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Rocha MA, Mattos CNBD, Pattussi MP. Social inequalities in self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection in Brazilian adults: PNAD COVID-19. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2024; 27:e240042. [PMID: 39230100 PMCID: PMC11383518 DOI: 10.1590/1980-549720240042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate inequalities related to race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status in self-reported positive diagnosis for COVID-19 in Brazilian adults. METHODS Data available from the National Household Sample Survey COVID-19 (PNAD COVID 19) (July/September/November, 2020) were used in this retrospective investigation. The analyses considered the sampling design, primary sampling units, strata and sample weights. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate prevalence ratio (PR) and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of the associations. RESULTS In July, September and November 2020, with regard to the rapid test, indigenous people were 2.45 (95%CI 1.48-4.08), 2.53 (95%CI 1.74-4.41) and 1.23 (95%CI 1.11-1.86) times more likely to report a positive history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. With regard to the RT-PCR test in November, indigenous people were more likely to test positive for COVID-19 (PR: 1.90; 95%CI 1.07-3.38). It was observed that the indigenous group was 1.86 (95%CI 1.05-3.29) and 2.11 (95%CI 1.12-3.59) times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 in September and November (2020). Income was associated with testing positive for COVID-19: in November, individuals whose income ranged from R$0.00-R$1.044 were more likely (PR: 1.69; 95%CI 1.16-23.06) to test positive using the RT-PCR test; participants whose income was in this range were also more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 using blood tests (PR: 1.72; 95%CI 1.43-2.07). CONCLUSION The data presented show an association between race/ethnicity and economic status with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Andrade Rocha
- Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Postgraduate Program in Collective Health - São Leopoldo (RS), Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Postgraduate Program in Dentistry - Florianópolis (SC), Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Pascoal Pattussi
- Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Postgraduate Program in Collective Health - São Leopoldo (RS), Brazil
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Orta S, Santos Cantu D, Fonseca GA, Torres-Hostos L, Chang C. A community-engaged interprofessional project led by medical students, school of social work students, and resident physicians: lessons learned and recommendations for success. J Interprof Care 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39169873 DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2024.2387589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Addressing health disparities through community engagement and interprofessional partnerships is increasingly critical. However, learner-led approaches that integrate medical students, resident physicians, and social work students are not well-studied. We designed a learner-led, interprofessional, public health campaign for a majority Hispanic community, with the goals of building interprofessional leadership skills, engaging learners to address COVID-19 inequities, and disseminating lessons learned. Faculty and students from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Schools of Medicine and Social Work partnered with community leaders to pilot an interprofessional project supported by the American Association of Medical Colleges' Nurturing Experiences for Tomorrow's Community Leaders (AAMC NEXT) Award. We describe the process of selection of a 12-member learner team of medical students, resident physicians, and social work students, and how we enacted the project from December 2020 to June 2021. Lessons learned in implementing our learner-led, community-engaged, interprofessional approach included: building interprofessional leadership skills, setting member roles and responsibilities, instilling requisite knowledge and skills, engaging with the community, and disseminating research findings. These lessons can guide other institutions seeking community-engaged interprofessional projects with learners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Orta
- Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Luis Torres-Hostos
- Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Administration, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Social Work, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - Chelsea Chang
- Internal Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Edinburg, TX, USA
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Mugumbate R, Gopaldasani V, Kidson P, Ravulo J. 'We Were an Afterthought': Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities in New South Wales, Australia. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 39:509-521. [PMID: 38652020 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2024.2343390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in Australia of government and community responses to the coronavirus pandemic of 2019 in the domains of education, employment, housing, social connectedness, and public health communication. Most of the examples are drawn from the state of New South Wales. In Australia, CALD refers to people from countries not classified as main English speaking. Most CALD communities reported in this article are from refugee backgrounds, are recently arrived migrants or do not use English in most of their communication. Inadequate, and in some instances, inappropriate or absent support, adversely impacts CALD communities. We used a multidisciplinary bricolage approach that draws on media, government, and community support publications and concluded that CALD communities experienced heightened pressures due to lower resource availability and poor communication. This led to disruption of support services, exposing gaps and vulnerability. The results reported here challenge Australian government, schools, community agencies, researchers to include proactively CALD community perspectives when planning and responding to such crises in future. Improving communication, pandemic response planning, addressing needs and ensuring participation are key considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rugare Mugumbate
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vinod Gopaldasani
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Kidson
- National School of Education, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jioji Ravulo
- School of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Amos B, Tibbert SJ. Exploration of the COVID-19 mental health implications in elite disabled athletes. J Sports Sci 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38910346 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2370151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the way individuals conducted their lives, with consequences relating to mental health deterioration. Whilst researchers explored this outcome in the general population and athletic populations, less focus was on athletes with disabilities. The aim of this study was to investigate how the pandemic influenced the mental health of elite para-athletes in the United Kingdom. Nine elite-level athletes with disabilities participated in semi-structured interviews. Three broad themes were interpreted from the data using reflexive thematic analysis, two themes reflected the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health and one theme reflected positive outcomes of the pandemic. Athletes explained that losing face-to-face interactions and delays in major sporting events were significant factors in their mental health decline. This population group reported different challenges to able-bodied communities. Differences included increased susceptibility to contract the virus, difficulties in communication where face masks and online interactions became necessary and perceptions of vulnerability relating to shielding protocols. Finally, positive outcomes related to the additional time to recover, to prepare for major events and time to reassess their values. Exploring experiences of a pandemic on this population group warrants further exploration to enhance the effectiveness of mental health support services in para-sporting organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Amos
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, AECC University College, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Stephanie J Tibbert
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, AECC University College, Bournemouth, UK
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Johnson LCM, Josiah Willock R, Simmons S, Moyd S, Geiger D, Ghali JK, Quarells RC. COVID-19 Prevention and Mitigation Decision-Making Processes While Navigating Chronic Disease Care: Perspectives of Black Adults with Heart Failure and Diabetes. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-023-01862-5. [PMID: 38702490 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01862-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure and diabetes are comorbidities that disproportionately contribute to high morbidity and mortality among Blacks. Further compounding the racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 health outcomes, Blacks with cardiometabolic diseases are at high risk of experiencing serious complications or mortality from COVID-19. This study aimed to assess how Blacks with heart failure and diabetes navigated chronic care management during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A mixed methods study including in-depth interviews and surveys with adults diagnosed with heart failure and diabetes (n = 17) was conducted in 2021-2022. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Participants reported that while the pandemic initially caused delays in access to health services, shifts to telemedicine allowed for continued care despite preferences for in-person appointments. Various sources of information were used in different ways to make decisions on how to best reduce health risks due to COVID-19, but individuals and institutions affiliated with science and medicine, or who promoted information from these sources, were considered to be the most trusted sources of information among those who relied on outside guidance when making health-related decisions. Individuals' self-awareness of their own high-risk status and perceived control over their exposure levels to the virus informed what COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies people used. CONCLUSION Information backed by scientific data was an important health communication tool that alongside other factors, such as fear of mortality due to COVID-19, encouraged individuals to get vaccinated and adopt other COVID-19 prevention and mitigation behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie C M Johnson
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Sierra Simmons
- Biology Department, Spelman College, 350 Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarahna Moyd
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Demetrius Geiger
- Health Equity Programs Department, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities, 1199 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Jalal K Ghali
- Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Kett PM, Shahrir S, Bekemeier B. Public Health Nurses' Proficiencies and Training Needs in an Emergency Response: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2024; 30:354-366. [PMID: 38489524 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To address gaps in understanding the public health nursing workforce regarding competencies recognized as critical during an emergency response. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A cross-sectional observational study using data with information on local health department staff- and organizational-level characteristics collected from across the United States in 2021. We used logistic regression to estimate the association between 2 binary nurse-specific predictors-(1) whether the staff person was a nurse and (2) whether the staff worked in a local health department that was "nurse-led" (directed by a nurse)-and reported proficiencies important to the COVID-19 response. Models controlled for relevant local health department and community characteristics. RESULTS In the sample, 19% were nurses and 37% were at nurse-led health departments. Nurse versus nonnurse staff had higher odds of reporting proficiencies in skills related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and in the skill "identifying/applying evidence-based approaches to address public health issues." However, nurses, compared with their nonnurse peers, had higher odds of reporting training needs in domains related to community engagement, policy engagement, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Conversely, staff at nurse-led health departments, compared with non-nurse-led staff, had higher odds of reporting proficiencies in many of these same areas, including "collaborating across the public health system" and "influencing policies external to the organization that affect community health." There were no areas in which nurse-led staff had lower odds of reporting proficiencies or higher odds of identifying training needs. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study highlight areas of strength for public health nurses, particularly strengths related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as areas where more training is needed. Such findings can help guide future public health nurse workforce development as well as underscore the value of public health nursing leadership and staff at local health departments for supporting community health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Kett
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine (Drs Kett and Shahrir); and Department of Child, Family, and Population Health, School of Nursing (Dr Bekemeier), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Arnold A, Carbon D, Wueller C, Goergen T. COVID-19 and CBRNE: Effects of the pandemic in the field of CBRNE. JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (WESTON, MASS.) 2024; 22:301-310. [PMID: 39017602 DOI: 10.5055/jem.0829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected our lives in all aspects, including key fields such as social interaction and economic supply chains. The field of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive substances (CBRNE) was already directly affected by the pandemic in that the COVID-19 virus is, in a sense, a biological agent. This paper elaborates on how the field of CBRNE has changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It does so by drawing on the results of an interview study with CBRNE practitioners (Fire Brigades, Law Enforcement Agencies, etc.) conducted as part of the European Union project PReparedness against CBRNE threats through cOmmon Approaches between security praCTItioners and the VulnerablE civil society, as well as findings from research literature on links between CBRNE and COVID-19. This paper highlights four areas where the influence of the pandemic on the CBRNE field has been evident. The four areas are as follows: preparedness for CBRNE incidents and likelihood of future CBRNE incidents (with a focus on terrorist attacks), CBRNE training and education, increased awareness of CBRNE-related behaviors and measures among the general public, and greater awareness of the needs of vulnerable groups (older people, etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Arnold
- German Police University, Muenster, Germany. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2787-4889
| | | | | | - Thomas Goergen
- Criminology and Interdisciplinary Crime Prevention, German Police University, Muenster, Germany
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Ramos Monserrat M, Ramón Molinas J, Fuster Truyol M, Bonet Manresa A, Planas Juan T, Montaño Moreno JJ, Pérez Martín MDLÁ, Ruíz Armengol P, Personat Labrador A, Lamilla Buades CM, Carrión García VM, Salvá Garví M, Nuñez Jiménez C, Cabeza Irigoyen E. Assessing the social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis using phone helplines. The case of the Balearic Islands, Spain. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1270906. [PMID: 38550322 PMCID: PMC10976841 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1270906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Crises and health policies to tackle them can increase health inequalities. We explored the scope and usefulness of helplines set up during the COVID-19 crisis and characterised the vulnerability of their users. This study explored the geographic and socioeconomic effects of the telephone helplines set up by the Balearic Islands Government and aimed to characterise the vulnerability of their users. Methods Telephonic survey combined with a geographical analysis of a sample of calls made between 15th of March and 30th of June of 2020 to five helplines: COVID-19 general information; psychological, social (minimum vital income), labour (temporary employment regulation), and housing (rental assistance) helps. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and housing characteristics, type of problem, and if it was solved or not. We used multinomial regression to explore factors associated with having solved the problem. We calculated the standardised rate of calls by municipality using Chi-squared and z-test to test differences. Results 1,321 interviews from 2,678 selected (231 excluded, 608 untraceable, and 518 refusals). 63.8% of women, 48.7% were born in another country. They had no internet at home in 3.1%, only on the phone in 17.3%. The 23.5% had no income at home. The Problem was solved in 25.4%, and partly in 30.9%. Factors associated with not solving the problem were not having income at home (p = 0.021), labour (p = 0.008), economic (p = 0.000) or housing (p = 0.000) problems. People from 55 of 67 municipalities did at least one call. The highest rates of calls were from coastal tourist municipalities. Conclusion Helplines reached most of the territory of the Balearic Islands and were used mainly in tourist municipalities. It probably has not been helpful for families with more significant deprivation. Digital inequalities have emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ramos Monserrat
- Balearic Islands Public Health Department, Palma, Spain
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- University of Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Marta Fuster Truyol
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Aina Bonet Manresa
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Trinidad Planas Juan
- Balearic Islands Public Health Department, Palma, Spain
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Juan José Montaño Moreno
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- University of Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Catalina Nuñez Jiménez
- Balearic Islands Public Health Department, Palma, Spain
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Elena Cabeza Irigoyen
- Balearic Islands Public Health Department, Palma, Spain
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Lee JS, Rose L, Borgundvaag B, McLeod SL, Melady D, Mohindra R, Sinha SK, Wesson V, Wiesenfeld L, Kolker S, Kiss A, Lowthian J. Impact of a peer-support programme to improve loneliness and social isolation due to COVID-19: does adding a secure, user friendly video-conference solution work better than telephone support alone? Protocol for a three-arm randomised clinical trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e056839. [PMID: 38199634 PMCID: PMC10806713 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the implementation of physical distancing and self-isolation strategies worldwide. However, these measures have significant potential to increase social isolation and loneliness. Among older people, loneliness has increased from 40% to 70% during COVID-19. Previous research indicates loneliness is strongly associated with increased mortality. Thus, strategies to mitigate the unintended consequences of social isolation and loneliness are urgently needed. Following the Obesity-Related Behavioural Intervention Trials model for complex behavioural interventions, we describe a protocol for a three-arm randomised clinical trial to reduce social isolation and loneliness. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A multicentre, outcome assessor blinded, three-arm randomised controlled trial comparing 12 weeks of: (1) the HOspitals WoRking in Unity ('HOW R U?') weekly volunteer-peer support telephone intervention; (2) 'HOW R U?' deliver using a video-conferencing solution and (3) a standard care group. The study will follow Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials guidelines.We will recruit 24-26 volunteers who will receive a previously tested half day lay-training session that emphasises a strength-based approach and safety procedures. We will recruit 141 participants ≥70 years of age discharged from two participating emergency departments or referred from hospital family medicine, geriatric or geriatric psychiatry clinics. Eligible participants will have probable baseline loneliness (score ≥2 on the de Jong six-item loneliness scale). We will measure change in loneliness, social isolation (Lubben social network scale), mood (Geriatric Depression Score) and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) at 12-14 weeks postintervention initiation and again at 24-26 weeks. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval has been granted by the participating research ethics boards. Participants randomised to standard care will be offered their choice of telephone or video-conferencing interventions after 12 weeks. Results will be disseminated through journal publications, conference presentations, social media and through the International Federation of Emergency Medicine. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05228782.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Simon Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley L McLeod
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donald Melady
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rohit Mohindra
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samir K Sinha
- Department of Geriatrics, Sinai Health Systems, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Divisoin of Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Virginia Wesson
- Depatment of Psychiatry, Sinai Health Systems, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lesley Wiesenfeld
- Depatment of Psychiatry, Sinai Health Systems, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sabrina Kolker
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Kiss
- Department of Research Design and Biostatistics, Sunnybrooke Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Andrade LA, de França Amorim T, da Paz WS, do Rosário Souza M, S Camargo EL, Dos Santos Tavares D, M A Lima SV, Vieira de Melo E, de O Góes MA, Feliciano do Carmo R, Dornels F de Souza C, Dantas Dos Santos A, L de Sousa ÁF, C Mendes IA, Silva-Júnior A, N Porto WJ, Bezerra-Santos M. Reduced HIV/AIDS diagnosis rates and increased AIDS mortality due to late diagnosis in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:23003. [PMID: 38155227 PMCID: PMC10754892 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50359-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected global health, leading to the suspension of numerous routine healthcare services and posing challenges in efforts to control other diseases, such as HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV/AIDS diagnoses and mortality rates in Brazil during 2020 and 2021. The percentage change was calculated to determine whether there was an increase or decrease in HIV/AIDS diagnoses and mortality, considering the average numbers from the last 5 years. Additionally, a Joinpoint regression model and an interrupted time series analysis were applied to assess time trends before and after the onset of the pandemic. Lastly, choropleth maps were prepared. We observed a reduction of 22.4% (2020) and 9.8% (2021) in the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in Brazil. Conversely, there was a significant increase in the percentage change of late diagnosis of AIDS deaths in 2020 (6.9%) and 2021 (13.9%), with some states showing an increase of over 87%. Decreasing time trends in the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS were identified before the pandemic in Brazil, especially in the Southeast and South regions, and then time trends stabilized after including the pandemic years. Along with the dissemination of COVID-19, there was a reduction in the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and an increase in late diagnosis AIDS deaths, signaling a serious impact of the pandemic on HIV/AIDS control strategies in Brazil. Therefore, we highlight the need for continuous efforts to control both diseases, that is, maintaining regular health services even in crisis situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Almeida Andrade
- Health Science Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, SE, Brazil.
