1301
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Kazemian S, Fuller S, Algara C. The role of race and scientific trust on support for COVID-19 social distancing measures in the United States. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254127. [PMID: 34242275 PMCID: PMC8270185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pundits and academics across disciplines note that the human toll brought forth by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States (U.S.) is fundamentally unequal for communities of color. Standing literature on public health posits that one of the chief predictors of racial disparity in health outcomes is a lack of institutional trust among minority communities. Furthermore, in our own county-level analysis from the U.S., we find that counties with higher percentages of Black and Hispanic residents have had vastly higher cumulative deaths from COVID-19. In light of this standing literature and our own analysis, it is critical to better understand how to mitigate or prevent these unequal outcomes for any future pandemic or public health emergency. Therefore, we assess the claim that raising institutional trust, primarily scientific trust, is key to mitigating these racial inequities. Leveraging a new, pre-pandemic measure of scientific trust, we find that trust in science, unlike trust in politicians or the media, significantly raises support for COVID-19 social distancing policies across racial lines. Our findings suggest that increasing scientific trust is essential to garnering support for public health policies that lessen the severity of the current, and potentially a future, pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kazemian
- Department of Political Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Sam Fuller
- Department of Political Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Carlos Algara
- Division of Politics & Economics, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California, United States of America
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1302
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Managing SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Schools with an Artificial Intelligence Model and Application Developed by Simulation Data. ELECTRONICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/electronics10141626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research on SARS-CoV-2 and its social implications have become a major focus to interdisciplinary teams worldwide. As interest in more direct solutions, such as mass testing and vaccination grows, several studies appear to be dedicated to the operationalization of those solutions, leveraging both traditional and new methodologies, and, increasingly, the combination of both. This research examines the challenges anticipated for preventative testing of SARS-CoV-2 in schools and proposes an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered agent-based model crafted specifically for school scenarios. This research shows that in the absence of real data, simulation-based data can be used to develop an artificial intelligence model for the application of rapid assessment of school testing policies.
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1303
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Hasan MM, Costa ACDS, Xenophontos E, Mohanan P, Bassey EE, Ahmad S, Essar MY. Lassa fever and COVID-19 in Africa: A double crisis on the fragile health system. J Med Virol 2021; 93:5707-5709. [PMID: 34191292 PMCID: PMC8427126 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh.,Division of Infectious Diseases, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Eleni Xenophontos
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Cyprus Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Parvathy Mohanan
- Department of General Medicine, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Esther Edet Bassey
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
| | - Shoaib Ahmad
- Department of Medicine and General Surgery, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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1304
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Essar MY, Wara UU, Mohan A, Tsagkaris C, Silva DVN, Hasan MM, Hashim HT, Ahmad S, Mousavi SH. Challenges of COVID-19 vaccination in Afghanistan: A rising concern. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 19:100703. [PMID: 34230889 PMCID: PMC8249683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemep.2021.100703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Y Essar
- Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - U-U Wara
- Karachi Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - A Mohan
- Karachi Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - C Tsagkaris
- University of Crete, Faculty of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - D V N Silva
- State University of Minas Gerais, Passos, Brazil
| | - M M Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - H T Hashim
- University of Baghdad, College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - S Ahmad
- Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - S H Mousavi
- Medical Research Center, Kateb University, Kabul, Afghanistan
- Afghanistan National Charity Organization for Special Diseases, Kabul, Afghanistan
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1305
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Bhopal R, Lee A, Morling J. COVID-19-why open and honest public dialogue is needed: Porter's reflections on the ethical dilemmas of age rather than geographical based lockdowns are noteworthy. Public Health 2021; 196:e2-e3. [PMID: 33845985 PMCID: PMC7833592 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - A Lee
- University of Sheffield, UK.
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1306
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Phadke R, Mohan A, Çavdaroğlu S, Dapke K, Costa ACDS, Riaz MMA, Hashim HT, Essar MY, Ahmad S. Dengue amidst COVID-19 in India: The mystery of plummeting cases. J Med Virol 2021; 93:4120-4121. [PMID: 33788285 PMCID: PMC8250513 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachana Phadke
- Indira Gandhi Government Medical CollegeNagpurMaharashtraIndia
| | - Anmol Mohan
- Karachi Medical & Dental CollegeKarachiPakistan
| | | | - Kartik Dapke
- Indira Gandhi Government Medical CollegeNagpurMaharashtraIndia
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1307
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Aamir A, Awan HA, Diwan MN, Kazmi SK, Hasan MM, Douba Z, Ullah I. The dilemma of treating the infected versus the wounded: Gaza's healthcare system is choked. Int J Health Plann Manage 2021; 36:2430-2435. [PMID: 34212406 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gaza has been facing persistent disturbance since the last 14 years. Even before the pandemic, Gaza faced a dire healthcare consequence with prevalent instability, lack of adequate medical resources, and limited health-related infrastructure. Gaza continued to struggle while responding to the pandemic as the other nearby countries. However, the challenges were compounded with the onset of the conflict that affected Gaza's infrastructure and displaced tens of thousands to make-shift shelters. The testing capacity of Gaza is alarmingly low that makes any outbreak difficult to document. Additionally, all medical centres have been affected by the ongoing conflict. These centres, if not directly impacted, are severely overwhelmed with those injured during the conflict, shifting focus and resources away from coronavirus. Vaccinations in Gaza cover only 1.9% of the population and a great number of unvaccinated people now may act as vectors of transmission in overcrowded shelters. Furthermore, non-availability of clean water to maintain hygienic conditions has heightened the risk of an explosive surge in cases. Hence, beyond the ceasefire, further steps need to be taken to strengthen Gazan response to COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alifiya Aamir
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Zain Douba
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Irfan Ullah
- Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
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1308
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Applications of Machine Learning and High-Performance Computing in the Era of COVID-19. APPLIED SYSTEM INNOVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/asi4030040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
During the ongoing pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), latest technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, learning paradigms (machine, deep, smart, few short, extreme learning, etc.), high-performance computing (HPC), Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), and Industry 4.0 have played a vital role. These technologies helped to contain the disease’s spread by predicting contaminated people/places, as well as forecasting future trends. In this article, we provide insights into the applications of machine learning (ML) and high-performance computing (HPC) in the era of COVID-19. We discuss the person-specific data that are being collected to lower the COVID-19 spread and highlight the remarkable opportunities it provides for knowledge extraction leveraging low-cost ML and HPC techniques. We demonstrate the role of ML and HPC in the context of the COVID-19 era with the successful implementation or proposition in three contexts: (i) ML and HPC use in the data life cycle, (ii) ML and HPC use in analytics on COVID-19 data, and (iii) the general-purpose applications of both techniques in COVID-19’s arena. In addition, we discuss the privacy and security issues and architecture of the prototype system to demonstrate the proposed research. Finally, we discuss the challenges of the available data and highlight the issues that hinder the applicability of ML and HPC solutions on it.
