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DeSouza A, Wang D, Wong JJ, Furlan AD, Hogg-Johnson S, Macedo L, Mior S, Côté P. Characteristics of Canadians Living With Long-Term Health Conditions or Disabilities Who Had Unmet Rehabilitation Needs During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 103:488-493. [PMID: 38112669 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002388] [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: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the characteristics associated with unmet rehabilitation needs in a sample of Canadians with long-term health conditions or disabilities during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN We used data from the Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadians Living With Long-Term Conditions and Disabilities, a national cross-sectional survey with 13,487 respondents. Unmet needs were defined as needing rehabilitation (ie, physiotherapy/massage/chiropractic, speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling services, or support groups) but not receiving due to the pandemic. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression to examine the association between demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics and unmet rehabilitation needs. RESULTS More than half of the sample were 50 years and older (52.3%), female (53.8%), and 49.3% reported unmet rehabilitation needs. Those more likely to report unmet needs were females, those with lower socioeconomic status (receiving disability benefits or social assistance, job loss, increased work hours, decreased household income or earnings), and those with lower perceived general health or mental health status. CONCLUSIONS Among Canadians with disabilities or chronic health conditions, marginalized groups are more likely to report unmet rehabilitation needs. Understanding the systemic and upstream determinants is necessary to develop strategies to minimize unmet rehabilitation needs and facilitate the delivery of equitable rehabilitation services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid DeSouza
- From the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada (AD, DW, JJW, SH-J, PC); Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada (AS, DW, JJW, SH-J, SM, PC); Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (ADF); Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada (ADF); Research and Innovation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Canada (SH-J, SM); Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (SH-J); and School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada (LM)
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Smyrnioti ME, Batistaki C, Yotsidi V, Matsota P. A Comparative Study of the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Mental Health, Healthcare Access, and Pain Levels of Patients with Chronic Pain from Spring 2020 to Spring 2021. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:1323-1338. [PMID: 38784961 PMCID: PMC11111579 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s460184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The short-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on patients with chronic pain has been under the microscope since the beginning of the pandemic. This time-lag design study aimed to track changes in pain levels, access to care, mental health, and well-being of Greek chronic pain patients within the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods 101 and 100 chronic pain patients were contacted during the Spring of 2020 and 2021, respectively. A customized questionnaire was used to evaluate the perceived impact of the pandemic on pain levels and healthcare access. Psychological responses, personality characteristics, and overall well-being were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42), the Ten-Item Personality Index (TIPI) and the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). Results The perceived effect of the pandemic and the Covid-related restrictions affected significantly access to healthcare, pain levels and quality of life. Differences were detected in the PWI sub-scales regarding Personal Safety, Sense of Community-Connectedness, Future Security, Spirituality-Religiousness, and General Life Satisfaction. Marital status, parenthood, education and place of residence were associated with differences in pain levels, emotional and psychological responses. Conclusion Changes in chronic pain levels, emotional responses, and overall well-being took place throughout the year. Also, an evident shift took place in the care delivery system. Both tendencies disclose an ongoing adaptation process of chronic pain patients and healthcare services that needs further monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eleni Smyrnioti
- 2nd Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Pain Management Unit, “Attikon” Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysanthi Batistaki
- 2nd Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Pain Management Unit, “Attikon” Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Yotsidi
- Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Matsota
- 2nd Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Pain Management Unit, “Attikon” Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Prayoga W. Concurrent emergencies: overlapping Salmonella and COVID-19 concerns in public health strategies and preparedness. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1331052. [PMID: 38741915 PMCID: PMC11089248 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1331052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Windra Prayoga
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Guo C, Yuan D, Tang H, Hu X, Lei Y. Impact of a pandemic shock on unmet medical needs of middle-aged and older adults in 10 countries. BMJ Health Care Inform 2024; 31:e100865. [PMID: 38589212 PMCID: PMC11015184 DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2023-100865] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective is to explore the impact of the pandemic shock on the unmet medical needs of middle-aged and older adults worldwide. METHODS The COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020 was used as a quasiexperiment. Exposure to the pandemic was defined based on an individual's context within the global pandemic. Data were obtained from the Integrated Values Surveys. A total of 11 932 middle-aged and older adults aged 45 years and above from 10 countries where the surveys conducted two times during 2011 and 2022 were analysed. We used logistic regression models with the difference-in-difference method to estimate the impact of pandemic exposure on unmet medical needs by comparing differences before and after the pandemic across areas with varying degrees of severity. RESULTS Among the 11 932 middle-aged and older adults, 3647 reported unmet medical needs, with a pooled unmet rate of 30.56% (95% CI: 29.74% to 31.40%). The pandemic significantly increased the risk of unmet medical needs among middle-aged and older adults (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.94 to 2.79). The deleterious effect of the pandemic on unmet medical needs was prevalent among middle-aged adults (2.53, 2.00 to 3.20) and older adults (2.00, 1.48 to 2.69), as well as among men (2.24, 1.74 to 2.90) and women (2.34, 1.82 to 3.03). The results remained robust in a series of sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that efforts should be made by policymakers and healthcare professionals to balance healthcare resources to adequately address the comprehensive healthcare demands of individuals regarding multiple health issues, taking into account the challenges posed by pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Guo
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
- APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dianqi Yuan
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Huameng Tang
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyuan Hu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yiyang Lei