| | - Thiago de França Amorim
- Graduate Program in Teaching and Teacher Training, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Arapiraca, AL, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Álvaro Francisco L de Sousa
- Institute of Teaching and Research, Hospital Sírio-Libânes, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, REAL, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Amélia C Mendes
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Abelardo Silva-Júnior
- Health Science Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
- Animal Sciences Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
| | - Wagnner José N Porto
- Health Science Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
- Animal Sciences Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
| | - Márcio Bezerra-Santos
- Health Science Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Teaching and Teacher Training, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Arapiraca, AL, Brazil
- Health Science Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
- Medical and Nursing Science Complex, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Arapiraca, AL, Brazil
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Darnell WH, Daugherty CD, Hart ZP, Lambert South A. Exploring First Responder Beliefs and Decisions to Vaccinate Against SARS-COV-2. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:3316-3325. [PMID: 36636017 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2149065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As frontline providers, first responders are not always thought of as patients with unique health beliefs. During early and continued distribution, many first responders in the United States chose to refuse vaccination. Guided by the health belief model and emerging research related to SARS-COV-2, the aim of this study was to further explore the complex message conditions that contributed to first responders' early vaccination decisions. An online survey was conducted between March 1 and March 31 2021, among first responders in the state of Kentucky, which has lagged behind most states in the percentage of the population who are fully vaccinated. The first responder sample included Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and paramedics who completed a Qualtrics survey that included measures aimed at assessing health beliefs about SARS-COV-2, beliefs about SARS-COV-2 vaccines, source trustworthiness, and vaccine motivation. First responders were also asked to rank the importance of various information sources about SARS-COV-2 and its vaccines. Findings suggest significant differences exist among first responders who have chosen to receive SARS-COV-2 vaccines and those who have refused, including source preference, conspiracy beliefs, and perceived risk. Future directions, including the exploration of institutional mistrust as a health belief are discussed. These findings offer practical insights that may improve continuing approaches to discover and use preferred communication sources to reach the vaccine-hesitant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zachary P Hart
- Department of Communication, Northern Kentucky University
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Herres J, Ortelli O, Rodriguez I, Onyewuenyi AC. Factors associated with perceived stress and depressive symptoms among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-12. [PMID: 38015144 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2266039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had detrimental effects on college students' psychosocial well-being due to campus closures starting in Spring 2020. This study examined changes in perceived stress and depressive symptoms before and during the pandemic using longitudinal data collected from students over the 2019-2020 academic year. We also compared data from this sample in Fall 2019 (N = 282) to data collected from another sample in Fall 2020 (N = 240). Latent change modeling showed increases in stress during Spring 2020. Additionally, the Fall 2020 sample had higher levels of stress than the Fall 2019 sample. Differences in stress and depressive symptoms did not depend on underrepresented minority (URM) status, income, gender, or membership in Greek life or other organizations. However, third- and fourth-year students and student-athletes experienced more stress during the pandemic. Findings suggest an adverse and differential impact of the pandemic on students' psychosocial well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Herres
- Department of Psychology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, USA
| | - Olivia Ortelli
- Department of Psychology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, USA
| | - Isabel Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, USA
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Carrier A, Bolduc F, Delli-Colli N, Makela F, Hudon A, Caty ME, Duhoux A, Beaudoin M. Fear of Reprisal and Change Agency in the Public Health and Social Service System: Protocol for a Sequential Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e48400. [PMID: 37733408 PMCID: PMC10556997 DOI: 10.2196/48400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since they are key witnesses to the systemic difficulties and social inequities experienced by vulnerable patients, health and social service (HSS) professionals and clinical managers must act as change agents. Using their expertise to achieve greater social justice, change agents employ a wide range of actions that span a continuum from the clinical (microsystem) to the societal (macrosystem) sphere and involve actors inside and outside the HSS system. Typically, however, clinical professionals and managers act in a circumscribed manner, that is, within the clinical sphere and with patients and colleagues. Among the hypotheses explaining this reduced scope of action is the fear of reprisal. Little is known about the prevalence of this fear and its complex dynamics. OBJECTIVE The overall aim is to gain a better understanding of the complex dynamic process leading to clinical professionals' and managers' fear of reprisal in their change agent actions and senior administrators' and managers' determination of wrongdoing. The objectives are (1) to estimate the prevalence of fear of reprisal among clinical professionals and managers; (2) to identify the factors involved in (a) the emergence of this fear among clinical professionals and managers, and (b) the determination of wrongdoing by senior administrators and managers; (3) to describe the process of emergence of (a) the fear of reprisal among clinical professionals and managers, and (b) the determination of wrongdoing by senior administrators and managers; and (4) to document the legal and ethical issues associated with the factors identified (objective 2) and the processes described (objective 3). METHODS Based on the Exit, Voice, Loyalty, Neglect model, a 3-part sequential mixed methods design will include (1) a web-based survey (objective 1), (2) a qualitative grounded theory design (objectives 2 and 3), and (3) legal and ethical analysis (objective 4). Survey: 77,794 clinical professionals or clinical managers working in the Québec public HSS system will be contacted via email. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. Grounded theory design: for each of the 3 types of participants (clinical professionals, clinical managers, and senior administrators and managers), a theoretical sample of 15 to 30 people will be selected via various strategies. Data will be independently analyzed using constant comparison process. Legal and ethical analysis: situations described by participants will be analyzed using, respectively, applicable legislation and jurisprudence and 2 ethical models. RESULTS This ongoing study began in June 2022 and is scheduled for completion by March 2027. CONCLUSIONS Instead of acting, fear of reprisal could induce clinical professionals to tolerate situations that run counter to their social justice values. To ensure they use their capacities for serving a population that is or could become vulnerable, it is important to know the prevalence of the fear of reprisal and gain a better understanding of its complex dynamics. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/48400.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Carrier
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Research Center on Aging, University Integrated Health and Social Services Centre of the Eastern Townships - Sherbrooke University Hospital, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - François Bolduc
- Department of Industrial Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Interuniversity Research Centre on Globalization and Work, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Delli-Colli
- Research Center on Aging, University Integrated Health and Social Services Centre of the Eastern Townships - Sherbrooke University Hospital, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Finn Makela
- Faculty of Law, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Anne Hudon
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, University Integrated Health and Social Services of the South-Center-of-Montreal-Island, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center for Ethics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Caty
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Duhoux
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Centre of the Integrated Health and Social Services Centre of Laval, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Michaël Beaudoin
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Research Center on Aging, University Integrated Health and Social Services Centre of the Eastern Townships - Sherbrooke University Hospital, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Vicerra PMM. Optimism bias regarding COVID-19: a cross-sectional study of lower-income older adults in Thailand. Ann Med 2023; 55:2258893. [PMID: 37725941 PMCID: PMC10512749 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2258893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Understanding the discernment of individuals about their health is crucial during public health situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Within this theme of study is how older adults perceive their vulnerabilities because it can relate to subsequent disease preventing behaviour.Materials and methods: The analysis explored optimism bias, or the perception of infection avoidance, regarding COVID-19 among lower-income Thais aged 60 and over. The study utilized an analytic sample of 2,139 individuals from the 2021 Survey on Housing and Support Services for Poor Older Adults. Logit regression model analysis was conducted, using optimistic bias as the outcome variable.Results: Increasing age and residing in urban areas were associated with a higher likelihood of bias. On the other hand, higher educational attainment was found to decrease the association with optimistic bias, indicating higher perception of risks. Adherence of older individuals to the residence-in-place policy might have contributed to perception of lower infection risks. Urban residents had better access to welfare benefits and medical facilities, which led to reduced worry and greater optimistic bias.Conclusion: Greater understanding of the disease and preventive strategies offer insights on how higher education levels lead to perceiving possible risks surrounding COVID-19.
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Rahman MS, Paul KC, Rahman MM, Samuel J, Thill JC, Hossain MA, Ali GGMN. Pandemic vulnerability index of US cities: A hybrid knowledge-based and data-driven approach. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY 2023; 95:104570. [PMID: 37065624 PMCID: PMC10085879 DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2023.104570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cities become mission-critical zones during pandemics and it is vital to develop a better understanding of the factors that are associated with infection levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many cities severely; however, there is significant variance in its impact across cities. Pandemic infection levels are associated with inherent features of cities (e.g., population size, density, mobility patterns, socioeconomic condition, and health & environment), which need to be better understood. Intuitively, the infection levels are expected to be higher in big urban agglomerations, but the measurable influence of a specific urban feature is unclear. The present study examines 41 variables and their potential influence on the incidence of COVID-19 infection cases. The study uses a multi-method approach to study the influence of variables, classified as demographic, socioeconomic, mobility and connectivity, urban form and density, and health and environment dimensions. This study develops an index dubbed the pandemic vulnerability index at city level (PVI-CI) for classifying the pandemic vulnerability levels of cities, grouping them into five vulnerability classes, from very high to very low. Furthermore, clustering and outlier analysis provides insights on the spatial clustering of cities with high and low vulnerability scores. This study provides strategic insights into levels of influence of key variables upon the spread of infections, along with an objective ranking for the vulnerability of cities. Thus, it provides critical wisdom needed for urban healthcare policy and resource management. The calculation method for the pandemic vulnerability index and the associated analytical process present a blueprint for the development of similar indices for cities in other countries, leading to a better understanding and improved pandemic management for urban areas, and more resilient planning for future pandemics in cities across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shahinoor Rahman
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ, 07305, USA
| | - Kamal Chandra Paul
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Md Mokhlesur Rahman
- The William States Lee College of Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Khulna, Khulna, 9203, Bangladesh
| | - Jim Samuel
- E.J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy, Rutgers University, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Jean-Claude Thill
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
- School of Data Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Md Amjad Hossain
- Department of Accounting, Information Systems, and Finance, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS, 66801, USA
| | - G G Md Nawaz Ali
- Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, Bradley University, Peoria, IL, 61625, USA
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16
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Williams CD, DeLaney EN, Moreno O, Santana A, Fuentes L, Muñoz G, Elias MDJ, Johnson KF, Peterson RE, Hood KB, Vassileva J, Dick DM, Amstadter AB. Interactions between COVID-19 family home disruptions and relationships predicting college students' mental health over time. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2023; 37:592-602. [PMID: 37213173 PMCID: PMC10524332 DOI: 10.1037/fam0001085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The present study tested whether family home disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Spring 2020 (Time 1; T1) informed mental health (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depressive, and anxiety symptoms) 7 months later in Fall 2020 at T2 and whether family relationship quality moderated relations. Multigroup path analysis models were used to test whether there were significant differences in relations by emerging adults' ethnic-racial backgrounds. Participants were 811 Black, Asian American, Latine, and White emerging adult college students (Mage = 19.95, SD = .33), and the majority (79.6%) who reported their gender identified as cisgender women. Results indicated that across all individuals, T1 family relationship quality moderated relations between T1 family home disruptions and T2 anxiety and depressive symptoms. At lower levels of T1 family relationship quality, family home disruptions predicted greater T2 depressive and anxiety symptoms. At higher levels of T1 family relationship quality, these relations were not significant. Findings highlight that family relationship quality is an important protective factor for diverse emerging adult college students. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eryn N DeLaney
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Oswaldo Moreno
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | | | - Lisa Fuentes
