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Trachtenberg E, Ruzal K, Forkosh O, Ben-Ami Bartal I. The effect of a prosocial environment on health and well-being during the first COVID-19 lockdown and a year later. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6565. [PMID: 38503824 PMCID: PMC10951249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56979-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The outset of the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by prolonged periods of chronic stress and social isolation. While studies have investigated the changes to well-being (WB) during this period, the impact of the social environment on long-term physical and mental health requires further study. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing WB and health outcomes, with the hypothesis that a positive social environment would play a significant immediate and long-term role in improving WB and preventing the effects of anxiety associated with the pandemic. At time point 1 (April 2020), an Israeli sample of 206 participants (84% female, mean age 31.5) responded to traditional questionnaires assessing mental health and social support. Factors affecting WB were assessed within subjects during the first COVID-19 lockdown for 6 weeks using a daily survey (Beiwe phone application). A year later, in May 2021, at time point 2, the initial questionnaires were readministered to a subset of the same participants (N = 94). We found that anxiety during the first lockdown adversely affected WB and predicted health and WB deterioration a year later. In contrast, a high quality of social relationships was associated with better short- and long-term WB, and mitigated the adverse effects of anxiety. Daily activities, including physical activity, meditation, and romantic relations, were also positively associated with WB during the first lockdown but did not have long-term effects. In summary, our study underscores the enduring health advantages of a positive social environment, particularly during stressful periods. These results have implications for health policymakers: programs which support individuals with high anxiety and low support, by integrating them into community-based interventions, promise to enhance well-being (WB) and health, as well as to fortify the community as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estherina Trachtenberg
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Ruzal
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Oren Forkosh
- Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Animal Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Inbal Ben-Ami Bartal
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Weidener L, Fischer M. Proposing a Principle-Based Approach for Teaching AI Ethics in Medical Education. JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 10:e55368. [PMID: 38285931 PMCID: PMC10891487 DOI: 10.2196/55368] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, potentially leading to substantial advancements such as improved diagnostics, has been of increasing scientific and societal interest in recent years. However, the use of AI raises new ethical challenges, such as an increased risk of bias and potential discrimination against patients, as well as misdiagnoses potentially leading to over- or underdiagnosis with substantial consequences for patients. Recognizing these challenges, current research underscores the importance of integrating AI ethics into medical education. This viewpoint paper aims to introduce a comprehensive set of ethical principles for teaching AI ethics in medical education. This dynamic and principle-based approach is designed to be adaptive and comprehensive, addressing not only the current but also emerging ethical challenges associated with the use of AI in medicine. This study conducts a theoretical analysis of the current academic discourse on AI ethics in medical education, identifying potential gaps and limitations. The inherent interconnectivity and interdisciplinary nature of these anticipated challenges are illustrated through a focused discussion on "informed consent" in the context of AI in medicine and medical education. This paper proposes a principle-based approach to AI ethics education, building on the 4 principles of medical ethics-autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice-and extending them by integrating 3 public health ethics principles-efficiency, common good orientation, and proportionality. The principle-based approach to teaching AI ethics in medical education proposed in this study offers a foundational framework for addressing the anticipated ethical challenges of using AI in medicine, recommended in the current academic discourse. By incorporating the 3 principles of public health ethics, this principle-based approach ensures that medical ethics education remains relevant and responsive to the dynamic landscape of AI integration in medicine. As the advancement of AI technologies in medicine is expected to increase, medical ethics education must adapt and evolve accordingly. The proposed principle-based approach for teaching AI ethics in medical education provides an important foundation to ensure that future medical professionals are not only aware of the ethical dimensions of AI in medicine but also equipped to make informed ethical decisions in their practice. Future research is required to develop problem-based and competency-oriented learning objectives and educational content for the proposed principle-based approach to teaching AI ethics in medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Weidener
- UMIT TIROL - Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Michael Fischer
- UMIT TIROL - Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
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Ayatizadeh SH, Borazjani R, Fereidooni R, Jamali K, Fard HA, Homaeifar R, Shayan L, Saadatjoo Z, Paydar S. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on trauma mortality patients: A retrospective observational study in an Iranian level 1 trauma center. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1883. [PMID: 38357493 PMCID: PMC10864731 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the epidemiology of various clinical conditions, including trauma which is closely tied to social policies. This study examines and compares the characteristics of trauma mortality patients, and their initial prognostic trauma scores, in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study involving patients who passed away at a level 1 trauma center from July 23, 2018, to February 19, 2020 (prepandemic), and from February 20, 2020, to September 22, 2021 (pandemic). A subgroup analysis that matched 12 of the same months of the year in the two periods was also done. Patients who arrived deceased or passed away immediately upon arrival were excluded from data analysis. We collected and analyzed demographic and clinical data, employing the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Trauma and ISS (TRISS) to compare initial prognoses. Results Our study encompassed 1128 patients, with 529 in the prepandemic group and 599 in the pandemic group. Demographic characteristics showed no significant differences in the number of patients in the two periods. Motor vehicle accidents remained the predominant injury mechanism in both periods. While the mean ISS increased insignificantly (22.80 vs. 22.91, p = 0.902), the mean RTS decreased (6.32 vs. 5.82), and TRISS increased (23.97% vs. 28.93%) during the pandemic (p < 0.05). Hospital length of stay decreased in the pandemic period (15.57 vs. 12.54 days, p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed increased ISS, decreased RTS, and increased TRISS during the pandemic (p < 0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, while overall demographics and injury mechanisms remained virtually unchanged, trauma patients during the pandemic displayed worse estimated clinical prognoses, particularly in physiological trauma scores. The heightened mortality rate was attributed to poorer clinical conditions of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyyed HamidReza Ayatizadeh
- Student Research CommitteeShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- Trauma Research Center, Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Roham Borazjani
- Trauma Research Center, Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Reza Fereidooni
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Kazem Jamali
- Trauma Research Center, Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | | | - Reza Homaeifar
- Trauma Research Center, Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Leila Shayan
- Trauma Research Center, Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Zohreh Saadatjoo
- Trauma Research Center, Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Shahram Paydar
- Trauma Research Center, Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