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Hajek A, Petersen E, Schäfer I, Harth V, Koch-Gromus U, Härter M, Schulz H, Scherer M, König HH. Is loneliness associated with cancellation of medical appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic? Evidence from the Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS). BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:32. [PMID: 38178105 PMCID: PMC10768441 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10490-y] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic engendered numerous societal and economic challenges in addition to health-related concerns. Maintenance of healthcare utilization assumed immense significance during this period. However, few studies have examined the association between loneliness and cancelled medical appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine whether medical appointments are less likely to be cancelled with increased loneliness during a pandemic. We analyzed the association between loneliness and both patient- and provider-initiated appointment cancellations. METHODS Cross-sectional data from the Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) were collected during April 2020-November 2021. The analytical sample included 1,840 participants with an average age of 55.1 years (standard deviation: 6.5, range 45-76 years). Medical appointments cancelled by individuals-medical appointments in general, and GP, specialist, and dentist appointments-and appointments cancelled by healthcare providers served as outcome measures. Loneliness was quantified using a single item ranging from 0 to 10. Accordingly, we created empirical loneliness tertiles. Covariates were selected based on the Andersen model. Several penalized maximum likelihood logistic regressions were utilized to examine the association between loneliness and cancellation of medical appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS The penalized maximum likelihood logistic regressions showed that, compared to individuals in the lowest loneliness tertiles, individuals in the other two tertiles reported a higher chance of medical appointments cancellation by individuals, particularly driven by cancelled GP appointments. Except for age and sex, none of the covariates were comparably associated with the outcomes. When appointments cancelled by healthcare providers served as outcomes, only a higher number of chronic conditions was significantly positively associated with it. CONCLUSIONS Individuals scoring higher in loneliness had a greater chance of cancelling medical (particularly GP) appointments. This may contribute to a potential cascade of loneliness and skipped medical appointments in the future, resulting in adverse health outcomes over the medium-to-long term. Future research should examine whether lonely people are more likely to lack the social motivation to visit the doctor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - E Petersen
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Population Health Research Department, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - I Schäfer
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Population Health Research Department, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - V Harth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - U Koch-Gromus
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Härter
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - H Schulz
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - H H König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany
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Thsehla E, Balusik A, Boachie MK, Tombe-Mdewa W, Kabudula C, Du Toit J, Kahn K, Gómez-Olivé FX, Tollman S, Goldstein S, Hofman K. Indirect effects of COVID-19 on maternal and child health in South Africa. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2153442. [PMID: 36607314 PMCID: PMC9828580 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2153442] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unfinished burden of poor maternal and child health contributes to the quadruple burden of disease in South Africa with the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic yet to be fully documented. OBJECTIVE To investigate the indirect effects of COVID-19 on maternal and child health in different geographical regions and relative wealth quintiles. METHODS We estimated the effects of COVID-19 on maternal and child health from April 2020 to June 2021. We estimated this by calculating mean changes across facilities, relative wealth index (RWI) quintiles, geographical areas and provinces. To account for confounding by underlying seasonal or linear trends, we subsequently fitted a segmented fixed effect panel model. RESULTS A total of 4956 public sector facilities were included in the analysis. Between April and September 2020, full immunisation and first dose of measles declined by 6.99% and 2.44%, respectively. In the follow-up months, measles first dose increased by 4.88% while full immunisation remained negative (-0.65%) especially in poorer quintiles. At facility level, the mean change in incidence and mortality due to pneumonia, diarrhoea and severe acute malnutrition was negative. Change in first antenatal visits, delivery by 15-19-year olds, delivery by C-section and maternal mortality was positive but not significant. CONCLUSION COVID-19 disrupted utilisation of child health services. While reduction in child health services at the start of the pandemic was followed by an increase in subsequent months, the recovery was not uniform across different quintiles and geographical areas. This study highlights the disproportionate impact of the pandemic and the need for targeted interventions to improve utilisation of health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Thsehla
- SAMRC/WITS Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science - PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,CONTACT Evelyn Thsehla Second Floor, Wits School of Public Health, Education Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrew’s Road Parktown, Johannesburg2193, South Africa
| | - Adam Balusik
- SAMRC/WITS Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science - PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Micheal Kofi Boachie
- SAMRC/WITS Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science - PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Winfrida Tombe-Mdewa
- SAMRC/WITS Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science - PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chodziwadziwa Kabudula
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jacques Du Toit
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Francesc Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephen Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Susan Goldstein
- SAMRC/WITS Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science - PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Karen Hofman
- SAMRC/WITS Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science - PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bergmann M, Wagner M. Back to normal? The health care situation of home care receivers across Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications on health. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287158. [PMID: 37871044 PMCID: PMC10593209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287158] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic began impacting Europe in early 2020, posing significant challenges for individuals requiring care. This group is particularly susceptible to severe COVID-19 infections and depends on regular health care services. In this article, we examine the situation of European care recipients aged 50 years and older 18 months after the pandemic outbreak and compare it to the initial phase of the pandemic. In the descriptive section, we illustrate the development of (unmet) care needs and access to health care throughout the pandemic. Additionally, we explore regional variations in health care receipt across Europe. In the analytical section, we shed light on the mid- and long-term health consequences of COVID-19-related restrictions on accessing health care services by making comparisons between care recipients and individuals without care needs. We conducted an analysis using data from the representative Corona Surveys of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Our study examines changes in approximately 3,400 care-dependent older Europeans (aged 50+) interviewed in 2020 and 2021, comparing them with more than 45,000 respondents not receiving care. The dataset provides a cross-national perspective on care recipients across 27 European countries and Israel. Our findings reveal that in 2021, compared to the previous year, difficulties in obtaining personal care from someone outside the household were significantly reduced in Western and Southern European countries. Access to health care services improved over the course of the pandemic, particularly with respect to medical treatments and appointments that had been canceled by health care institutions. However, even 18 months after the COVID-19 outbreak, a considerable number of treatments had been postponed either by respondents themselves or by health care institutions. These delayed medical treatments had adverse effects on the physical and mental health of both care receivers and individuals who did not rely on care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bergmann
