The effects of COVID-19 lockdown on lifestyle and emotional state in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology: Results of an Italian survey.
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ABSTRACT: Purpose
On March 8, 2020, the Italian Government implemented extraordinary measures to limit viral transmission of COV-19/SARS-CoV-2. We evaluated the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on lifestyle and emotional state in women planning infertility treatments.Basic procedures
We performed a quantitative research study using a web-based survey, in 140 women referred to Assisted Reproductive Technologies Center.Main findings
We observed changes in body weight during lockdown in 80 % of women, and a significant increase in BMI in comparison to that observed before (p=.001). We observed a high percentage of non-adherence to the Mediterranean pattern during lockdown due to higher frequency of consumption of sweet/pastries, cheese and meat, rather than fruit, vegetables and legumes. Before lockdown 36.4 % women were snack consumers while during lockdown 55 % (p=.002). By considering individuals' attitude to snack consumption, we observed an increase related to boredom (p=<.0001) and anxiety (p=.05) during lockdown. Increased levels of anxiety and sadness were observed in about 30 %, and of boredom in 25 %. The percentage of women worried about their planning infertility treatment was more than 50 %.Principal conclusions
Quarantine-related restrictions strongly influenced lifestyle psychological behavior leading to an increased burden of cardiovascular disease.
SUBMITTER: Cirillo M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8060062 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:BackgroundOn December 12th 2019, a new coronavirus (SARS-Cov2) emerged in Wuhan, China, sparking a pandemic of acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19). On the 24th of April 2020, the number of COVID-19 deaths in the world, according to the COVID-Case Tracker by Johns Hopkins University, was 195,313, and the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases was 2,783,512. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a massive impact on human health, causing sudden lifestyle changes, through social distancing and isolation at home, with social and economic consequences. Optimizing public health during this pandemic requires not only knowledge from the medical and biological sciences, but also of all human sciences related to lifestyle, social and behavioural studies, including dietary habits and lifestyle.MethodsOur study aimed to investigate the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating habits and lifestyle changes among the Italian population aged ≥ 12 years. The study comprised a structured questionnaire packet that inquired demographic information (age, gender, place of residence, current employment); anthropometric data (reported weight and height); dietary habits information (adherence to the Mediterranean diet, daily intake of certain foods, food frequency, and number of meals/day); lifestyle habits information (grocery shopping, habit of smoking, sleep quality and physical activity). The survey was conducted from the 5th to the 24th of April 2020.ResultsA total of 3533 respondents have been included in the study, aged between 12 and 86 years (76.1% females). The perception of weight gain was observed in 48.6% of the population; 3.3% of smokers decided to quit smoking; a slight increased physical activity has been reported, especially for bodyweight training, in 38.3% of respondents; the population group aged 18-30 years resulted in having a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet when compared to the younger and the elderly population (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively); 15% of respondents turned to farmers or organic, purchasing fruits and vegetables, especially in the North and Center of Italy, where BMI values were lower.ConclusionsIn this study, we have provided for the first time data on the Italian population lifestyle, eating habits and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet pattern during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, our data need to be confirmed and investigated in future more extensive population studies.
