dos idosos e (2) Investigar a influência da intimidade sexual na saúde mental dos idosos durante a pandemia. Método: O estudo qualitativo, com amostragem por conveniência em sistema de bola de neve, envolveu 456 participantes entre os 65 e os 87 anos. Para o primeiro objetivo, emergiram cinco temas: (1) Menor satisfação sexual (68%); (2) Menor desejo sexual (67%); (3) Relações afetivas mais sólidas (34%); (4) Medo de contrair doenças físicas (29%); e (5) Menor atratividade (23%). Para o segundo tema foram referidos três temas: (1) Menor ansiedade e stress (78%); (2) Maior atenção aos estados emocionais negativos (55%); e (3) Menor tensão emocional (41%). A pandemia contribuiu negativamente para a intimidade sexual dos idosos, sendo que a intimidade sexual teve um efeito positivo sentido pelos idosos na sua saúde mental.

Abstract The psychological impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be investigated. Healthcare professionals (HCWs) face an increased risk of developing psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and burnout) due to being confronted with highly challenging and potentially traumatic situations. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of GrowthCare (GWCA - a group psychological intervention program), to facilitate posttraumatic growth (PTG). The GWCA has 7 weekly 60-minute sessions and aims to reduce psychological suffering and promote the mental health of HCWs. The psychotherapeutic group (n = 9) is mixed (i.e., doctors, nurses, technical assistants) and was evaluated in 2 moments: initial (T0) and final (T1), using the EADS-21, PCL-V, ICPT-21, MBI-HSS and 23-QVS instruments. The results suggest that there are statistically significant differences between T0 and T1 PTG (Z = 41, p = .028) and in depression symptoms (Z = 2.5, p = .047), and after intervention participants report more PTG ([T0; M = 48.89; SD = 17,64]; [T1; M = 63.11, SD = 19.02]) and less depression ([T0; M = 3.56, SD = 4.10]; [T1; M = 2.44, SD = 3.71]). In conclusion, the GWCA was effective facilitating PTG and reducing depressive symptoms.

Resumo O impacto psicológico resultante da pandemia COVID-19 continua a ser investigado. Os profissionais de saúde (PS) enfrentam um risco acrescido de desenvolvimento de psicopatologia (p. ex. ansiedade, depressão, stress pós-traumático, e burnout) devido ao confronto com situações altamente desafiantes e potencialmente traumáticas. O presente estudo tem como objectivo avaliar os efeitos do GrowthCare (GWCA - um programa de intervenção em grupo), na promoção de crescimento pós-traumático (CPT). O GWCA conta com 7 sessões semanais de 60 minutos e visa diminuir o sofrimento psicológico e promover a saúde mental dos PS. O grupo psicoterapêutico (n=9) é misto (i.e., médicos, enfermeiros, assistentes técnicos) e foi avaliado em 2 momentos: inicial (T0) e final (T1), recorrendo aos instrumentos EADS-21, PCL-V, ICPT-21, MBI-HSS e 23-QVS. Os resultados sugerem que há diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre T0 e T1 no CPT (Z = 41; p = 0,028) e nos sintomas de depressão (Z = 2,5; p = 0,047), sendo que após a intervenção os participantes reportam mais CPT ([T0; M = 48,89; DP = 17,64]; [T1; M = 63,11; DP = 19,02]) e menos depressão ([T0; M = 3,56; DP = 4,10]; [T1; M = 2,44; DP = 3,71]). Conclui-se que o GWCA foi eficaz na promoção de CPT e na diminuição de sintomatologia depressiva.

ABSTRACT Introduction: As happened in all hospitals, the professionals at the Hospital de Clínicas suffered high physical and psychological pressure. Previous studies, especially carried out in China, already suggested that health professionals were especially vulnerable to psychological distress derived from the pandemic. Objectives: Determine the level of anxiety and fear of COVID 19 in doctors of the Respiratory Contingency area of the Hospital de Clínicas. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-probabilistic convenience sampling study was carried out in individuals of both sexes, over 18 years of age, in doctors from the Respiratory Contingency area of the Hospital de Clínicas de San Lorenzo during the SARS-COV2 pandemic. Results: 68 doctors were surveyed, of which 63% were female; the average age of the participants was 31 years (±4.48). The majority of respondents were residents. 75% belong to the specialty of Internal Medicine. 30.8% have 4 doses of vaccine against SARSCOV 2. 44.1% presented symptoms of fear of COVID-19, of which the most frequent symptoms were: fear of becoming infected with COVID-19 48. 5%; discomfort when thinking about COVID19 39.7%; 30.8% lose their lives due to COVID-19. 66.1% have criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, of which the majority suffer from Mild Anxiety. Conclusion: A high prevalence of symptoms of Anxiety and Fear of COVID-19 is observed in Respiratory Contingency doctors at the Hospital de Clínicas.

