1
|
Song MY, Blake-Hepburn D, Karbasi A, Fadel SA, Allin S, Ataullahjan A, Ruggiero ED. Public health partnerships with faith-based organizations to support vaccination uptake among minoritized communities: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002765. [PMID: 38837963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Faith-based vaccine initiatives are of growing interest to public health agencies who are looking to increase vaccine confidence among ethnoracially minoritized populations. Despite evidence that support faith-based organizations' (FBOs) partnerships with public health agencies (PHAs) to increase vaccine confidence, reviews on the scope and efforts to ensure equitable vaccination delivery for ethnoracially minoritized populations are scarce. We aimed to understand how public health agencies collaborate with FBOs or faith communities to improve vaccine confidence among minoritized communities in high-, low- and middle- income countries. We conducted a scoping review by searching OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), SCOPUS, and PROQUEST from 2011 to 2023. We included case studies, news reports, observational studies, experimental, and quasi-experimental studies and multimedia content that describes PHA-FBO partnerships that created vaccine initiatives for marginalized and minoritized communities. The data was extracted, summarized, and results were described narratively. We included 167 initiatives reported in 160 publications; 83.8% of the included articles were published between 2019 to 2023. The interventions carried out by PHA-FBO partnerships attempted to increase vaccine uptake using any or all the following methods. First, the initiatives provided digital and in-person platforms for interfaith learning and established training programs to empower faith leaders to become vaccine ambassadors. Second, the initiatives designed and disseminated education and awareness materials that aimed to be sensitive to religious and gender norms. Third, PHA-FBO partnered to apply equity and faith-based frameworks and provided wrap-around support to enable equitable vaccine access. Majority of the initiatives reported that PHA-FBO partnerships improved vaccine confidence and uptake (71.3%). About 22.2% of the initiatives reported quantitative outcomes post-intervention. PHA-FBO initiatives over the past decade increased vaccine uptake and acceptance among diverse ethnoracially minoritized populations. Reporting of faith-based initiatives are subject to publication bias and can be strengthened by examining more evaluation studies and establishment of key outcome indicators to critically appraise intervention outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melodie Yunju Song
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Anna Karbasi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shaza A Fadel
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Clinical Public Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sara Allin
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anushka Ataullahjan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Erica Di Ruggiero
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
El Salibi N, Abdulrahim S, El Haddad M, Abi Zeid B, Alawieh MF, Ramadan Z, Ghattas H, McCall SJ. Predicting intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in older Syrian refugees in Lebanon: Findings from a multi-wave study. Vaccine 2024; 42:2646-2654. [PMID: 38485642 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.054] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among refugees in the Arab region remains low. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, reasons and predictors of intention to refuse the COVID-19 vaccine among older Syrian refugees in Lebanon. METHODS A nested cross-sectional study within a longitudinal study among older Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The sampling frame was a complete listing of beneficiary households of a humanitarian organization with at least one adult aged 50 years or older. Telephone surveys were completed at months 1 starting September 2020 (wave 1), months 2 (wave 2), months 5 (wave 3), months 6 (wave 4) and months 17 (wave 5) in March 2022. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of intention to refuse the COVID-19 vaccine. Models were internally validated using bootstrap methods and the models' calibration and discrimination were presented. FINDINGS Of 3167 Syrian refugees, 61.3% intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, 31.3% refused, and 7.4% were undecided. Reasons for vaccine refusal were: preference to follow preventive measures (27.4%) and belief that the vaccine is not essential (20.7%). Furthermore, 57.1% of participants registered to take the COVID-19 vaccine in wave 5. Irrespective of vaccination intention, reasons for not registering included: not wanting to receive the vaccine, and being unsure whether to take it. Predictors of intention to refuse the COVID-19 vaccine included: being a female, older age, having elementary education or above, living outside informal tented settlements, perceiving COVID-19 as not severe and vaccines as not safe or effective, and using social media for information on COVID-19. After adjusting for optimization, the final model showed moderate discrimination (C-statistic: 0.651 (95% CI:0.630-0.672)) and good calibration (C-slope: 0.93 (95% CI: 0.823-1.065)). CONCLUSIONS This study developed a predictive model for vaccination intention with a moderate discriminative ability and good calibration. Prediction models in humanitarian settings can help identify refugees at higher risk of not intending to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for public health targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noura El Salibi