| S-EPMC7278251 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ImportanceNumerous studies have documented the association of self-rated health (SRH) with chronic diseases. However, few studies have investigated its association with semen quality.ObjectiveTo examine the association of SRH with semen quality among men undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) in China.Design, setting, and participantsThis cross-sectional study recruited male partners in couples undergoing ART treatment at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. A total of 1262 men underwent 2 semen examinations and completed a questionnaire on SRH between December 2018 and January 2020. Data analysis was performed from November 20, 2022, to March 24, 2023.ExposureSRH, including overall physical and mental health, as well as reproductive-related physical and mental health specifically, were reported at baseline recruitment.Main outcomes and measuresSperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm motility, and sperm count as semen quality parameters.ResultsThe study included 1262 men with a mean (SD) age of 32.79 (5.25) years and body mass index of 24.37 (3.68). Men with poorer SRH had lower semen quality (eg, sperm concentration among poor vs very good overall physical health: percentage variation, -14.67%; 95% CI, -23.62% to -4.66%). Among 4 components of SRH, a greater reduction in semen quality was estimated for reproductive-related SRH compared with overall SRH, whereas the greatest reduction was observed for reproductive-related physical SRH. In comparison with men with very good reproductive-related physical SRH, men with poor reproductive-related physical SRH had differences of -24.78% (95% CI, -32.71% to -15.93%) and -25.61% (95% CI, -33.95% to -16.22%) in sperm count and concentration, respectively, and regression coefficients of -9.38 (95% CI, -12.01 to -6.76) and -9.24 (95% CI, -11.82 to -6.66) for sperm motility and sperm progressive motility, respectively.Conclusions and relevanceIn this cross-sectional study of Chinese men, poorer SRH was associated with lower semen quality, and reproductive-related physical SRH was the most pronounced indicator. Our findings suggest that SRH, especially reproductive-related physical SRH, was a good indicator of semen quality, which should inform public and clinical regulatory decisions.
| S-EPMC10828918 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo study the relation of dietary phytoestrogens intake and clinical outcomes of women undergoing infertility treatment with the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART).DesignProspective cohort study.SettingFertility center.Patient(s)A total of 315 women who collectively underwent 520 ART cycles from 2007 to 2013.Intervention(s)None.Main outcome measure(s)Implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates per initiated cycle.Result(s)Soy isoflavones intake was positively related to live birth rates in ART. Compared with women who did not consume soy isoflavones, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios of live birth (95% confidence interval) for women in increasing categories of soy isoflavones intake were 1.32 (0.76-2.27) for women consuming 0.54-2.63 mg/d, 1.87 (1.12-3.14) for women consuming 2.64-7.55 mg/d, and 1.77 (1.03-3.03) for women consuming 7.56-27.89 mg/d.Conclusion(s)Dietary soy intake was positively related to the probability of having a live birth during infertility treatment with ART.
| S-EPMC4346414 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundApproximately 1 in 7 couples experience subfertility, many of whom have lifestyles that negatively affect fertility, such as poor nutrition, low physical activity, obesity, smoking, or alcohol consumption. Reducing lifestyle risk factors prior to pregnancy or assisted reproductive technology treatment contributes to the improvement of reproductive health, but cost-implications are unknown.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to evaluate reproductive, maternal pregnancy, and birth outcomes, as well as the costs of pre-conception lifestyle intervention programs in subfertile couples and obese women undergoing assisted reproductive technology.MethodsUsing a hypothetical model based on quantitative parameters from published literature and expert opinion, we evaluated the following lifestyle intervention programs: (1) Smarter Pregnancy, an online tool; (2) LIFEstyle, which provides outpatient support for obese women; (3) concurrent use of both Smarter Pregnancy and LIFEstyle for obese women; (4) smoking cessation in men; and (5) a mindfulness mental health support program using group therapy sessions. The model population was based on data from the Netherlands.ResultsAll model-based analyses of the lifestyle interventions showed a reduction in the number of in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or intrauterine insemination treatments required to achieve pregnancy and successful birth for couples in the Netherlands. Smarter Pregnancy was modeled to have the largest increase in spontaneous pregnancy rate (13.0%) and the largest absolute reduction in potential assisted reproductive technology treatments. Among obese subfertile women, LIFEstyle was modeled to show a reduction in the occurrence of gestational diabetes, maternal hypertensive pregnancy complications, and preterm births by 4.4%, 3.8%, and 3.0%, respectively, per couple. Modeled cost savings per couple per year were €41 (US $48.66), €360 (US $427.23), €513 (US $608.80), €586 (US $695.43), and €1163 (US $1380.18) for smoking cessation, mindfulness, Smarter Pregnancy, combined Smarter Pregnancy AND LIFEstyle, and LIFEstyle interventions, respectively.ConclusionsAlthough we modeled the potential impact on reproductive outcomes and costs of fertility treatment rather than collecting real-world data, our model suggests that of the lifestyle interventions for encouraging healthier behaviors, all are likely to be cost effective and appear to have positive effects on reproductive, maternal pregnancy, and birth outcomes. Further real-world data are required to determine the cost-effectiveness of pre-conception lifestyle interventions, including mobile apps and web-based tools that help improve lifestyle, and their effects on reproductive health. We believe that further implementation of the lifestyle app Smarter Pregnancy designed for subfertile couples seeking assistance to become pregnant is likely to be cost-effective and would allow reproductive health outcomes to be collected.