RESUMEN Introducción: Como ocurrió en todos los hospitales, los profesionales del Hospital de Clínicas sufrieron elevada presión física y psicológica. Estudios previos, sobre todo realizados en China, ya sugerían que los profesionales sanitarios eran especialmente vulnerables al malestar psicológico derivado de la pandemia. Objetivos: Determinar el nivel de ansiedad y miedo al COVID 19 en los médicos del área de Contingencia respiratoria del Hospital de Clínicas. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transverso, de muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, en individuos de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años, en médicos del área de Contingencia respiratoria del Hospital de Clínicas de San Lorenzo durante la pandemia por el SARS-COV2. Resultados: Fueron encuestados 68 médicos, de los cuales el 63% fueron del sexo femenino, la edad promedio de los participantes fue de 31 años (±4,48). La mayoría de los encuestados fueron residentes. El 75% pertenecen a la especialidad de Medicina Interna. El 30.8% cuenta con 4 dosis de vacuna contra el SARSCOV 2. Presentaron síntomas de miedo al COVID-19 el 44,1%, de los cuales, los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: miedo a infectarse con el COVID-19 48,5%; incomodidad al pensar en el COVID19 39,7%; perder la vida a causa del COVID-19 el 30,8%. El 66,1% tiene criterios de Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada, de los cuales la mayoría sufre de Ansiedad Leve. Conclusión: Se observa una alta prevalencia de síntomas de Ansiedad y Miedo al COVID-19 en médicos de la Contingencia Respiratoria del Hospital de Clínicas.

Abstract Introduction: The reorganization of health care imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the work capacity of all health professionals, mirroring the fundamental role of In-ternal Medicine. This work intended to highlight the complexity of managing the COVID-19 patient, often guided by the absence of theoretical/scientific support in the face of the unknown. Methods: A retrospective and descriptive evaluation of all patients with SARS-COV2 infection admitted to a ward of the Internal Medicine service, Unidade Local de Saúde de Viseu Dão-Lafões (ULS Viseu Dão-Lafões), in the period between January-April and July-November 2021 (pandemic peaks of 2021). Results: During the nine months under study, 394 patients were evaluated, with a predominance of males 56.60% (n = 223) and an average age of 70.42 years. The average length of stay was 13.95 days. Most had at least one cardiovascular risk factor, and only 29.44% (n = 116) were vaccinated against COVID-19. Of the therapy, 84.26% (n=332) received dexamethasone, 85.79% (n =3 38) needed supplemental oxygen therapy; approximately 22.08% (n = 87) required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and 7.61% (n = 30) underwent invasive mechanical ventilation/high-flow oxygen therapy. There were 23.86% (N = 94) dea-ths. COVID-19 infection was the primary diagnosis in most patients, but many were secondary diagnoses. Conclusion: The severity and complexity of an unknown nosological disease, in the pandemic phase, is of enormous professional and personal demand, as represented by the characterization of this sample. The spectrum of critically ill patients in need of mechanical ventilatory support stands out, in an admissions curve that turned out to be exponential.

Resumo Introdução: A reorganização dos cuidados de saúde imposta pela pandemia COVID-19 relevou a capacidade de trabalho de todos os profissionais de saúde, espelhando o papel basilar da Medicina Interna. Este trabalho pretende evidenciar a complexidade da gestão do doente COVID-19, pautada muitas vezes pela ausência de suporte teórico/científico face ao desconhecido. Métodos: Avaliação retrospetiva e descritiva de todos os doentes com infeção SARS-CoV-2 internados numa enfermaria do serviço de Medicina Interna, da Unidade Local de Saúde de Viseu Dão-Lafões (ULS Viseu Dão-Lafões), no período compreendido entre janeiro-abril e julho-novembro de 2021 (picos pandémicos de 2021). Resultados: Durante os 9 meses em estudo, foram avaliados 394 doentes, com predomínio do género masculino 56,60% (n = 223) e uma idade média de 70,42 anos. O tempo médio de internamento foi de 13,95 dias. A maioria apresentava pelo menos um fator de risco cardiovascular e apenas 29,44% (n = 116) eram vacinados contra a COVID-19. Quanto à terapêutica, 84,26% (n = 332) realizaram dexametasona e 85,79% (n = 338) necessitaram de oxigenoterapia suplementar; cerca de 22,08% (n = 87) necessitaram de ventilação mecânica não invasiva e 7,61% (n = 30) de ventilação mecânica invasiva. Registaram-se 23,86% (n = 94) óbitos. A infeção SARS-CoV-2 foi o diagnóstico principal na maioria dos doentes, mas muitos foram os diagnósticos secundários. Conclusão: A gravidade e complexidade de uma entidade nosológica totalmente desconhecida num contexto pandémico é de uma enorme exigência profissional e pessoal, como representado através da caracterização desta amostra. Salienta-se o espetro de doentes graves e com necessidade de suporte ventilatório mecânico, numa curva de admissões que se revelou exponencial.

Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused major disruptions to the education sector, with detrimental effects on the supervision of postgraduate students and their success. Higher education institutions (HEIs) shut down to observe COVID-19 protocols and minimise the spread of the virus. University closures forced postgraduate-supervision processes to be conducted online, resulting in students experiencing many challenges, such as, loss of social networks and social interaction, lack of access to university computer laboratories and software, inability to collect face-to-face data, and wellness and mental problems. Whereas abundant research exists on COVID-19, little is known about factors that contributed to postgraduate students' success during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative case study reports on the factors that promoted student success during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the perspective of 23 postgraduate students. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analysed through colour-coding and thematic categorisation. Results revealed that both students and supervisors contributed to the success of postgraduate students. They also showed that some students possessed certain attributes that enhanced their success, as well as that some postgraduate supervisors employed novel approaches to students' supervision that promoted students' success. This article encourages HEIs to leverage these factors to promote postgraduate student success beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic imposed new demands for conducting research and postgraduate supervision online. Face-to-face interactions between supervisors and research participants were limited. Consequently, there was heightened attention to the use of information communications technology (ICTs) to mitigate the disruptions. There is not much research on postgraduate supervision during COVID-19. This interpretative-phenomenological qualitative case study analysed innovative strategies that nine purposely selected supervisors reported to have used to manage postgraduate research and supervision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through online open-ended questionnaires sent to the supervisors. The constructivist theory underpinned this study. Results showed that while the pandemic was devastating, academic institutions learnt many good lessons regarding leveraging digital technologies for postgraduate students' supervision. Innovative online supervision pedagogies were invaluable for both supervisors and students. Therefore, during the post COVID-19 era, supervisors must continue leveraging the use of digital technologies in postgraduate supervision to reduce costs and increase master's and doctoral students' throughputs and outputs.

Doing a doctorate can be an experience but it can also be challenging. Doctoral students often experience high levels of stress, pressure, and expectations, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. There is very little research examining the psychological well-being of doctoral students during COVID-19 in the South African context. This study therefore aimed to assess the psychological well-being of doctoral students at a private South African university. A cross-sectional study was conducted with forty-two doctoral students, using a self-completed and validated questionnaire. The data were collected using the QuestionPro online platform. The significant predictor for positive emotion was identified using multiple of linear regression analysis using SPSS version 27.0. Most of the participants agreed highly regarding relatedness, autonomy and competence. Autonomy and competence are significant predictors of positive emotions. This study highlights the importance of perceived competence, autonomy, and positive emotions for the psychological well-being of doctoral students during unplanned and involuntary periods of remote learning. The findings provide insights into approaches that might be employed to enhance the well-being of doctorate students through distant learning, hence minimising the adverse consequences of this particular circumstance.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the implementation of strict public health and social measures (PHSMs) (including mobility restrictions, social distancing, mask-wearing and hand hygiene), limitations on non-essential healthcare services, and public fear of COVID-19 infection, all of which potentially affected transmission and healthcare use for other diseases such as lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in LRTI hospital admissions and in-facility mortality in children aged <5 years in the Western Cape Province during the pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of LRTI admissions and in-facility deaths from January 2019 to November 2021. We estimated changes in rates and trends of LRTI admissions during the pandemic compared with pre-pandemic period using interrupted time series analysis, adjusting for key characteristics. RESULTS: There were 36 277 children admitted for LRTIs during the study period, of whom 58% were male and 51% were aged 28 days -1 year. COVID-19 restrictions were associated with a 13% step reduction in LRTI admissions compared with the pre-COVID-19 period (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI)) 0.80 - 0.94). The average LRTI admission trend increased on average by 2% per month during the pandemic (IRR 1.02, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.04). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 surges and their associated measures were linked to declining LRTI admissions and in-facility deaths, likely driven by a combination of reduced infectious disease transmission and reduced use of healthcare services, with effects diminishing over time. These findings may inform future pandemic response policies.