- Munich Research Institute for the Economics of Aging and SHARE Analyses (MEA-SHARE), Munich, Germany
- SHARE Berlin Institute (SBI), Berlin, Germany
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Fuchs J, Gaertner B, Perlitz H, Kuttig T, Klingner A, Baumert J, Hüther A, Kuhnert R, Wolff J, Scheidt-Nave C. Study on Health of Older People in Germany (Gesundheit 65+): objectives, design and implementation. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2023; 8:61-83. [PMID: 37829118 PMCID: PMC10565879 DOI: 10.25646/11666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Background The longitudinal population-based study Gesundheit 65+ aimed to close data gaps on health and well-being of older adults in Germany in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The target population comprised persons 65 years and older permanently residing in Germany and with sufficient German language skills. Proxy interviews were possible and consent from legal representatives was obtained as necessary in order to enable participation of physically or cognitively impaired persons. A two-stage sampling process, was used to draw 128 primary sample points (PSUs) and within these PSUs sex- and age-stratified random samples were drawn from population registries. A mixed-mode design was applied to contact the study population and for data collection. Data were collected between June 2021 and April 2023. Participants were surveyed a total of four times at intervals of four months. At month 12 participants were offered a home visit including a non-invasive examination. Data on all-cause mortality and information on neighborhood social and built environment as well as health insurance data will be linked to primarily collected data at the individual level. Discussion Results will inform health politicians and other stakeholders in the care system on health and health care needs of older people in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Fuchs
- Corresponding author Dr Judith Fuchs, Robert Koch Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, General-Pape-Str. 62–66, 12101 Berlin, Germany, E-mail:
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Kim S, Hwang J. What are the factors affecting older adults' experience of unmet healthcare needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea? BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:517. [PMID: 37626287 PMCID: PMC10463954 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04208-2] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unmet healthcare need is a critical indicator, showing a plausible picture of how the healthcare system works in the unprecedented pandemic situation. It is important to understand what factors affect healthcare services of older adults in the midst of the outbreak, as this could help identify service- and performance-related challenges and barriers to the healthcare system. This study aimed to identify factors associated with unmet healthcare needs among the older Korean population amid the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Cross-sectional data were used from the Experience Survey on Healthcare Use of Older Adults during the COVID-19 (COVID-19 Survey) in Korea (n = 1,917). Our main outcome, unmet healthcare need, was measured based on self-reported experience of overall, regular, and irregular outpatient care services-related unmet healthcare needs. Independent variables were selected based on previous studies on determinants of unmet healthcare need during the COVID-19 pandemic and Andersen's expanded behavioural model, which theorizes that healthcare-seeking behaviours are driven by psychosocial, enabling, and need factors. RESULTS Using multiple logistic regression models, we identified a good understanding of the nation's health system was associated with lower likelihood of all types of unmet healthcare needs among older Korean adults (OR: 0.39, 95%CI: 0.25-0.61; OR: 0.36, 95%CI: 0.20-0.63; OR: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.23-0.75). Decreased social activities (i.e., shopping and visiting family members) and worsened psychological health issues (i.e., increased anxiety & nervousness and greater difficulty sleeping) were also factors affecting overall and irregular outpatient services-related unmet needs. CONCLUSIONS To ensure timely access to necessary healthcare services for older adults in the era of the COVID-19 outbreak, improving older adult's understanding on how the healthcare system works is necessary. Moreover, changes in psychological condition and daily activities due to COVID-19 should be considered as possible barriers to healthcare services among older adults during the global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Kim
- Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Sejong-si, Korea
| | - Jongnam Hwang
- Division of Social Welfare & Health Administration, Wonkwang University, Iksandae-ro 460, Jeonbuk, 54538, Korea.
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Hwang J, Kim WH, Heo J. An association between individual's risk perceptions and delayed or foregone healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:850. [PMID: 37568127 PMCID: PMC10422804 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09807-8] [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: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing evidence highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a large reduction in healthcare utilization for routine and less-urgent services around the world including Korea. During the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed and foregone healthcare are driven by various factors, and risk perception, a complex psychological construct, is one of them. The aim of this study was to examine how COVID-19 risk perceptions influence delayed and foregone care during the pandemic in Korea. METHODS The Koreans' Happiness Survey (KHS) 2020 was used to analyze responses from 13,491 individuals over 19 years of age residing in Korea. To assess delayed and foregone care, self-reported delayed or foregone care after the COVID-19 outbreak was used. COVID-19 risk perceptions were analyzed in terms of fear and severity of the pandemic based on responses from the participants. Logistic regression models, stratified by gender, were used to examine the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and delayed/foregone healthcare. RESULTS Among the total 13,491 individuals included in the study, 4.0% (n = 541) reported delayed and foregone care in 2020. The results showed that higher level of fear of COVID-19 was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting delayed and foregone care in Korean adults (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.08-1.73). The gender-stratified model revealed that greater fear of COVID-19 was associated with higher odds of delayed and foregone healthcare (OR = 1.71, 95%CI = 1.23-2.39) among women while the perceived severity did not have any association. However, the perceived severity was associated with a higher likelihood of delayed and foregone care in men (OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.04-1.32), but no association was found between fear of COVID-19 and delayed and foregone healthcare in men. CONCLUSIONS To ensure the timely use of any needed healthcare services, it is worth considering establishing policy interventions to mitigate unnecessary fear and worries about COVID-19. This can be achieved by providing accurate information on the virus, protective measures, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongnam Hwang
- Division of Social Welfare & Health Administration, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Woong-Han Kim
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Human Systems Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongho Heo
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Human Systems Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- National Assembly Futures Institute, Seoul, Korea.