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Geovani Muñoz
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Danielle M Dick
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
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17
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Tan SY, Foo CD, Verma M, Hanvoravongchai P, Cheh PLJ, Pholpark A, Marthias T, Hafidz F, Prawidya Putri L, Mahendradhata Y, Giang KB, Nachuk S, Wang H, Lim J, Legido-Quigley H. Mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations: Lessons for improving health and social equity. Soc Sci Med 2023; 328:116007. [PMID: 37279639 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had an inequitable and disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, reversing decades of progress toward healthy populations and poverty alleviation. This study examines various programmatic tools and policy measures used by governments to support vulnerable populations during the pandemic. A comparative case study of 15 countries representing all World Health Organization's regions offers a comprehensive picture of countries with varying income statuses, health system arrangements and COVID-19 public health measures. Through a systematic desk review and key informant interviews, we report a spectrum of mitigation strategies deployed in these countries to address five major types of vulnerabilities (health, economic, social, institutional and communicative). We found a multitude of strategies that supported vulnerable populations such as migrant workers, sex workers, prisoners, older persons and school-going children. Prioritising vulnerable populations during the early phase of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, direct financial subsidies and food assistance programmes were the most common measures reported. Additionally, framing public health information and implementing culturally sensitive health promotion interventions helped bridge the communication barriers in certain instances. However, these measures remain insufficient to protect vulnerable populations comprehensively. Our findings point to the need to expand fiscal space for health, enlarge healthcare coverage, incorporate equity principles in all policies, leverage technology, multi-stakeholder co-production of policies and tailored community engagement mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Ying Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Chuan De Foo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Monica Verma
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Paul Li Jen Cheh
- Thailand National Health Foundation and Mahidol University, Thailand, Bangkok
| | | | - Tiara Marthias
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Firdaus Hafidz
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Likke Prawidya Putri
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yodi Mahendradhata
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | | | - Jeremy Lim
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Helena Legido-Quigley
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Wagner KM, Valdez CR. Role limitations in mothers living with depression: Links with children's academic achievement. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2023.101536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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19
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Andrews NCZ, Cillessen AHN, Craig W, Dane AV, Volk AA. Bullying and the Abuse of Power. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BULLYING PREVENTION : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION ASSOCIATION 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37361638 PMCID: PMC10112998 DOI: 10.1007/s42380-023-00170-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Dan Olweus pioneered research on school bullying and identified the importance of, and risk factors associated with, bullying and victimization. In this paper, we conduct a narrative review of the critical notion of power within bullying. Specifically, we discuss Olweus's definition of bullying and the role of a power imbalance in distinguishing bullying behavior from other forms of aggression. Next, we discuss the changing nature of research on aggression (and the adaptiveness of aggression) throughout the years, the important role of power in these changes, and how the concept of power in relationships has helped elucidate the developmental origins of bullying. We discuss bullying interventions and the potential opportunities for interventions to reduce bullying by making conditions for bullying less favorable and beneficial. Finally, we discuss bullying and the abuse of power that extends beyond the school context and emerges within families, workplaces, and governments. By recognizing and defining school bullying as an abuse of power and a violation of human rights, Olweus has laid the foundation and created the impetus for researching and addressing bullying. This review highlights the importance of examining abuses of power not only in school relationships, but across human relationships and society in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C. Z. Andrews
- Department of Child and Youth Studies, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 Canada
| | - Antonius H. N. Cillessen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Radboud University, Houtlaan 4, Nijmegen, 6525 XZ The Netherlands
| | - Wendy Craig
- Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, Humphrey Hall, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
| | - Andrew V. Dane
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 Canada
| | - Anthony A. Volk
- Department of Child and Youth Studies, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 Canada
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Gallego G, Cardona B, Scholz B. Using photovoice to explore Bolivian children's experiences of COVID-19. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad033. [PMID: 37099682 PMCID: PMC10132582 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Our capacity to facilitate the empowerment of children is dependent on our ability to understand their values and experiences. This study aimed to explore Bolivian children's experiences of COVID-19. This study used a participatory action research method, photovoice, which involved focus groups, individual interviews and the use of cameras by participants to capture their reality and express their ideas through photographs. Ten participants aged 12-15 years were recruited from a school in the municipality of Mecapaca in Bolivia. Thematic analysis was used to identify and report response patterns. Four themes were developed through analysis: (i) sadness and fear of getting sick, (ii) the challenges of online learning, (iii) the tension between traditional knowledge and modern medicine, and (iv) the role of nature and culture in supporting well-being-natural and cultural capital. The narratives and choice of images by the children illustrate some issues and experiences. These findings also highlighted the importance of considering and exploring how children's experiences and interactions with their habitat, nature and their physical environment impacts on their health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisselle Gallego
- School of Medicine, Sydney, The University of Notre Dame, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Brett Scholz
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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21
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Pattath P. Social Determinants of Health and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Mortality at the County Level in the Commonwealth of Virginia. FAMILY & COMMUNITY HEALTH 2023; 46:143-150. [PMID: 36455199 DOI: 10.1097/fch.0000000000000330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality due to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) among Black and Hispanic populations is disproportionately high compared to white populations. This study aimed to explore the association between COVID-19 mortality and social determinants of health (SDOH) among Black and Hispanic populations in Virginia. METHOD County-level publicly available COVID-19 mortality data from Virginia, covariates, and SDOH indicators were used. An independent t-test and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were performed to assess the association between SDOH and COVID-19 death rates, with a focus on racial/ethnic disparities. RESULTS Counties in the lowest quartile had a mean death rate of 44.72 (SD = 13.8), while those in the highest quartile had a mean death rate of 239.02 (SD = 123.9) per 100, 000 people ( P < .001). Counties with the highest death rates had significantly lower mean socioeconomic status. The regression analysis revealed that 32% of the variance in the COVID-19 mortality rate was associated with SDOH after controlling for the covariates ( P < .01). Identifying as Hispanic ethnicity accounted for 8.5% of the variance, while median household income, being uninsured, and education accounted for 32.7%, 12.9%, and 7.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide evidence that disparities in SDOH experienced by Hispanic populations play a significant role in increased COVID-19 mortality, thus highlighting the social needs of low-income, low-education, and Hispanic populations to advance equity in health outcomes.
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Morris JC. Necropolitics as accumulation: Enforcement and enclosure in Brisbane during COVID-19. POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY 2023; 102:102854. [PMID: 36852264 PMCID: PMC9946886 DOI: 10.1016/j.polgeo.2023.102854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This article explores the uneven impacts that Indigenous and detained migrant populations have endured in Australia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia has one of the most restrictive immigration enforcement systems in the world. Along with imposing practices of mandatory detention in rural and remote regions, the Australian government finances the carceral systems of nearby countries and island nations. These logics of enforcement are embedded within histories and techniques of Indigenous quarantine, incarceration, and colonial erasure. Following Achille Mbembe (2019), I advance a theoretical framework of 'necropolitics as accumulation.' I argue that rather than disposable or 'wasted' populations, those subject to slow violence are within heightened circuits of accumulation. I draw on long-term ethnographic research in Brisbane to emphasize the intensification of governing measures that not only inflict slow death but also make a profit from capitalizing on it. People are kept alive through precarious visa statuses and in prisons, detention centers, camps, remote communities, reserves, and other institutional facilities in relation to their utility for capital, even as death in such spaces is inescapable. In focusing on racial capitalism, I center the differential experiences of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people from COVID-19 in long-standing histories of capitalist exploitation. By attending to the cross-cutting ways in which people are prevented from participating in society, made plain in the pandemic, I call for intersectional advocacy that works towards collective flourishing.
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Krech R, Abdelaziz FB, McCartney G, Myers SS, Boarini R, Valentine N, de Leeuw E, Smith JA, Herriot M, Williams C. The Geneva Charter-Realising the potential of a well-being society. Health Promot J Austr 2023; 34:272-275. [PMID: 37104508 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Romina Boarini
- OECD Centre for Well-Being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity (WISE), Paris, France
| | | | - Evelyne de Leeuw
- HUE (Healthy Urban Environments) Collaboratory, Maridulu Budyari Gumal, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James A Smith
- Rural and Remote Health, Flinders University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Michele Herriot
- Health Promotion Consulting, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Carmel Williams
- Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation, SAHMRI and University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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de Sousa Tavares LV, Ribeiro AJA, Christofolini DM. Potential Epidemic Vulnerability and Socioepidemiological Profile of SARS-CoV2 in the Brazilian Northeast Region. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8040192. [PMID: 37104318 PMCID: PMC10142768 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8040192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is a significant public health problem that can have a negative impact, especially in vulnerable regions. Objective: This study aimed to provide evidence that could positively influence coping with COVID-19 based on the relationship between the potential epidemic vulnerability index (PEVI) and socioepidemiological variables. This could be used as a decision-making tool for the planning of preventive initiatives in regions with relevant vulnerability indices for the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Methodology: We performed a cross-sectional study, with the analysis of the population characteristics of COVID-19 cases associated with neighborhoods’ PEVIs in the conurbation region of Crajubar, northeastern Brazil, through the mapping of socioeconomic–demographic factors and spatial autocorrelation. Results: The PEVI distribution indicated low vulnerability in areas with high real estate and commercial value; as communities moved away from these areas, the vulnerability levels increased. As for the number of cases, three of the five neighborhoods with a high–high autocorrelation, and some other neighborhoods showed a bivariate spatial correlation with a low–low PEVI but also high–low with indicators that make up the PEVI, representing areas that could be protected by public health measures to prevent increases in COVID-19 cases. Conclusions: The impact of the PEVI revealed areas that could be targeted by public policies to decrease the occurrence of COVID-19.
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25
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Traore T, Shanks S, Haider N, Ahmed K, Jain V, Rüegg SR, Razavi A, Kock R, Erondu N, Rahman-Shepherd A, Yavlinsky A, Mboera L, Asogun D, McHugh TD, Elton L, Oyebanji O, Okunromade O, Ansumana R, Djingarey MH, Ali Ahmed Y, Diallo AB, Balde T, Talisuna A, Ntoumi F, Zumla A, Heymann D, Socé Fall I, Dar O. How prepared is the world? Identifying weaknesses in existing assessment frameworks for global health security through a One Health approach. Lancet 2023; 401:673-687. [PMID: 36682374 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01589-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed faults in the way we assess preparedness and response capacities for public health emergencies. Existing frameworks are limited in scope, and do not sufficiently consider complex social, economic, political, regulatory, and ecological factors. One Health, through its focus on the links among humans, animals, and ecosystems, is a valuable approach through which existing assessment frameworks can be analysed and new ways forward proposed. Although in the past few years advances have been made in assessment tools such as the International Health Regulations Joint External Evaluation, a rapid and radical increase in ambition is required. To sufficiently account for the range of complex systems in which health emergencies occur, assessments should consider how problems are defined across stakeholders and the wider sociopolitical environments in which structures and institutions operate. Current frameworks do little to consider anthropogenic factors in disease emergence or address the full array of health security hazards across the social-ecological system. A complex and interdependent set of challenges threaten human, animal, and ecosystem health, and we cannot afford to overlook important contextual factors, or the determinants of these shared threats. Health security assessment frameworks should therefore ensure that the process undertaken to prioritise and build capacity adheres to core One Health principles and that interventions and outcomes are assessed in terms of added value, trade-offs, and cobenefits across human, animal, and environmental health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tieble Traore
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dakar Hub, Dakar, Senegal.
