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Bulled N, Singer M. Conceptualizing COVID-19 syndemics: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND COMORBIDITY 2024; 14:26335565241249835. [PMID: 38682155 PMCID: PMC11055430 DOI: 10.1177/26335565241249835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Background COVID-19's heavy toll on human health, and its concentration within specific at-risk groups including the socially vulnerable and individuals with comorbidities, has made it the focus of much syndemic discourse. Syndemic theory recognizes that social factors create the conditions that support the clustering of diseases and that these diseases interact in a manner that worsens health outcomes. Syndemics theory has helped to facilitate systems-level approaches to disease as a biosocial phenomenon and guide prevention and treatment efforts. Despite its recognized value, reviews of syndemics literature have noted frequent misuse of the concept limiting its potential in guiding appropriate interventions. Objective To review how the term 'syndemic' is defined and applied within peer-reviewed literature in relation to COVID-19. Design A scoping review of definitions within COVID-19 literature published between January 1, 2020 to May 15, 2023 was conducted. Searches took place across six databases: Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, JSTOR, MEDLINE/Pubmed, PsycINFO and Scopus. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Results Content analysis revealed that COVID-19 has varied clustered configurations of communicable-non-communicable diseases and novel communicable disease interactions. Spatial analysis was presented as a new strategy to evidence syndemic arrangements. However, syndemics continue to be regarded as universal, with continued misunderstanding and misapplication of the concept. Conclusion This review found that current applications of syndemics remain problematic. Recommendations are made on the design of syndemic studies. A syndemic framework offers an opportunity for systems-level thinking that considers the full complexity of human-disease interactions and is useful to inform future pandemic preparations and responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merrill Singer
- Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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2
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Lemke MK, Hege A, Crizzle AM. An Agenda for Advancing Research and Prevention at the Nexus of Work Organization, Occupational Stress, and Mental Health and Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6010. [PMID: 37297614 PMCID: PMC10252625 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20116010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Work characteristics and worker well-being are inextricably connected. In particular, the characteristics of work organization shape and perpetuate occupational stress, which contributes to worker mental health and well-being outcomes. Consequently, the importance of understanding and addressing connections between work organization, occupational stress, and mental health and well-being-the focus of this Special Issue-increasingly demand attention from those affected by these issues. Thus, focusing on these issues in the long-haul truck driver (LHTD) sector as an illustrative example, the purpose of this commentary is as follows: (1) to outline current research approaches and the extant knowledge base regarding the connections between work organization, occupational stress, and mental health; (2) to provide an overview of current intervention strategies and public policy solutions associated with the current knowledge base to protect and promote worker mental health and well-being; and (3) to propose a two-pronged agenda for advancing research and prevention for workers during the 21st century. It is anticipated that this commentary, and this Special Issue more broadly, will both echo numerous other calls for building knowledge and engaging in this area and motivate further research within complementary current and novel research frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Lemke
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX 77002, USA
| | - Adam Hege
- Department of Public Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA;
| | - Alexander M. Crizzle
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada;
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Khodoomi MR, Yaghoubi S, Seif M. Effects of COVID-19 outbreak in pricing and collaboration of a health-social dual-channel supply chain. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:55382-55401. [PMID: 36892694 PMCID: PMC9995738 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25849-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has affected most aspects of product supply and consumer behaviors and led to transformations in the supply chain. The COVID-19 pandemic and the requirements to reduce its prevalence have led many people to shop online and encouraged many manufacturers to sell their products online. In this study, a manufacturer, who intends to possess an online sales channel, and a retailer, who has an in-person sales channel, are considered. Then, pricing strategies and collaboration mechanisms between them in the health-social dual-channel supply chain are investigated. This study is developed in three models, including centralized, decentralized, and collaborated under Stackelberg game, whereas the optimal price of products in each channel, level of implementation of health and safety protocols in retailers, advertising level, and status of online shopping performance are obtained for improving customer trust. Moreover, the demand is represented as a function of selling prices of products in online and in-person shops, compliance level of health protocols, level of online shopping performance, and advertising in health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the centralized model provides more profit for the manufacturer, the collaborated model provides the highest profit for the retailer. Thus, since the supply chain profit of centralized and collaborated models is close, the collaboration model is the best option for members in this situation. Sensitivity analysis is finally performed to evaluate the impact of key parameters, and then according to obtained results, some management insights are suggested for the dual-channel supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Khodoomi
- School of Industrial Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Yaghoubi
- School of Industrial Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marziye Seif
- School of Industrial Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran, Iran