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Ramšak M, Orzechowski M, Bielińska K, Chowaniec A, Doričić R, Nowak M, Skuban-Eiseler T, Tutić Grokša I, Łuków P, Muzur A, Zupanič-Slavec Z, Steger F. Diversity awareness, diversity competency and access to healthcare for minority groups: perspectives of healthcare professionals in Croatia, Germany, Poland, and Slovenia. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1204854. [PMID: 37546324 PMCID: PMC10400770 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1204854] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Due to cultural, language, or legal barriers, members of social minority groups face challenges in access to healthcare. Equality of healthcare provision can be achieved through raised diversity awareness and diversity competency of healthcare professionals. The aim of this research was to explore the experiences and attitudes of healthcare professionals toward the issue of social diversity and equal access to healthcare in Croatia, Germany, Poland, and Slovenia. Methods The data reported come from semi-structured interviews with n = 39 healthcare professionals. The interviews were analyzed using the methods of content analysis and thematic analysis. Results Respondents in all four countries acknowledged that socioeconomic factors and membership in a minority group have an impact on access to healthcare services, but its scope varies depending on the country. Underfunding of healthcare, language barriers, inadequate cultural training or lack of interpersonal competencies, and lack of institutional support were presented as major challenges in the provision of diversity-responsive healthcare. The majority of interviewees did not perceive direct systemic exclusion of minority groups; however, they reported cases of individual discrimination through the presence of homophobia or racism. Discussion To improve the situation, systemic interventions are needed that encompass all levels of healthcare systems - from policies to addressing existing challenges at the healthcare facility level to improving the attitudes and skills of individual healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojca Ramšak
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for History of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marcin Orzechowski
- Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Bielińska
- Faculty of Philosophy, Center for Bioethics and Biolaw, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Anna Chowaniec
- Faculty of Philosophy, Center for Bioethics and Biolaw, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Robert Doričić
- Department of Social Sciences and Medical Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marianne Nowak
- Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias Skuban-Eiseler
- Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ivana Tutić Grokša
- Department of Social Sciences and Medical Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Paweł Łuków
- Faculty of Philosophy, Center for Bioethics and Biolaw, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Amir Muzur
- Department of Social Sciences and Medical Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Zvonka Zupanič-Slavec
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for History of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Florian Steger
- Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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12
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Visscher K, Kouwenberg LHJA, Oosterhoff M, Rotteveel AH, de Wit GA. Postponed healthcare in The Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on self-reported health. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 3:1181532. [PMID: 37425992 PMCID: PMC10326615 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1181532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Healthcare services have been seriously disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which Dutch citizens have experienced postponed healthcare and how this affected their self-reported health. In addition, individual characteristics that were associated with experiencing postponed healthcare and with self-reported negative health effects were investigated. Methods An online survey about postponed healthcare and its consequences was developed, and sent out to participants of the Dutch LISS (Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences) panel (n = 2.043). Data were collected in August 2022. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to explore characteristics associated with postponed care and self-reported negative health outcomes. Results Of the total population surveyed, 31% of the panel experienced postponed healthcare, either initiated by the healthcare provider (14%), on their own initiative (12%) or as a combination of both (5%). Postponed healthcare was associated with being female (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.32; 1.96), presence of chronic diseases (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.24; 1.95), high income (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48; 0.80) and worse self-reported health (poor vs. excellent OR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.17; 7.11). Overall, 40% experienced temporary or permanent self-reported negative health effects due to postponed care. Negative health effects as a result of postponed care were associated with presence of chronic conditions and low income levels (p < 0.05). More respondents with worse self-reported health and foregone healthcare reported permanent health effects as compared to those with temporary health effects (p < 0.05). Discussion People with an impaired health status are most likely to experiencing postponed healthcare and negative health consequences as a result. Furthermore, those with negative health consequences decided to forego health by themselves more often. As part of long-term plans to maintain the accessibility of healthcare services, specific attention should be paid to reaching out to people with an impaired health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Visscher
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Healthcare, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Lisanne H. J. A. Kouwenberg
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Healthcare, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marije Oosterhoff
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Healthcare, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Adriënne H. Rotteveel
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Healthcare, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - G. Ardine de Wit
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Healthcare, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
- Faculty of Science, Department of Health Sciences and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Quintal C, Moura Ramos L, Antunes M, Lourenço Ó. Unmet healthcare needs among the population aged 50+ and their association with health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Ageing 2023; 20:12. [PMID: 37119316 PMCID: PMC10148617 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-023-00758-x] [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] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented levels of subjective unmet healthcare needs (SUN). This study investigates the association between SUN in 2020 and three health outcomes in 2021-mortality, cancer, and self-assessed health (SAH), among adults aged 50 years and older, using data from the regular administration of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe and from the two special waves administered in 2020 and 2021 regarding COVID-19. Three types of SUN were surveyed: care foregone due to fear of contracting COVID-19, pre-scheduled care postponed, and inability to get medical appointments or treatments demanded. We resort on the relative risk and the logistic specification to investigate the association between SUN and health outcomes. To avoid simultaneity, 1-year lagged SUN variables are used. We found a negative association between SUN and mortality. This result differs from the (scarce) previous evidence, suggesting that health systems prioritised life-threatening conditions, in the pandemic context. In line with previous studies, we obtained a positive association between SUN and worse health, in the case of cancer, though it is statistically significant only for the global measure of SUN (any reason). The higher chances of reporting cancer among those exposed to SUN might mean delayed cancer diagnosis, confirming that healthcare foregone was truly needed for a timely diagnosis. The association between SUN and poor or fair SAH is positive but not statistically significant, for the period analysed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Quintal
- CeBER, Faculty of Economics, Univ Coimbra, Avenida Dias da Silva, 165, 3004-512 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luis Moura Ramos
- CeBER, Faculty of Economics, Univ Coimbra, Avenida Dias da Silva, 165, 3004-512 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Micaela Antunes
- CeBER, Faculty of Economics, Univ Coimbra, Avenida Dias da Silva, 165, 3004-512 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Óscar Lourenço
- CeBER, Faculty of Economics, Univ Coimbra, Avenida Dias da Silva, 165, 3004-512 Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Social, health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from a European perspective. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:789-792. [PMID: 36692787 PMCID: PMC9660156 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-022-00744-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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15
