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Ogunbameru A, Gebretekle GB, Perryman A, Hassan M, Farrell A, Liu K, Mishra S, Sander B. Health and non-health benefits and equity impacts of individual-level economic relief programs during epidemics/pandemics in high income settings: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2106. [PMID: 39103834 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19493-8] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Economic relief programs are strategies designed to sustain societal welfare and population health during a regional or global scale infectious disease outbreak. While economic relief programmes are considered essential during a regional or global health crisis, there is no clear consensus in the literature about their health and non-health benefits and their impact on promoting equity. METHODS We conducted a scoping review, searching eight electronic databases from January 01, 2001, to April 3, 2023, using text words and subject headings for recent pathogens (coronavirus (COVID-19), Ebola, Influenza, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), HIV, West Nile, and Zika), and economic relief programs; but restricted eligibility to high-income countries and selected diseases due to volume. Title and abstract screening were conducted by trained reviewers and Distiller AI software. Data were extracted in duplicates by two trained reviewers using a pretested form, and key findings were charted using a narrative approach. RESULTS We identified 27,263 de-duplicated records, of which 50 were eligible. Included studies were on COVID-19 and Influenza, published between 2014 and 2023. Zero eligible studies were on MERS, SARS, Zika, Ebola, or West Nile Virus. We identified seven program types of which cash transfer (n = 12) and vaccination or testing incentive (n = 9) were most common. Individual-level economic relief programs were reported to have varying degrees of impact on public health measures, and sometimes affected population health outcomes. Expanding paid sick leave programs had the highest number of studies reporting health-related outcomes and positively impacted public health measures (isolation, vaccination uptake) and health outcomes (case counts and the utilization of healthcare services). Equity impact was most often reported for cash transfer programs and incentive for vaccination programs. Positive effects on general well-being and non-health outcomes included improved mental well-being and quality of life, food security, financial resilience, and job security. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that individual-level economic relief programs can have significant impacts on public health measures, population health outcomes and equity. As countries prepare for future pandemics, our findings provide evidence to stakeholders to recognize health equity as a fundamental public health goal when designing pandemic preparedness policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeteju Ogunbameru
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Gebremedhin Beedemariam Gebretekle
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adrianna Perryman
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- School of Global Health, York University - Keele Campus, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marian Hassan
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ashley Farrell
- Library & Information Services, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kuan Liu
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre of Urban Health Solutions, St, Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Beate Sander
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Liu Y, Su Y, Li X. Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infertile patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psych J 2024. [PMID: 38894564 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.782] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infertile patients. We adopted a comparison design and searched articles published from 1 September 2016 to 31 December 2019 as the control group, while articles published from 1 January 2020 to 31 April 2023 were treated as the pandemic group. Specifically, Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, PsycArticle, CNKI and PsycINFO were searched to identify potential eligible records. Risk of bias was assessed, and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the prevalence of specific mental health problems. Forty studies with a total of 19,480 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of anxiety in the pandemic group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The depression and stress prevalence in the pandemic group was higher than that in the control group, yet did not reach statistical significance. A subgroup analysis revealed region differences with developed countries exhibiting higher rates of anxiety and depression in the pandemic group, but the result was the opposite in the control group. Physiological factors, psychological factors and social factors correlated with infertile patients' mental health were identified. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on infertile patients' mental health, emphasizing the importance of ways to mitigate the risks during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiyao Su
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoshan Li
- Center of Mental Health Education and Research, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