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Alexandrino da Silva MF, Oliveira Portela FS, Sposato Louzada AC, Teivelis MP, Amaro Junior E, Wolosker N. National Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Analysis of the Impact of Pandemic COVID-19 on Vascular Procedures in Public Health System: 521,069 Procedures Over 4 Years. Ann Vasc Surg 2024; 98:7-17. [PMID: 37717819 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2023.07.103] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a dramatic increase in healthcare demand. Resources were redirected to care patients with COVID-19. Therefore, surgical treatments were affected, including those of vascular diseases. There are no studies evaluating the whole impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering all types of vascular procedures, both elective and urgent, in a large country. The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact on all types of vascular procedures performed in Brazilian public hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Cross-sectional population-based analysis of publicly available data referring to vascular procedures. Surgeries 2 years before the pandemic onset (2018-2019) and 2 years during pandemic (2020-2021) were included. RESULTS We observed a total of 521,069 procedures. Decrease was observed in elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs both open surgery (P = 0.001) and endovascular surgery (P < 0.001), emergency open abdominal repairs (P = 0.005), elective thoracic aortic aneurysm repairs (P = 0.007), elective open peripheral aneurysm repairs (P = 0.038), carotid endarterectomies (P < 0.001) and angioplasties (P = 0.001), open revascularizations for peripheral arterial disease (P < 0.001), surgical treatment of chronic venous disease (P < 0.001) and sympathectomies for hyperhidrosis (P < 0.001). However, there was an increase of lower limb amputations (P = 0.027) and vena cava filter placements (P = 0.005). There was a reduction of almost US$17 million in financial investments. CONCLUSIONS The reorganization of health systems led to a significant reduction in vascular procedures and decrease in financial investments. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the number of lower limb amputations and vena cava filter placements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Fiorelli Alexandrino da Silva
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Andressa Cristina Sposato Louzada
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Passos Teivelis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Edson Amaro Junior
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nelson Wolosker
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Lampl S, Cohen Y, Maor Y, Ben-David D. Impact of intensified prevention measures on the rate of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2023; 3:e235. [PMID: 38156205 PMCID: PMC10753508 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2023.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased rates of hospital-acquired infections. During the early months of the pandemic, we observed high rates of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs) among COVID-19 patients, prompting the implementation of intensified prevention measures. Objectives To assess the prevalence of HA-BSI among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, identify risk factors, and evaluate the effect of prevention measures. Methods We conducted a retrospective matched case-control study in adult medical step-up units between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. We matched mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients with ventilated non-COVID-19 patients based on age group and length of stay before ventilation. In response to the high rates of HA-BSI among COVID-19 patients, a comprehensive infection control intervention was implemented. Results A total of 136 COVID-19 patients were matched with 136 non-COVID-19 patients. No significant differences were observed in pre-hospitalization characteristics. The central venous catheter utilization ratio was higher in COVID-19 patients (83.6%) versus 35.6% in the control group (p < 0.001). During pre-intervention, 35.2% (32/91) of COVID-19 patients developed HA-BSI, compared to 17.8% (13/73) in the control group (p < 0.001). Following the intervention, no significant difference was observed between the groups (17.8% (8/45) versus 15.9% (10 /63), p = 0.79). In a multivariate analysis, HA-BSI was associated with low body mass index (OR 0.9 (95% CI 0.9-1.0), p = 0.015)) and presence of temporary dialysis catheter (OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.0-7.3), p = 0.05)). Conclusions Mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients were at higher risk for developing HA-BSI compared to non-COVID-19 patients. Intensified prevention measures were associated with decreased rates of HA-BSI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yasmin Maor
- Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Debby Ben-David
- Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Fortuna D, Caselli L, Berti E, Moro ML. Mortality and healthcare assessment among patients with chronic disease over 2 years of COVID-19: a population-based study in a large hard-hit Italian region. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073477. [PMID: 38149421 PMCID: PMC10711920 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073477] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to provide a region-wide comprehensive account of the indirect effects of COVID-19 on patients with chronic disease, in terms of non-COVID-19 mortality, and access to both inpatient and outpatient health services over a 2-year pandemic period. DESIGN Population-based retrospective study. SETTING Adult patients, affected by at least 1 of 32 prevalent chronic conditions, residing in the Emilia-Romagna Region in Italy, during the years 2020 (N=1 791 189, 47.7% of the overall adult regional population) and 2021 (N=1 801 071, 47.8%). RESULTS Overall, non-COVID-19 mortality among patients with chronic disease during the pandemic (2.7%) did not differ substantially from the expected mortality (2.5%), based on a 3 years prepandemic period (2017-2019) and adjusting for the demographic and clinical characteristics of the population under study. Indeed, while the first pandemic wave was characterised by a significant non-COVID-19 excess mortality (March: +35%), the subsequent phases did not show such disruptive variations in non-COVID-19 deaths, which remained around or even below the excess mortality threshold. End-of-life care of patients with chronic disease, especially for non-COVID-19 cases, significantly shifted from hospitalisations (-19%), to homecare (ADI: +7%; w/o ADI: +9%). Overall, healthcare of patients without COVID-19 chronic disease decreased, with similar negative trends in hospitalisations (-15.5%), major procedures (-19.6%) and ER accesses (-23.7%). Homecare was the least affected by the pandemic, with an overall reduction of -9.8%. COVID-19 outbreak also impacted on different types of outpatient care. Rehabilitation therapies, specialist visits, diagnostic and lab tests were considerably reduced during the first pandemic wave and consequent lockdown, with access rates of patients without COVID-19 chronic disease below -60%. CONCLUSIONS This work thoroughly describes how a large and well-defined population of patients without COVID-19 chronic disease has been affected by the changes and reorganisation in the healthcare system during 2 years of the pandemic, highlighting health priorities and challenges in chronic disease management under conditions of limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fortuna
- Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Luana Caselli
- Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Elena Berti
- Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Moro
- Regional Agency for Health and Social Care, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
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Al-Dhafiri M, Alhajri A, Alwayel ZA, Alturaiki JA, Bu Izran SA, Alhammad FA, Aljumaiah RM. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Prevalence and Clinical Overview: A Single Center Study from Saudi Arabia, Eastern Region, Al-Ahsa. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:507. [PMID: 38133439 PMCID: PMC10748161 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8120507] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne parasitic disease that is transmitted via the bites of infected female sandflies. CL has been endemic in several countries worldwide for many decades, and numerous cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, particularly across six regions; one of which is AL-Ahsa. Our research aimed to evaluate the epidemiological situation of CL among the patients in Al-Ahsa, Eastern region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the period from 2017 to 2023. The data were collected from the patients' registries and included 245 patients who were diagnosed with CL in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Fewer than half of the cases (47.8%) were Saudi patients, with a significant number of them being males (84.5%). Over half of the cases (52.7%) were aged between 21 and 40 years, and about three-quarters (74.7%) of the cases resided in rural areas. Regarding the nature of the lesions, 38.4% of the cases had one lesion, which was mainly distributed on a lower extremity (62.0%) or an upper extremity (52.2%). A high percentage of the lesions (75.2%) were wet lesions and caused by L. major. Concerning risk factors, a greater number of patients (71.4%) had been in rural areas within the last three months. Additionally, more than half of the cases (54.3%) had close contact with rodents, followed by birds (28.2%), sheep (22.0%), dogs (16.3%), and other animals (1.2%). The results showed a low number of reported CL cases in 2020 and 2021, followed by a surge in 2022 and 2023. The study shows that cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a public health problem in Al-Ahsa and is primarily associated with rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Al-Dhafiri
- Department of Dermatology, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen Alhajri
- Department of Dermatology, King Fahad Hospital, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Zahraa Ali Alwayel
- General Practitioner, The Ministry of Health, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Shaima Ali Bu Izran
- Internal Medicine Resident, King Fahad Hospital, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia (R.M.A.)