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Chang SL, Wu WC, Hu YJ, Lai HY, Wong TC. Quasi-experimental design for using an interactive social media intervention program to improve truck drivers' health beliefs and eating behaviors. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1486. [PMID: 35927651 PMCID: PMC9354337 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13883-6] [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: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Truck drivers have difficulties participating in health education programs delivered at a fixed time and place due to the mobility of their workplace. Interventions conducted via social media can overcome these limitations of time and place. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a nutrition education intervention program delivered via a social media platform on the healthy eating behaviors of truck drivers. Methods This study adopted a quasi-experimental design. A 12-week intervention program was conducted for a social-media group (n = 125) and a conventional-teaching group (n = 117) from February to May 2020. The social-media group participated in a social-media-based health intervention on the LINE application. The intervention involved the provision of online messages, online instant responses, a picture-based food log, an audio e-book, and a loyalty e-card. The conventional-teaching group participated in a healthy diet course and a hygiene education manual. The generalized estimation equation (GEE) was applied to evaluate the intervention effects on the outcome measures derived from the Health Belief Model. Results The results of the GEE showed the social-media-based intervention strategies significantly decreased perceived barriers of consuming a healthy diet (p = < 0.001), increased willingness to follow cues of action (p = 0.036), improved the self-efficacy of healthy eating behaviors (p = 0.001), and increased the score of healthy eating behaviors (p < 0.001) compared with the conventional teaching strategies. For the social-media and conventional-teaching groups, no significant changes occurred in self-perceived health status, self-perceived susceptibility, or self-perceived severity after the intervention. More than 90% of the participants in the social-media group believed the social-media-based intervention strategies could help implement and maintain healthy eating behaviors. Conclusions The results indicate social-media-based intervention strategies can facilitate approaching a population without a fixed workplace, such as truck drivers. Health promoters and planners focusing on occupational health can consider developing social-media-based intervention strategies for improving truck drivers' health status.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13883-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ssu-Lan Chang
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, College of Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 162, Section 1, Heping East Road, 10610, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Nutrition, Cathay General Hospital, 280 Renai Rd. Sec.4, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Wu
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, College of Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 162, Section 1, Heping East Road, 10610, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yih-Jin Hu
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, College of Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 162, Section 1, Heping East Road, 10610, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Lai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chung Shan S. Rd, Zhongzheng Dist, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Te-Chih Wong
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Chinese Culture University, Yang-Ming-Shan, 55, Hwa-Kang Rd, Taipei, Taiwan
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Montoro L, Cendales B, Alonso F, Gonzalez-Marin A, Lijarcio I, Llamazares J, Useche SA. Essential…but also vulnerable? Work intensification, effort/reward imbalance, fatigue and psychological health of Spanish cargo drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13050. [PMID: 35282283 PMCID: PMC8916026 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigates the combined effect of the Effort/Reward Imbalance (ERI) model of stress and work intensification within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological health (general and work-related fatigue, and psychological strain) of cargo drivers, one of the most demanded workforces during the first year of this pandemic. Methods For this cross-sectional research, the data provided by n = 1,013 professional drivers from the different 17 autonomous communities (regions) of Spain were analyzed. Participants answered a questionnaire composed of the short version of the Effort Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire, a Work Intensification Scale (WIS) designed for this study, the fatigue subscale of the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS), the Need for Recovery after Work Scale (NFR), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Results Hierarchical regression analyses show that both (ERI and work intensification) models significantly predict driver's fatigue and psychological strain. The effect of work intensification exists above and beyond the effect of effort/reward imbalance, which has been previously related to the safety performance of cargo drivers. Conclusions These findings suggest that the ERI and work intensification models can be complementarily used, especially in scenarios introducing substantial changes in the work environment, such as the COVID-19 crisis. Also, the results of this study support the need to intervene in the working conditions of professional drivers in order to improve their psychological health and well-being during both pandemic and post-pandemic times, as crisis-related management interventions are necessary to promote health and safety in professional drivers in potentially similar contexts in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Montoro
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Boris Cendales
- Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences, El Bosque University, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Francisco Alonso
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Adela Gonzalez-Marin
- Department of Economic and Legal Sciences, University Center of Defense, Santiago del la Ribera, Spain
| | - Ignacio Lijarcio
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Llamazares
- Department of Technology, ESIC Business and Marketing School, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Community of Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio A. Useche
- Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain,Spanish Foundation for Road Safety, Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
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6
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Abreu ÂMM, Costa RMFD, Jomar RT, Portela LF. Factors associated with psychoactive substance use among professional truck drivers. Rev Bras Enferm 2022; 75Suppl 3:e20210187. [DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2021-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify factors associated with the use of psychoactive substances among professional truck drivers. Methods: cross-sectional study that investigated the use of at least one psychoactive substance and its association with sociodemographic, occupational, and health characteristics in 354 professional truck drivers. Researchers collected data through face-to-face interviews using forms. Multiple regression analyzes estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: lower family income (PR: 2.03; 95%CI: 1.08-3.83), symptoms of insomnia (PR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.46-3.26), and long working hours (PR: 1.95, 95%CI: 1.30-2.92) independently associated with the use of at least one psychoactive substance. Conclusions: a set of sociodemographic, occupational, and health variables acts at distinct levels and is independently associated with the use of psychoactive substances among professional truck drivers.