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1309
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Rahi M, Sharma A. Free Market Availability of Rapid Diagnostics Will Empower Communities To Control Malaria in India. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 105:281-283. [PMID: 34181575 PMCID: PMC8437197 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, malaria incidence has declined but further reductions in malaria are not evident in many countries. In addition to the public health approaches for tackling malaria, involvement of the private sector is vital because the private sector plays a central role in healthcare delivery to the masses. In India, malaria management is primarily provided through government programs, nonetheless, significant numbers of fever patients continue to seek healthcare in the private sector. The private sector in India is comprised of formal healthcare (qualified and approved), informal healthcare (unqualified, untrained), including traditional healers. Commercial channels for the procurement of quality-assured malaria diagnostics like rapid diagnostic tests via pharmacies or other approved outlets would empower Indian populations to self-detect malaria without delay. Easier access would minimize the diagnostic time gap, reduce costs to the patient, prevent inappropriate malaria treatment, and foster timely treatment of both malaria and non-malaria infections. Commercially available rapid diagnostic tests in the hands of the people could be an important tool in our fight against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Rahi
- Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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1310
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Akter S, Dhar TK, Rahman AIA, Uddin MK. Investigating the resilience of refugee camps to COVID-19: A case of Rohingya settlements in Bangladesh. J Migr Health 2021; 4:100052. [PMID: 34405195 PMCID: PMC8352112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2021.100052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bangladesh Rohingya camps have hosted 65,000 refugees fled from Myanmar only since 2017. Their compromised living environment and limited physical and socioeconomic facilities make them highly sensitive to COVID-19. The Government of Bangladesh and international aid agencies have applied WHO's IPC (Infection, Prevention, and Control) guidelines to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 outbreaks and enhance their resilience. However, Rohingyas often disregard these guidelines or become reluctant to follow them. Building on 10 in-depth interviews, 66 questionnaires, and observation, the study investigates the limitations and challenges of implementing these guidelines toward building community resilience. It assesses their resilience, focusingon Kutupalong camp, Cox's Bazar-one of the world's largest refugee camps. Findings reveal that Rohingya's past experience associated with their psychological trauma largely influences their current actions and demotivates them fromfollowing the health guidelines. Their deep mistrust of and disrespect to healthcare providers and aid agencies discourage them to follow the IPC. Also, insufficient built infrastructure and unhygienic living conditions, including improper WASH management, increase their risk to COVID-19. The study highlights a need for understanding their socio-psychological values and cultural narratives and recommends a set of guidelines for policymakers and aid agencies to build community resilience to COVID -19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Akter
- Lecturer, Architecture Department, Premier University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Tapan Kumar Dhar
- Professor, Architecture Discipline Khulna University, Khulna Bangladesh
| | | | - Md. Kamal Uddin
- Civil Engineer, Volume 11, 20/c Amirbag, Mehedibag, Chittagong, Bangladesh
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1311
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Analyzing the Effectiveness of COVID-19 Lockdown Policies Using the Time-Dependent Reproduction Number and the Regression Discontinuity Framework: Comparison between Countries. THE 7TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TIME SERIES AND FORECASTING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/engproc2021005008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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1312
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1313
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Gopichandran V, Sakthivel K. Doctor-patient communication and trust in doctors during COVID 19 times-A cross sectional study in Chennai, India. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253497. [PMID: 34161383 PMCID: PMC8221523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID 19 pandemic created a global public health crisis. Physical distancing, masks, personal protective equipment worn by the doctors created difficulties in effective doctor-patient communication. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to assess the difficulties faced by patients in communicating with their doctors due to the COVID 19 preventive measures, and its impact on the trust on their doctors. METHODS A cross sectional study of 359 persons attending a tertiary care center in Chennai, sampled in a non-probabilistic manner selected from the outpatient department, wards, and isolation facilities, was conducted using a questionnaire containing items covering three dimensions namely difficulties faced in accessing the health facility, difficulties in doctor-patient communication and trust in the doctors. The data were collected using Google Forms and analyzed using GNU PSPP open-source statistical software version 1.4.0. RESULTS More than 60% of the participants complained of difficulty in accessing the health facility. More than 60% had difficulties in communicating with the doctors. There was a high level of trust in doctors among more than 80% of the participants. Comparison of the mean scores revealed that accessibility was a problem across ages, sexes, education and occupation groups. Communication barriers decreased with age and increased with education, but trust increased with age, but reduced with increasing education. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that difficulties in communication had a negative impact on trust (β = -0.63, p<0.001) and increasing education had a negative impact on trust (β = -0.42, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS The COVID 19 pandemic and the preventive strategies such as lock-down, physical distancing, face mask and personal protective equipment created barriers to effective doctor patient communication and led to some compromise in trust in doctors during this time.
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1314
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Tomás JM, Vilca LW, García CH, Rojas-Jara C, White M, Peña-Calero BN. Predictors of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults: the role of socio-demographic variables and COVID-19 anxiety. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2021; 27:453-465. [PMID: 34157907 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2021.1944655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate factors related to the mental health of Peruvian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study had a cross-sectional and observational design. A total of 274 older adults in Lima, Peru (Mage = 67.86) filled out a sociodemographic survey, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, Mental Health Inventory-5, Patient Health Questionnaire-2 item, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was estimated to test an a priori model that relates the sociodemographic variables, COVID-19 Anxiety, psychological well-being, anxiety and depression. The model fit indices indicated a good fit to the data. The socio-demographic variables explained 23.8% of the variance of the COVID-19 Anxiety (R2 = .238). Socio-demographic variables explained 50.5% of psychological well-being variance, 52% of anxiety and 46.9% of depression. Also, sex, work; being diagnosed with COVID-19; family member with COVID-19 diagnosis; and time of exposure to COVID-19 information had statistically significant effects psychological well-being, anxiety and depression. In conclusion, some sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19 anxiety affect the psychological well-being, anxiety and depression. The findings may allow for a better understanding of the mental health of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and guide government responses to detect, anticipate and minimize its impact on the mental health of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José M Tomás
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Lindsey W Vilca
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú
| | - Cirilo H García
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, México
| | - Claudio Rojas-Jara
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Michael White
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Peru
| | - Brian Norman Peña-Calero
- Grupo de Estudios Avances en Medición Psicológica, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
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1315
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Abstract
Post-COVID-19 environments have challenged our embodied identities with these challenges coming from a variety of domains, that is, microbiological, semiotic, and digital. We are embedded in a new complex set of relations, with other species, with cultural signs, and with technology and venturing further into an era that pushes back on our anthropocentrism to create a post-human dystopia. This does not imply that we are less human or forfeit ethics in this state of flux, but can lead to considering new ways of being alive and humanists. The aim of this project was to explore walking through our associated psychogeographies as captured in photographs and text from individual walks, as the means by which to characterize responses to the distress of the pandemic and to assess resistance to non-being. The psychogeographies were the starting points for our dialogic enquiry between authors who each represent living theory, representing their own emergent knowledge, inseparable from personal commitments and history. Walking and the associated images and reflections, provided a way to regulate our affect, reconnecting with our bodies, leading to understand and adapt to new meanings of context and ways of coping and healing in this new becoming. The interdisciplinarity of philosophy, social psychology, botany, and clinical psychology is nonetheless rejected in favour of multi-vocality; each author representing their own emergent, living theory, inseparable from personal commitments, and history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna L. Degen
- Department of Psychology, European University Flensburg, Flensburg, Germany
| | - Gemma Lucy Smart
- School for History and Philosophy of Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rosanne Quinnell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Paul Rhodes
- Clinical Psychology Unit, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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1316
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A Study of Leisure Constraints and Job Satisfaction of Middle-Aged and Elderly Health Care Workers in COVID-19 Environment. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9060713. [PMID: 34200864 PMCID: PMC8230547 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine the leisure constraints and job satisfaction of middle-aged and elderly health care workers. The study employed a mixed research method, utilizing SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 23.0 statistical software to analyze 260 questionnaires using basic statistical tests, t-tests, ANOVA tests, and structural equation models, and then interviewed medical and public health workers and experts in the field, and the results were analyzed using multivariate verification analysis. The results showed that there was a significant low correlation between leisure constraints and job satisfaction among middle-aged and elderly health care workers (p < 0.01); interpersonal constraints and external job satisfaction factors were the main influencing factors; improving promotion opportunities and receiving appreciation increased job satisfaction; poor working environment and facilities, as well as the lack of achievement, were the main factors that reduced satisfaction; health factors, a lack of family support, no exercise partner, and a lack of extra budget are the key to leisure constraints. If the organization can provide nearby sports facilities for middle and high-age medical workers, improve welfare, and increase willingness to participate in leisure activities, physical and mental health can be improved. Finally, interpersonal interaction in leisure obstacles is the main reason for improving job satisfaction.