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sawsan Abdulrahim
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Maria El Haddad
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Berthe Abi Zeid
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Hala Ghattas
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stephen J McCall
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Boisson-Walsh A, Fried B, Shea CM, Ngimbi P, Mbonze N, Tabala M, Kashamuka MM, Babakazo P, Yotebieng M, Thompson P. Using intervention mapping to develop an implementation strategy to improve timely uptake of streamlined birth-dose vaccines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002641. [PMID: 38271398 PMCID: PMC10810515 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Despite the policy recommendation and effectiveness of administering the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine (HepB-BD) to newborns to prevent mother-to-child hepatitis B transmission, timely uptake remains an issue. Countries adopting the HepB-BD to their national immunization schedule report programmatic challenges to administering the vaccine within the recommended 24-hour window after delivery. Further, while the World Health Organization recommends streamlining three birth-dose vaccines (HepB-BD, BCG, and OPV0), scarce Sub-Saharan(SSA)-based literature reports on a streamlined and timely approach to birth-dose vaccines. As more SSA countries adopt the new birth-dose vaccine to their immunization schedules, a systematically developed implementation strategy-Vaccination of Newborns-Innovative Strategies to Hasten Birth-Dose vaccines' delivery (VANISH-BD)-will facilitate the adoption and implementation of timely birth-dose vaccine uptake. In this paper, we describe the development of the implementation strategy using intervention mapping, an evidence-based and theory-driven approach. We report on the development of our intervention, beginning with the needs assessment based in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), informing step 1 of intervention mapping. The intervention is contextually relevant, locally produced, sustainable, and designed to improve timely birth-dose vaccine uptake in the DRC. We intend to inform future implementers about improving timely and streamlined birth-dose vaccine uptake and for VANISH-BD to be adapted for similar contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alix Boisson-Walsh
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bruce Fried
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. Shea
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Patrick Ngimbi
- Ecole de Santé Publique de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Nana Mbonze
- Ecole de Santé Publique de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Martine Tabala
- Ecole de Santé Publique de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Pélagie Babakazo
- Ecole de Santé Publique de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Peyton Thompson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Speers SJ, Lau LL, Neufeld HT, Servano D, Go DJ, Kipp A, Brubacher LJ, Dodd W. Caring in crisis: The experiences of local religious leaders meeting community food needs in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. WELLBEING, SPACE AND SOCIETY 2023; 5:100154. [PMID: 37360611 PMCID: PMC10278461 DOI: 10.1016/j.wss.2023.100154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
To respond to the unintended consequences of prevention measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission, individuals and groups, including religious leaders, have collaborated to provide care to those negatively impacted by these measures. Amid these various efforts and interventions, there is a need to deepen our understanding of diverse expressions of care across various geographical and social contexts. To address this need, the objective of this study was to investigate how religious leaders in the Philippines practiced care for their communities by meeting emergency food needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by an ethics of care theoretical orientation, we conducted 25 remote semi-structured interviews with Filipino religious leaders who partnered with a Philippines-based non-governmental organization (NGO) to mobilize essential food aid to their local communities. Through defining the efforts and activities of these religious leaders as care work, we found that religious leader experiences revolved around navigating care responsibilities, caring alongside others, and engaging holistically with the care work. Additionally, we observed how contextual factors such as the humanitarian settings where religious leaders worked, the partnership with an NGO, and the positionality of local religious leaders within their communities, fundamentally shaped the care work. This study expands our understanding of how care is practiced and experienced and also brings greater visibility to the experiences and efforts of local religious leaders in responding to humanitarian emergencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shoshannah Joanna Speers
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Lincoln Leehang Lau
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
- International Care Ministries, Unit 1701, 17th Floor, West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 1605
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 3M7
| | - Hannah Tait Neufeld
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Danilo Servano
- International Care Ministries, Unit 1701, 17th Floor, West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 1605
| | - Daryn Joy Go