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Mack EA, Agrawal S, Wang S. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation employment: A comparative analysis. TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES 2021; 12:100470. [PMID: 34568808 PMCID: PMC8450065 DOI: 10.1016/j.trip.2021.100470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a variety of social, economic, and environmental changes. This paper examines the employment-related impacts of the pandemic on workers in the transportation industry compared to other industries, and within different transportation sectors. We estimated random effects logistic regression models to test the following three hypotheses using the monthly Current Population Survey micro-data. One, the transportation industry experienced a greater incidence of unemployment than other industries. Two, there is heterogeneity in employment impacts within the transportation sector. Three, specific sectors within the transportation industry experienced more employment impacts than other essential industries, as designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Phase 1a vaccination guidelines. Model results highlight that workers in the transportation sector were 20.6% more likely to be unemployed because of the pandemic than workers in non-transportation industries. Model results also indicate large intra-sector heterogeneities in employment impacts within the transportation sector. Taxi and limousine drivers were 28 times more likely to be unemployed compared to essential workers. Scenic and sightseeing transportation workers were 23.8 times more likely to be unemployed compared to essential workers. On the other end of the spectrum, however, postal workers and pipeline workers were 84% and 67% less likely to be unemployed compared to essential workers, respectively. From a policy perspective, these results suggest that attention to several aspects of transportation work is needed in the coming years to prepare for future interruptions to the transportation industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Mack
- Department of Geography, the Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Shubham Agrawal
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Sicheng Wang
- Department of Geography, the Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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8
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Bernardes-Souza B, Júnior SRC, Santos CA, Neto RMDN, Bottega FDC, Godoy DC, Freitas BL, Silva DLG, Brinker TJ, Nascimento RA, Tupinambás U, Reis AB, Coura-Vital W. Logistics Workers Are a Key Factor for SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Brazilian Small Towns: Case-Control Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e30406. [PMID: 34388105 PMCID: PMC8412133 DOI: 10.2196/30406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on how SARS-CoV-2 enters and spreads in a population are essential for guiding public policies. OBJECTIVE This study seeks to understand the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in small Brazilian towns during the early phase of the epidemic and to identify core groups that can serve as the initial source of infection as well as factors associated with a higher risk of COVID-19. METHODS Two population-based seroprevalence studies, one household survey, and a case-control study were conducted in two small towns in southeastern Brazil between May and June 2020. In the population-based studies, 400 people were evaluated in each town; there were 40 homes in the household survey, and 95 cases and 393 controls in the case-control study. SARS-CoV-2 serology testing was performed on participants, and a questionnaire was applied. Prevalence, household secondary infection rate, and factors associated with infection were assessed. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by logistic regression. Logistics worker was defined as an individual with an occupation focused on the transportation of people or goods and whose job involves traveling outside the town of residence at least once a week. RESULTS Higher seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was observed in the town with a greater proportion of logistics workers. The secondary household infection rate was 49.1% (55/112), and it was observed that in most households (28/40, 70%) the index case was a logistics worker. The case-control study revealed that being a logistics worker (OR 18.0, 95% CI 8.4-38.7) or living with one (OR 6.9, 95% CI 3.3-14.5) increases the risk of infection. In addition, having close contact with a confirmed case (OR 13.4, 95% CI 6.6-27.3) and living with more than four people (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1-7.1) were also risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows a strong association between logistics workers and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and highlights the key role of these workers in the viral spread in small towns. These findings indicate the need to focus on this population to determine COVID-19 prevention and control strategies, including vaccination and sentinel genomic surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Unaí Tupinambás
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Barbosa Reis
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases, Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Wendel Coura-Vital
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases, Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Brasília, Brazil
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9