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1317
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Kahambing JG. COVID-19, natural vulnerability and zugzwang. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:e252-e253. [PMID: 33044520 PMCID: PMC7665650 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gresil Kahambing
- Curator and Research Coordinator for the Social Sciences and Values Education, Leyte Normal University, 6500 Tacloban City, Philippines
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1318
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Sharma A, Kontodimas K, Bosmann M. Nanomedicine: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to COVID-19. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:648005. [PMID: 34150793 PMCID: PMC8211875 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.648005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is causing devastating morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nanomedicine approaches have a high potential to enhance conventional diagnostics, drugs and vaccines. In fact, lipid nanoparticle/mRNA vaccines are already widely used to protect from COVID-19. In this review, we present an overview of the taxonomy, structure, variants of concern, epidemiology, pathophysiology and detection methods of SARS-CoV-2. The efforts of repurposing, tailoring, and adapting pre-existing medications to battle COVID-19 and the state of vaccine developments are presented. Next, we discuss the broad concepts and limitations of how nanomedicine could address the COVID-19 threat. Nanomaterials are particles in the nanometer scale (10-100 nm) which possess unique properties related to their size, polarity, structural and chemical composition. Nanoparticles can be composed of precious metals (copper, silver, gold), inorganic materials (graphene, silicon), proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, RNA/DNA, or conjugates, combinations and polymers of all of the aforementioned. The advanced biochemical features of these nanoscale particles allow them to directly interact with virions and irreversibly disrupt their structure, which can render a virus incapable of replicating within the host. Virus-neutralizing coats and surfaces impregnated with nanomaterials can enhance personal protective equipment, hand sanitizers and air filter systems. Nanoparticles can enhance drug-based therapies by optimizing uptake, stability, target cell-specific delivery, and magnetic properties. In fact, recent studies have highlighted the potential of nanoparticles in different aspects of the fight against SARS-CoV-2, such as enhancing biosensors and diagnostic tests, drug therapies, designing new delivery mechanisms, and optimizing vaccines. This article summarizes the ongoing research on diagnostic strategies, treatments, and vaccines for COVID-19, while emphasizing the potential of nanoparticle-based pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Sharma
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Kontodimas
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Markus Bosmann
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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1319
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de Almondes KM, Bizarro L, Miyazaki MCOS, Soares MRZ, Peuker AC, Teodoro M, Modesto JG, Veraksa AN, Singh P, Han B, Sodi T. Comparative Analysis of Psychology Responding to COVID-19 Pandemic in Brics Nations. Front Psychol 2021; 12:567585. [PMID: 34149490 PMCID: PMC8210845 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.567585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The BRICS Forum, an independent international organization encouraging commercial, political, and cultural cooperation between Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was formed in 2011, and these countries have a significant influence on their regional affairs. These nations were hit by COVID-19 at different times, and all adopted home quarantine to reduce the spread of the virus. We present a comparative analysis of actions of psychology and potential outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in BRICS nations regarding five aspects: psychology in health policies, social roles of psychology, socioeconomic context, actions for the general population, and health professionals during stage 1 of the pandemic, and possible actions in stage 2. Various types of actions were taken by psychologists in BRICS, with different levels of coordinated cooperation with respective governmental and non-governmental organizations, multiple and parallel efforts from different scientific societies, and professional regulatory agencies. Scientific societies have had an important role in coordinating some of these efforts, especially because they congregate the psychologists from different parts of these countries, improving communication and access to key information. The aim of these actions varies from improving situational skills and competences to increase the accessibility of psychological services and provide psychoeducation and telepsychology. We will consider the social importance of these actions within these countries as a global opportunity for psychology to stage in a complex context involving human health. The way psychology in BRICS will face this challenging situation is likely to produce important regional influence, stimulate scientific contribution, and increase the accessibility of psychology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisiane Bizarro
- Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Rita Zoéga Soares
- Department of General Psychology and Behavior Analysis, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Maycoln Teodoro
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - João Gabriel Modesto
- State University of Goiás (UEG) and University Center of Brasília (UniCEUB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Aleksander N. Veraksa
- Psychological Institute, Russian Academy of Education and Faculty of Psychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Purnima Singh
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Buxin Han
- CAS Key Lab of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Tholene Sodi
- Department of Psychology, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
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1320
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Tavana M, Govindan K, Nasr AK, Heidary MS, Mina H. A mathematical programming approach for equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution in developing countries. ANNALS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH 2021:1-34. [PMID: 34099948 PMCID: PMC8172366 DOI: 10.1007/s10479-021-04130-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Developing countries scramble to contain and mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and world leaders demand equitable distribution of vaccines to trigger economic recovery. Although numerous strategies, including education, quarantine, and immunization, have been used to control COVID-19, the best method to curb this disease is vaccination. Due to the high demand for COVID 19 vaccine, developing countries must carefully identify and prioritize vulnerable populations and rationalize the vaccine allocation process. This study presents a mixed-integer linear programming model for equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution in developing countries. Vaccines are grouped into cold, very cold, and ultra-cold categories where specific refrigeration is required for their storage and distribution. The possibility of storage for future periods, facing a shortage, budgetary considerations, manufacturer selection, order allocation, time-dependent capacities, and grouping of the heterogeneous population are among the practical assumptions in the proposed approach. Real-world data is used to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the mathematical programming approach proposed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madjid Tavana
- Business Systems and Analytics Department, Distinguished Chair of Business Analytics, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA 19141 USA
- Business Information Systems Department, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, University of Paderborn, 33098 Paderborn, Germany
| | - Kannan Govindan
- Department of Technology and Innovation, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Arash Khalili Nasr
- Graduate School of Management and Economics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hassan Mina
- School of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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1321
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Hettiarachchi D, Noordeen N, Gamakaranage C, Somarathne EARBD, Jayasinghe S. Ethical Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic-Lessons from Sri Lanka. Asian Bioeth Rev 2021; 13:225-233. [PMID: 33169085 PMCID: PMC7609364 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-020-00153-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly become an era-defining challenge for the entire world. It has implications not only in the public health sector but also in the global economy and political landscape. The prevention strategy that has been followed in Sri Lanka is unique. Early action taken by the government and the ministry of health, being one of pre-emptive quarantining and isolation of suspected contacts even before they developed symptoms, was vital to contain the spread of the disease. During the early phase, a nationwide lockdown in the form of a curfew was imposed which helped mitigate the spread of the virus. However, due to several lapses, there was a threat of community transmission; this was swiftly brought under control through ongoing government interventions. Thus, strict social/physical distancing measures enforced by the government, together with an increase in testing capacity, prevented widespread community transmission. Strictly containing the outbreaks as and when they were identified made it easier to bring the spread under control through contact tracing. In this article, we give an account of the strategy taken by Sri Lanka to mitigate the pandemic and comment on the lessons learned concerning the ethical responses to the COVID-19 crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Saroj Jayasinghe
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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1322
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Valizadeh J, Hafezalkotob A, Seyed Alizadeh SM, Mozafari P. Hazardous infectious waste collection and government aid distribution during COVID-19: A robust mathematical leader-follower model approach. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY 2021; 69:102814. [PMID: 33654655 PMCID: PMC7908920 DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2021.102814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed significant challenges to governments across the world. The increase in hazardous infectious waste (HIW) caused by the pandemic is associated with the risk of transmitting the virus. In this study, hazardous waste includes infectious waste generated both by individuals and by hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. To control the outbreak by maintaining social distance and home quarantine protocols, daily necessities and health supplies must be provided to the people affected. Governments play an essential role in the management of the crisis, creating an elaborate plan for collecting HIW and providing necessities and health supplies. This paper proposes a leader-follower approach for hazardous infectious waste collection and government aid distribution to control COVID-19. At the top level of the model, government policies are designed to support people by distributing daily necessities and health supplies, and to support contractors by waste collection. The lower level of the model is related to the operational decisions of contractors with limited capacities. Due to the potential risk of virus transmission via contaminated waste, the proposed model considers the complications imposed on contractors at the lower level. Applying a stochastic programming approach, four possible scenarios are examined, dependent of the severity of the outbreak. As a solution approach, the Benders decomposition method is combined with Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions. The results show that government support, in addition to much better management of citizen demand, can control the spread of the virus by implementing quarantine decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Valizadeh
- Department of Management, Saveh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahid Beheshti Boulevard, Shahid Fahmideh Boulevard, PO Box: 366-39187, Saveh, Iran
| | - Ashkan Hafezalkotob
- College of Industrial Engineering, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Entezari Alley, Oskoui Alley, Choobi Bridge, Postal Code: 1151863411, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Seyed Alizadeh
- Petroleum Engineering Department, Australian College of Kuwait, P.O. Box 1411, Safat, 13015, West Mishref, Kuwait
| | - Peyman Mozafari
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Science and Culture, Ashrafi Isfahani Boulevard, Shahid Ghomoushi St, PO Box: 1871-13145, Tehran, Iran
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1323
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Martínez-Rodríguez D, Gonzalez-Parra G, Villanueva RJ. Analysis of Key Factors of a SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Program: A Mathematical Modeling Approach. EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2021; 2:140-161. [PMID: 35141702 PMCID: PMC8824484 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia2020012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The administration of vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in early December of 2020. Currently, there are only a few approved vaccines, each with different efficacies and mechanisms of action. Moreover, vaccination programs in different regions may vary due to differences in implementation, for instance, simply the availability of the vaccine. In this article, we study the impact of the pace of vaccination and the intrinsic efficacy of the vaccine on prevalence, hospitalizations, and deaths related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Then we study different potential scenarios regarding the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in the near future. We construct a compartmental mathematical model and use computational methodologies to study these different scenarios. Thus, we are able to identify some key factors to reach the aims of the vaccination programs. We use some metrics related to the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to assess the impact of the efficacy of the vaccine and the pace of the vaccine inoculation. We found that both factors have a high impact on the outcomes. However, the rate of vaccine administration has a higher impact in reducing the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. This result shows that health institutions need to focus on increasing the vaccine inoculation pace and create awareness in the population about the importance of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martínez-Rodríguez
- Insituto Universitario de Matemática Multidisciplinar, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (D.M.-R.); (R.-J.V.)
| | | | - Rafael-J. Villanueva
- Insituto Universitario de Matemática Multidisciplinar, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (D.M.-R.); (R.-J.V.)