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Arnault L, Jusot F, Renaud T. Economic vulnerability and unmet healthcare needs among the population aged 50 + years during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:811-825. [PMID: 36692733 PMCID: PMC8418894 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00645-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of economic vulnerability on unmet needs during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Europe among adults aged 50 years and older using data from the regular administration of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and the specific telephone survey administered regarding COVID-19 (SHARE Corona Survey). It addressed three main research questions: Did people who were in difficult economic situations before the epidemic face more barriers to accessing healthcare than others? If so, to what extent can these discrepancies be attributed to initial differences in health status, use of care, income or education between vulnerable individuals and non-vulnerable individuals or to differential effects of the pandemic on these groups? Did the effect of economic vulnerability with regard to unmet needs during the pandemic differ across countries? Unmet healthcare needs are characterised by three types of behaviours likely to be induced by the pandemic: forgoing care for fear of contracting COVID-19, having pre-scheduled care postponed and being unable to obtain medical appointments or treatments when needed. Our results substantiate the existence of significant differences in accessing healthcare during the pandemic according to economic vulnerability and of cumulative effects of economic and medical vulnerabilities: the impact of economic vulnerability is notably stronger among those who were in poor health before the outbreak and thus the oldest individuals. The cross-country comparison highlighted heterogeneous effects of economic vulnerability on forgoing care and having care postponed among countries, which are not comparable to the initial cross-country differences in social inequalities in access to healthcare. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10433-021-00645-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Arnault
- LEDA, CNRS, IRD, Université Paris-Dauphine, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Florence Jusot
- LEDA, CNRS, IRD, Université Paris-Dauphine, Université PSL, Paris, France.,IRDES (Institut de Recherche et Documentation en Economie de la Santé), Paris, France
| | - Thomas Renaud
- LEDA, CNRS, IRD, Université Paris-Dauphine, Université PSL, Paris, France
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16
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Richter L, Heidinger T. Poverty in old age in times of COVID-19-Empirical results from Austria. Front Public Health 2022; 10:972076. [PMID: 36466524 PMCID: PMC9713516 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.972076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in the pandemic, researchers were cautioning that COVID-19 and the associated health policy countermeasures would have an increased negative impact on groups that were already vulnerable before the pandemic. One of these groups are older people affected by poverty, who according to official figures make up 13.9% of older population in Austria. Even before the pandemic, their living situation was considered precarious. Not without reason, this group has been identified as a high-risk group of the pandemic, due to their increased likelihood of severe COVID-19 related illness and their limited monetary resources and thus lower chances of coping with the pandemic. Nevertheless, research on this group has remained sparse to date. Therefore, the aim of the study is to focus on older people (60+ years) below the poverty line and to compare them with non-poor individuals. Data from the SHARE (Survey of Health Aging and Retirement in Europe) project is used, combining data from the two SHARE Corona Surveys (summer 2020 and summer 2021) and the SHARE Corona Special Austria Survey (December 2020) to gain the most complete picture of life situation during the pandemic. Results demonstrate that older people in poverty were more likely to report poor subjective health before as well as during the pandemic yet were significantly more likely to refuse vaccination against COVID-19, despite adhering to other measures against the pandemic to the same extent as non-poor people. Restrictions in the health care system affected both groups equally and no significant differences in the frequency of social contacts could be found. However, older people below the poverty line were significantly more likely to rely on social support to obtain necessities during the pandemic and were less likely to use the internet. Together, these results point out that disadvantage exist for the older poor in some but not all areas of life during the pandemic. This paper is aimed at providing first insights into the lives of poor older persons during a taxing time and may perhaps inspire more in-depth study of this particularly understudied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Richter
- Department of Social Sciences, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Theresa Heidinger
- Department of Gerontology and Health Research, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Lower Austria, Austria
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17
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Lupu D, Tiganasu R. The implications of globalization on COVID-19 vaccination in Europe. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17474. [PMID: 36261454 PMCID: PMC9580415 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21493-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although globalization has left its mark on economic dynamism, causing conditionalities among various aspects (market openness, production networks, technological and information developments, migratory flows, international cooperation, humanitarian support, etc.), the less pleasant side of it should not be omitted, i.e. the emergence of the framework for the faster diffusion of epidemiological diseases. Thus, with the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its widespread circulation is a serious challenge for the provision of efficient solutions to combat it, especially in countries with fragile health systems, poor institutional quality and lack of resources. In this paper we aim to investigate the implications of globalization on the COVID-19 vaccination of the population. The period under analysis is January 1, 2021-January 1, 2022, using montly data, and the object of our study are 48 European states. To capture the relationship between globalization and the vaccination rate, we applied regression models, including a number of factors that may influence the progress of vaccination. In order to test the robustness of the results, the two-stage least squares (2SLS) regressions was used. The regression models developed underlined that globalization impacts the degree of vaccination. More globalized economies are more competitive in COVID-19 management, and the significance of this effect comes from better interconnection in global markets and easier access to medical discoveries. At the same time, countries with a higher vaccination rate are associated with higher levels of development. Based on the results obtained, we proposed some policy recommendations to increase the propensity to vaccinate, ensure equity in the distribution of vaccines and provide financial support to developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lupu
- grid.8168.70000000419371784Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Carol I Boulevard, no.22, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ramona Tiganasu
- grid.8168.70000000419371784Faculty of Law, Centre for European Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Carol I Boulevard, no. 19, Iasi, Romania
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18
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Celidoni M, Costa-Font J, Salmasi L. Too Healthy to Fall Sick? Longevity Expectations and Protective Health Behaviours during the First Wave of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BEHAVIOR & ORGANIZATION 2022; 202:733-745. [PMID: 35991963 PMCID: PMC9376346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Longevity expectations (LE) are subjective assessments of future health status that can influence a number of individual health protective decisions. This is especially true during a pandemic such as COVID-19, as the risk of ill health depends more than ever on such protective decisions. This paper examines the causal effect of LE on some protective health behaviors and a number of decisions regarding forgoing health care using individual differences in LE. We use data from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe, and we draw on an instrumental variable strategy exploiting individual level information on parental age at death. Consistent with the too healthy to be sick hypothesis, we find that individuals, exhibiting higher expected longevity, are more likely to engage in protective behaviours, and are less likely to forgo medical treatment. We estimate that a one standard deviation increase in LE increases the probability to comply always with social distancing by 0.6%, to meet people less often by 0.4% and decreases the probability to forgo any medical treatment by 0.6%. Our estimates vary depending on supply side restrictions influencing the availability of health care, as well as individual characteristics such as their gender and the presence of pre-existing health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Celidoni
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Joan Costa-Font
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), IZA Bonn & CESIfo Munich, London, UK
| | - Luca Salmasi
- Department of Economics and Finance, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy
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19