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Manla Y, Badarin FA, Bader N, Lee-St John T, Mehra MR, Bader F. Worldwide and Country-Specific Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Heart Transplantation Volumes: A Longitudinal Analysis of 2020 and 2021. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101870. [PMID: 37302643 PMCID: PMC10256589 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101870] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic hampered operational efficiency of heart transplant (HT) programs worldwide. Little is known about the global and country-specific changes in HT volumes during the pandemic years 2020-2021. We aimed to describe the global and country-level impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HT volumes in 2020-2021. This is a cross-sectional study of the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation, including the years 2019-2021. Among 60 countries that reported HT data in the years 2019-2020, we analyzed 52 countries with ≥1 transplant during each year. Overall, the number of HTs decreased during 2020 by 9.3% (1.82 to 1.65 PMP). While 75% (n = 39/52) of countries experienced a decrease in HT volumes in 2020, volumes were maintained/increased in the remaining countries. Countries with maintained HT volumes had a higher organ donation rate in 2020 compared to those with decreased volumes (P = 0.03), the only significant predictor of change in HT volumes (P = 0.005). In 2021, a 6.6% recovery from the previous year's drop in global HT rate was noticed, reaching 1.76 HT PMP. Only 1 in 5 countries with reduced volumes in 2020 recovered their baseline volumes in 2021. Only 30.8% of countries with maintained volumes in 2020 had continued growth in HT volumes in 2021. The latter group encompassed the United States of America, the Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal. Further work should define underlying causes of this heterogeneity in HT volume during the pandemic. Identifying policies and practices that helped certain countries mitigate the effect of the pandemic on HT activities may help other countries during similar health crises in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosef Manla
- Department of Cardiology, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Firas Al Badarin
- Department of Cardiology, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nour Bader
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Terrence Lee-St John
- Research Department, Academic Office, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mandeep R Mehra
- Center for Advanced Heart Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Feras Bader
- Department of Cardiology, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Hamid M, Mirtorabi N, Ghumman A, Khalid A, Noormohamed MS, Kapoulas S, Singhal R, Nijjar R, Richardson M, Wiggins T. Tackling a Post-COVID-19 Cholecystectomy Waiting List: Are We Meeting the Challenge? MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1872. [PMID: 37893590 PMCID: PMC10608591 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101872] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a tremendous backlog in elective surgical activity. Our hospital trust adopted an innovative approach to dealing with elective waiting times for cholecystectomy during the recovery phase from COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate trends in overall cholecystectomy activity and the effect on waiting times. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was undertaken, investigating patients who received a cholecystectomy at a large United Kingdom hospital trust between February 2021 and February 2022. There were multiple phased strategies to tackle a 533-patient waiting list: private sector, multiple sites including emergency operating, mobile theatre, and seven-day working. The correlation of determination (R2) and Kruskal-Wallis analysis were used to evaluate trends in waiting times across the study period. Results: A total of 657 patients underwent a cholecystectomy. The median age was 49 years, 602 (91.6%) patients had an ASA of 1-2, and 494 (75.2%) were female. A total of 30 (4.6%) patients were listed due to gallstone pancreatitis, 380 (57.8%) for symptomatic cholelithiasis, and 228 (34.7%) for calculous cholecystitis. Median waiting times were reduced from 428 days (IQR 373-508) to 49 days (IQR 34-96), R2 = 0.654, p < 0.001. For pancreatitis specifically, waiting times had decreased from a median of 218 days (IQR 139-239) to 28 (IQR 24-40), R2 = 0.613, p < 0.001. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the methodology utilised to safely and effectively tackle the cholecystectomy waiting list locally. The approach utilised here has potential to be adapted to other units or similar operation types in order to reduce elective waiting times.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tom Wiggins
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK
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10
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Li J, Fong DYT, Lok KYW, Wong JYH, Man Ho M, Choi EPH, Pandian V, Davidson PM, Duan W, Tarrant M, Lee JJ, Lin CC, Akingbade O, Alabdulwahhab KM, Ahmad MS, Alboraie M, Alzahrani MA, Bilimale AS, Boonpatcharanon S, Byiringiro S, Hasan MKC, Schettini LC, Corzo W, De Leon JM, De Leon AS, Deek H, Efficace F, El Nayal MA, El-Raey F, Ensaldo-Carrasco E, Escotorin P, Fadodun OA, Fawole IO, Goh YSS, Irawan D, Khan NE, Koirala B, Krishna A, Kwok C, Le TT, Leal DG, Lezana-Fernández MÁ, Manirambona E, Mantoani LC, Meneses-González F, Mohamed IE, Mukeshimana M, Nguyen CTM, Nguyen HTT, Nguyen KT, Nguyen ST, Nurumal MS, Nzabonimana A, Omer NAMA, Ogungbe O, Poon ACY, Reséndiz-Rodriguez A, Puang-Ngern B, Sagun CG, Shaik RA, Shankar NG, Sommer K, Toro E, Tran HTH, Urgel EL, Uwiringiyimana E, Vanichbuncha T, Youssef N. Global impacts of COVID-19 on lifestyles and health and preparation preferences: An international survey of 30 countries. J Glob Health 2023; 13:06031. [PMID: 37565394 PMCID: PMC10416140 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.06031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The health area being greatest impacted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and residents' perspective to better prepare for future pandemic remain unknown. We aimed to assess and make cross-country and cross-region comparisons of the global impacts of COVID-19 and preparation preferences of pandemic. Methods We recruited adults in 30 countries covering all World Health Organization (WHO) regions from July 2020 to August 2021. 5 Likert-point scales were used to measure their perceived change in 32 aspects due to COVID-19 (-2 = substantially reduced to 2 = substantially increased) and perceived importance of 13 preparations (1 = not important to 5 = extremely important). Samples were stratified by age and gender in the corresponding countries. Multidimensional preference analysis displays disparities between 30 countries, WHO regions, economic development levels, and COVID-19 severity levels. Results 16 512 adults participated, with 10 351 females. Among 32 aspects of impact, the most affected were having a meal at home (mean (m) = 0.84, standard error (SE) = 0.01), cooking at home (m = 0.78, SE = 0.01), social activities (m = -0.68, SE = 0.01), duration of screen time (m = 0.67, SE = 0.01), and duration of sitting (m = 0.59, SE = 0.01). Alcohol (m = -0.36, SE = 0.01) and tobacco (m = -0.38, SE = 0.01) consumption declined moderately. Among 13 preparations, respondents rated medicine delivery (m = 3.50, SE = 0.01), getting prescribed medicine in a hospital visit / follow-up in a community pharmacy (m = 3.37, SE = 0.01), and online shopping (m = 3.33, SE = 0.02) as the most important. The multidimensional preference analysis showed the European Region, Region of the Americas, Western Pacific Region and countries with a high-income level or medium to high COVID-19 severity were more adversely impacted on sitting and screen time duration and social activities, whereas other regions and countries experienced more cooking and eating at home. Countries with a high-income level or medium to high COVID-19 severity reported higher perceived mental burden and emotional distress. Except for low- and lower-middle-income countries, medicine delivery was always prioritised. Conclusions Global increasing sitting and screen time and limiting social activities deserve as much attention as mental health. Besides, the pandemic has ushered in a notable enhancement in lifestyle of home cooking and eating, while simultaneously reducing the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. A health care system and technological infrastructure that facilitate medicine delivery, medicine prescription, and online shopping are priorities for coping with future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Li