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1324
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Sweeney-Reed CM, Wolff D, Niggel J, Kabesch M, Apfelbacher C. Pool Testing as a Strategy for Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks in Schools: Protocol for a Feasibility Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e28673. [PMID: 33979297 PMCID: PMC8166266 DOI: 10.2196/28673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School closures are a widely implemented strategy for limiting infection spread in the current COVID-19 pandemic. The negative impact of school closures on children and young people is increasingly apparent, however. OBJECTIVE We aim to evaluate the feasibility of an infection monitoring program in schools to enable targeted quarantining to replace school closures. The program is currently being implemented in two model schools in Magdeburg, Germany, within the framework of the Study of Coronavirus Outbreak Prevention in Magdeburg Schools (Studie zur Ausbruchsvermeidung von Corona an Magdeburger Schulen [STACAMA]). METHODS Five pupils per class are pseudorandomly selected twice a week and asked to provide a gargle sample over a 16-week evaluation period. RNA is extracted from each sample individually in a laboratory and pooled according to school class for real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) analysis. Immediate individual sample testing will be carried out in the case of a positive pool test. Individual RNA extraction prior to pooling and application of rRT-PCR result in high test sensitivity. Testing will be performed in strict adherence to data protection standards. All participating pupils will receive a 16-digit study code, which they will be able to use to access their test. RESULTS When the study commenced on December 2, 2020, 520 (52%) pupils and their families or guardians had consented to study participation. The study was suspended after four test rounds due to renewed school closures resulting from rising regional infection incidence. Testing resumed when schools reopened on March 8, 2021, at which time consent to participation was provided for 54% of pupils. We will quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the logistics and acceptability of the program. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study should inform the design of infection surveillance programs in schools based on gargle samples and a PCR-based pool testing procedure, enabling the identification of aspects that may require adaptation before large-scale implementation. Our focus on each step of the logistics and on the experiences of families should enable a robust assessment of the feasibility of such an approach. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/28673.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Sweeney-Reed
- Neurocybernetics and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Doreen Wolff
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Niggel
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- MaganaMed GbmH, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Kabesch
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
- Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian Apfelbacher
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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1325
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Criss S, Nguyen TT, Norton S, Virani I, Titherington E, Tillmanns EL, Kinnane C, Maiolo G, Kirby AB, Gee GC. Advocacy, Hesitancy, and Equity: Exploring U.S. Race-Related Discussions of the COVID-19 Vaccine on Twitter. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5693. [PMID: 34073291 PMCID: PMC8198507 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study aimed to describe themes of tweets related to COVID-19 vaccines, race, and ethnicity to explore the context of the intersection of these topics on Twitter. METHODS We utilized Twitter's Streaming Application Programming Interface (API) to collect a random 1% sample of publicly available tweets from October 2020 to January 2021. The study team conducted a qualitative content analysis from the full data set of 1110 tweets. RESULTS The tweets revealed vaccine support through vaccine affirmation, advocacy through reproach, a need for a vaccine, COVID-19 and racism, vaccine development and efficacy, racist vaccine humor, and news updates. Vaccine opposition was demonstrated through direct opposition, vaccine hesitancy, and adverse reactions. Conspiracy and misinformation included scientific misinformation, political misinformation, beliefs about immunity and protective behaviors, and race extermination conspiracy. Equity and access focused on overcoming history of medical racism, pointing out health disparities, and facilitators to vaccine access. Representation touted pride in development and role models, and politics discussed the role of politics in vaccines and international politics. CONCLUSION Our analysis demonstrates that Twitter can provide nuances about multiple viewpoints on the vaccine related to race and ethnicity and can be beneficial in contributing to insights for public health messaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaniece Criss
- Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA; (S.N.); (I.V.); (E.T.); (E.L.T.); (C.K.); (G.M.); (A.B.K.)
| | - Thu T. Nguyen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA;
| | - Samantha Norton
- Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA; (S.N.); (I.V.); (E.T.); (E.L.T.); (C.K.); (G.M.); (A.B.K.)
| | - Imaya Virani
- Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA; (S.N.); (I.V.); (E.T.); (E.L.T.); (C.K.); (G.M.); (A.B.K.)
| | - Eli Titherington
- Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA; (S.N.); (I.V.); (E.T.); (E.L.T.); (C.K.); (G.M.); (A.B.K.)
| | - Emma Lou Tillmanns
- Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA; (S.N.); (I.V.); (E.T.); (E.L.T.); (C.K.); (G.M.); (A.B.K.)
| | - Courtney Kinnane
- Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA; (S.N.); (I.V.); (E.T.); (E.L.T.); (C.K.); (G.M.); (A.B.K.)
| | - Gabrielle Maiolo
- Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA; (S.N.); (I.V.); (E.T.); (E.L.T.); (C.K.); (G.M.); (A.B.K.)
| | - Anne B. Kirby
- Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USA; (S.N.); (I.V.); (E.T.); (E.L.T.); (C.K.); (G.M.); (A.B.K.)
| | - Gilbert C. Gee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
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1326
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Foster KL, Selvitella AM. On the relationship between COVID-19 reported fatalities early in the pandemic and national socio-economic status predating the pandemic. AIMS Public Health 2021; 8:439-455. [PMID: 34395694 PMCID: PMC8334639 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2021034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between socio-economic determinants pre-dating the pandemic and the reported number of cases, deaths, and the ratio of deaths/cases in 199 countries/regions during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis is performed by means of machine learning methods. It involves a portfolio/ensemble of 32 interpretable models and considers the case in which the outcome variables (number of cases, deaths, and their ratio) are independent and the case in which their dependence is weighted based on geographical proximity. We build two measures of variable importance, the Absolute Importance Index (AII) and the Signed Importance Index (SII) whose roles are to identify the most contributing socio-economic factors to the variability of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results suggest that, together with the established influence on cases and deaths of the level of mobility, the specific features of the health care system (smart/poor allocation of resources), the economy of a country (equity/non-equity), and the society (religious/not religious or community-based vs not) might contribute to the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths heterogeneously across countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Lois Foster
- Department of Biology, Ball State University, 2111 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie, IN 47306, USA
| | - Alessandro Maria Selvitella
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805, USA
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1327
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Harper S. The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Global Population Ageing. JOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING 2021; 14:137-142. [PMID: 34055101 PMCID: PMC8140566 DOI: 10.1007/s12062-021-09330-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Harper
- Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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1328
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Farmani AR, Mahdavinezhad F, Moslemi R, Mehrabi Z, Noori A, Kouhestani M, Noroozi Z, Ai J, Rezaei N. Anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies as potential treatment in COVID-19. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2021; 43:259-264. [PMID: 34018464 PMCID: PMC8146297 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2021.1925906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with irreversible effects on vital organs, especially the respiratory and cardiac systems. While the immune system plays a key role in the survival of patients to viral infections, in COVID-19, there is a hyperinflammatory immune response evoked by all the immune cells, such as neutrophils, monocytes, and includes release of various cytokines, resulting in an exaggerated immune response, named cytokine storm. This severe, dysregulated immune response causes multi-organ damage, which eventually leads to high mortality. One of the most important components of hypersensitivity is immunoglobulin E (IgE), which plays a major role in susceptibility to respiratory infections and can lead to the activation of mast cells. There is also a negative association between IgE and IFN-α, which can reduce Toll-like receptor (TLR) nine receptor expression and TLR-7 signaling to disrupt IFN production. Moreover, anti-IgE drugs such as omalizumab reduces the severity and duration of COVID-19. In addition to its anti-IgE effect, omalizumab inhibits inflammatory cells such as neutrophils. Hence, blockade of IgE may have clinical utility as an immunotherapy for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Reza Farmani
- Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Tissue Engineering Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Mahdavinezhad
- Anatomy Department-School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rohollah Moslemi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Mehrabi
- Internal Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Noori
- Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Kouhestani
- Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Noroozi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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1329
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COVID-19 Pandemic and Equal Access to Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060538. [PMID: 34063863 PMCID: PMC8224034 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has evidenced the chronic inequality that exists between populations and communities as regards global healthcare. Vaccination, an appropriate tool for the prevention of infection, should be guaranteed by means of proportionate interventions to defeat such inequality in populations and communities affected by a higher risk of infection. Equitable criteria of justice should be identified and applied with respect to access to vaccination and to the order in which it should be administered. This article analyzes, as regards the worldwide distribution of anti-COVID-19 vaccines, the various ways the principle of equity has been construed and applied or even overlooked. The main obstacle to equal access to vaccines is vaccine nationalism. The perception of equity varies with the differing reference values adopted. Adequate response to needs appears to be the principal rule for achieving the criterion of equity in line with distributive justice. Priorities must be set equitably based on rational parameters in accordance with current needs. The entire process must be governed by transparency, from parameter identification to implementation. The issue of equal access to vaccination affects the entire world population, necessitating specific protective interventions. In light of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has devised the COVAX plan to ensure that even the poorest nations of the world receive the vaccine; certain initiatives are also supported by the European Union (EU). This pandemic has brought to the fore the need to build a culture of equitable relationships both in each country’s own domain and with the rest of the world.