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Choi Y, Park EJ, Lee SY, Kim HY, Lee WY. Mental health effects associated with COVID-19 financial assistance in South Korea: a comparison of employment status. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:805. [PMID: 38486196 PMCID: PMC10938843 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18283-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has created tensions across different sectors of the society, but the impact has been unequal. Vulnerable people have been most affected, especially those with insecure employment and who have experienced economic hardships due to unemployment and lost wages. The combination of social change and economic hardships due to the pandemic increases the risk of poor mental health. Some countries have utilized financial assistance to alleviate economic hardships caused by COVID-19, and in South Korea, the central and local governments have implemented COVID-19 financial assistance. This study analysed the impact of financial assistance on mental health associated with working status during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. METHODS The participants of this study were randomly selected from residents of Gyeonggi-do after being proportionally allocated by resident registration population status. A total of 1,000 adult males and females aged 19 years or older in Gyeonggi-do who received financial assistance from the central and local governments were selected. A retrospective pre-post-study design was applied, and mental health surveys including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) were applied. RESULTS The results show that depression scores averaged 5.5 and anxiety scores averaged 4.4 before COVID-19 Financial Assistance. It is similar to the national average of 5.1 and 4.5 respectively at that time. After the assistance, depression scores dropped to 4.5, and anxiety scores dropped to 3.2. Before the assistance, depression and anxiety were higher among temporary day labourers with less job security, and they showed the most significant improvement in mental health. For full-time workers, there was no significant change in anxiety or depression after receiving the assistance. CONCLUSIONS Financial assistance can provide material resources and also positively affect mental health. In particular, it had a greater impact on the relatively vulnerable groups, such as those in unstable employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonjoo Choi
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Joo Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 84, Heuk-seok dong, Dong-jak gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Young Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, A-Jou University, 206, Worldcup-Ro, Young-tong gu, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Yeon Kim
- Department of Policy Research, Gyeonggi Welfare Foundation, Gyeong-su daero, Jang-an gu, 1150, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Weon-Young Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 84, Heuk-seok dong, Dong-jak gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Michinaka M, Sai A, Yamauchi T. Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of men experiencing homelessness: A cross-sectional study in Osaka, Japan. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292377. [PMID: 37847683 PMCID: PMC10581486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted not only our physical health but also mental health, including increasing depressive and anxiety symptoms. In particular, socially and physically vulnerable populations, such as people experiencing homelessness (PEH), may be more likely to have their mental health worsened by the pandemic due to having more difficulty meeting basic human needs. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the homeless in Japan by evaluating depressive and anxiety symptoms and identifying the associated factors particularly, sociodemographic variables as age, employment status and the fear and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. A cross-sectional interview survey among 158 PEH in Osaka Prefecture was conducted from April to May 2022. The survey included sociodemographic questions and history and perceived risk of infection with COVID-19. Depressive symptoms were measured using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptoms using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the fear of COVID-19 using the seven-item Fear of New Coronavirus Scale (FCV-19S). In this study, the prevalence of depression (PHQ-9≥10) was 38.6%, anxiety disorder (GAD≥10) was 19.0%, and high fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S≥19) was 28.5%. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PEH in younger age groups (18-34 years), and with joblessness, higher perceived infection risk, and higher fear of COVID-19 were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety (p<0.05). These results indicate that the younger PEHs with worsened economic conditions and therefore, feel threatened by COVID-19 the pandemic are at higher risk of mental health deterioration. More focused research and mental health services need to be provided to this population in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Michinaka
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Akira Sai