- International Care Ministries, Unit 1701, 17th Floor, West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 1605
| | - Amy Kipp
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Laura Jane Brubacher
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Warren Dodd
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gunawardena SA, Dassanayake N, Keerawelle BI, Kanthasamy S, Ranganatha H, Gunawardana JW. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trends and characteristics of natural and unnatural deaths in an urban Sri Lankan cohort viewed through retrospective analysis of forensic death investigations from 2019 to 2022. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023; 14:468-482. [PMID: 38204426 PMCID: PMC10788415 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0175] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a severe impact on global health. Apart from the disease itself, the strict restrictions and lockdowns enforced to minimize its spread have also substantially disrupted personal and public health. METHODS An analysis of forensic autopsy investigations was conducted between 2019 and 2022 on a selected urban population in Colombo, Sri Lanka, assessing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality within these communities. RESULTS During the COVID-19 restrictions, there was a 2.5-fold increase in the total number of deaths, with a significantly higher percentage of female deaths than before. The majority of these deaths were due to cardiovascular causes, while COVID-19-related deaths ranked third overall. The highest proportion of COVID-19 deaths occurred among unvaccinated females. The monthly frequency of deaths from traffic accidents, poisoning, and asphyxiation decreased, while deaths from blunt trauma, sharp trauma, burns, and immersion increased. There was also a rise in blunt homicides and a greater number of femicides during the COVID-19 restrictions than in the pre-pandemic period. A significantly higher percentage of males who received the COVID-19 vaccine died from cardiovascular causes compared to those in the unvaccinated group. CONCLUSION The significant changes in mortality demographics and causes of death within this community during the COVID-19 restrictions underscore the disruption in healthcare, healthseeking behavior, and social interactions during this period. The vulnerability of individuals residing in highly urbanized areas with lower socioeconomic status, particularly women, is brought into sharp focus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sameera Anuruddha Gunawardena
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nishani Dassanayake
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Shivasankarie Kanthasamy
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Hasini Ranganatha
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Jayani Wathsala Gunawardana
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tamire M, Abegaz T, Abaya SW, Lisanwork L, Gizachew L, Abate E, Wang SH, Gebreyes W, Kumie A. Exploring Community Perceptions of COVID-19 and Vaccine Hesitancy in Selected Cities of Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1511. [PMID: 37896915 PMCID: PMC10610566 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though the COVID-19 vaccine has been available and free of charge to the targeted population in Ethiopia, the vaccination rate was lower than needed to achieve herd immunity at community level. This study aimed to explore community perceptions of COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy in selected cities of Ethiopia involving 70 in-depth interviews and 28 focused group discussions. The audio-taped data were transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach using the ATLAS.ti software version 8. The findings revealed that COVID-19 was perceived as evil and caused fear and frustration upon its emergence. The community initially used traditional remedies for its prevention but later transitioned to employing non-pharmaceutical interventions. The primary reasons for vaccine hesitancy were misinformation and misconceptions, such as connecting the vaccine with the mark of the beast, a lack of trust due to the multiple vaccine types, a shorter production timeline resulting in distrust of its effectiveness, and a fear of pain and side effects. Based on our findings, we recommend monitoring the use of social media and countering misinformation with the correct information and continuous public health campaigns. Further studies should be conducted to assess the types and magnitude of impacts from the myths and misconceptions on vaccination uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mulugeta Tamire
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (T.A.); (S.W.A.); (A.K.)
| | - Teferi Abegaz
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (T.A.); (S.W.A.); (A.K.)
| | - Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (T.A.); (S.W.A.); (A.K.)
| | - Leuel Lisanwork
- Ohio State Global One Health, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (L.L.); (L.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Lehageru Gizachew
- Ohio State Global One Health, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (L.L.); (L.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Ebba Abate
- Ohio State Global One Health, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (L.L.); (L.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Shu-Hua Wang
- Global One Health Initiative, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (S.-H.W.); (W.G.)
- Infectious Disease Division, Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Wondwossen Gebreyes
- Global One Health Initiative, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (S.-H.W.); (W.G.)