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Daniel Yee Tak Fong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kris Yuet Wan Lok
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Janet Yuen Ha Wong
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mandy Man Ho
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Edmond Pui Hang Choi
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vinciya Pandian
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Patricia M Davidson
- Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Wenjie Duan
- Department of Social Work, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Marie Tarrant
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jung Jae Lee
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chia-Chin Lin
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Oluwadamilare Akingbade
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Institute of Nursing Research, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | - Mohammad Shakil Ahmad
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Meshari A Alzahrani
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anil S Bilimale
- School of Public Health, JSS Medical College, JSS AHER, Mysuru, India
| | | | - Samuel Byiringiro
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hiba Deek
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Beirut Arab University, Lebanon
| | - Fabio Efficace
- Italian Group for Adult Hematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Data Center and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fathiya El-Raey
- Department of hepatogastroenterology and infectious diseases, Damietta faculty of medicine, Al-Azher University, Egypt
| | | | - Pilar Escotorin
- Laboratory of Applied Prosocial Research, Department of Basic, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Yong-Shian Shawn Goh
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Devi Irawan
- School of Nursing, Wijaya Husada Health Institute, Bogor, Indonesia
| | | | - Binu Koirala
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Cannas Kwok
- School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Health Care Science, Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Emery Manirambona
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Leandro Cruz Mantoani
- Laboratory of Research in Respiratory Physiotherapy (LFIP), Department of Physiotherapy, State University of Londrina (UEL) – Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Iman Elmahdi Mohamed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Benghazi University, Libya
| | - Madeleine Mukeshimana
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | | | - Mohd Said Nurumal
- Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Aimable Nzabonimana
- Center for Language Enhancement, College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ceryl G Sagun
- School of Nursing, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines
| | - Riyaz Ahmed Shaik
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nikhil Gauri Shankar
- Mental Health and Learning division, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Wrexham, United Kingdom
| | - Kathrin Sommer
- Italian Group for Adult Hematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Data Center and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Edgardo Toro
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, School of Social Work, Valparaíso, Chile
| | | | - Elvira L Urgel
- School of Nursing, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Tita Vanichbuncha
- Department of Statistics, Chulalongkorn Business School, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Naglaa Youssef
- Medical-surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt
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11
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Stolzenberg L, Huang A, Usman M, MacGregor G. A Descriptive Survey Investigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Public's Perception of Healthcare Professionals. Cureus 2023; 15:e41703. [PMID: 37575848 PMCID: PMC10415964 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought immense attention to the healthcare system and its workers. While much research has been completed about the effects of COVID-19 on the healthcare system, little exists about how the opinions of patients have been altered by this pandemic. We decided to further investigate how the public opinion of healthcare workers (HCWs) has changed to better understand how best we can serve society. The key takeaway from the data was that both the levels of perceived trustworthiness and respectability of healthcare workers decreased following the pandemic. Data showed that the level of perceived respectability decreased from an average of 7.84 to 7.30 and the level of perceived trustworthiness from 7.38 to 6.54, all of these values out of 10. While these changes were not enormous, they demonstrate a striking trend and were found to be significant through a paired t-test. Finally, respondents were also queried about their level of desire in pursuing healthcare as a career field and overwhelmingly there was little interest, with an average level of 1.24 out of 10. We believe our data and results show important trends that all HCWs should be aware of; notably decreasing interest in the field, reduced trust, and decrease in respect, all of which will require further study and analysis. We must consider the current environment in which small mistakes or mistrust can have grave consequences on public health and patient compliance. In addition, the lack of interest in joining the medical community is concerning considering the large efflux of workers leaving the profession. Future studies could focus on how to increase trust in HCWs or attract more people to the healthcare field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Austin Huang
- Neurology, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | - Mohammad Usman
- Anesthesiology, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | - Gordon MacGregor
- Pharmacology, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
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12