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Palouj M, Lavaei Adaryani R, Alambeigi A, Movarej M, Safi Sis Y. Surveying the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the poultry supply chain: A mixed methods study. Food Control 2021; 126:108084. [PMID: 33758470 PMCID: PMC7970921 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has affected all supply chains through severe disruption of logistics activities, production, and markets. This study aimed to survey the impact of the coronavirus on the poultry supply chain using an exploratory sequential mixed design. We first addressed those stages of the poultry supply chain disrupted in an ongoing pandemic, and then elaborated particular disturbances associated with each stage. This study was based on data collected from Iranian poultry industry owners and experts who had sufficient experience in agricultural supply chains as well. As the qualitative phase, the content analysis was conducted to identify the impacts of the coronavirus on the poultry supply chain. The results and conclusions that emerged from the qualitative phase were refined and weighted by the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) and the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) respectively, in the quantitative phase. The results suggested that the pandemic has further affected the input supply as a stage in the poultry supply chain. This is probably because of the fact that the poultry industry is heavily dependent on inputs' flow. In addition, supply chain governance was seriously impaired due to the persistence of the pandemic. The coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected the stages that are most reliant on transportation. Finally, we found that a part of the disruptions that occur in the downstream of the supply chain is due to the epidemic's direct adverse effects, and another part is due to indirect consequences received from the upstream. Our findings and implications can be useful in decision-making procedures during ongoing epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Palouj
- Agricultural Planning, Economic and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amir Alambeigi
- Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Development, University of Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Movarej
- Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Development, University of Tehran, Iran
| | - Yahya Safi Sis
- Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Development, University of Tehran, Iran
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10
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Lemke MK. Commercial truck drivers should be a priority population for COVID-19 vaccinations. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:217-219. [PMID: 33423278 PMCID: PMC8013642 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As COVID‐19 vaccines become available, supply is expected to initially fall short of demand. In response, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued guidance on which groups should be prioritized to receive vaccines. For the first phase of vaccine allocation, the ACIP recommended healthcare personnel and long‐term care facility residents as recipients. This recommendation was based on risks endemic to these populations, as well as ethical principles related to benefits and harms, mitigating health inequalities, and promoting justice. Commercial truck drivers have played a vital and underappreciated role during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Despite the indispensable role that commercial drivers play in distributing vaccines, they have not been recommended for vaccine allocation in the next phase (1b) by the ACIP. However, the rationale and ethical principles cited for the first vaccine phase suggest that these workers should be recommended for inclusion. By doing so, the acquisition and transmission of COVID‐19 may be mitigated, which would benefit both these workers and the US public. Further, persistent vulnerabilities render commercial truck drivers susceptible to severe COVID‐19 infection; therefore, vaccination during the next phase is imperative to curb the exacerbation of extant health inequities. Finally, because present‐day COVID‐19 vulnerabilities in these workers have been shaped by unjust policies over the past several decades, and because COVID‐19 public health policies have excluded and potentially exacerbated the impacts of the pandemic for these workers, allocating vaccines to commercial truck drivers is a necessary step toward promoting justice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Lemke
- Department of Social SciencesUniversity of Houston‐DowntownHoustonTexasUSA
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11
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Simpeh F, Amoah C. Assessment of measures instituted to curb the spread of COVID-19 on construction site. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15623599.2021.1874678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick Simpeh
- Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management, University of the Free State, South Africa
| | - Christopher Amoah
- Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management, University of the Free State, South Africa
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12
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Malinga T, Wiysonge CS, Ndwandwe D, Okeibunor JC, Talisuna AO. A scoping review of the impact of long-distance truck drivers on the spread of COVID-19 infection. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 38:27. [PMID: 33777295 PMCID: PMC7955595 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.27.26691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction long-distance truck drivers have been identified as a high-risk group for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection. Thus, the aim of this scoping review is to map out the existing evidence on the impact of long-distance truck drivers on the spread of COVID-19 and measures that countries can implement to mitigate this route of spread in the African region. Methods we searched the PubMed database and the website of the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020 for eligible studies. Results the search strategy identified 669 citations, of which six met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently reported interventions were maintaining hand hygiene, social distance, testing truck drivers, regulation of trade and transport e.g. only trucks with the food, medical supplies, fuels, agricultural supplies will be allowed to operate in interstate operations and regulating and controlling trucks carrying essential goods and services e.g. truck drivers are required to declare their final destination and are urged to stop only at designated points. Two studies from the African region reported about border closures and entry and exit screening, two studies from the US reported about the threat for public safety and risks and mitigation plans and 2 guidelines reported about harmonisation and facilitation of cross border in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusion this review highlights the countries response to mitigate the impact of the pandemic by implementing measures to facilitate safe cross-border trade and adopting regional harmonization of trucking regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thobile Malinga