| | - Sarah Shanks
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Najmul Haider
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK; School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Kanza Ahmed
- Global Operations, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Vageesh Jain
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon R Rüegg
- Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed Razavi
- Global Operations, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Richard Kock
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Ngozi Erondu
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Alexei Yavlinsky
- Infectious Disease Informatics, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Leonard Mboera
- Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance Foundation for One Health, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Danny Asogun
- Ekpoma and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Ambrose Alli University, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Timothy D McHugh
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Linzy Elton
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Oyeronke Oyebanji
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Rashid Ansumana
- School of Community Health Sciences, Niala University, Bo Campus, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Yahaya Ali Ahmed
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Amadou Bailo Diallo
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dakar Hub, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Thierno Balde
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Ambrose Talisuna
- WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David Heymann
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Osman Dar
- Global Operations, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK; Global Health Programme, Royal Institute of International Affairs, London, UK
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Smith JA, Canuto K, Canuto K, Bonevski B, Mahoney R, Ryder C, Smith L, Brickley B, Edmunds M, Crawford G. Health promotion is central to the establishment of an Australian Centre for Disease Control. Health Promot J Austr 2023; 34:6-8. [PMID: 36617814 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James A Smith
- Rural and Remote Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia.,Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Karla Canuto
- Rural and Remote Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Kootsy Canuto
- Rural and Remote Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Billie Bonevski
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Ray Mahoney
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Courtney Ryder
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Le Smith
- Rural and Remote Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia.,Heart Foundation, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Bryce Brickley
- Rural and Remote Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Melinda Edmunds
- Australian Health Promotion Association, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Gemma Crawford
- Australian Health Promotion Association, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Iglesias Martínez E, Yáñez Legaspi P, Agulló-Tomás E, Llosa JA. Psychosocial Risk in COVID Context: The Impact of Economic Factors and Labour Protection Policy (ERTEs) in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1824. [PMID: 36767191 PMCID: PMC9914205 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic and the current situation have caused working poverty and therefore social risk, which implies a deterioration in well-being, affecting mental health and anxiety. In this context, the employment situation tends to be regarded ignoring previous social differences, economic and mental components, which should be considered when establishing priorities to program a global action of various synergistic elements. The study involved 4686 people (3500 women and 1186 men). They all completed a questionnaire that evaluated their anxiety, employment situation, income, changes of working status, and fears of becoming infected at the workplace. The results show the need to take into account the social determinants of mental health in vulnerable groups due to socioeconomic factors, job changes, contractual changes, age, or gender, considering the need to generate strategies to manage mental health and deal with it at a structural level, therefore displacing individual focus policies and interventions. An example of these policies are ERTEs (record of temporary employment regulation), constituting a perceived measure of protection and acting as an effective buffer against the economic crisis, thus reducing anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo Yáñez Legaspi
- Faculty of Juridic Sciences, University Rovira i Virgili, 43002 Tarragona, Spain
| | | | - José Antonio Llosa
- Department of Social Education, Padre Ossó Faculty, University of Oviedo, 33008 Oviedo, Spain
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Rämgård M, Ramji R, Kottorp A, Forss KS. 'No one size fits all' - community trust-building as a strategy to reduce COVID-19-related health disparities. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:18. [PMID: 36597039 PMCID: PMC9810513 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14936-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Citizens with low levels of social capital and social status, and relative poverty, seem to have been disproportionally exposed to COVID-19 and are at greater risk of experiencing poor health. Notably, the incidence of COVID-19 was nearly three times higher among citizens living in socially vulnerable areas. Experiences from the African Ebola epidemic show that in an environment based on trust, community partners can help to improve understanding of disease control without compromising safety. Such an approach is often driven by the civil society and local lay health promoters. However, little is known about the role of lay health promoters during a pandemic with communicable diseases in the European Union. This study had its point of departure in an already established Community Based Participatory Research health promotion programme in a socially disadvantaged area in southern Sweden. The aim of this study was to explore how citizens and local lay health promoters living in vulnerable neighbourhoods responded to the COVID-19 pandemic a year from the start of the pandemic. METHOD: In-depth interviews with the 5 lay health promoters and focus group discussions with 34 citizens from the neighbourhood who were involved in the activities within the programme were conducted in autumn 2020. The interviews and focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis following an inductive approach. RESULTS: Four themes emerged including, 'balancing between different kinds of information', 'balancing between place-based activities and activities on social media', 'bridging between local authorities and the communities and community members', and 'balancing ambivalence through participatory dialogues'. CONCLUSION The study highlights that a Community Based Participatory Research programme with lay health promoters as community trust builders had a potential to work with communicable diseases during the pandemic. The lay health promoters played a key role in promoting health during the pandemic by deepening the knowledge and understanding of the role that marginalised citizens have in building resilience and sustainability in their community in preparation for future crises. Public health authorities need to take the local context into consideration within their pandemic strategies to reach out to vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margareta Rämgård
- grid.32995.340000 0000 9961 9487Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Jan Waldenströms gata 25, SE-20506 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Rathi Ramji
- grid.32995.340000 0000 9961 9487Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Jan Waldenströms gata 25, SE-20506 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anders Kottorp
- grid.32995.340000 0000 9961 9487Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Jan Waldenströms gata 25, SE-20506 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Katarina Sjögren Forss
- grid.32995.340000 0000 9961 9487Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Jan Waldenströms gata 25, SE-20506 Malmö, Sweden
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Silva GDMD, Souza AAD, Castro MSMD, Miranda WDD, Jardim LL, Sousa RPD. Influence of socioeconomic inequality on the distribution of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in Brazilian municipalities, 2020: an ecological study. EPIDEMIOLOGIA E SERVIÇOS DE SAÚDE 2023; 32:e2022303. [PMID: 36790266 PMCID: PMC9926519 DOI: 10.1590/s2237-96222023000100021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to analyze the influence of socioeconomic inequality on COVID-19 distribution in larger Brazilian municipalities, controlling for effect of hospital infrastructure, comorbidities and other variables. METHODS this was an ecological study of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in 2020; outcome data were obtained from the Ministry of Health; incidence ratios were estimated using a generalized linear model. RESULTS we identified 291,073 hospitalizations and 139,953 deaths; we found higher mortality rates in municipalities with a higher proportion of non-White people (95%CI 1.01;1.16) and with more households with more than two people per room (95%CI 1.01;1.13); presence of sewerage systems was protective for both outcomes (hospitalizations: 95%CI 0.87;0.99 - deaths: 95%CI 0.90;0.99), while a higher proportion of the population in subnormal housing clusters was a risk factor (hospitalizations: 95%CI 1.01;1.16 - deaths: 95%CI 1.09;1.21), with this variable interacting with the proportion of people receiving Emergency Aid (hospitalizations: 95%CI 0.88;1.00 - deaths: 95%CI 0.89;0.98). CONCLUSION socioeconomic conditions affected illness and death due to COVID-19 in Brazil.
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Arvin M, Bazrafkan S, Beiki P, Sharifi A. A county-level analysis of association between social vulnerability and COVID-19 cases in Khuzestan Province, Iran. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2023; 84:103495. [PMID: 36532873 PMCID: PMC9747688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Social vulnerability is related to the differential abilities of socio-economic groups to withstand and respond to the adverse impacts of hazards and stressors. COVID-19, as a human risk, is influenced by and contributes to social vulnerability. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between social vulnerability and the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in the counties of Khuzestan province, Iran. To determine the social vulnerability of the counties in the Khuzestan province, decision-making techniques and geographic information systems were employed. Also, the Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between the two variables. The findings indicate that Ahvaz county and the province's northeastern counties have the highest levels of social vulnerability. There was no significant link between the social vulnerability index of the counties and the rate of COVID-19 cases (per 1000 persons). We argue that all counties in the province should implement and pursue COVID-19 control programs and policies. This is particularly essential for counties with greater rates of social vulnerability and COVID-19 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Arvin
- Department of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Bazrafkan
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Beiki
- Department of Geography, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ayyoob Sharifi
- Hiroshima University, ،The IDEC Institute, the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Science, and the Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS), Japan
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Newton W, Signal T, Judd JA. Fur, Fin, and Feather: Management of Animal Interactions in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243591. [PMID: 36552511 PMCID: PMC9774757 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have been occurring in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) for more than 40 years and may relieve loneliness and improve quality of life. The presence of animals in RACF poses an inherent risk to residents and the animals involved. Little is known about the policies and guidelines for including animals in the Australian RACF. We anticipated that most RACFs would have some policies, but they may lack the detail necessary to keep humans and animals safe. Using an adapted survey, we surveyed and interviewed a small but representative sample of Australian RACF managers. The results demonstrated that RACF did have animal policies; however, the content regarding the need for hand washing, infection prevention, and animal welfare was lacking. Including unregulated family pets in RACF was an unexpected additional risk factor identified during data analysis. There is a need for national guidelines tied to the national aged care policy, which includes training and educational resources for RACF and AAI providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Newton
- School of Health, Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, 6 University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Tania Signal
- School of Health, Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Building 6, Bruce Highway, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
| | - Jenni A. Judd
- Research Division, Central Queensland University, 6 University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia
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Jeon WH, Oh IH, Seon JY, Kim JN, Park SY. Exposure to COVID-19 Infection and Mortality Rates Among People With Disabilities in South Korea. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:3052-3059. [PMID: 35942968 PMCID: PMC10105174 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.6996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the delayed eradication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), people with disabilities, a socially vulnerable class of individuals, face aggravated hardships caused by a pause in support services and lack of care due to stricter social distancing policies combined with the challenges of their disabilities. Given this background, we aim to investigate COVID-19 infection and mortality rates among people with disabilities, who face heightened physical and mental health threats amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Gender, age, health insurance premiums, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the severity of the disability, and the type of disability were compared among people with disabilities who had been infected with or died from COVID-19 using the nationally representative National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)-COVID-19 database (DB). RESULTS We found that the COVID-19 infection rate was higher among those with low income, those with severe disability, and those with "other" disabilities (ie, speech disabilities, hepatic dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, facial disfigurement, intestinal fistular/urinary disability, epilepsy, intellectual disability, autistic disorder, and mental disorders). The mortality rate was markedly higher (ie, 15.90 times higher, odds ratio [OR]: 15.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.16 - 41.06) among people aged 80 years or older as compared with those aged 60 years or younger. The odds for mortality were 2.49 times higher (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.33 - 4.64) among people with severe disabilities as compared with mild disabilities. CONCLUSION Among people with disabilities, we found that COVID-19 infection rates differed according to income level, severity of the disability, and disability type, while the COVID-19 mortality rates differed according to age and severity of the disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Hwi Jeon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In-Hwan Oh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Yeon Seon
- Health Insurance Research Institute, National Health Insurance Service, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Jin-Nam Kim
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Management, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - So-Youn Park
- Department of Medical Education and Medical Humanities, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
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Collateral positives of COVID-19 for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Western Sydney, Australia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278923. [PMID: 36490283 PMCID: PMC9733867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate whether culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Western Sydney have experienced any positive effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, and if so, what these were. METHODS A cross-sectional survey with ten language groups was conducted from 21st March to 9th July 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Participants were recruited through bilingual multicultural health staff and health care interpreter service staff and answered a question, 'In your life, have you experienced any positive effects from the COVID-19 pandemic?' Differences were explored by demographic variables. Free-text responses were thematically coded using the Content Analysis method. RESULTS 707 people completed the survey, aged 18 to >70, 49% males and 51% females. Only 161 (23%) of those surveyed reported any positive impacts. There were significant differences in the proportion of those who reported positives based on age (p = 0.004), gender (p = 0.013), language (p = 0.003), health literacy (p = 0.014), English language proficiency (p = 0.003), education (p = <0.001) and whether participants had children less than 18 years at home (p = 0.001). Content Analysis of open-ended responses showed that, of those that did report positives, the top themes were 'Family time' (44%), 'Improved self-care' (31%) and, 'Greater connection with others' (17%). DISCUSSION Few surveyed participants reported finding any positives stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding is in stark contrast to related research in Australia with participants whose native language is English in which many more people experienced positives. The needs of people from CALD backgrounds must inform future responses to community crises to facilitate an equitable effect of any collateral positives that may arise.