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Akter F, Haq A, Godman B, Chowdhury K, Kumar S, Haque M. Impact of Lockdown Measures on Health Outcomes of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Bangladesh. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081191. [PMID: 37108025 PMCID: PMC10137871 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081191] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 lockdown measures appreciably affected patients' lifestyles, negatively impacting on their health. This includes patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Care of these patients was also negatively impacted due to a priority to treat patients with COVID-19, certainly initially, within hospitals and clinics in Bangladesh, combined with a lack of access to clinics and physicians due to lockdown and other measures. This is a concern in Bangladesh with growing rates of T2DM and subsequent complications. Consequently, we sought to critically analyze the situation among patients with T2DM in Bangladesh during the initial stages of the pandemic to address this information gap and provide future direction. Overall, 731 patients were recruited by a simple random sampling method among patients attending hospitals in Bangladesh, with data collected over 3 timescales: before lockdown, during the pandemic, and after lockdown. Data extracted from patients' notes included current prescribed medicines and key parameters, including blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and comorbidities. In addition, the extent of record keeping. The glycemic status of patients deteriorated during lockdown, and comorbidities as well as complications related to T2DM increased during this period. Overall, a significant proportion of key datasets were not recorded in patients' notes by their physician before and during lockdown. This started to change after lockdown measures eased. In conclusion, lockdown measures critically affected the management of patients with T2DM in Bangladesh, building on previous concerns. Extending internet coverage for telemedicine, introduction of structured guidelines, and appreciably increasing data recording during consultations is of the utmost priority to improve the care of T2DM patients in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Akter
- Department of Endocrinology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram 4203, Bangladesh
| | - Ahsanul Haq
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kona Chowdhury
- Department of Pediatrics, Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, Dhaka 1344, Bangladesh
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Karnavati School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar 382422, Gujarat, India
| | - Mainul Haque
- Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
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13
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Iqbal P, Ata F, Chaudhry H, Muthanna B, Waqas Younas H, Munamm SAU, Sharma R, Fadah K, Elazzazy S, Hamad A, Said Abu Tabar O, Omar NE. Post-COVID-19-associated multiorgan complications or "long COVID" with literature review and management strategy discussion: A meta-analysis. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1211. [PMID: 37064319 PMCID: PMC10103688 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1211] [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: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the post-COVID-19 long-term complications or long COVID of various organ systems in patients after 3 months of the infection, specifically before the Omicron variant, with comparative literature analysis. Methods A systemic literature search and meta-analysis were conducted using multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library) with predefined search terms to identify eligible articles. Eligible studies reported long-term complications of COVID-19 infection before the Omicron variant infection. Case reports, case series, observational studies with cross-sectional or prospective research design, case-control studies, and experimental studies that reported post-COVID-19 complications were included. The complications reported after 3 months after the recovery from COVID-19 infection were included in the study. Results The total number of studies available for analysis was 34. The effect size (ES) for neurological complications was 29% with 95% confidence interval (CI): 19%-39%. ES for psychiatric complications was 24% with 95% CI: 7%-41%. ES was 9% for cardiac outcomes, with a 95% CI of 1%-18%. ES was 22%, 95% CI: 5%-39% for the gastrointestinal outcome. ES for musculoskeletal symptoms was 18% with 95% CI: 9%-28%. ES for pulmonary complications was 28% with 95% CI: 18%-37%. ES for dermatological complications was 25%, with a 95% CI of 23%-26%. ES for endocrine outcomes was 8%, with a 95% CI of 8%-9%. ES size for renal outcomes was 3% with a 95% CI of 1%-7%. At the same time, other miscellaneous uncategorized outcomes had ES of 39% with 95% CI of 21%-57%. Apart from analyzing COVID-19 systemic complications outcomes, the ES for hospitalization and intensive care unit admissions were found to be 4%, 95% CI: 0%-7%, and 11% with 95% CI: 8%-14%. Conclusion By acquiring the data and statistically analyzing the post-COVID-19 complications during the prevalence of most virulent strains, this study has generated a different way of understanding COVID-19 and its complications for better community health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phool Iqbal
- Department of Internal MedicineNew York Medical College/Metropolitan Hospital CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Fateen Ata
- Department of EndocrinologyHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Hassan Chaudhry
- Department of Respiratory MedicineUniversity Hospital of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Bassam Muthanna
- Department of GeriatricsUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Syed Ata ul Munamm
- Department of Public HealthHealth Services Academy IslamabadIslamabadPakistan
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Internal MedicineGeisinger Health SystemDanvillePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Kahtan Fadah
- Department of Internal MedicineTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El PasoLubbockTexasUSA
| | - Shereen Elazzazy
- Pharmacy DepartmentNational Centre for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Anas Hamad
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyNational Centre for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Osama Said Abu Tabar
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of MedicineCase Western Reserve UniversityAbu DhabiUAE
| | - Nabil E. Omar
- Pharmacy DepartmentNational Centre for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
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14
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Amsah N, Md Isa Z, Ahmad N, Abdul Manaf MR. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Utilization among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4577. [PMID: 36901588 PMCID: PMC10002238 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, healthcare services have been grossly overwhelmed by the pandemic. Due to this circumstance, routine care for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been temporarily disrupted. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare utilization among patients with T2DM. A systematic search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases. The process of identifying the final articles followed the PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria were articles published between 2020 and 2022, written in English, and studies focusing on the research question. Any proceedings and books were excluded. A total of fourteen articles relevant to the research question were extracted. Following that, the included articles were critically appraised using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool to assess the quality of the studies. The findings were further classified into three themes: reduced healthcare utilization among T2DM patients in routine healthcare services, a surge of telemedicine usage, and delay in the delivery of healthcare services. The key messages include demands for monitoring the long-term effects of the missed care and that better preparedness is crucial for any pandemic in the future. A tight diagnostic workup at the community level and regular follow-ups are crucial in managing the impact of the pandemic among T2DM patients. Telemedicine should be on the agenda of the health system to maintain and complement healthcare services. Future research is warranted to determine effective strategies to deal with the impact of the pandemic on healthcare utilization and delivery among T2DM patients. A clear policy is essential and should be established.