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charles Shey Wiysonge
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Duduzile Ndwandwe
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Rind E, Kimpel K, Preiser C, Papenfuss F, Wagner A, Alsyte K, Siegel A, Klink A, Steinhilber B, Kauderer J, Rieger MA. Adjusting working conditions and evaluating the risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic in different workplace settings in Germany: a study protocol for an explorative modular mixed methods approach. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e043908. [PMID: 33208339 PMCID: PMC7677339 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Currently, many countries, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, discuss how the 'lockdown-restrictions' could be lifted to restart the economy and public life after the first wave of the COVID-19 disease has subsided. This study protocol describes an approach designed to provide an in-depth understanding of how companies and their employees in Germany deal with their working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also interested in how and why the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 could vary across different professional activities, company sites and regions with different epidemiological activity or infection control measures in Germany. We expect the results of this study to contribute to the development of working conditions protecting the health of employees during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND ANALYSIS An explorative multimodal mixed methods approach will be applied. Module 1 comprises a document analysis of prevailing federal and regional laws and regulations at the respective location of the participating company. Module 2 includes qualitative interviews with key actors at different companies. Module 3 is a repeated standardised employee survey designed to capture potential changes in the participants' experiences and attitudes towards working conditions, occupational safety regulations/measures, and infection control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Module 4 comprises SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence testing. This is carried out by the medical service of the participating company sites as a voluntary offer for employees. Qualitative data will be analysed through document and content analysis. The complexity of the quantitative analysis depends on the response rates of modules 3 and 4. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The approval of the study design was received in June 2020 from the responsible local ethical committee of the Medical Faculty, University of Tübingen and University Hospital Tübingen (No. 423/2020BO). The results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Rind
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Kimpel
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christine Preiser
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Coordination Centre, Core Facility for Health Services Research, University of Tübingen, Faculty of Medicine, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Anke Wagner
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karina Alsyte
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Achim Siegel
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Antje Klink
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Benjamin Steinhilber
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Monika A Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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14
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Lemke MK, Apostolopoulos Y, Sönmez S. A novel COVID-19 based truck driver syndemic? Implications for public health, safety, and vital supply chains. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:659-662. [PMID: 32452556 PMCID: PMC7283783 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
U.S. long-haul truck drivers traverse great distances and interact with numerous individuals, rendering them vulnerable to acquiring and transmitting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Together, the unique co-occurrence of pronounced health disparities and known COVID-19 infection, morbidity, and mortality risks suggest the possibility of a novel COVID-19 based truck driver syndemic due to advanced driver age and endemic health issues. In turn, COVID-19 sequelae may perpetuate existing health disparities. The co-occurrence of afflictions may also result in compromised safety performance. To curb the likelihood of a COVID-19 based truck driver syndemic, several action stepsare needed. First, key COVID-19 metrics need to be established for this population. Second, relationships between long-haul trucker network attributes and COVID-19 spread need to bedelineated. Third, mutually reinforcing interactions between endemic health disparities and COVID-19 vulnerability need to be elucidated. Finally, grounded in the aforementioned steps, policies and interventions need to be identified and implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yorghos Apostolopoulos
- Complexity & Computational Population Health GroupTexas A&M University College Station Texas
| | - Sevil Sönmez
- College of Business AdministrationUniversity of Central Florida Orlando Florida
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