- Global Station for Indigenous Studies and Cultural Diversity, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Taro Yamauchi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Hunt X, Hameed S, Tetali S, Ngoc LA, Ganle J, Huq L, Shakespeare T, Smythe T, Ilkkursun Z, Kuper H, Acarturk C, Kannuri NK, Mai VQ, Khan RS, Banks LM. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to healthcare among people with disabilities: evidence from six low- and middle-income countries. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:172. [PMID: 37653417 PMCID: PMC10472671 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01989-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pandemic has placed considerable strain on health systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leading to reductions in the availability of routine health services. Emerging evidence suggests that people with disabilities have encountered marked challenges in accessing healthcare services and supports in the context of the pandemic. Further research is needed to explore specific barriers to accessing healthcare during the pandemic, and any strategies that promoted continued access to health services in LMICs where the vast majority of people with disabilities live. METHODS Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with persons with disabilities in Ghana, Zimbabwe, Viet Nam, Türkiye (Syrian refugees), Bangladesh, and India as part of a larger project exploring the experiences of people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and their inclusion in government response activities. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS This research found that people with disabilities in six countries - representing a diverse geographic spread, with different health systems and COVID-19 responses - all experienced additional difficulties accessing healthcare during the pandemic. Key barriers to accessing healthcare during the pandemic included changes in availability of services due to systems restructuring, difficulty affording care due to the economic impacts of the pandemic, fear of contracting coronavirus, and a lack of human support to enable care-seeking. CONCLUSION These barriers ultimately led to decreased utilisation of services which, in turn, negatively impacted their health and wellbeing. However, we also found that certain factors, including active and engaged Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) played a role in reducing some of the impact of pandemic-related healthcare access barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xanthe Hunt
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Room 4009, Education Building, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Shaffa Hameed
- International Centre for Evidence on Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Shailaja Tetali
- Indian Institute of Public Health-Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Luong Anh Ngoc
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse - HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - John Ganle
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lopita Huq
- BRAC Institute of Governance and Development, BRAC University, Dakar, Bangladesh
| | - Tom Shakespeare
- International Centre for Evidence on Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tracey Smythe
- International Centre for Evidence on Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Hannah Kuper
- International Centre for Evidence on Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ceren Acarturk
- Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | | | - Vu Quynh Mai
- Center for Population Health Science, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Rifat Shahpar Khan
- BRAC Institute of Governance and Development, BRAC University, Dakar, Bangladesh
| | - Lena Morgon Banks
- International Centre for Evidence on Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Moreira I, Ferrer M, Vilagut G, Mortier P, Felez-Nobrega M, Domènech-Abella J, Haro JM, Alonso J. Social inequalities in mental and physical health derived from the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain beyond SARS-CoV-2 infection. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:136. [PMID: 37488575 PMCID: PMC10367254 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01933-3] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on health involves conducting longitudinal studies to evaluate the inequalities that may have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to estimate differences in physical and mental health derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, beyond SARS-CoV-2 infection, in the Spanish general population according to the participants' level of education; and to assess the evolution of these differences from June 2020 (just after the lockdown) to nine months later (February-March 2021). METHODS This is a longitudinal prospective study of a representative sample of non-institutionalized Spanish adults, through computer-assisted telephone interviews. Mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression problems were measured with EQ-5D-5L. Prevalence ratio (PR) between high and low education levels and adjusted PR were estimated by Poisson regression models. Analyses were stratified by gender. RESULTS A total of 2,000 participants answered both surveys. Individuals with low level of education reported more health problems in both genders, and absolute inequalities remained quite constant (mobility and self-care problems) or decreased (pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression problems). The greatest relative inequalities were observed just after the lockdown, with age-adjusted PR ranging from 1.31 (95%CI 1.08-1.59) for women and 1.34 (95%CI 1.05-1.69) for men in pain/discomfort to 2.59 (95%CI 0.98-6.81) for women and 4.03 (95%CI 1.52-10.70) for men in self-care; aPR decreased after nine months for most dimensions. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of health problems increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in all education groups, but the increase was higher in women and men with a high level of education, suggesting that its impact appeared later in this group. Further analysis on the role of governmental economic aid given to vulnerable people might shed light on this evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Moreira
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Doctor Aiguader 88, office 144, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Training Unit PSMar-UPF-ASPB (Parc de Salut Mar - Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montse Ferrer
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Doctor Aiguader 88, office 144, Barcelona, 08003, Spain.