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Talukder B, vanLoon GW, Hipel KW. Planetary health & COVID-19: A multi-perspective investigation. One Health 2022; 15:100416. [PMID: 35892119 PMCID: PMC9304035 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 can be characterized as an outcome of degraded planetary health drivers in complex systems and has wide-reaching implications in social, economic and environmental realms. To understand the drivers of planetary health that have influences of emergence and spread of COVID-19 and their implications for sustainability systems thinking and a narrative literature review are deployed. In particular, sixteen planetary health drivers are identified, i.e., population growth, climate change, agricultural intensification, urbanization, land use and land cover change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, globalization, wildlife trade, wet markets, non-planetary health diet, antimicrobial resistance, air pollution, water stress, poverty and weak governance. The implications of COVID-19 for planetary health are grouped in six categories: social, economic, environmental, technological, political, and public health. The implications for planetary health are then judged to see the impacts with respect to sustainable development goals (SDGs). The paper indicates that sustainable development goals are being hampered due to the planetary health implications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byomkesh Talukder
- Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, York University, Canada
| | - Gary W. vanLoon
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Keith W. Hipel
- System Engineering Department and Conflict Analysis Group, Waterloo University, Canada
- Centre for International Governance Innovation Coordinator, Waterloo, Canada
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Salvalaggio G, Hyshka E, Brown C, Pinto AD, Halas G, Green L, Kosteniuk B, Perri M, Le Chalifoux N, Halas G, Steiner L, Cavett T, Montesanti S. A comparison of the COVID-19 response for urban underserved patients experiencing healthcare transitions in three Canadian cities. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2022; 113:846-866. [PMID: 35771364 PMCID: PMC9245871 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-022-00651-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic and response has highlighted existing strengths within the system of care for urban underserved populations, but also many fault lines, in particular during care transitions. The objectives of this study were to describe COVID-19 response policies for urban underserved populations in three Canadian cities; examine how these policies impact continuity of care for urban underserved populations; determine whether and how urban underserved community members were engaged in policy processes; and develop policy and operational recommendations for optimizing continuity of care for urban underserved populations during public health crises. METHODS Using Walt & Gilson's Policy Triangle framework as a conceptual guide, 237 policy and media documents were retrieved. Five complementary virtual group interview sessions were held with 22 front-line and lived-experience key informants to capture less well-documented policy responses and experiences. Documents and interview transcripts were analyzed inductively for policy content, context, actors, and processes involved in the pandemic response. RESULTS Available documents suggest little focus on care continuity for urban underserved populations during the pandemic, despite public health measures having disproportionately negative impacts on their care. Policy responses were largely reactive and temporary, and community members were rarely involved. However, a number of community-based initiatives were developed in response to policy gaps. Promising practices emerged, including examples of new multi-level and multi-sector collaboration. CONCLUSION The pandemic response has exposed inequities for urban underserved populations experiencing care transitions; however, it has also exposed system strengths and opportunities for improvement to inform future policy direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginetta Salvalaggio
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, 610 University Terrace, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada.
| | - Elaine Hyshka
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Cara Brown
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, 771 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T6, Canada
| | - Andrew D Pinto
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Gayle Halas
- Rady Chair, Interprofessional Collaborative Practice, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, P219-770 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Lee Green
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, 516 University Terrace, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Brynn Kosteniuk
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Melissa Perri
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Nathaniel Le Chalifoux
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Garrett Halas
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 770 Bannatyne University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Liane Steiner
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Teresa Cavett
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Northern Connection Medical Centre, 2700 McPhillips St, Winnipeg, MB, R2V 3M3, Canada
| | - Stephanie Montesanti
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-266 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11205-87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
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Chen Y, Zhang L, Li T, Li L. Amplified effect of social vulnerability on health inequality regarding COVID-19 mortality in the USA: the mediating role of vaccination allocation. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2131. [PMID: 36402963 PMCID: PMC9675971 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14592-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccination reduces the overall burden of COVID-19, while its allocation procedure may introduce additional health inequality, since populations characterized with certain social vulnerabilities have received less vaccination and been affected more by COVID-19. We used structural equation modeling to quantitatively evaluate the extent to which vaccination disparity would amplify health inequality, where it functioned as a mediator in the effect pathways from social vulnerabilities to COVID-19 mortality. Methods We used USA nationwide county (n = 3112, 99% of the total) level data during 2021 in an ecological study design. Theme-specific rankings of social vulnerability index published by CDC (latest data of 2018, including socioeconomic status, household composition & disability, minority status & language, and housing type & transportation) were the exposure variables. Vaccination coverage rate (VCR) during 2021 published by CDC was the mediator variable, while COVID-19 case fatality rate (CFR) during 2021 published by John Hopkinson University, the outcome variable. Results Greater vulnerabilities in socioeconomic status, household composition & disability, and minority status & language were inversely associated with VCR, together explaining 11.3% of the variance of VCR. Greater vulnerabilities in socioeconomic status and household composition & disability were positively associated with CFR, while VCR was inversely associated with CFR, together explaining 10.4% of the variance of CFR. Our mediation analysis, based on the mid-year data (30th June 2021), found that 37.6% (mediation/total effect, 0.0014/0.0037), 10% (0.0003/0.0030) and 100% (0.0005/0.0005) of the effects in the pathways involving socioeconomic status, household composition & disability and minority status & language, respectively, were mediated by VCR. As a whole, the mediation effect significantly counted for 30.6% of COVID-19 CFR disparity. Such a mediation effect was seen throughout 2021, with proportions ranging from 12 to 32%. Conclusions Allocation of COVID-19 vaccination in the USA during 2021 led to additional inequality with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Viable public health interventions should be taken to guarantee an equitable deployment of healthcare recourses across different population groups. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14592-w.
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Mayo R, Kliot T, Weinstein R, Onigbanjo M, Carter R. Social needs screening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:935-941. [PMID: 34873735 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of Americans lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, placing immeasurable stress on families and making it difficult for parents to support their children's basic needs. Research shows that screening for social determinants of health is an important part of a child's well visit, noting that awareness of these factors leads to more holistic and improved quality of care. Due to increased precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic and a significant decrease in well-child visits and in-person appointments, there was a marked decrease in the number of face-to-face opportunities for these screenings. In a time of increased need, methods such as telephone screenings represent an opportunity to assess needs and connect patients and families with helpful resources. METHODS This study occurred in Baltimore, Maryland at the University of Maryland Pediatrics at Midtown outpatient practice (PAM). Five paediatric resident physicians and 17 medical students developed a telephone welfare screening tool and called families receiving primary care at the clinic over a 9-week period. The team documented identified needs and used a community resources database to provide resources to families over the phone. Data regarding the identified needs was collected and analysed throughout the screening process. RESULTS Volunteers contacted 671 families using our finalized screening tool. Of those, 349 answered the telephone call (52%), and 328 (49%) agreed to participate in the screening. Results showed that families commonly identified food insecurity (20%) and symptoms of depression (18%). This was consistent across families' home locations as analysed by postal ZIP code. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that telephone screening is a feasible and informative method for identifying and addressing the social needs of paediatric primary care patients and their families. Furthermore, our study supports the notion that there are significant and widespread social needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Mayo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tamara Kliot
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Mutiat Onigbanjo
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca Carter
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Sena GPD, Fontenele AL, Duarte ADCA, Ferreira GI, Guilhem DB. Ethics, COVID-19 and nursing vulnerability: analysis of photographs released by the media. Rev Bras Enferm 2022; 75Suppl 2:e20210960. [PMID: 36259881 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2021-0960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to analyze nursing vulnerability through photos released by the media amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS a documentary study, with a qualitative approach. The object of analysis were photographic images selected between January 2020 and March 2021, published by the main news portals in countries such as Brazil, the United States, France, Spain, England and Germany. Thematic categorical analysis was the method of analysis used. RESULTS we found 74 photographs that portrayed nursing professionals in different work situations. It was possible to identify stigma and social devaluation about this class's representation and professional attribution. Moreover, we found an underrepresentation of black professionals in Brazilian portals and the man as the prominent figure in the spaces of claims. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS the photographs represented an important tool for the social analysis of nursing vulnerability, favoring the unveiling of situations that may go unnoticed by nursing and society.