- Infectious Diseases Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (T.A.); (S.W.A.); (A.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Halder CE, Hasan MA, Mohamud YM, Nyawara M, Okello JC, Mizan MN, Sayum MA, Hossain A. Understanding the challenges and gaps in community engagement interventions for COVID-19 prevention strategies in Rohingya refugees: a qualitative study with frontline workers and community representatives. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1169050. [PMID: 37601208 PMCID: PMC10437112 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1169050] [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: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are vulnerable to infectious diseases such as COVID-19 due to the crowded living conditions with fragile shelters, and limited water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and practices. While risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) is the cornerstone of outbreak control, there is limited evidence available on the effectiveness of the RCCE strategies in this setting. Objectives The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of RCCE strategies and to explore the challenges and community recommendations in relation to COVID-19 preventive measures in the context of Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. Materials and methods It was a qualitative study. Methods used were (a) observation of RCCE intervention by 3 clinical supervisors accompanying 25 Community Health Workers (CHWs) and (b) 5 focus group discussions engaging 60 community representatives. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, separately for observation and focus group discussions. Results The study identified a number of good practices of RCCE, including selecting CHWs from the local community, engaging female CHWs, using local dialect, and collaborating with community/religious leaders. Certain good practices need scaling up, such as utilization of multiple communication methods and interpersonal communication skills. Some areas need improvement, such as CHWs being overburdened with multiple tasks, less effort to active listening, repeated delivery of same messages, inadequate linkage to culture, context, and resources, and less effort to empower the community. Engaging the community, five critical themes were identified in relation to poor COVID-19 preventive practices: culture, religion, and language; local context and resources; community trust and interaction with aid workers; communication methods; and gender and social inclusion. Religious misinterpretation, cultural barriers, physical barriers, lack of resources, breach of trust between the community and aid workers, inconsistent/complex messages, lack of gender and social inclusion, and stigmatization are among some key factors. Some key actions were recommended to improve COVID-19 RCCE strategy. Conclusion We urge the RCCE partners to make use of the findings and recommendations to develop a robust RCCE strategy relevant to local culture and context, responsive to people's concerns and needs, and inclusive of gender, age and social vulnerabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charls Erik Halder
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abeed Hasan
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Yussuf Mohamed Mohamud
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Marsela Nyawara
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - James Charles Okello
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nahid Mizan
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Sayum
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Hossain
- College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Global Health Institute, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Seale H, Harris-Roxas B, Mustafa K, McDermid P. Communication and engagement of community members from ethnic minorities during COVID-19: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069552. [PMID: 37344110 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review examined the factors influencing communication and engagement with ethnic and racial minority groups in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to answer two main questions: (1) what communication problems people from these communities typically faced during the pandemic? and (2) what strategies and recommendations were suggested to enhance communication and engagement for ethnic and racial minorities during the current COVID-19 pandemic and any similar events in the future? DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsychINFO and CINAHL. Grey literature was searched within organisations' websites and a Google search of key terms. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES We included original research, case studies, reports (including government and charity reports), systematic and scoping articles and literature reviews in English, published from January 2020 to August 2022. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two researchers independently assessed the literature for eligibility and extracted data from the included literature. The selected papers were analysed and summarised into themes relevant to the research questions. The final review included 38 studies combining published academic papers and grey literature. RESULTS Key themes relating to communication and engagement issues included a lack of trust in authority, a lack of access to information and ineffective communication channels and a lack of timely and culturally responsive materials. To reduce the issues, the papers spoke about the key role of community organisations to provide local support and community leaders as trusted spokespersons. Lastly, key recommendations to reduce inequity and strengthen future pandemic responses focused on the need for collaborations and consultations, increasing the number of bilingual workers and supporting community-led communication efforts. CONCLUSIONS The insights gained from the activities and experiences documented in this review during the COVID-19 pandemic should be incorporated into future decision-making and interventions to enhance communication and engagement strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Seale