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Gemma Vilagut
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Doctor Aiguader 88, office 144, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philippe Mortier
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Doctor Aiguader 88, office 144, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Joan Domènech-Abella
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep-Maria Haro
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación del Hospital de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Alonso
- Health Services Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Doctor Aiguader 88, office 144, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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McNamara CL, Kotzias V, Bambra C, Labonté R, Stuckler D. Have COVID-19 Stimulus Packages Mitigated the Negative Health Impacts of Pandemic-Related Job Losses? A Systematic Review of Global Evidence from the First Year of the Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 53:311-322. [PMID: 37272269 PMCID: PMC10243096 DOI: 10.1177/27551938231176374] [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] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Social protection can buffer the negative impacts of unemployment on health. Have stimulus packages introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic mitigated potential harms to health from unemployment? We performed a systematic review of the health effects of job loss during the first year of the pandemic. We searched three electronic databases and identified 49 studies for inclusion. Three United States-based studies found that stimulus programs mitigated the impact of job loss on food security and mental health. Furloughs additionally appeared to reduce negative impacts when they were paid. However, despite the implementation of large-scale stimulus packages to reduce economic harms, we observed a clear pattern that job losses were nevertheless significantly associated with negative impacts, particularly on mental health, quality of life, and food security. We also observe suggestive evidence that COVID-related job loss was associated with child maltreatment, worsening dental health, and poor chronic disease outcomes. Overall, although we did find evidence that income-support policies appeared to help protect people from the negative health consequences of pandemic-related job loss, they were not sufficient to fully offset the threats to health. Future research should ascertain how to ensure adequate access to and generosity of social protection programs during epidemics and economic downturns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney L. McNamara
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN). Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Virginia Kotzias
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN). Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Clare Bambra
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN). Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ronald Labonté
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David Stuckler
- Dondena Centre for Research on Social Dynamics and Department of Social & Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milano, Italy
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Leriou E. Understanding and Measuring Child Well-being in the Region of Attica, Greece: Round Five. CHILD INDICATORS RESEARCH 2023; 16:1-57. [PMID: 37363702 PMCID: PMC10169212 DOI: 10.1007/s12187-023-10030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This research paper aims to present the results of the implementation of the C.W.-SMILE tool that recorded child well-being in the second semester of the 2020-2021 school year. This is the fifth round of this ongoing diachronic research. The C.W.-SMILE tool consists of six dimensions: home conditions (D.1), nutrition (D.2), unemployment of guardians (D.3), free healthcare (D.4), moral education (D.5), and leisure (D.6). The first three dimensions concern children's economic well-being, while the latter three dimensions determine children's non-economic well-being. Based on welfare economics, the combination of economic well-being and non-economic well-being constitutes children's general (social) well-being. Each dimension consists of Simple Indicators. The paper also presents the results of the school year as a whole, to help investigate the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's well-being for more periods. The tool was used to measure the well-being of children in Attica, through questionnaires that were circulated in 22 public schools and three support centers of the organization 'The Smile of the Child' (25 units in total). The sample consisted of 509 children, belonging to three distinct school categories. The results of the second semester are mapped in seven clusters (relating to seven socio-economically homogenous groups of municipalities in Attica). Analysis of the results of the school year 2020-2021 was done based on the data collected from a sample of 1,623 children; in other words, it took into account the data relating to the entire samples that were surveyed in the first and second semesters. The central outcomes of all the previous rounds of the research are verified through a principal component analysis (PCA), and a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) which are employed for the fifth round. Finally, the paper suggests an action plan of social welfare based on a ChoiCo game designed for the needs of the fifth round of the C.W.-SMILE research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Leriou
- Panteion University, Athens, Greece
- Community Indicators Consortium (CIC), Arlington, VA USA