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15
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Prodhan AHMSU, Islam DZ, Khandker SS, Jamiruddin MR, Abdullah A, Godman B, Opanga S, Kumar S, Sharma P, Adnan N, Pisana A, Haque M. Breast Cancer Management in the Era of Covid-19; Key Issues, Contemporary Strategies, and Future Implications. BREAST CANCER (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS) 2023; 15:51-89. [PMID: 36733464 PMCID: PMC9888303 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s390296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several priority diseases were not getting sufficient attention. Whilst breast cancer is a fatal disease affecting millions worldwide, identification and management of these patients did not initially attract critical attention to minimize the impact of lockdown, post-lockdown, and other measures. Breast cancer patients' conditions may not remain stable without proper care, worsening their prognosis. Proper care includes the timely instigation of surgery, systemic therapy, and psychological support. This includes low-and middle-income countries where there are already concerns with available personnel and medicines to adequately identify and treat these patients. Consequently, there was a need to summarize the current scenario regarding managing breast cancer care during COVID-19 across all countries, including any guidelines developed. We systematically searched three scientific databases and found 76 eligible articles covering the medical strategies of high-income countries versus LMICs. Typically, diagnostic facilities in hospitals were affected at the beginning of the pandemic following the lockdown and other measures. This resulted in more advanced-stage cancers being detected at initial presentation across countries, negatively impacting patient outcomes. Other than increased telemedicine, instigating neo-adjuvant endocrine therapy more often, reducing non-essential visits, and increasing the application of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to meet the challenges, encouragingly, there was no other significant difference among patients in high-income versus LMICs. Numerous guidelines regarding patient management evolved during the pandemic to address the challenges posed by lockdowns and other measures, which were subsequently adopted by various high-income countries and LMICs to improve patient care. The psychological impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdown measures, especially during the peak of COVID-19 waves, and the subsequent effect on the patient's mental health must also be considered in this high-priority group. We will continue to monitor the situation to provide direction in future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dewan Zubaer Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Shahad Saif Khandker
- Department of Biochemistry, Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, Dhaka, 1344, Bangladesh
| | | | - Adnan Abdullah
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK,Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates,Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - Sylvia Opanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Karnavati School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Paras Sharma
- Department of Pharmacognosy, BVM College of Pharmacy, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474006, India
| | - Nihad Adnan
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh,Correspondence: Nihad Adnan, Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh, Email ;Mainul Haque, The Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan, Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sugai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia, Tel +60109265543, Email
| | - Alice Pisana
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mainul Haque
- The Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan, Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
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16
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Mora N, Fina F, Méndez-Boo L, Cantenys R, Benítez M, Moreno N, Balló E, Hermosilla E, Fàbregas M, Guiriguet C, Cos X, Rodoreda S, Mas A, Lejardi Y, Coma E, Medina M. "Decline and uneven recovery from 7 common long-term conditions managed in the Catalan primary care after two pandemic years: an observational retrospective population-based study using primary care electronic health records". BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:9. [PMID: 36641483 PMCID: PMC9840158 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01935-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically been reduced worldwide due to disruptions in healthcare systems. The aim of our study is to analyse the trends in the incidence of 7 commonly managed primary care chronic diseases during the last 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Catalonia. METHODS We performed an observational retrospective population-based study using data from primary care electronic health records from January 2018 to August 2022 (5.1 million people older than 14 years). We divided the study period into two: a pre-pandemic period (before 14 March 2020) and a pandemic period. We performed a segmented regression analysis of daily incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants of 7 chronic diseases: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ischemic heart disease (IHD), heart failure (HF), hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. In addition, we compared annual incidence between pandemic years (2020, 2021 and 2022) and 2019. Associated incidence rate ratios (IRR) were also calculated. Finally, we estimated the number of expected diagnoses during the pandemic period using data from 2019 and we compared it with the observed data. RESULTS We analysed 740,820 new chronic diseases' diagnoses. Daily incidence rates of all 7 chronic diseases were drastically interrupted on 14 March 2020, and a general upward trend was observed during the following months. Reductions in 2020 were around 30% for all conditions except COPD which had greater reductions (IRR: 0.58 [95% CI: 0.57 to 0.6]) and HF with lesser drops (IRR: 0.86 [95% CI: 0.84 to 0.88]). Some of the chronic conditions have returned to pre-pandemic diagnosis levels, except asthma, COPD and IHD. The return to pre-pandemic diagnosis levels compensated for the drops in 2020 for T2DM and HF, but not for hypertension which presented an incomplete recovery. We also observed an excess of hypercholesterolemia diagnoses of 8.5% (95%CI: 1.81% to 16.15%). CONCLUSIONS Although primary care has recovered the pre-pandemic diagnosis levels for some chronic diseases, there are still missing diagnoses of asthma, COPD and IHD that should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Mora
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Fina
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Méndez-Boo
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Cantenys
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mència Benítez
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Equip d’Atenció Primària de Gòtic, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nemesio Moreno
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Balló
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Hermosilla
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.452479.9Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Fàbregas
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Guiriguet
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Equip d’Atenció Primària de Gòtic, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Barcelona, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Cos
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Direcció Assistencial d’Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Barcelona, Spain ,grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969DAP_Cat Research Group, Gerència Territorial Barcelona Ciutat, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427CIBERDEM, ISCIII , Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Rodoreda
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Direcció Assistencial d’Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Mas
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Direcció Assistencial d’Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yolanda Lejardi
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Direcció Assistencial d’Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ermengol Coma
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Medina
- grid.22061.370000 0000 9127 6969Primary Care Services Information Systems (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Rezayi S, Rahmani Katigari M, Shahmoradi L, Nilashi M. Vulnerability of Parkinson's Patients to COVID-19 and Its Consequences and Effects on Them: A Systematic Review. PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2023; 2023:6272982. [PMID: 37144210 PMCID: PMC10151717 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6272982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurological disorder. Patients with PD were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in many different ways. This study's principal purpose is to assess PD patients' vulnerability to COVID-19 and its consequences. Method This systematic review was performed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines. A thorough search was conducted in the Medline (through PubMed) and Scopus databases from inception to January 30, 2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used to evaluate the studies. Results Most of the studies (38%) had been conducted in Italy. Of the total number of studies, 17 (58%) were cross-sectional, seven (22%) were cohort, four (12%) were quasiexperimental, two (6%) were case-control, and one (3%) was a qualitative study. The PD duration in patients ranged from 3.26 to 13.40 years (IQR1: 5.7 yrs., median: 3.688 yrs., and IQR3: 8.815 yrs.). Meanwhile, the sample size ranged from 12 to 30872 participants (IQR1: 46, median: 96, and IQR3: 211). Despite worsening PD symptoms in the targeted population (persons with COVID-19 and Parkinson's disease), some studies found PD to be a risk factor for more severe COVID-19 disease. There are many adverse effects during the pandemic period in PD patients such as abnormalities of motor, nonmotor functioning, clinical outcomes, activities of daily living, and other outcomes. Conclusion This study confirmed the negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life and its determinants in patients with PD and their caregivers. Thus, due to the worsening symptoms of PD patients in the current pandemic, these people should be given more care and supervision to minimize their coronavirus exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorayya Rezayi