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1330
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Adebisi YA, Rabe A, Lucero-Prisno Iii DE. Risk communication and community engagement strategies for COVID-19 in 13 African countries. Health Promot Perspect 2021; 11:137-147. [PMID: 34195037 PMCID: PMC8233683 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2021.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a major threat facing health systems globally and African countries are not an exception. Stakeholders, governments, and national authorities have mounted responses to contain the pandemic. This study aimed to catalogue the risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies as well as the challenges facing RCCE in 13 African countries. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of evidence to answer the aim of the study. The search was conducted in March 2021 and evidence published between December 2019 and February 2021 were included. Data reported in this article were obtained from reports, literature in peer-reviewed journals, grey literature and other data sources in 13 African countries. The 13 countries include Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Algeria, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The authors also snowball further data to gather information for this review. Results: Most of the priority African countries have RCCE strategies to contain the transmission and spread of the coronavirus. Our findings revealed RCCE strategies in the 13 African countries focused on training and capacity building, risk communication systems, internal and partners’ coordination, community engagement, public communication, contending uncertainty, addressing misperceptions and managing misinformation. However, the RCCE response activities were not without challenges, which included distrust in government, cultural, social, and religious resistance, and inertia among others. Conclusion: With the similar RCCE approaches and interventions seen across the countries, it is clear that countries are learning from each other and from global health organizations to develop COVID-19 RCCE programs. It is important for African countries to address the challenges facing RCCE in order to effectively contain the pandemic and to prepare for future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi
- Global Health Focus, London, United Kingdom.,African Young Leaders for Global Health, Abuja, Nigeria.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adrian Rabe
- Global Health Focus, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno Iii
- Global Health Focus, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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1331
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Shinwell J, Defeyter MA. Food Insecurity: A Constant Factor in the Lives of Low-Income Families in Scotland and England. Front Public Health 2021; 9:588254. [PMID: 34095040 PMCID: PMC8170021 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.588254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the school summer holidays, pressures on the already tight budgets of low-income families are compounded, particularly when the safety net of free school meals is removed. The main aim of the current study was to investigate how low-income parents and carers feed their families during term time when children receive free school meals and if, and how, strategies differ during the school summer holidays. A secondary aim was to investigate the role of holiday activity and food programmes in supporting parents and carers to feed their children during the school summer holidays. We used purposive sampling to recruit a total of 21 parents (N = 20 Female, N = 1 Male) whose children attended free summer holiday clubs in Scotland and England during summer 2017. Participants were asked about their food and shopping habits during the school term and if, and how they differed during the school summer holidays when free school meals were not available. The findings suggest that food insecurity is a constant factor in the lives of low-income parents in England and Scotland, and that the stages of food insecurity and the strategies employed to mitigate its effects appear to be cyclical, aligning with the Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) food insecurity continuum and the school academic year. During term time, parents and carers worried about food, suggesting they were experiencing mild food insecurity, despite their children being in receipt of free school meals. As the school holidays approached, moderate food insecurity was experienced as parents reported that they began "provisioning," storing food and reducing household expenditure. During the summer holidays, food did not last, and parental food acquisition habits became more intense. Parents downgraded food brands and bought reduced price items of food. Ultimately, parents self-sacrificed their own nutritional intake by only buying food their children would eat and parents often skipped meals or only ate their children's leftovers. However, children's attendance at holiday club helped make the food at home last longer and once school resumed, parents returned to their less intense, but constantly coping approach to food shopping. The findings of this study suggest that food insecurity is a constant factor in the lives of low-income families who simply do not have enough household income to prevent them from experiencing food insecurity, even when initiatives such as free school meals and access to holiday club provision with food and activities are in place.
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1332
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Mallah SI, Ghorab OK, Al-Salmi S, Abdellatif OS, Tharmaratnam T, Iskandar MA, Sefen JAN, Sidhu P, Atallah B, El-Lababidi R, Al-Qahtani M. COVID-19: breaking down a global health crisis. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2021; 20:35. [PMID: 34006330 PMCID: PMC8129964 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-021-00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the second pandemic of the twenty-first century, with over one-hundred million infections and over two million deaths to date. It is a novel strain from the Coronaviridae family, named Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2); the 7th known member of the coronavirus family to cause disease in humans, notably following the Middle East Respiratory syndrome (MERS), and Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (SARS). The most characteristic feature of this single-stranded RNA molecule includes the spike glycoprotein on its surface. Most patients with COVID-19, of which the elderly and immunocompromised are most at risk, complain of flu-like symptoms, including dry cough and headache. The most common complications include pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and cardiovascular manifestations. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is mainly via respiratory droplets, either directly from the air when an infected patient coughs or sneezes, or in the form of fomites on surfaces. Maintaining hand-hygiene, social distancing, and personal protective equipment (i.e., masks) remain the most effective precautions. Patient management includes supportive care and anticoagulative measures, with a focus on maintaining respiratory function. Therapy with dexamethasone, remdesivir, and tocilizumab appear to be most promising to date, with hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, ritonavir, and interferons falling out of favour. Additionally, accelerated vaccination efforts have taken place internationally, with several promising vaccinations being mass deployed. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries and stakeholders have taken varying precautions to combat and contain the spread of the virus and dampen its collateral economic damage. This review paper aims to synthesize the impact of the virus on a global, micro to macro scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad I Mallah
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain.
- The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain.
| | - Omar K Ghorab
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Sabrina Al-Salmi
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Omar S Abdellatif
- Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- G7 and G20 Research Groups, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tharmegan Tharmaratnam
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
- School of Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mina Amin Iskandar
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | | | - Pardeep Sidhu
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Bassam Atallah
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rania El-Lababidi
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manaf Al-Qahtani
- The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain.
- Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Medical Services, Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, Riffa, Kingdom of Bahrain.
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1333
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Vietnam's success story against COVID-19. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2021; 2:100132. [PMID: 33977280 PMCID: PMC8103712 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vietnam's close proximity to China where the COVID-19 outbreak started made it one of the countries expected to have widespread transmission of the virus. However, the country opposed this expectation and attained low spread of COVID-19 infection due to its proactive approaches in containing the disease. As of March 11, 2021, Vietnam has a total of 2529 confirmed cases, equivalent to 26 cases per one million population-compared to the global rate of 15,223 cases. The low-cost model approach used by Vietnam in dealing with previous public health issues, tackle the importance of a strategic public health system, good governance, and citizen cooperation in the fight against COVID 19 pandemic. This paper aims to analyze Vietnam's achievement in its early and continued success in combating COVID-19 by taking into account various aspects of its health system and experience on outbreaks that have previously occurred and how these can be applied to current COVID-19 responses.