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Chen J, Gong CL, Persson U, Gu NY. A cross-country comparison of health-related quality of life in the United States, Sweden, and Norway during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:58. [PMID: 37081573 PMCID: PMC10115599 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01088-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited studies have directly compared health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in different countries during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the HRQoL outcomes in the US, Sweden, and Norway during the first year under the pandemic. METHODS In April 2020, during early phase of the pandemic, separately in the US, Sweden, and Norway, we surveyed 2,734, 1,003 and 1,020 respondents, then again in January 2021, we collected 2,252, 1,013 and 1,011 respondents. The survey was first developed in English and translated into Swedish and Norwegian. Selected variables were used for the current study. We collected respondents' HRQoL using the EQ-5D-5L. Respondents' background information included their sociodemographic data, medical history, and COVID-19 status. We reported the EQ-5D-5L utility, EQ-VAS, and the proportion of problems with each of the EQ-5D-5L health subdomains. Population quality-adjusted life year (QALY) changes based on EQ-5D-5L utility scores were also calculated. Outcomes were stratified by age. One-way ANOVA test was used to detect significant differences between countries and Student's t-tests were used to assess the differences between waves. RESULTS Respectively for the US, Sweden, and Norway, mean EQ-5D-5L utilities were 0.822, 0.768, and 0.808 in April 2020 (p < 0.001); 0.823, 0.783, and 0.777 in January 2021 (p < 0.001); mean EQ-VAS scores were 0.746, 0.687, and 0.692 in April 2020 (p < 0.001), 0.764, 0.682, and 0.678 in January 2021 (p < 0.001). For both waves, EQ-5D-5L utilities and EQ-VAS scores in the US remained higher than both Sweden and Norway (p < 0.001). Norwegians reported considerably lowered HRQoL over time (p < 0.01). Self-reported problems with anxiety/depression were highest for the US and Sweden, while Norwegians reported most problems with pain/discomfort, followed by anxiety/depression. The population QALYs increased in the US and Sweden, but decreased in Norway. CONCLUSIONS In the first year of the pandemic, a rebound in HRQoL was observed in the US, but not in Sweden or Norway. Mental health issues during the pandemic warrant a major public health concern across all 3 countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahe Chen
- Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Health Economics, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cynthia L Gong
- Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Fetal & Neonatal Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ulf Persson
- The Swedish Institute for Health Economics, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ning Yan Gu
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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10
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Kelley S, Evans MDR, Kelley J. Happily Distant or Bitter Medicine? The Impact of Social Distancing Preferences, Behavior, and Emotional Costs on Subjective Wellbeing During the Epidemic. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2023; 18:115-162. [PMID: 37032789 PMCID: PMC9985093 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-023-10149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED To inhibit the spread of COVID-19 Public health officials stress, and governments often require, restrictions on social interaction ("social distancing"). While the medical benefits are clear, important questions remain about these measures' downsides: How bitter is this medicine? Ten large non-probability internet-based surveys between April and November 2020, weighted statistically to reflect the US population in age, education, and religious background and excluding respondents who even occasionally role-played rather than giving their own true views; N = 6,223. Pre-epidemic data from 2017-2019, N = 4,032. Reliable multiple-item scales including subjective wellbeing (2 European Quality of Life Survey items, Cronbach's alpha = .85); distancing attitudes (5 items, alpha = .87); distancing behavior e.g., standing 6' apart in public (5 items, alpha = .80); emotional cost of distancing and restrictions on social interaction (8-12 items, alpha = .94); and an extensive suite of controls (19 variables). Descriptive statistics, OLS regression, structural equation models. Subjective wellbeing is greater for those who approve of distancing, for those who practice distancing, and particularly for those whose distancing attitudes and behavior are congruent, either both in favor or both opposed (multiplicative interaction). The emotional cost of distancing is strongly tied to wellbeing and is heterogeneous, with some disliking distancing much more than others. An SEM model suggests causality: that emotional costs strongly reduce wellbeing but not vice-versa. During the epidemic, COVID issues constitute two of the top 5 influences on wellbeing, behind only subjective health and religious belief and tied with income. All this is net of family background, religious origins, age, ethnicity, race, gender, rural residence, education, occupational status, marriage, unemployment, income, health, religion, and political party. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11482-023-10149-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kelley
- Department of Data Science and Innovation, Child Trends, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - M. D. R. Evans
- Department of Sociology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV USA
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Park J, Kim S. Child Tax Credit, Spending Patterns, and Mental Health: Mediation Analyses of Data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4425. [PMID: 36901435 PMCID: PMC10002275 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between the receipt of COVID-19 child tax credit and adult mental health problems in the United States, and we explored whether and the extent to which a wide range of spending patterns of the credit-15 patterns regarding basic necessities, child education, and household expenditure-mediated the relationship. We used COVID-19-specialized data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, a representative population sample (N = 98,026) of adult respondents (18 and older) who participated between 21 July 2021 and 11 July 2022. By conducting mediation analyses with logistic regression, we found relationships between the credit and lower levels of anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 0.914; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.879, 0.952). The OR was substantially mediated by spending on basic necessities such as food and housing costs (proportion mediated = 46% and 44%, respectively). The mediating role was relatively moderate in the case of spending on child education and household expenditure. We also found that spending the credit on savings or investments reduces the effect of the child tax credit on anxiety (-40%) while donations or giving to family were not a significant mediator. Findings on depression were consistent with anxiety. The child tax credit-depression relationships were substantially mediated by spending on food and housing (proportion mediated = 53% and 70%). These mediation analyses suggested that different patterns of credit spending are important mediators of the relationship between the receipt of the child tax credit and mental illnesses. Public health approaches to improve adult mental health during and after the COVID-19 pandemic need to consider the notable mediating role of spending patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- JungHo Park