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Delora A, Mills A, Jacobson D, Cornett B, Peacock WF, Datta A, Jenks SP. Socioeconomic and Comorbid Factors Affecting Mortality and Length of Stay in COVID-19 Patients. Cureus 2022; 14:e30224. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Blackford K, Taylor J, Devine S, Woodall J, Smith J. Quality learning and teaching is vital for equipping the health promotion workforce to address complex public health challenges. Health Promot J Austr 2022; 33 Suppl 1:6-8. [PMID: 36195432 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane Taylor
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Sue Devine
- College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townville, Australia
| | - James Woodall
- School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - James Smith
- Rural and Remote Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, Australia
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Ewing L, Hamza CA, Walsh K, Goldstein AL, Heath NL. A Qualitative Investigation of the Positive and Negative Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Post-Secondary Students' Mental Health and Well-Being. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2022; 10:1312-1327. [PMID: 36111320 PMCID: PMC9393400 DOI: 10.1177/21676968221121590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that post-secondary students without pre-existing mental health concerns may have experienced worsening mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, relative to students with pre-existing mental health concerns. To clarify the psychological impacts of the pandemic, and elucidate why differences may exist among students, 20 interviews were conducted with emerging adults enrolled in university. Using directed content analysis, eight themes were identified: three more common among students with pre-existing mental health concerns, three more common among students without pre-existing mental health concerns, and two shared. Although all students experienced novel stressors during the pandemic, students without pre-existing mental health concerns reported greater increases in social and academic isolation, relative to students with pre-existing mental health concerns. Students with pre-existing mental health concerns also leveraged existing coping repertoires, which further supported their ability to manage pandemic-related challenges. Findings highlight how postsecondary institutions can bolster student well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexi Ewing
- Applied Psychology and Human Development,
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chloe A. Hamza
- Applied Psychology and Human Development,
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kaylea Walsh
- Applied Psychology and Human Development,
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Abby L. Goldstein
- Applied Psychology and Human Development,
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy L. Heath
- Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Guruge GND, Rathnayake N, Abhayasinghe K. Description of a telephone and Internet-based intervention to improve community responses to COVID-19 spread. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION AND NUTRITION 2022; 41:44. [PMID: 36163079 PMCID: PMC9511449 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-022-00325-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
This paper describes the process and results of a health promotion intervention to engage lay communities using telephone and online communication, to improve their current responses to the spread of COVID-19.
Methods
An intervention was conducted from March to July 2020 in three districts of Sri Lanka. Seven ‘trigger’ stories were shared through telephone or online communication to stimulate brainstorming and to engage selected community members. Determinants were identified and prioritised through discussions, and potentially beneficial actions were implemented as agreed by participants. The process was monitored, outcomes were evaluated monthly, and activities were modified according to ongoing observations.
Results
A total of 638 families (both adults and children) involved actively in implementing useful actions and reported an increased sense of personal control. Potential risk groups, best feasible community safety precautions and preparation to face challenges in the event of infection reaching their community were identified during brainstorming sessions with community mobilisers. A majority reported that they felt more confident, united and less anxious about handling potential risks and problems. Other beneficial outcomes include lifestyle changes leading to healthier behaviours and a sense of greater control over the conditions that govern their lives.
Conclusion
Use of telephone and online communication was effective in generating desirable community changes.
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Andrews Adlam J, Murphy-Belcaster M, Thompson-Robinson M, Dodge Francis C, Ricker-Boles K, Traylor D, Anderson E. Understanding Stress and Coping Among Women of Color in the United States in the Age of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00221678221123111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify processes of coping with COVID-19 and determine their impact on emotional well-being for women of color in the United States. Data were collected from 368 women between May and July 2020 using an online survey guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, which included an assessment of COVID-19 stressors, Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument (BEPSI), 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Over half of the women were depressed (59.0%) and felt ill (69.3%) from the stress of COVID-19. Planful problem solving (M = 4.58, SD = 2.70) was the primary way to cope with COVID-19. A small, positive correlation existed between COVID-19 stressors and depressive symptoms (r = 0.27, p < .001). COVID-19 had a significant impact on the increase of stress (MI = 0.53, p < .001) and depressive symptoms (MI = 5.90, p < .001) as well as the decrease of resilience (MD = 2.17, p < .001) for women of color in the United States. These results can be translated into actionable care plans for clinicians and public health professionals that inform the development of tailored, culturally appropriate, equitable, and gender-specific mental health care for women of color in the age of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Daryl Traylor
- University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Eboni Anderson
- A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Mesa, USA
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Bergeron DA, Rey L, Murillo Salazar F, Michaud AM, Ccaniahuire Laura F. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure-the arts as a vehicle for knowledge translation and exchange (KTE) in public health during a pandemic: a realist-informed developmental evaluation research protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058874. [PMID: 36123098 PMCID: PMC9485651 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 crisis has led to the adoption of strict and coercive preventive measures. The implementation of these measures has generated negative impacts for many communities. The situation is especially worrisome for Indigenous communities in Peru. Therefore, it is necessary to recognise the contribution of the experiential knowledge of Indigenous communities and to implement innovative approaches. The use of art can be a promising avenue for working in partnership with Indigenous communities.The goal of this research is to (1) develop an intervention promoting barrier measures and vaccination to limit the transmission of COVID-19 among Indigenous communities using an arts-based and community-based knowledge translation and exchange (ACKTE) model; and (2) understand the contextual elements and mechanisms associated with the process of developing a preventive intervention using the ACKTE model. METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS This research will take place in Indigenous communities in Peru and will be based on a developmental evaluation guided by the principles of realist evaluation. Members of two Indigenous communities, local authorities, health professionals and artists will participate in the intervention development process as well as in the developmental evaluation. For data collection, we will conduct modified talking circles and semistructured individual interviews with stakeholders as well as an analysis of documents and artistic works produced. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS This research received the approval of the Université du Québec à Rimouski's research ethics board. In addition to scientific articles, the results of this research will be disseminated through videos and during an artistic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave A Bergeron
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
- Observatoire des administrations publiques autochtones, École nationale d'administration publique, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Québec, Canada
| | - Lynda Rey
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
- Observatoire des administrations publiques autochtones, École nationale d'administration publique, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fernando Murillo Salazar
- Professional School of Dentistry, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Cusco, Cusco, Peru
| | - Anne Marie Michaud
- Departmental Unit of Educational Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Lévis, Québec, Canada
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Serrano-Gómez D, Velasco-González V, Alconero-Camarero AR, González-López JR, Antonín-Martín M, Borras-Santos A, Edo-Gual M, Gea-Caballero V, Gómez-Urquiza JL, Meneses-Monroy A, Montaña-Peironcely M, Sarabia-Cobo C. COVID-19 Infection among Nursing Students in Spain: The Risk Perception, Perceived Risk Factors, Coping Style, Preventive Knowledge of the Disease and Sense of Coherence as Psychological Predictor Variables: A Cross Sectional Survey. NURSING REPORTS 2022; 12:661-673. [PMID: 36135985 PMCID: PMC9505543 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep12030066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The exploration of patterns of health beliefs about COVID-19 among nursing students may be beneficial to identify behaviors, attitudes and knowledge about contagion risk. We sought to analyze the variables of risk perception, perceived risk factors, coping style, sense of coherence and knowledge of preventive measures as possible predictors of having suffered from COVID-19. Participants were nursing students from 13 universities in Spain. Sociodemographic and health variables were collected. To test the independent variables, the Perception Risk Coping Knowledge (PRCK-COVID-19) scale was created and validated because there was no specific survey for young people adapted to the pandemic situation of COVID-19. It was validated with adequate psychometric properties. A total of 1562 students (87.5% female, mean age 21.5 ± 5.7 years) responded. The high perception of the risk of contagion, the high level of knowledge and a coping style focused on the situation were notable. Significant differences by gender were found in the coping styles, problem-focused, avoidance and knowledge scales, with women scoring higher in all categories. The multiple regression analysis was significant (F = 3.68; p < 0.001). The predictor variables were the coping styles subscale search for support and the intrinsic and extrinsic perceived risk factors. Our model predicts that nursing students with a social support-based coping style are at a higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, based on their own health belief model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Verónica Velasco-González
- Nursing Care Research Group (GICE), Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universidad de Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-983184165
| | | | - José Rafael González-López
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Montserrat Antonín-Martín
- Escola Universitària d’Infermeria, Escoles Universitàries Gimbernat, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, 08174 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alicia Borras-Santos
- Escola Universitària d’Infermeria, Escoles Universitàries Gimbernat, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, 08174 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Edo-Gual
- Escola Universitària d’Infermeria, Escoles Universitàries Gimbernat, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, 08174 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Alfonso Meneses-Monroy
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Montaña-Peironcely
- Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Grup Recerca d’Infermeria, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Carmen Sarabia-Cobo
- Faculty of Nursing, Universidad de Cantabria, IDIVAL Nursing Research Group, 39008 Santander, Spain