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Vigezzi GP, Bertuccio P, Amerio A, Bosetti C, Gori D, Cavalieri d’Oro L, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Zucchi A, Gallus S, Odone A, Investigators LILP. Older Adults' Access to Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the LOckdown and LifeSTyles (LOST) in Lombardia Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811271. [PMID: 36141544 PMCID: PMC9565221 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionally affected older people in terms of clinical outcomes and care provision. We aimed to investigate older adults' changes in access to care during the pandemic and their determinants. We used data from a cross-sectional study (LOST in Lombardia) conducted in autumn 2020 on a representative sample of 4400 older adults from the most populated region in Italy. Lifestyles, mental health, and access to healthcare services before and during the pandemic were collected. To identify factors associated with care delays, reduction in emergency department (ED) access, and hospitalisations, we estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable log-binomial regression models. During the pandemic, compared to the year before, 21.5% of the study population increased telephone contacts with the general practitioner (GP) and 9.6% increased self-pay visits, while 22.4% decreased GP visits, 12.3% decreased outpatient visits, 9.1% decreased diagnostic exams, 7.5% decreased ED access, and 6% decreased hospitalisations. The prevalence of care delays due to patient's decision (overall 23.8%) was higher among men (PR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.29), subjects aged 75 years or more (PR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00-1.25), and those with a higher economic status (p for trend < 0.001). Participants with comorbidities more frequently cancelled visits and reduced ED access or hospitalisations, while individuals with worsened mental health status reported a higher prevalence of care delays and ED access reductions. Access to care decreased in selected sub-groups of older adults during the pandemic with likely negative impacts on mortality and morbidity in the short and long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Collegio Ca’ della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16124 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bosetti
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, 24121 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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20
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Gómez-Restrepo C, Cepeda M, Torrey WC, Suarez-Obando F, Uribe-Restrepo JM, Park S, Acosta MPJ, Camblor PM, Castro SM, Aguilera-Cruz J, González L, Chaparro N, Gómez-Gamez AM, Bell K, Marsch LA. Perceived access to general and mental healthcare in primary care in Colombia during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:896318. [PMID: 36159257 PMCID: PMC9490130 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.896318] [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: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact both in general and mental healthcare, challenged the health systems worldwide, and affected their capacity to deliver essential health services. We aimed to describe perceived changes in ease of access to general and mental healthcare among patients with a diagnosis of depression and/or unhealthy alcohol use in Colombia. Methods This study is embedded in the DIADA project, a multicenter implementation research study aimed at evaluating the integration of mental healthcare in primary care in Colombia. Between November 2020 and August 2021, we conducted a COVID-19 pandemic impact assessment in a cohort of participants with newly diagnosed depression and/or unhealthy alcohol use part of DIADA project. We assessed the ease of access and factors related to perceived ease of access to general or mental healthcare, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results 836 participants completed the COVID-19 pandemic impact assessment. About 30% of participants considered their mental health to be worse during the pandemic and 84.3% perceived access to general healthcare to be worse during the pandemic. Most of participants (85.8%) were unable to assess access to mental health services, but a significant proportion considered it to be worse. Experiencing worse ease of access to general healthcare was more frequent among women, patients with diagnosis of depression, and patients with comorbidities. Experiencing worse ease of access to mental healthcare was more frequent among patients aged between 30 and 49.9 years, from socioeconomic status between 4 and 6, affiliated to the contributive social security regime, attending urban study sites, and those who perceived their mental health was worse during the pandemic. Discussion Despite the overall perception of worse mental health during the pandemic, the use of mental healthcare was low compared to general healthcare. Ease of access was perceived to be worse compared to pre-pandemic. Ease of access and access were affected by geographical study site, socioeconomic status, age and gender. Our findings highlight the need for improved communication between patients and institutions, tailored strategies to adapt the healthcare provision to patients' characteristics, and continued efforts to strengthen the role of mental healthcare provision in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gómez-Restrepo
- Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia,Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Magda Cepeda
- Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia,*Correspondence: Magda Cepeda
| | - William C. Torrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | | | | | - Sena Park
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - María Paula Jassir Acosta
- Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Pablo Martínez Camblor
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Sergio M. Castro
- Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jeny Aguilera-Cruz
- Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lilian González
- Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Chaparro
- Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ana María Gómez-Gamez
- Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Kathleen Bell
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Lisa A. Marsch
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
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21
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Stojisavljević S, Đikanović B, Vončina L, Scott K, Shroff Z, Manigoda D, Štrbac S, Bosančić B, Mathauer I. The challenge of ensuring elderly people can access their health insurance entitlements: a mixed methods study on the Republic of Srpska's Protector of Patients' Health Insurance Entitlements. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-009373. [PMID: 36109016 PMCID: PMC9476123 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare utilisation requires knowing one's entitlements and how to access them (navigation) and having access to grievance redressal when entitlements are denied. To ensure citizen access to and use of health insurance entitlements, the Health Insurance Fund established an initiative called the Protector of Patients' Health Insurance Entitlements (PPHIE). PPHIEs are supposed to provide patient navigation and grievance redressal services. This paper explores to what extent this initiative meets its objectives and is used by the elderly in rural areas. METHODS This study employed a mixed methods approach. We conducted in-depth interviews with elderly patients in rural areas, PPHIEs, health providers and health insurance managers (N=39), as well as focus groups (N=5) and a household survey (N=715) with elderly rural patients. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis, and the household survey results were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS The majority of elderly patients were not aware of the PPHIE initiative and instead received patient navigation support from their healthcare providers. The PPHIE programme was poorly publicised among the population. Although PPHIEs had a mandate to pursue grievance redressal they rarely did so, and their role in the system was more symbolic than functional. CONCLUSION While healthcare providers have (by default) filled the navigation role left by inactive PPHIEs, the grievance redressal role remains unfilled. Information about health insurance entitlements and access to grievance redressal must be provided through visible, accessible and efficient mechanisms that should be continuously monitored and improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stela Stojisavljević
- Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina .,Department of Public Health, University of Banja Luka Faculty of Medicine, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Bosiljka Đikanović
- Institute of Social Medicine, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Beograd, Serbia
| | | | - Kerry Scott
- Independent Research Consultant, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zubin Shroff
- WHO Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dijana Manigoda
- Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Savka Štrbac
- Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Borut Bosančić
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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22
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Eimontas J, Gegieckaitė G, Zamalijeva O, Pakalniškienė V. Unmet Healthcare Needs Predict Depression Symptoms among Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158892. [PMID: 35897261 PMCID: PMC9330083 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Risk factors for depression in older adults include significant interpersonal losses, increasing social isolation, and deteriorating physical abilities and health that require healthcare. The effects of unmet healthcare needs on depression in older adults are understudied. This study aimed to analyze the association between unmet healthcare needs and symptoms of depression, sleep, and antidepressant medication while controlling for other significant factors among older adults. For this study, we used a multinational database from The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), containing data of individuals aged 50 and older. The final sample used in this research consisted of 39,484 individuals from 50 to 100 years (mean − 71.15, SD ± 9.19), 42.0 percent of whom were male. Three path models exploring relationships between symptoms of depression at an older age and unmet healthcare needs were produced and had a good model fit. We found that unmet healthcare needs were directly related to depression, activity limitations were related to depression directly and through unmet healthcare needs, whereas financial situation mostly indirectly through unmet healthcare needs. We discuss how depression itself could increase unmet healthcare needs.