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ben Harris-Roxas
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kinza Mustafa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pippa McDermid
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Luetke Lanfer H, Rossmann C, Kargbo SI. Exploring the Contextual Factors of Religious Leader Participation in Health Communication: Evidence from a Qualitative Study in Sierra Leone. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:1695-1715. [PMID: 35987844 PMCID: PMC9392582 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01632-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As there are many and sometimes ambivalent intersections of health and religion, strategic collaborations with religious opinion leaders in health campaigns have been increasingly explored. Despite the known influence of distinct contextual factors within emergency and non-emergency settings, existing research seldom distinguishes between those different factors and their impact on the inclusion of religious leaders as health messengers. To compare the contextual factors of religious leaders as health messengers during emergency and non-emergency situations in a setting with high religious affiliations, this study used a qualitative approach and triangulated the perspectives of three different samples, including (religious) opinion leaders, members of religious communities, and developers of health communication strategies in Sierra Leone. The results provide multifaceted insights into contextual factors applicable to emergency and non-emergency settings as well as the risks and opportunities. Recommendations for the incorporation of religious leaders in health promotion activities in consideration of different contextual factors are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Luetke Lanfer
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Constanze Rossmann
- Division of Communication and Media Research, LMU Munich, Oettingenstr. 67, 80538 Munich, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kalita K, Leszczak J, Czenczek-Lewandowska E, Mazur A. Assessment of Health Behaviours and Satisfaction with Life among Catholic Priests in Poland. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:1676-1694. [PMID: 36645611 PMCID: PMC9842205 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01736-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the health behaviours of diocesan priests in Poland and their level of life satisfaction. The specific goal was to determine the factors that most affect their quality of health (internal health control, the influence of others or coincidence) and life satisfaction (positive mental attitude, preventive behaviour, eating habits, health practices). The study involved 250 diocesan priests from the Podkarpackie region who took part in the research by completing an anonymous questionnaire. The questions were mainly based on tools for assessing health behaviours, namely the HBI-health behaviour inventory, MHLC-multidimensional scale of health locus of control and the SWLS-satisfaction with life scale. The general index of health behaviour of clergymen on the HBI scale was 77.12 ± 16.20 (Me = 78), showing a moderate level on the sten scale. On the MHLC health locus of control scale, the respondents believed that their health depended most on internal control: 25.27 ± 5.10 and the influence of others: 23.13 ± 5.57, are of utmost importance for their health. To a lesser extent they believed that health was dependent on chance: 17.60 ± 5.95. The SWLS satisfaction with life index was 22.51 ± 5.43 (Me = 23), also within the moderate range of the sten scale. The factors most closely related to the assessment of life satisfaction were positive mental attitudes and the overall HBI index. The health behaviours of priests measured by the HBI scale and the level of satisfaction with the life of SWLS clergymen are within a moderate range. On the MHLC scale, priests likewise believe that their health depends on themselves and then on others. They are clearly less likely to indicate accidental causes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kalita
- BBIAS Office for Statistical Research and Analysis Rzeszów, Ul. Malownicza 36, 35-304, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Justyna Leszczak
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Al. Rejtana 16C, 35-959, Rzeszów, Poland.
| | | | - Artur Mazur
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Al. Rejtana 16C, 35-959, Rzeszów, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wijesinghe M, Gunawardana B, Weerasinghe W, Karunarathne S, Vithana V, Rajapaksha R, Batuwanthudawe R, Karunapema R. Empowering Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Through Mothers' Support Groups: Evidence From a Community Engagement Initiative in Sri Lanka. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023; 11:GHSP-D-22-00402. [PMID: 37116926 PMCID: PMC10141429 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-22-00402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Community empowerment has previously been used to mitigate the effects of health emergencies, such as outbreaks of Ebola virus disease and Zika virus. In Sri Lanka, mothers' support groups (MSGs) aim to promote community health, well-being, and nutrition practices through community engagement. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, MSGs were mobilized by the Health Promotion Bureau in response to the pandemic. Key activities MSGs engaged in during the COVID-19 response included establishing communication networks, creating a supportive environment for preventive behaviors, organizing vaccination clinics, distributing essential food and medicine, organizing recreational activities, promoting home gardening, and monitoring community activities. We examine how these community-based empowerment initiatives successfully assisted in the pandemic response. Health officials can help to build more resilient communities that are better prepared for future health emergencies by valuing the community-level methods used in overcoming COVID-19 and further strengthening the skills of community group members.