| S-EPMC7721553 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The implications of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown measurements and social isolation in children and their parents are still unknown. The aims of this study were to examine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on emotional state, feelings and lifestyle of children and their parents, to explore the association between parental characteristics and child well-being and to examine whether the impact of lockdown depends on socio-economic status. Parents completed an online survey including data about socio-demographic information, parent and child feelings and lifestyle during lockdown. Logistic regression and correlation analysis were used to establish associations between variables. In total, 814 parents with children between 4 and 11 were included in the study. According to parents, 69.5% of the children showed changes in their emotional state, 55.3% altered their routine and 62.6% showed sleep disorders. Families with lower socio-economic status were more worried about health, shortage of food and household income (p < 0.01). Parent and children concern about food/essential items were highly associated [OR (CI 95%) 13.0 (6.81, 26.5), p < 0.01]. Adverse children's emotional state was associated with parental feeling of loneliness (r = 0.35) and inversely associated with keeping a routine (r = -0.11). Sleep changes were inversely associated with keeping a routine and having a balcony/garden (r = -0.53 and -0.16). We conclude that lockdown affected emotional state and lifestyle of children and parents, which were strongly related. Routine and positive parental attitude supported children's well-being. Economic issues were an important concern in families with lower socio-economic status. Our findings can help to promote child health during lockdown.
| S-EPMC8316589 | biostudies-literature
Project description:It has been reported that the rates of epigenetic disorders such as Angelman syndrome (AS) and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) are high in offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART). Angelman Syndrome is characterized by intellectual disability and BWS is known as large offspring syndrome (LOS). Weight abnormalities have also been reported in cloned animals. Possible factors underlying these findings include inherent gamete characteristics, influence of in vitro culture and peculiarity of ART methods. It is important to conclusively determine whether such epigenetic abnormalities are present in children conceived by ART, so as to consider the health of next generations.
| S-EPMC5891775 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo examine whether the (1) scope of state-mandated insurance coverage for assisted reproductive technology (ART) and (2) proportion of the population eligible for this coverage are associated with reductions in racial/ethnic inequities in ART utilization.DesignNational cross-sectional, ecologic study.SubjectsWe employed estimates from the US Census Bureau of all women 20-44 years of age living in the US in 2018. Data on the number of women who initiated an ART cycle during that year that were reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were obtained from the National ART Surveillance System.ExposureState mandates were classified according to the scope of required coverage for fertility services: Comprehensive, Limited, and No Mandate.Main outcome measuresRace and ethnic-specific ART utilization rates, defined as the number of women undergoing ≥1 ART cycles per 10,000 women, were the primary outcomes. As state mandates do not apply to all insurance plans, Comprehensive Mandate utilization rates were recalculated using denominators corrected for the estimated proportions of populations eligible for coverage.ResultsAcross all mandate categories, Non-Hispanic (NH) Asian and NH White populations had the highest ART utilization rates, whereas the lowest rates were among Hispanic, NH Black, and NH Other/Multiple Races populations. Compared with the NH Asian reference group, the NH Black population had smaller inequities in the Comprehensive Mandate group than the No Mandate group (rate ratio [RR 0.33 [0.28-0.38] vs. RR 0.23 [0.22-0.24]). Using the Comprehensive Mandate group for each race/ethnicity as the reference, the NH Black and NH Other/Multiple Races populations showed the largest relative differences in utilization between the No Mandate and Comprehensive Mandate groups (RR 0.39 [0.37-0.41] and 0.33 [0.28-0.38], respectively). Within the Comprehensive Mandate group, the disparities in the Hispanic and NH Black populations moved toward the null after correcting for state-mandated insurance eligibility.ConclusionsRacial/ethnic inequities in ART utilization were reduced in states with comprehensive infertility coverage mandates. Inequities were further attenuated after correcting for mandate eligibility. Mandates alone, however, were not sufficient to eliminate disparities. These findings can inform future strategies aimed at improving ART access under a social justice framework.