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Smolić Š, Blaževski N, Fabijančić M. Remote Healthcare During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings for Older Adults in 27 European Countries and Israel. Front Public Health 2022; 10:921379. [PMID: 35910874 PMCID: PMC9337840 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.921379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated issues regarding access to healthcare for older people, by far the most vulnerable population group. In particular, older adults avoided seeking medical treatment for fear of infection or had their medical treatments postponed or denied by health facilities or health professionals. In response, remote medical services were recognized as an essential adjustment mechanism to maintain the continuity of healthcare provision. Using the SHARE Corona Survey data, we estimate logistic and multilevel regression models for the remote care of 44,152 persons aged 50 and over in 27 European countries and Israel. Our findings suggest that those aged 80+ were the least likely to use remote healthcare. However, women, better educated individuals, older adults who lived in urban areas, those with no financial strain, and active Internet users used remote medical consultations more often. Those who reported poor or fair health status, two or more chronic diseases, or hospitalization in the last 12 months were significantly more likely to use remote healthcare. Furthermore, remote medical consultations were more frequent for those who had their healthcare postponed or went without it due to fear of coronavirus infection. Finally, older adults used remote care more frequently in countries with less healthcare coverage and lower health expenditures. Health systems should prioritize vulnerable groups in maintaining continuity in access to healthcare, despite the availability of remote care. Policymakers should improve telemedicine regulation and offer incentives for providers of remote healthcare services by adapting reimbursement policies. Remote medical care could play an important role in maintaining healthcare access for older adults and increasing health systems' preparedness in future health emergencies.
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Hwang J, Kim S. How do perceptions of public health measures affect experience of unmet healthcare needs among older Korean adults during COVID-19 pandemic? Prev Med Rep 2022; 26:101735. [PMID: 35198363 PMCID: PMC8850269 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of or inadequate access to needed care may deteriorate health. COVID-19 outbreak may prohibit access to needed care. A poor understanding of public health measures increased unmet healthcare needs. Trust and satisfaction of public health measures were not related to unmet healthcare needs. The findings suggest the importance of effective risk communication.
Increasing difficulties in the use of healthcare services after the COVID-19 outbreak is a major concern as ensuring access to healthcare services is a primary health policy goal. The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of public perceptions regarding COVID-19 related public health measures on older adults’ experience of unmet healthcare needs in Korea. A total of 1961 participants from the Korea Health Care System Performance, over the age of 65, were included in the analyses. Three different logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of public perceptions – understanding, trust and satisfaction- regarding COVID-19 public health measures on unmet healthcare needs. Our results show that a poor understanding of public health measures was associated with higher odds of unmet healthcare needs among Korean older adults (OR:2.65, 95%CI: 1.79–3.94). However, trust and satisfaction of public health measures were not related to unmet healthcare needs. Our findings suggest that the importance of effective risk communication to facilitate better understand quarantine polices rather than emphasizing trust or satisfaction over public health measure.
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Menon LK, Richard V, de Mestral C, Baysson H, Wisniak A, Guessous I, Stringhini S. Forgoing healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic in Geneva, Switzerland - A cross-sectional population-based study. Prev Med 2022; 156:106987. [PMID: 35150752 PMCID: PMC8828292 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.106987] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health systems around the world continue to navigate through operational challenges surfaced by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; these have implications for access to healthcare. In this study, we estimate the prevalence and reasons for forgoing healthcare during the pandemic in Geneva, Switzerland; a country with a universal and mandatory private health insurance coverage. METHODS Participants from a randomly selected population-based sample of the adult population living in the Canton of Geneva completed an online socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire between November 2020 and January 2021. The prevalence and reasons for forgoing healthcare since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic were examined descriptively, and logistic regression models were used to assess determinants for forgoing healthcare. RESULTS The study included 5397 participants, among which 8.0% reported having forgone healthcare since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic; participants with a disadvantaged financial situation (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.56-2.65), and those reporting an average (OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.94-3.31) or poor health (OR = 4.40; 95% CI: 2.39-7.67) were more likely to forgo healthcare. The most common reasons to forgo healthcare were appointment cancellations by healthcare providers (53.9%), fear of infection (35.3%), and personal organizational issues (11.1%). CONCLUSION Our paper highlights the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to healthcare and identifies population sub-groups at-risk for forgoing healthcare. These results necessitate public health efforts to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Krishna Menon
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Genève, Switzerland; Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Viviane Richard
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Carlos de Mestral
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Hélène Baysson
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Genève, Switzerland; Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Ania Wisniak
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Genève, Switzerland; Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Idris Guessous
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Genève, Switzerland; Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Genève, Switzerland; Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Genève, Switzerland; University Center for General Medicine and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 44, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Social Inequalities of Health Care Use in Hungary: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042258. [PMID: 35206447 PMCID: PMC8872504 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background: The social representation of restricted health care use during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been evaluated properly yet in Hungary. Objective: Our study aimed to quantify the effect of COVID-19 pandemic measures on general practitioner (GP) visits, specialist care, hospitalization, and cost-related prescription nonredemption (CRPNR) among adults, and to identify the social strata susceptible to the pandemic effect. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on nationally representative data of 6611 (Nprepandemic = 5603 and Npandemic = 1008) adults. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to determine the sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing health care use by odds ratios (ORs) along with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). To identify the social strata susceptible to the pandemic effect, the interaction of the time of data collection with the level of education, marital status, and Roma ethnicity, was tested and described by iORs. Results: While the CRPNR did not change, the frequency of GP visits, specialist care, and hospitalization rates was remarkably reduced by 22.2%, 26.4%, and 6.7%, respectively, during the pandemic. Roma proved to be not specifically affected by the pandemic in any studied aspect, and the pandemic restructuring of health care impacted the social subgroups evenly with respect to hospital care. However, the pandemic effect was weaker among primary educated adults (iORGP visits, high-school vs. primary-education = 0.434; 95% CI 0.243–0.776, ORspecialist visit, high-school vs. primary-education = 0.598; 95% CI 0.364–0.985), and stronger among married adults (iORGP visit, widowed vs. married = 2.284; 95% CI 1.043–4.998, iORspecialist visit, widowed vs. married = 1.915; 95% CI 1.157–3.168), on the frequency of GP visits and specialist visits. The prepandemic CRPNR inequality by the level of education was increased (iORhigh-school vs. primary-education = 0.236; 95% CI 0.075–0.743). Conclusion: Primary educated and widowed adults did not follow the general trend, and their prepandemic health care use was not reduced during the pandemic. This shows that although the management of pandemic health care use restrictions was implemented by not increasing social inequity, the drug availability for primary educated individuals could require more support.