- Health Information Management and Medical Informatics Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Leila Shahmoradi
- Health Information Management and Medical Informatics Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrbakhsh Nilashi
- UCSI Graduate Business School, UCSI University, No. 1 Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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18
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Boucher CJ. Exploring the impact of surface acting on nurse leaders during COVID. J Health Organ Manag 2022; ahead-of-print. [PMID: 36227197 DOI: 10.1108/jhom-01-2022-0026] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Coronavirus (COVID) has had a massive impact on the health systems of many nations including Australia. Nurse leaders have, as part of their leadership and management roles, had to manage the emotional responses of the people around nurse leaders . The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of nurse leaders who have held management roles during the health services crisis that has resulted from the COVID pandemic and to look at the emotional work nurse leaders have engaged in and the impact emotional work has had on nurse leaders' emotional well-being. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The study adopted a social constructionist approach and employed unstructured interviews to generate data. FINDINGS The findings demonstrate that the nurse leaders were experiencing increased emotional exhaustion, which could be construed as a breach of psychological safety, as nurse leaders engaged in more surface acting. This has negatively impacted their lives outside of work. The study recommends that nurse leaders receive support through counselling and reflective practice activities. Consideration also should be given to renumerating nurse leaders appropriately for the emotional work nurse leaders perform. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS The structural issues endemic in the industry need to be addressed. Human resource management professionals, senior managers and hospital boards are charged with ensuring that the organisations are safe and healthy workplaces. This includes addressing issues that impact psychological health. If nurse leaders must undertake work that impacts negatively on nurse leaders' mental well-being and personal lives, then appropriate safeguards need to be put in place. The scope of the study was small, as the study is limited by the number of interviewees, the number of study sites and the sites' geographical location. Consequently, limited claims are made about the generalisability of the findings or the findings' transferability to other contexts. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The findings overwhelmingly support the contention that we need to support nurse leaders in the vital role they play through engaging in surface acting in the workplace. The role needs to be recognised and valued as a critical part of the nurse leader role. The contribution the role makes to the welfare of others in the organisation needs to be acknowledged. Given the emotional and personal price that nurse leaders play for surface acting, organisations need to provide genuine support in the form of counselling and the introduction of opportunities for reflective practice. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS The study suggests that nurse leaders need to be paid for emotional labour (EL) generally and surface acting in particular. The recognition of the value of caring work must go beyond symbols such as the Year of the Nurse and be rewarded financially. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The experience of nurse leaders using surface acting has received little attention and this is the first study to look at this particular phenomenon during COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlene Joy Boucher
- Australian Institute of Business and Management Pty Ltd, Adelaide, Australia
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19
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Matsumoto R, Kawano Y, Motomura E, Shiroyama T, Okada M. Analyzing the changing relationship between personal consumption and suicide mortality during COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, using governmental and personal consumption transaction databases. Front Public Health 2022; 10:982341. [PMID: 36159241 PMCID: PMC9489934 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.982341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
During the early stages of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, suicides did not increase in most countries/regions. Japan, however, was an exception to this, reporting increased numbers of female suicides with no changes in male suicide. To explore the trends of increasing suicides, the fluctuations of personal consumption (as an indicator of lifestyle) and standardized suicide death rate (SDR) disaggregated by age, sex, and prefecture, were determined using a linear mixed-effect model. Additionally, fixed effects of personal consumption on SDR during the pandemic were also analyzed using hierarchical linear regression models with robust standard errors. During the first wave of the pandemic, SDR for both sexes decreased slightly but increased during the second half of 2020. SDR of females younger than 70 years old and males younger than 40 years old continued to increase throughout 2021, whereas SDR for other ages of both sexes did not increase. Personal consumption expenditures on out-of-home recreations (travel agencies, pubs, and hotels) and internet/mobile communication expenses decreased, but expenditures on home-based recreations (contents distribution) increased during the pandemic. Increased expenditures on internet/mobile communication were related to increasing SDR of both sexes. Increasing expenditures on content distributions were related to increasing females' SDR without affecting that of males. Decreasing expenditures on pubs were related to increasing SDR of both sexes in the non-metropolitan region. These findings suggest that transformed individual lifestyles, extended time at home with a decreased outing for contact with others, contributed to the progression of isolation as a risk of suicide. Unexpectedly, increasing compensatory contact with others using internet/mobile communication enhanced isolation resulting in increased suicide risk.
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20
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Muñoz-Jurado A, Escribano BM, Agüera E, Caballero-Villarraso J, Galván A, Túnez I. SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple sclerosis patients: interaction with treatments, adjuvant therapies, and vaccines against COVID-19. J Neurol 2022; 269:4581-4603. [PMID: 35788744 PMCID: PMC9253265 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11237-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has raised particular concern for people with Multiple Sclerosis, as these people are believed to be at increased risk of infection, especially those being treated with disease-modifying therapies. Therefore, the objective of this review was to describe how COVID-19 affects people who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, evaluating the risk they have of suffering an infection by this virus, according to the therapy to which they are subjected as well as the immune response of these patients both to infection and vaccines and the neurological consequences that the virus can have in the long term. The results regarding the increased risk of infection due to treatment are contradictory. B-cell depletion therapies may cause patients to have a lower probability of generating a detectable neutralizing antibody titer. However, more studies are needed to help understand how this virus works, paying special attention to long COVID and the neurological symptoms that it causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Muñoz-Jurado
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Campus of Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Begoña M. Escribano
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Campus of Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Agüera
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Neurology Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Villarraso
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
- Clinical Analysis Service, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Alberto Galván
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Isaac Túnez
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
- Cooperative Research Thematic Excellent Network on Brain Stimulation (REDESTIM), Madrid, Spain
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21
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DeMartino JK, Swallow E, Goldschmidt D, Yang K, Viola M, Radtke T, Kirson N. Direct health care costs associated with COVID-19 in the United States. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2022; 28:936-947. [DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2022.22050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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22
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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Ophthalmic Outpatient Care in a Tertiary Care Center in Riyadh. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091654. [PMID: 36141265 PMCID: PMC9498299 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we measured the impact of a full COVID-19 lockdown on ophthalmic patients after a period of lockdown in Saudi Arabia, from March to September 2020. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on 180 patients who had their appointments delayed or canceled due to the lockdown. Data was collected from electronic medical records and patients via voice calls using a validated questionnaire that were analyzed using a multivariable binary regression analysis. The results show no statistically significant mean difference in visual acuity when comparing pre- and post-lockdown measurements. The median number of appointment cancellations/delays per patient was two, and the estimated delay for the first canceled appointments was equal to 178.8 days. Of the cohort studied, 15.4% of patients faced delays in necessary surgical and therapeutic interventions; 22.1% of patients sought eye care at other institutions due to the delay, and 15% of those were seen by doctors unspecialized in ophthalmology. The odds of dissatisfaction with care were higher in patients who experienced cancellations in a surgical procedure and patients who experienced difficulty in obtaining medications. In conclusion, the pandemic hampered ophthalmic patients’ access to medications. Subjective visual outcomes of patients were also negatively affected; however, the change in objective visual parameters was not statistically significant.