| S-EPMC10951934 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This study aimed to evaluate the general knowledge and attitudes about assisted reproductive technology (ART) and the influence of sociodemographic features on knowledge and attitudes in a large sample of men and women of reproductive age in Hungary. A cross-sectional online survey study was conducted among 1370 men and women between 18 and 50 years of age in Hungary. The questionnaire included questions about self-rated knowledge, an attitude item, and eight questions concerning general knowledge about ART. In addition, participants were asked sociodemographic background questions. The results show that approximately half of the respondents (49.3%) rated themselves as fairly knowledgeable about ART. However, 56% of the respondents answered just three of the eight knowledge questions correctly. Both men and women had limited knowledge about the success rate of ART, the costs of ART and the age limit to access ART. The greatest lack of knowledge about ART was about its risks: the majority of respondents did not know that in-vitro fertilization poses health risks for women and conceived children. Regarding attitudes, the majority of respondents had a very positive attitude towards ART. Only those respondents who were religious were less supportive of ART. These data suggest that men and women of reproductive age overestimate their ART-related knowledge. As most men and women would like to have biological children in Hungary, there is a critical need for public education.
| S-EPMC8340049 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveThe study aimed to explore the experiences of women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies namely; Invitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection at the Finney Hospital and Fertility Centre, New Bortianor, Ghana.MethodA qualitative research design was employed to analyse and describe the experiences of the women seeking Assisted Reproductive Technologies. A total of 32 women were invited to take part in the interview, 15 of them accepted the invitation. However, saturation was reached before all interviews had been complete.ResultsThree themes emerged from the study: the women's experiences, challenges and the roles and contributions of significant others. The women were anxious, stressed-up, exhausted and financially burdened. Spouses and health professionals played significant roles by providing social, emotional and financial support for these women. Significant others such as spouses and close relatives were supportive and provided encouragement to the women.ConclusionThe experiences of women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies are multi-dimensional. Thus, psychosocial interventions as part of ART services with health insurance cover may be client-centered and more appropriate for these group of women.
| S-EPMC8357082 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Worldwide use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) accounts for an estimated 1 to 3% of births. Since 2002, a series of reports have suggested an increased risk of imprinting disorders (Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Angelman syndrome) in children conceived by ART. Definitive conclusions are difficult to substantiate due to the rarity of imprinting disorders and the variability in ART protocols. Despite these limitations, there is biological plausibility for alteration in nongenomic inheritance caused by ART. Animal studies have shown that ART procedures can alter normal imprinting, specifically DNA methylation patterns. Collectively, studies suggest an association between ART and loss of maternal methylation. More recent reports examined a possible association between ART and global hypomethylation of DNA. Three other imprinting disorders (Silver-Russell syndrome, maternal hypomethylation syndrome, and retinoblastoma) have also been implicated, but there is insufficient evidence to establish an association of these syndromes with ART. Based on current evidence, the absolute risk of imprinting disorders after ART remains small and does not warrant routine screening. Large prospective studies are needed to better understand the risks associated with imprinting disorders, imprinting defects, and ART.
| S-EPMC2755197 | biostudies-literature