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1334
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Emerging technologies and COVID-19 digital vaccination certificates and passports. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2021; 2:100136. [PMID: 33977281 PMCID: PMC8103710 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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1335
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Abdelrahman H, Atteya S, Ihab M, Nyan M, Maharani DA, Rahardjo A, Shaath M, Aboalshamat K, Butool S, Shamala A, Baig L, El Tantawi M. Dental practice closure during the first wave of COVID-19 and associated professional, practice and structural determinants: a multi-country survey. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:243. [PMID: 33962609 PMCID: PMC8102846 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01601-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) in China has influenced every aspect of life worldwide. Given the unique characteristics of the dental setting, the risk of cross-infection between dental practitioners and patients is high in the absence of adequate protective measures, and dentists may develop severe anxiety in relation to the current pandemic. The limited provision of services and widespread closure of dental practices have raised concerns among dental professionals about the financial impact. The present study assessed the frequency of dental practice closure during the pandemic's first wave in several countries and whether closures and their associated factors differ between the private and non-private sectors. METHODS An electronic cross-sectional survey questionnaire was sent to dentists in several countries, from April to May 2020. The survey assessed professional, practice related and country-level structural factors elucidating the reason for practice closure. Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the association between practice closure and these factors, and differences were evaluated by sector type. RESULTS Dentists from 29 countries (n = 3243) participated in this study. Most of the participants (75.9%) reported practice closure with significantly higher percentage in the private sector than the non-private sector. Greater pandemic-related fears were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of practice closure in the private (odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24, 1.92) and non-private (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.04, 1.82) sectors. Dentists in non-private rural areas (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.42, 0.81), and those in hospitals (overall OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.36, 0.99) reported a low likelihood of closure. A high likelihood of closure was reported by dentists in the academia (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.23, 3.71). More hospital beds at the country-level were associated with a lower likelihood of closure in the non-private sector (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.46, 0.91). Private- sector dentists in high- income countries (HICs) reported fewer closures than those in non-HICs (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.15, 1.93). CONCLUSIONS Most dentists reported practice closure because of COVID-19, and greater impacts were reported in the private sector than in the non-private sector. Closure was associated with professional, practice, and country-levels factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hams Abdelrahman
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Champlion St., Azarita, Alexandria, 21527 Egypt
| | - Sara Atteya
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Champlion St., Azarita, Alexandria, 21527 Egypt
| | - Merna Ihab
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Champlion St., Azarita, Alexandria, 21527 Egypt
| | - Myat Nyan
- Department of Prosthodontics, University of Dental Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Diah A Maharani
- Department of Preventive and Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Anton Rahardjo
- Department of Preventive and Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | | | - Khalid Aboalshamat
- Dental Public Health Division, Preventative Dentistry Department, College of Dentistry, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syeda Butool
- Department of Conservative and Endodontics, National Institute of Medical Sciences University and Research, Jaipur, Rajasthan India
| | - Anas Shamala
- Department of Biological and Preventive Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Science and Technology, Sanaa, Yemen
| | - Lubna Baig
- APPNA Institute of Public Health, Jinnah Sind Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Maha El Tantawi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Champlion St., Azarita, Alexandria, 21527 Egypt
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1336
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Çavdaroğlu S, Hasan MM, Mohan A, Xenophontos E, Costa ACDS, Aborode AT, Tsagkaris C, Outani O, Ahmad S, Essar MY. The spread of Yellow fever amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa and the ongoing efforts to mitigate it. J Med Virol 2021; 93:5223-5225. [PMID: 33871091 PMCID: PMC8251444 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh.,Division of Infectious Diseases, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Anmol Mohan
- Department of medicine, Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | - Oumaima Outani
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed 5 University, Morocco
| | - Shoaib Ahmad
- Department of Medicine and General Surgery, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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1337
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Ita K. Response to: Regarding the Article: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Current Status and Prospects for Drug and Vaccine Development. Arch Med Res 2021; 52:458-459. [PMID: 33483150 PMCID: PMC7833747 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ita
- College of Pharmacy Touro University, Mare Island-Vallejo California, CA 94592, USA.
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1338
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Aneja R, Ahuja V. An assessment of socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 pandemic in India. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 2021; 21:e2266. [PMID: 33173441 PMCID: PMC7646007 DOI: 10.1002/pa.2266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created an unprecedented loss and disruptions over all across the world. From developed to developing, no country has been spared from its brunt. In this paper, we have analyzed the implications of COVID-19 on the economy and society of India so far. An impact assessment on the basis of available lietrature is made on all the three sectors-primary, secondary and service sector along with the impact on migrants, health, poverty, job losses, informal sector, environment, and so forth. The all sectors of the economy has been disproportionately affected and even within a sector, there is a disproportionate loss. The societal impacts are dire too with job losses, mental illness, increased domestic violence, and so forth. Some positive effects can be seen in terms of improved air quality, water quality, wildlife but the sustainability of such impact is conditional upon post-COVID and people's habits and future policies related to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjan Aneja
- Department of Economics Central University of Haryana Mahenderagrh India
| | - Vaishali Ahuja
- Department of Economics Central University of Haryana Mahenderagrh India
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1339
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Finkelstein JL, Fothergill A, Johnson CB, Guetterman HM, Bose B, Jabbar S, Zhang M, Pfeiffer CM, Qi YP, Rose CE, Williams JL, Bonam W, Crider KS. Anemia and Vitamin B-12 and Folate Status in Women of Reproductive Age in Southern India: Estimating Population-Based Risk of Neural Tube Defects. Curr Dev Nutr 2021; 5:nzab069. [PMID: 34027296 PMCID: PMC8128722 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzab069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women of reproductive age (WRA) are a high-risk population for anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. However, there are few representative population-level data from India, which could help inform evidence-based recommendations and policy. OBJECTIVE To conduct a population-based biomarker survey of anemia and vitamin B-12 and folate status in WRA as part of a periconceptional surveillance program in southern India. METHODS Participants were WRA (15-40 y) who were not pregnant or lactating. Whole blood (n = 979) was analyzed for hemoglobin via a Coulter counter (Coulter HMX). Plasma, serum, and RBCs were processed and stored at -80°C or less until batch analysis. Vitamin B-12 concentrations were measured via chemiluminescence; RBC and serum folate concentrations were evaluated via microbiological assay. Anemia and severe anemia were defined as hemoglobin <12.0 g/dL and <8.0 g/dL, respectively. Vitamin B-12 deficiency and insufficiency were defined as total vitamin B-12 <148 pmol/L and <221 pmol/L, respectively. Folate deficiency and insufficiency were defined as RBC folate <305 nmol/L and <748 nmol/L. A previously developed Bayesian model was used to predict neural tube defect (NTD) prevalence per 10,000 births. RESULTS A total of 41.5% of WRA had anemia and 3.0% had severe anemia. A total of 48.3% of WRA had vitamin B-12 deficiency and 74.3% had vitamin B-12 insufficiency. The prevalence of RBC folate deficiency was 7.6%, and 79.3% of WRA had RBC folate <748 nmol/L, the threshold for optimal NTD prevention. Predicted NTD prevalence per 10,000 births based on RBC folate concentrations was 20.6 (95% uncertainty interval: 16.5-25.5). CONCLUSIONS The substantial burden of anemia, vitamin B-12 deficiency, and RBC folate insufficiency in WRA in this setting suggests an opportunity for anemia and birth defects prevention. Findings will directly inform the development of a randomized trial for anemia and birth defects prevention in southern India.This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04048330.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Finkelstein
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- St John's Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Amy Fothergill
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Beena Bose
- St John's Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Shameem Jabbar
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mindy Zhang
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christine M Pfeiffer
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yan Ping Qi
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Charles E Rose
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Williams
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wesley Bonam
- Arogyavaram Medical Centre, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Krista S Crider
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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1340