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Qiao M, Huang B. Assessment of community vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic: Hong Kong as a case study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION : ITC JOURNAL 2022; 113:103007. [PMID: 36090769 PMCID: PMC9444343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jag.2022.103007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten global public health. Reliable assessment of community vulnerability is therefore essential to fighting and mitigating the pandemic. This study presents a framework that considers the roles of internal and external factors, including the components of social vulnerability, exposure, and sensitivity, to comprehensively and accurately assess community vulnerability to the pandemic. With respect to internal factors, we summarized the inherent social characteristics of people groups using census data and explored the roles of both overall and four major thematic social vulnerabilities in shaping community infection by COVID-19. We then designed two external factors to characterize exposure and sensitivity and implemented an aggregation by multiplying them with the internal social vulnerability to achieve a comprehensive vulnerability assessment. The role of the estimated vulnerability in shaping community infection was evaluated by statistical and spatial analysis as well as by risk factor classification using defined rules. This case study of Hong Kong demonstrated the value of our framework in vulnerability assessment and revealed the role of vulnerability in shaping community infection by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Qiao
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Space and Earth Information Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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Garzón-Orjuela N, Eslava-Schmalbach J, Gil F, Guarnizo-Herreño CC. Plan de seguro de salud: factor que más contribuye a las desigualdades en la mortalidad por COVID-19 en Colombia. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2022; 46:e78. [PMID: 35990530 PMCID: PMC9384892 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2022.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo. Cuantificar las desigualdades socioeconómicas en la mortalidad por COVID-19 en Colombia y evaluar en qué medida el tipo de seguro de salud, la carga de enfermedades concomitantes, la zona de residencia y el origen étnico explican estas desigualdades. Métodos. Se analizaron los datos de una cohorte retrospectiva de casos de COVID-19. Se estimó el índice relativo de desigualdad (IRD) y el índice de desigualdad basado en la pendiente (IDP) utilizando modelos de supervivencia con todos los participantes, y estratificándolos por edad y sexo. El porcentaje de reducción del IRD y el IDP se calculó después de ajustar con respecto a factores que podrían ser relevantes. Resultados. Se pusieron en evidencia desigualdades notables en toda la cohorte y en los subgrupos (edad y sexo). Las desigualdades fueron mayores en los adultos más jóvenes y disminuyeron de manera gradual con la edad, pasando de un IRD de 5,65 (intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC 95%] = 3,25-9,82) en los participantes menores de 25 años a un IRD de 1,49 (IC 95% = 1,41-1,58) en los mayores de 65 años. El tipo de seguro de salud fue el factor más importante, al cual se atribuyó 20% de las desigualdades relativas y 59% de las absolutas. Conclusiones. La mortalidad por COVID-19 en Colombia presenta importantes desigualdades socioeconómicas. El seguro de salud aparece como el factor que más contribuye a estas desigualdades, lo cual plantea retos al diseño de las estrategias de salud pública.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabian Gil
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Garzón-Orjuela N, Eslava-Schmalbach J, Gil F, Guarnizo-Herreño CC. Health Insurance Scheme: Main Contributor to Inequalities in COVID-19 Mortality in Colombia. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:S586-S590. [PMID: 35977331 PMCID: PMC9382140 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2021.306637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To quantify socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 mortality in Colombia and to assess the extent to which type of health insurance, comorbidity burden, area of residence, and ethnicity account for such inequalities. Methods. We analyzed data from a retrospective cohort of COVID-19 cases. We estimated the relative and slope indices of inequality (RII and SII) using survival models for all participants and stratified them by age and gender. We calculated the percentage reduction in RII and SII after adjustment for potentially relevant factors. Results. We identified significant inequalities for the whole cohort and by subgroups (age and gender). Inequalities were higher among younger adults and gradually decreased with age, going from RII of 5.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.25, 9.82) in participants younger than 25 years to RII of 1.49 (95% CI = 1.41, 1.58) in those aged 65 years and older. Type of health insurance was the most important factor, accounting for 20% and 59% of the relative and absolute inequalities, respectively. Conclusions. Significant socioeconomic inequalities exist in COVID-19 mortality in Colombia. Health insurance appears to be the main contributor to those inequalities, posing challenges for the design of public health strategies. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S6):S586-S590. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306637).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly Garzón-Orjuela
- Nathaly Garzón-Orjuela is with the Health Equity Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. Javier Eslava-Schmalbach is with the Health Equity Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. Fabian Gil is with the Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia. Carol C. Guarnizo-Herreño is with the Departamento de Salud Colectiva, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Javier Eslava-Schmalbach
- Nathaly Garzón-Orjuela is with the Health Equity Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. Javier Eslava-Schmalbach is with the Health Equity Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. Fabian Gil is with the Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia. Carol C. Guarnizo-Herreño is with the Departamento de Salud Colectiva, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Fabian Gil
- Nathaly Garzón-Orjuela is with the Health Equity Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. Javier Eslava-Schmalbach is with the Health Equity Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. Fabian Gil is with the Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia. Carol C. Guarnizo-Herreño is with the Departamento de Salud Colectiva, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carol C Guarnizo-Herreño
- Nathaly Garzón-Orjuela is with the Health Equity Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. Javier Eslava-Schmalbach is with the Health Equity Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. Fabian Gil is with the Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia. Carol C. Guarnizo-Herreño is with the Departamento de Salud Colectiva, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Bardus M, Al Daccache M, Maalouf N, Al Sarih R, Elhajj IH. Data Management and Privacy Policy of COVID-19 Contact-Tracing Apps: Systematic Review and Content Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e35195. [PMID: 35709334 PMCID: PMC9278406 DOI: 10.2196/35195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 digital contact-tracing apps were created to assist public health authorities in curbing the pandemic. These apps require users' permission to access specific functions on their mobile phones, such as geolocation, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections, or personal data, to work correctly. As these functions have privacy repercussions, it is essential to establish how contact-tracing apps respect users' privacy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to systematically map existing contact-tracing apps and evaluate the permissions required and their privacy policies. Specifically, we evaluated the type of permissions, the privacy policies' readability, and the information included in them. METHODS We used custom Google searches and existing lists of contact-tracing apps to identify potentially eligible apps between May 2020 and November 2021. We included contact-tracing or exposure notification apps with a Google Play webpage from which we extracted app characteristics (eg, sponsor, number of installs, and ratings). We used Exodus Privacy to systematically extract the number of permissions and classify them as dangerous or normal. We computed a Permission Accumulated Risk Score representing the threat level to the user's privacy. We assessed the privacy policies' readability and evaluated their content using a 13-item checklist, which generated a Privacy Transparency Index. We explored the relationships between app characteristics, Permission Accumulated Risk Score, and Privacy Transparency Index using correlations, chi-square tests, or ANOVAs. RESULTS We identified 180 contact-tracing apps across 152 countries, states, or territories. We included 85.6% (154/180) of apps with a working Google Play page, most of which (132/154, 85.7%) had a privacy policy document. Most apps were developed by governments (116/154, 75.3%) and totaled 264.5 million installs. The average rating on Google Play was 3.5 (SD 0.7). Across the 154 apps, we identified 94 unique permissions, 18% (17/94) of which were dangerous, and 30 trackers. The average Permission Accumulated Risk Score was 22.7 (SD 17.7; range 4-74, median 16) and the average Privacy Transparency Index was 55.8 (SD 21.7; range 5-95, median 55). Overall, the privacy documents were difficult to read (median grade level 12, range 7-23); 67% (88/132) of these mentioned that the apps collected personal identifiers. The Permission Accumulated Risk Score was negatively associated with the average App Store ratings (r=-0.20; P=.03; 120/154, 77.9%) and Privacy Transparency Index (r=-0.25; P<.001; 132/154, 85.7%), suggesting that the higher the risk to one's data, the lower the apps' ratings and transparency index. CONCLUSIONS Many contact-tracing apps were developed covering most of the planet but with a relatively low number of installs. Privacy-preserving apps scored high in transparency and App Store ratings, suggesting that some users appreciate these apps. Nevertheless, privacy policy documents were difficult to read for an average audience. Therefore, we recommend following privacy-preserving and transparency principles to improve contact-tracing uptake while making privacy documents more readable for a wider public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bardus
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Melodie Al Daccache
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Noel Maalouf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rayan Al Sarih
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Imad H Elhajj
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Zachariah D, Mouwad D, Muscat DM, Ayre J, Nutbeam D, McCaffery KJ. Addressing the Health Literacy Needs and Experiences of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations in Australia during COVID-19: A Research Embedded Participatory Approach. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 27:439-449. [PMID: 36120983 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2022.2118910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Communicating health information quickly and effectively with diverse populations has been essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, health communication practices are often top down and poorly designed to rapidly meet diverse health literacy, cultural and contextual needs of the population. This paper describes a research and practice partnership focused on health literacy, multicultural health, and community engagement to address COVID-19 in Australia. The partnership became influential in the local and state-based response to the COVID-19 Delta outbreak in Western and South Western Sydney, an area of high cultural and socioeconomic diversity. Our approach, bringing together academic researchers and frontline health staff working with multicultural populations using a model of co-design and community engagement and action via the "4 M model," has been successful. It supported the Western Sydney community to achieve some of the highest vaccination rates in the world (>90%). There is an ongoing need to engage respectfully and responsively with communities to address specific challenges that they face and tailor communications and supports accordingly for successful pandemic management. Combining co-designed empirical research with community engagement and action ensures needs are robustly identified and can be appropriately addressed to support an effective public health response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Zachariah
- Multicultural Health, Integrated and Community Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, North Parramatta, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Dana Mouwad
- Health Literacy Hub, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Danielle Marie Muscat
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Health Literacy Hub, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie Ayre
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Health Literacy Hub, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Don Nutbeam
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Health Literacy Hub, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsten Jo McCaffery
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Health Literacy Hub, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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