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23
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Joulaei H, Fatemi M, Hooshyar D, Karimi Rouzbahani A, Joulaei R, Foroozanfar Z. Analyzing delay in referral of pregnant women and children under five years old during the COVID-19 pandemic: Fars Province, Iran. Health Care Women Int 2022:1-17. [PMID: 35917555 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2022.2105845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The researchers assessed the delay in referral of pregnant women and children under five years old during the COVID-19 pandemic that they require regular healthcare. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 in Fars, Iran. A total of 591 households with pregnant women and children under five years old were recruited, then having delay and the number of their delays in regular visits during the COVID-19 outbreak was asked. A total of 153 children under five years old (51.7%) and 93 pregnant women (31.5%) reported delays in referral. In children, higher age and referral to the family physician and private clinic, and in pregnant women, higher gestational age and pregnancy rank and having health problems (e.g., preeclampsia in the current pregnancy) significantly enhanced the number of delays. Due to the vulnerability of these groups, it is necessary to consider active care for them as a priority at the primary care level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Joulaei
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Fatemi
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Dariush Hooshyar
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | | | - Razieh Joulaei
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zohre Foroozanfar
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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24
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Wang Z, Wang H. Exploring Blood Donation Challenges and Mobilization Mechanisms in North China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study. Healthc Policy 2022; 15:1593-1605. [PMID: 36061880 PMCID: PMC9433754 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s372945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted the supply of blood globally, resulting in numerous studies focusing on the challenges in maintaining blood supply, and the responses to it, in countries with a mixed blood donation model. This study explored blood donation challenges and mobilization mechanisms in North China, which employs a non-remunerative donation model, during the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave. Materials and Methods A qualitative approach was adopted to investigate blood donation practices in Chengde from April to June 2020. Data were collected from eight blood donors, six potential donors, three blood donation station leaders, and two government officials, through semi-structured interviews. Results The major challenge for blood supply was decreased blood donations, owing to lockdown restrictions, and individual and familial apprehensions. Mobilization mechanisms included bureaucratic and ideological mobilization. However, although group blood donation alleviates the pressure on supply chains during emergencies, it is detrimental to the cultivation of civic engagement in the long run. Conclusion This study contributes to the understanding of how countries with uncompensated blood donation models respond to public health emergencies. It suggests that striking a balance between the society’s and the state’s perception of blood donation would allow the state to incorporate the different “voices” of society, and devise an inclusive blood donation policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wang
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- The National Police University for Criminal Justice, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zhuo Wang, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15062263226, Email
| | - Hejian Wang
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
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25
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Badura-Brzoza K, Dębski P, Główczyński P, Dębska-Janus M, Gorczyca P. Life Satisfaction and Perceived Stress versus Health Promoting Behavior among Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116706. [PMID: 35682290 PMCID: PMC9180281 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate health-promoting behaviors as a factor supporting life satisfaction and a protective factor against stress in a group of Polish medical students during the third wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. MATERIAL The study was conducted in October-December 2021. There were 306 people, including 203 students in the 1st year of medicine, aged 20.42 ± 1.92 years, and 103 students in the 5th year of medicine, aged 24.88 ± 1.7 years. METHODS The following were used: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The survey was conducted online. RESULTS In the study group, the average result of 23.66 ± 5.97 was obtained in the life satisfaction questionnaire. In the overall assessment of health behaviors (IZZ), an average score of 80.06 ± 13.81 points was obtained. In the PSS-10 questionnaire, the respondents obtained an average of 21.10 ± 5.89 points. There were significant, negative correlations between the results obtained in the health behavior inventory with the results obtained in the stress scale and positive correlations with the results obtained in the life satisfaction scale. Moreover, in the assessment of the influence of prohealth behavior parameters on perceived stress and life satisfaction, a positive effect of PMA on life satisfaction was demonstrated, as well as a protective effect of Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) and Prohealth Activities (PhA) in relation to stress. CONCLUSIONS Life in the period of the third wave of the pandemic was assessed by medical students as moderately satisfactory. Significant intensity of stress negatively correlated with life satisfaction. Health-promoting behaviors, and especially positive mental attitudes, seem to play a protective role in stressful situations and improve life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Badura-Brzoza
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 42-612 Tarnowskie Gory, Poland; (P.D.); (P.G.)
- Correspondence: (K.B.-B.); (P.G.)
| | - Paweł Dębski
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 42-612 Tarnowskie Gory, Poland; (P.D.); (P.G.)
| | - Patryk Główczyński
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 42-612 Tarnowskie Gory, Poland; (P.D.); (P.G.)
- Correspondence: (K.B.-B.); (P.G.)
| | - Małgorzata Dębska-Janus
- Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Piotr Gorczyca
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 42-612 Tarnowskie Gory, Poland; (P.D.); (P.G.)
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26
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Heal-me PiONEer (personalized online nutrition and exercise): An RCT assessing 2 levels of app-based programming in individuals with chronic disease. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 118:106791. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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27
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Poddighe D, Kovzel E. Impact of Anti-Type 2 Inflammation Biologic Therapy on COVID-19 Clinical Course and Outcome. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:6845-6853. [PMID: 34934335 PMCID: PMC8684423 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s345665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a general and deep impact on the clinical management of chronic diseases, including respiratory and allergic disorders. At the beginning of the pandemic, one of the main concerns was the potential impact of immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory drugs on COVID-19 clinical course. In this review, we aim to summarize and analyze the available clinical evidence from patients treated with anti-type 2 inflammation biologics (including anti-IgE, anti-IL-5 and anti-IL-4 agents), who developed COVID-19. Overall, the treatment with anti-Th2 biologics can be considered safe during COVID-19. It does not worsen the clinical course and outcome of COVID-19, and it may be actually protective somehow from developing severe forms. Moreover, patients treated with these biological agents do not seem to be more prone to get infected by SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Poddighe
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Nur-Sultan, 010000, Kazakhstan.,Clinical Academic Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center (UMC), Nur-Sultan, 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Elena Kovzel
- Clinical Academic Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center (UMC), Nur-Sultan, 010000, Kazakhstan
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