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Lin X, Yang H, Wu Y, Zheng X, Xie L, Shen Z, Hu S. Research on International Cooperative Governance of the COVID-19. Front Public Health 2021; 9:566499. [PMID: 33996704 PMCID: PMC8118687 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.566499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first case of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has quickly spread to all the corners of the world. Amid the global public health threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, active cooperative governance has gradually emerged as the most powerful weapon against its spread. To facilitate international cooperation for pandemic governance, this paper applied the evolutionary game theory to analyze the factors influencing active cooperative governance and, based on the results, proposed a series of recommendations for promoting international cooperation. (1) leveraging the role of international organizations to reduce the cost of realizing the strategy of active cooperative governance, (2) promoting the international exchange of related experiences to lower the cost of active pandemic governance, (3) sustaining productive and daily activities during the pandemic in a classified and hierarchical manner to reduce the economic loss incurred by active pandemic governance, and (4) optimizing the incentive measures of international organizations to facilitate the selection of active cooperative governance. Finally, from the four aspects of resource management of pandemic treatment, supply management of living materials, population flow cooperation management, and governance fund cooperation management, this paper gives the path of international pandemic cooperative governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyu Lin
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Hualei Yang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyang Wu
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- School of Economics, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Xie
- Institute of Population and Labor Economics, The Chinese Academy of Social Science, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Shen
- School of Economics and Management, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sen Hu
- School of Management Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
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1341
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Vearey J, de Gruchy T, Maple N. Global health (security), immigration governance and Covid-19 in South(ern) Africa: An evolving research agenda. J Migr Health 2021; 3:100040. [PMID: 34405188 PMCID: PMC8352209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2021.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic provides a stark reminder of the political tensions associated with the field of immigration and health, highlighting the central role that nationalism, racism and xenophobia play in determining responses to communicable diseases. The blurring of global health, immigration governance, and the global health security agendas has long been recognised. However, an improved understanding of the politics influencing these entanglements, specifically within the context of the Covid-19 response in low- and middle-income country contexts, is urgently needed. This includes - but is not limited to - the immediate concerns surrounding inclusive social, political and medical responses to Covid-19; vaccine nationalism - at both global and national levels; and calls for 'vaccine passports'. To this end, we draw on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) context - one associated with high levels of diverse population movements and a large burden of communicable diseases - to explore responses to Covid-19. We unpack tensions surrounding the management of migration and the ways in which sovereignty impacts attempts at building regional, coordinated responses to migration and health, and consider how this affects progress towards global health targets. With an initial focus on South Africa, we build on previous work exploring the blurring of global health, immigration governance, and the global health security agendas in SADC, and draw from ongoing research on the governance of migration and health within the region. This includes current and evolving research exploring migration and Covid-19, initiated in March 2020 when the first cases of Covid-19 were identified in Southern Africa. The aim is for these findings to catalyse a new and evolving researh agenda to inform the development and implementation of appropriate pandemic responses in a region associated with some of the highest levels of inequality globally. To this end, an evolving research agenda should be responsive to current needs. We suggest that, in SADC, priority research should focus on improving our understanding of (1) the political factors influencing the (dis)connections between migration and health governance structures in the context of Covid-19, and how to overcome these in the context of a pandemic; and (2) the motivations for and implications of a 'vaccine passport' system on movement within and beyond the SADC region. This requires a reactive, cross-disciplinary, regional research network. In a context where funding for research is increasingly inaccessible, this requires innovative, informal, collaborative engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Vearey
- African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS), Wits University, PO Box 76, WITS, 2050, South Africa
| | - Thea de Gruchy
- African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS), Wits University, PO Box 76, WITS, 2050, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Maple
- African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS), Wits University, PO Box 76, WITS, 2050, South Africa
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1342
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Costa ACDS, Hasan MM, Xenophontos E, Mohanan P, Bassey EE, Hashim HT, Ahmad S, Essar MY. COVID-19 and Zika: An emerging dilemma for Brazil. J Med Virol 2021; 93:4124-4126. [PMID: 33837977 PMCID: PMC8251083 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh.,Division of Infectious Diseases, The Red-Green Research Center, BICCB, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Eleni Xenophontos
- Medical School, University of Cyprus Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Parvathy Mohanan
- Department of Medicine and General Surgey, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Esther Edet Bassey
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
| | - Hashim Talib Hashim
- Department of Medicine and General Surgery, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Shoaib Ahmad
- Department of Medicine and General Surgery, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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1343
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Alava JJ, Guevara A. A critical narrative of Ecuador's preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2021; 2:100127. [PMID: 33907741 PMCID: PMC8062908 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecuador’s National Health System has been severely overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic despite public health efforts. This was primarily due to limited health emergency planning responses. Ecuador’s COVID-19 mortality rate was 8.5% in early June 2020. The capital city (Quito) and Pichincha province, Guayaquil city and Guayas province, as well as Manabi, Azuay, the El Oro and Tungurahua provinces were the most severely impacted locations by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in thousands of positive cases. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) Operational Planning Guidelines to Support Country Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19 as a reference point, we highlight the urgent need to implement a proactive preparedness and response plan to address the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of improving Ecuador’s public health system. The mitigation of COVID-19 transmission and hazard reduction is crucial in protecting the most vulnerable at-risk populations in this nation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.,School of Resources and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A1S6, Canada
| | - Angel Guevara
- Instituto de Investigación de Biomedicina, Carrera de Medicina, Universidad Central Del Ecuador, Iquique N14-121 & Sodiro, Quito, Ecuador
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1344
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Al Saffer Q, Al-Ghaith T, Alshehri A, Al-Mohammed R, Al Homidi S, Hamza MM, Herbst CH, Alazemi N. The capacity of primary health care facilities in Saudi Arabia: infrastructure, services, drug availability, and human resources. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:365. [PMID: 33879136 PMCID: PMC8056511 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06355-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary healthcare (PHC) is an essential component of an effective healthcare system. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) health reforms prioritize tackling the increasing noncommunicable disease burden by prioritizing PHC, centering it as the core of the newly proposed Model of Care. To identify challenges and opportunities to scale up PHC capacity, understanding the current capacity of primary health care centers (PHCC) is critical. A limited number of publications review PHC capacity in KSA, focusing on specific regions/sectors; this paper is a first to examine PHC capacity on a national level. METHODS The study uses a countrywide Facility Survey that collected data in 2018 from 2319 PHCCs, generating information on their characteristics, number of health workers, services provided, and capacity elements captured through the Service Availability and Drug Availability constructed indices. Descriptive analysis was performed by rural-urban classification. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions were used to understand correlates to health workers and equipment availability. Finally, a logistic regression was fitted for selected services. Regressions controlled for various measures to determine correlates with facilities' capacity. RESULTS On a national level, there are 0.74 PHCCs per 10,000 population in KSA. There are variations in the distribution of PHCCs across regions and within regions across rural and urban areas. PHCCs in urban areas have more examination rooms but lower examination room densities. Offering 24 × 7 services in PHCCs is infrequent and dependency on paper-based medical recording remains common. More urban regions are more likely to offer general services but less likely to offer burn management and emergency services. PHCCs are mostly staffed with general medicine, family medicine, and obstetrics & gynecology physicians, whose numbers are more concentrated in urban areas; however, their densities are higher in rural areas. Finally, psychiatrists and nutritionists are rare to find in PHCCs. CONCLUSIONS Decision-makers need to consider several factors when designing PHC policies. For instance, PHC accreditation needs to be prioritized given its positive correlation with service provision and health workers availability. PHC 24 × 7 operation also needs considerations in rural areas due to the high dependency on PHCCs. Finally, there is a substantial need for improvements in e-health.
