How to manage quarantine—adherence, psychosocial consequences, coping strategies and lifestyle of patients with COVID-19 and their confirmed contacts: study protocol of the CoCo-Fakt surveillance study, Cologne, Germany

Abstract

IntroductionThe current coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has placed unprecedented restrictions on people’s lives and routines. To counteract the exponential spread of this virus, a lockdown was implemented in Germany in March 2020. Infected persons and their contacts were also quarantined. Compliance with quarantine measures is essential for containing the spread of the virus and avoiding incalculable consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, prolonged homestays, particularly quarantining, may lead to fear, panic, anxiety and depression. Hence, determining the psychological response in people during quarantine and their coping strategies is relevant for the counselling and support of affected persons by healthcare workers.Methods and analysisThe CoCo-Fakt-Survey (Cologne-Corona-Beratung und Unterstützung Für Index- und KontAKt-Personen während der Quarantäne-ZeiT; Cologne-Corona counselling and support for index and contacts during the quarantine period—author’s translation) will examine a cohort of persons in Cologne quarantined since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak during March 2020. The questionnaire will include demographic data, transmission route, health status, knowledge of and adherence to quarantine measurements, psychological impact on individuals and their family members including children, mental health status, and lifestyle (physical activity/sedentary behaviour, relaxation techniques, nutrition, smoking). All Cologne residents who needed to be quarantined due to a coronavirus infection and the individuals with whom they had contact will be surveyed.Ethics and disseminationNo risks have been identified and no complications are expected. Ethics approval was obtained from the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen Human Ethics Research Committee (351/20), and the research will be conducted in accordance with the approved protocol. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and social medicine conferences.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Infectious Diseases Among Travelers Between China and Foreign Countries Before and During the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Finally, the infectious disease monitoring of the Customs can only target the travelers who are expected to enter the country for more than 1 year; therefore, a large number of individuals traveling for a shorter period are not included in the monitoring system. This may lead to underestimation of the infection rates because individuals who travel a lot are more likely to harbor an infectious disease ( 5 , 50 ). However, it is gratifying that all travelers are currently being tested for COVID-19 regardless of their stay duration.…”

“…The detection of emerging infectious diseases is challenging, and this limitation makes their control difficult due to the occult transmission ( 4 , 5 ). For example, in the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 50% of COVID-19 cases were not detected in airport screening ( 4 ).…”

Stay at Home Order—Psychological Stress in Children, Adolescents, and Parents during COVID-19 Quarantine—Data of the CoCo-Fakt Cohort Study, Cologne

“…The survey was conducted using the software 'Unipark' in German, Turkish and English [18]. In the survey period of this study, CPs were defined according to criteria established by the German Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (EDEC), among others, as individuals who had had contact with an IP for more than 10 to 15 min at a distance of less than two meters and without sufficient protection [19,20].…”

Cross-National Variations in COVID-19 Mortality: The Role of Diet, Obesity and Depression

“…A complete review of integrated prevention strategies for individuals with obesity or depression in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is beyond the scope of this paper. However, potential strategies of interest may include: the provision of information regarding COVID-19 preventive measures in a clear manner, without causing undue alarm [90,91]; the provision of brief psychological interventions and lifestyle advice using remote technologies or mobile applications [92]; the initiation or continuation of antidepressant therapy for patients with depression, which may have antiviral properties over and above its beneficial psychological effects [93][94][95]; and the use of dietary or nutraceuticalbased interventions for those with obesity [96]. Considering the higher risk of adverse outcomes in patients with these disorders, they should be encouraged to receive immunization and assisted in accessing it; however, a note of caution is justified given the concerns for reduced host immune responses in these disorders [97,98].…”