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Tavares AI. Older Europeans' experience of unmet health care during the COVID-19 pandemic (first wave). BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:182. [PMID: 35148771 PMCID: PMC8840072 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07563-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic the utilization of health services has changed. People were living in a very different social, economic and epidemiological context. Unmet health care is expected to happen. The purposes of this work are i) to compare the differences between unmet care across countries, ii) to find the main factors which are associated with unmet health care, which includes giving up and postponing medical care, as well as denial of medical care provision by the health services, and iii) to determine if health systems' characteristics and government decisions on lockdown were related to unmet care. METHODS We have used the most recent dataset collected by the SHARE-COVID Survey during the summer of 2020. These data cover all EU countries and are applied to people over 50. We have estimated a set of logistic regressions to explain unmet health care. RESULTS The results indicate that women, people who are slightly younger, with higher education and income, who find it hard to make ends meet each month, and people with poorer health were more likely to experience unmet health care. We also found that in health systems with high out-of-pocket payments people are more likely to give up health care while in countries with previous high levels of unmet health needs this likelihood was the opposite; people in countries with a high number of beds per capita and with a Beveridge-type health system were reporting less postponement of health care. CONCLUSION Some policy measures may be suggested such as social and economic measures to mitigate loss of income, expansion of the points and forms of access to health care to improve utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Isabel Tavares
- ISEG, Lisbon School of Economics and Management, Lisbon, Portugal. .,CEISUC, Centre of Studies and Research in Health of the University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Bastani P, Mohammadpour M, Samadbeik M, Bastani M, Rossi-Fedele G, Balasubramanian M. Factors influencing access and utilization of health services among older people during the COVID - 19 pandemic: a scoping review. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:190. [PMID: 34743747 PMCID: PMC8572573 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00719-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to healthcare and service utilization are both considered essential factors for improving the general health and wellbeing of older people, especially at the time of COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study is to explore factors affecting healthcare access and health service utilization for older people during the pandemic. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were systematically searched for relevant articles. Access, utilization, health, elderly and COVID-19 were used as keywords in the search strategy. A total of 4308 articles were identified through the initial database search; 50 articles were included in the review as passing the eligibility criteria. The searches were conducted up to August 2021. Data extraction was performed, and evidence was descriptively illustrated. Thematic analysis was used to explore factors influencing the elderly’s access and utilization of healthcare services, using Max QDA10, a qualitative analysis software. Results Among articles included in the review (n = 50), a majority of the studies were from the United States (36%), followed by India (8%). According to the main healthcare services, a large number of articles (18%) were related to mental health services, followed by digital health services (16%). Factors were identified at an individual, provider and systems level. Seven main themes emerged from the thematic analysis, as determinants of elderly’s access and utilization of healthcare services during COVID-19 pandemic. These included: access to non-COVID related services, access to COVID-related services, literacy and education, accommodation challenges, perceived attitudes of aging, and policies and structures, and social determinants. Conclusion Mental health and digital health services were identified as major issues influencing or contributing to or influencing older people’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also argue on the importance of a rounded view, as attention to a range of factors is vital for policy decisions towards sustainable care and equitable interventions for improving the health of older people. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13690-021-00719-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peivand Bastani
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mahnaz Samadbeik
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | - Misagh Bastani
- Anesthesiologist, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Madhan Balasubramanian
- Research Fellow and Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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González-Touya M, Stoyanova A, Urbanos-Garrido RM. COVID-19 and Unmet Healthcare Needs of Older People: Did Inequity Arise in Europe? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179177. [PMID: 34501767 PMCID: PMC8431067 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Background: The disruption in healthcare provision due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced many non-urgent medical treatments and appointments to be postponed or denied, which is expected to have huge impact on non-acute health conditions, especially in vulnerable populations such as older people. Attention should be paid to equity issues related to unmet needs during the pandemic. Methods: We calculated concentration indices to identify income-related inequalities and horizontal inequity in unmet needs due to postponed and denied healthcare in people over 50 during COVID-19, using data from the Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Results: Very few countries show significant income-related inequalities in postponed, rescheduled or denied treatments and medical appointments, usually favouring the rich. Only Estonia, Italy and Romania show a significant horizontal inequity (HI) in postponed healthcare, which apparently favours the poor. Significant pro-rich inequity in denied healthcare is found in Italy, Poland and Greece. Conclusions: Although important income-related horizontal inequity in unmet needs of European older adults during the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic is not evident for most countries, some of them have to carefully monitor barriers to healthcare access. Delays in diagnosis and treatments may ultimately translate into adverse health outcomes, reduced quality of life and, even, widen socio-economic health inequalities among older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta González-Touya
- Servicio de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Alexandrina Stoyanova
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Barcelona, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Rosa M. Urbanos-Garrido
- Department of Applied Economics, Public Economics and Political Economy, Faculty of Economics and Business, University Complutense of Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
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