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Nazareno J, Yoshioka E, Adia AC, Restar A, Operario D, Choy CC. From imperialism to inpatient care: Work differences of Filipino and White registered nurses in the United States and implications for COVID-19 through an intersectional lens. GENDER WORK AND ORGANIZATION 2021; 28:1426-1446. [PMID: 34230784 PMCID: PMC8251240 DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, nursing is the largest healthcare profession, with over 3.2 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide and comprised of mostly women. Foreign‐trained RNs make up 15 percent of the RN workforce. For over half a century, the U.S. healthcare industry has recruited these RNs in response to nurse shortages in hospitals and nursing homes. Philippines‐trained RNs make up 1 out of 20 RNs in this country and continue to be the largest group of foreign‐trained nurses today. Recently, the news media has publicized the many deaths of Filipino RNs as a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. Given the imperial historical ties between these two countries in the context of the nursing profession and the enduring labor inequities that persist, this nationally representative study is one of the few to our knowledge to not only quantitatively examine the current work differences in characteristics and experiences of Philippines‐trained RNs and U.S.‐trained white RNs practicing in the United States today, but to also do so from an intersectionality lens. The overall aim of this paper is to illuminate how these differences may serve as potential factors contributing to the disproportionate number of Filipino nurses' COVID‐19 related vulnerability and deaths in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Nazareno
- School of Public Health Brown University Providence RI USA.,Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST), Brown University Providence RI USA
| | - Emily Yoshioka
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST), Brown University Providence RI USA
| | - Alexander C Adia
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST), Brown University Providence RI USA
| | - Arjee Restar
- Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST), Brown University Providence RI USA.,Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
| | - Don Operario
- School of Public Health Brown University Providence RI USA.,Philippines Health Initiative for Research, Service & Training (PHIRST), Brown University Providence RI USA
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Bijari NB, Mahdinia MH, Mansouri Daneshvar MR. Investigation of the urbanization contribution to the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran and the MECA countries. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2021; 23:17964-17985. [PMID: 33880075 PMCID: PMC8049836 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of this research was to disclose the correlative contribution of urban-associated factors affecting the COVID-19 outbreak in the macro-scale of MECA countries and the downscaled micro-scale of the provincial divisions in Iran. For this purpose, the correlation coefficients between the variables and clustering analysis were used to expose the possible effects. Results revealed the comparatively strong relationships between some independent variables (e.g., total greenhouse gas emissions, CO2 emissions, nitrous oxide emissions, and urban population) and confirmed cases (R from 0.619 to 0.695), demonstrating the possible effective role of urbanization and its induced GHG emissions on the COVID-19 outbreak in the country level of the MECA region. Therefore, the results significantly confirmed the strong relationships between some independent variables (e.g., total population, urban population, fuel consumption, NO2-CO2 emissions, energy use, and total intra-changed travels) and confirmed cases (R from 0.724 to 0.945), explaining an explicit relationship between urbanization processes and the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran. Besides, the HCA results revealed the substantial role of the urban population and urban-induced energy use and gas emission in clustering locations regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in both the MECA region and Iran. The main implication of this research is to give a practical correlation between Coronavirus infection and urban constitution, aiming to increase the health of urban societies by creating effective planning in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikta Bahman Bijari
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Mahdinia
- Department of Art and Architecture, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
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Sundararaj JJ, Munday D, Duomai S, John P, Priscilla S RA, Powys R, Singh A, Boyd KJ, Grant L, Murray SA. 'COVID-19 and palliative medicine: faith-based hospitals in India'. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021:bmjspcare-2021-002924. [PMID: 33863804 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-002924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Faith-based organisations (FBOs) in India provide health services particularly to marginalised communities. We studied their preparedness and delivery of palliative care during COVID-19 as part of a mixed-method study. We present the results of an online questionnaire. METHODS All FBOs providing palliative care in India were invited to complete an online questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was undertaken. RESULTS Response rate was 46/64 (72%); 44 provided palliative care; 30/44 (68%) were in rural or semiurban areas with 10-2700 beds. Fifty-two per cent (23/44) had dedicated palliative care teams and 30/44 (68%) provided it as part of general services; 17/44 (39%) provided both. 29/44 (66%) provided palliative care for cancer patients; 17/44 (34%) reported that this was more than half their workload.The pandemic led to reduced clinical work: hospital 36/44 (82%) and community 40/44 (91%); with reduction in hospital income for 41/44 (93%). 18/44 (44%) were designated government COVID-19 centres; 11/40 (32%) had admitted between 1 and 2230 COVID-19 patients.COVID-19 brought challenges: 14/44 (32%) lacked personal protective equipment; 21/44 (48%) had reduced hospital supplies and 19/44 (43%) lacked key medications including morphine. 29/44 (66%) reported reduction in palliative care work; 7/44 (16%) had stopped altogether. Twenty-three per cent (10/44) reported redeployment of palliative care teams to other work. For those providing, palliative care 32/37 (86%) was principally for non-COVID patients; 13/37 (35%) cared for COVID-19 patients. Service adaptations included: teleconsultation, triaged home visits, medication delivery at home and food supply. CONCLUSIONS FBOs in India providing palliative care had continued to do so despite multiple challenges. Services were adapted to enable ongoing patient care. Further research is exploring the effects of COVID-19 in greater depth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Munday
- Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, The University of Edinburgh Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Savita Duomai
- EHA, Emmanuel Hospital Association, New Delhi, India
| | - Priya John
- General Secretary, Christian Medical Association Of India, Janakpuri, Delhi, India
| | | | - Ruth Powys
- Head of Palliative Care Services, Green Pastures Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Ashita Singh
- Physician, Chinchpada Christian Hospital, Chinchpada, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kirsty J Boyd
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Liz Grant
- Programme Director Global Health: Non Communicable Diseases, The University of Edinburgh Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Scott A Murray
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Primary Palliative Care Research Group, The University of Edinburgh, Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, Edinburgh, UK
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Aborode AT, Tsagkaris C, Jain S, Ahmad S, Essar MY, Fajemisin EA, Adanur I, Uwishema O. Ebola Outbreak amid COVID-19 in the Republic of Guinea: Priorities for Achieving Control. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1966-1969. [PMID: 33852428 PMCID: PMC8176515 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In February 2021, a new Ebola outbreak occurred amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the Republic of Guinea. Technical committees and Ebola mitigation mechanisms used during the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemics, have been redeployed by the public health organizations and African health organizations. As the burden on the local healthcare system is rising, fears of socioeconomic disruption are growing as well. Strategies used during the previous epidemic need to be reactivated, and new measures taken during the challenges of COVID-19 are being considered. This perspective discusses the available evidence regarding the epidemic of Ebola in Guinea amid the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the challenges to be prioritized, and provides evidence-based recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullahi Tunde Aborode
- 1Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Development, Kigali, Rwanda.,2Healthy African Platform, Research and Development, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Shubhika Jain
- 4Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Adebowale Fajemisin
- 8SWIS Africa Platform, Research and Development, Lagos, Nigeria.,8SWIS Africa Platform, Research and Development, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Irem Adanur
- 9Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Olivier Uwishema
- 10Department of General Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey.,11Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Development, Kigali, Rwanda
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Islam S, Emran GI, Rahman E, Banik R, Sikder T, Smith L, Hossain S. Knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with the COVID-19 among slum dwellers resided in Dhaka City: a Bangladeshi interview-based survey. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:13-25. [PMID: 33057666 PMCID: PMC7665690 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergent COVID-19 has impacted unprecedentedly to all classes of people. Slum-dwellers' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 are currently poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the KAP toward COVID-19 among slum dwellers resided in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. METHODS A cross-sectional offline survey was carried out enrolling 406 slum dwellers (53.2% male; mean age = 44.9 years [SD = 12.1]; age range = 18-85 years) between August and September, 2020. The face to face interview was conducted to collect data from six selected slum areas in Dhaka City using convenience sampling. The questionnaire consisted of informed consent along with questions concerning observational checklists, socio-demographics and KAP. RESULTS A sizeable minority were observed without wearing face masks during the survey periods (18.2%) and a vast portion (97.5%) without any hand protection. The mean scores of KAP were 6.1 ± 2.6 (out of 17), 12.3 ± 1.7 (out of 14) and 9.8 ± 1.6 (out of 12), respectively. Moreover, the KAP were strongly and positively correlated with each other. CONCLUSIONS The findings revealed that the majority of slum dwellers in Bangladesh have limited knowledge of COVID-19. Poor practices (i.e. face mask and hand protection) were directly observed during the survey. The findings suggest the immediate implementation of health education programs and adequate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
- Youth Research Association, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Galib Ishraq Emran
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Estiar Rahman
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Rajon Banik
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Tajuddin Sikder
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Lee Smith
- The Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Sahadat Hossain
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
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Matos P, Rufino J, Lopes R. An Architecture for Reliable Transportation of Delicate Goods. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:2645. [PMID: 33918912 PMCID: PMC8070595 DOI: 10.3390/s21082645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Adequate conditions are critical to avoiding damage or degradation of products during transportation, especially in the case of delicate goods like food products, live animals, precision machinery or art items, among others. The damages are not always readily identified: sometimes they are only detected several days or weeks after the merchandise has been delivered. Moreover, it may be hard to assess if the problems resulted from the transport conditions, and it may be even harder to prove it, making it difficult to determine and assign responsibilities. Also, transport is a global business, typically involving different companies and means (truck, train, plane, ship, …). Usually, customers hire the service to a single commercial entity, but the service is performed by several companies, like transporters, stockists and dispatchers. To know whether the transport requirements are fulfilled or not is thus essential to assessing responsibilities and encouraging compliance by all the players in the process. In this paper, the authors propose an architecture that allows certifying, in an exempt manner, the conditions under which the transport of sensitive goods are carried out. In case of compliance, it protects the entities of the transport chain and ensures the customer that the merchandise has not been subject to conditions that may have affected its integrity or quality. If problems are detected, it allows to identify the non-compliant players and to assign responsibilities. The solution is based on ultra-low-power, low-cost devices (equipped with several sensors, a real-time clock, and Bluetooth Low Energy services), a mobile application and several cloud services (including a Coordinated Universal Time service).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Matos
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - José Rufino
- Research Centre in Digitalization and Intelligent Robotics, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (J.R.); (R.L.)
| | - Rui Lopes
- Research Centre in Digitalization and Intelligent Robotics, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (J.R.); (R.L.)
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