Alex Sen

This article intends to contribute to research of environmental media activism in two ways: First, by discussing ways to frame research on this topic conceptually and historically. Second, by considering the specific strategies and experiences of environmental activist groups concerning activist medias and participatory actions. We will discuss what can be done when using Internet platforms. “The Right to Water” website has been selected as a case study, which is essentially a democratic platform against capitalist ecology policies. In this study, we examined Internet usage by environmentalist activist groups, by collecting and analyzing data on the usage and results of web-based activism, and discuss the impact of online activism within civil society.

Introduction. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has the potential to impact disease activity and psychological well-being in people with rheumatic diseases. This study aimed to compare ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with and without COVID-19 history in terms of treatment, disease control, quality of life and psychological status by providing a cross-sectional look at treatment, disease control, quality of life and psychological status in patients with AS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. The study included 74 AS patients, in two groups based on COVID-19 history. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were recorded. Treatment, disease control, functional status, and quality of life were evaluated using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and impact of COVID-19 on quality-of-life scales. Psychological status was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and COVID-19 anxiety scale. Results. Of the 74 patients diagnosed with AS, 44 were female and 34 were male. The mean age was 47.3 years. In total, 35 patients (47.3%) had COVID-19. We found that the group without COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of hypothyroidism than the other group (p = 0.008). The BASFI value was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group (p = 0.031). The group with COVID-19 had a substantially higher rate of continuing non-anti-rheumatic drug use than the other group (p = 0.02). Conclusion. During COVID-19 pandemic period, the majority of patients continued their medication, so treatment and disease control were not negatively affected. Having COVID-19 did not cause a significant difference psychologically.