Collapse
|
12
|
Essa-Hadad J, Abed Elhadi Shahbari N, Roth D, Gesser-Edelsburg A. The impact of Muslim and Christian religious leaders responding to COVID-19 in Israel. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1061072. [PMID: 36582370 PMCID: PMC9792761 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1061072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most significant public health emergencies in decades and has affected all countries worldwide. Religious leaders have been recognized as playing a pivotal role in health promotion during times of crisis. This study explored the role that Muslim and Christian religious leaders played in Israel during the pandemic, and the impact that their activities had on the community. Methods A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews was conducted with Muslim and Christian religious leaders and health policy makers from the Arab community. Intensive purposeful sampling was used to locate the two target audiences. Interview protocols were developed and included questions about the role they played during the pandemic, challenges they faced, and dialogue and partnerships they had. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results Ten Muslim Sheikhs, three Christian clergy, and four health policy makers were interviewed. Religious leaders played a predominant role in promoting health during the COVID-19 crisis. Both religious leaders and health policy makers reported similar challenges including dealing with fake news and the conspiracy theory, social events and gatherings, frustrations about gaps in policy toward religious institutions, and lack of trust toward State. Health policy makers recognized the key role religious leaders played and emphasized the importance of engaging religious leaders. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for partnership between health policy makers and religious leaders. Religious leaders should play an integral and integrated role in promoting health during future health crises, not only in implementation of guidelines but also in development of policy so that the guidelines are tailored and sensitive to specific communities to avoid conflicts. As trusted authorities, religious leaders serve as a bridge between health authorities and communities and can be mediators who reconcile science, policy and religious perspectives. The routine cooperation between decision makers, opinion leaders, and religious leaders as social gatekeepers can increase the public's level of trust in the system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jumanah Essa-Hadad
- Department of Population Health, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel,*Correspondence: Jumanah Essa-Hadad
| | | | - Daniel Roth
- Mosaica - Religion, Society, and State, Jerusalem, Israel,Program for Conflict Management and Negotiation, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Anat Gesser-Edelsburg
- Health and Risk Communication Lab, School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Banerjee P, Seth R, Dhaliwal BK, Sullivan A, Qiayum Y, Thankachen B, Closser S, Shet A. Vaccine acceptance in rural India: Engaging faith leaders as vaccine ambassadors. Front Public Health 2022; 10:979424. [PMID: 36203681 PMCID: PMC9531688 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.979424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Religious faith is a key marker of identity and shapes community perspectives and trust. Faith leader involvement in vaccine campaigns in India have been beneficial to counter misinformation regarding infectious diseases such as polio. Faith leaders are influential stakeholders who bear potential to enhance public confidence in vaccine campaigns. Context While vaccine coverage has been increasing in India, inequities abound, especially in populations with historically low vaccine confidence. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to major disruptions in delivery of routine immunization services for children. To address these challenges, we co-designed interventions aimed at contextual communication strategies and peer support. Engaging faith leaders was an important part of this intervention. In this report we describe our experience and highlight the perspectives of faith leaders and their expectations of the outcomes for this intervention. Programmatic elements The CIVIC Project, conducted from January to December 2021 aimed to engage caregivers, community health workers and key stakeholders, particularly, faith leaders in co-designing interventions to address vaccine hesitancy in Mewat. The project, deeply rooted in community based participatory research, used a three-E approach (Exploration of community perspectives, Establishment of vaccine trust and awareness, Engagement in vaccine promotion activities) to successfully engage faith leaders in the design and dissemination of media messages advocating for vaccine acceptance and uptake. Lessons learned The involvement of faith leaders in the intervention benefited the community in two ways. First, faith leaders were spotlighted via videos, often disseminating advice and personal anecdotes about vaccines, thus reassuring caregivers and community members who previously expressed distrust in vaccines. Second, involvement of trusted faith leaders provided a platform for a two-way dialogue for the community to openly discuss and address myths and misconceptions regarding vaccines. This project provided the learning that co-creating interventions with faith leaders who are often gatekeepers of close-knit communities can lead to the development of vaccine positive messaging that community members relate with, motivating increased vaccine confidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preetika Banerjee
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Baldeep K. Dhaliwal
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alexis Sullivan
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Svea Closser
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anita Shet
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Anita Shet
| |
Collapse
|