- Department of Housing & Interior Design (AgeTech-Service Convergence Major), College of Human Ecology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Kim
- Department of Environmental Planning, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Division of Economy and Society, The Seoul Institute, Seoul 06756, Republic of Korea
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12
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Shek DTL, Leung JTY, Tan L. Social Policies and Theories on Quality of Life under COVID-19: In Search of the Missing Links. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2023; 18:1-17. [PMID: 36855587 PMCID: PMC9950016 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-023-10147-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has generated many negative impacts on the family, including impaired psychological well-being of family members (parents and children) and family processes (such as parenting and family functioning). Regarding social policies to support families under the pandemic, there are several missing links. First, COVID-19 related policies mainly focus on physical well-being with a relatively weaker emphasis on psychological well-being. Second, with social policies primarily aiming at stabilizing the "financial capital" of the public, human capital (particularly personal resilience) and social capital (particularly family resilience) are relatively neglected. Third, while "general" social policies may help "averaged" individuals and families, there is a need to take pre-existing family vulnerabilities (such as poverty and caregiving burdens) and inequalities into account when formulating "down to earth" social policies. Fourth, while social science knowledge and theories have important potential contributions to help develop relevant policies and services to promote quality of life under COVID-19, explicit utilization is not strong. With reference to these missing links, we proposed several research and practice directions for the promotion of quality of life under the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. L. Shek
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Janet T. Y. Leung
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Lindan Tan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
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13
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Escudero-Castillo I, Mato-Díaz FJ, Rodríguez-Alvarez A. Psychological Well-Being during the COVID-19 Lockdown: Labour Market and Gender Implications. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2022; 18:71-91. [PMID: 36575772 PMCID: PMC9782267 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-022-10113-4] [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: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the Spring of 2020, a great number of countries introduced different restrictive measures in order to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. This article examines the labour market transitions of individuals brought about by some of those measures, and the effect of such transitions on psychological well-being. The fact that it has been possible to distinguish between unemployment transitions before the pandemic began and those resulting from the lockdowns is worth highlighting. Evidence is provided showing that unemployment due to the lockdown had a greater negative impact on psychological well-being than furloughs and teleworking. Gender differences confirm that women experienced greater adverse effects as compared to men. Specifically, women working at home exhibited greater negative effects when compared with those on furlough, probably due to a combination of work disruption and increased family obligations. Finally, on the contrary to men, women living in areas with more rigorous restrictions show a reduced probability of worse PWB when compared to those residing in areas without restrictions. This finding suggests that women are willing to sacrifice freedom of movement as long as restrictions protect their at-risk relatives.
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14
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Sarracino F, O’Connor KJ. Neo-humanism and COVID-19: Opportunities for a socially and environmentally sustainable world. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2022; 18:9-41. [PMID: 36530493 PMCID: PMC9735221 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-022-10112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A series of crises, culminating with COVID-19, shows that going "Beyond GDP" is urgently necessary. Social and environmental degradation are consequences of emphasizing GDP as a measure of progress. This degradation created the conditions for the COVID-19 pandemic and limited the efficacy of counter-measures. Additionally, rich countries did not fare much better during the pandemic than poor ones. COVID-19 thrived on inequalities and lack of cooperation. In this article, we leverage on defensive growth theory to explain the relationships between these factors, and we put forward the idea of neo-humanism, a cultural movement grounded on evidence from quality-of-life studies. The movement proposes a new culture leading towards a socially and environmentally sustainable future. Specifically, neo-humanism suggests that prioritizing well-being by, for instance promoting social relations, would benefit the environment, and enable collective action to address public issues. This, in turn, would positively affect productivity and health - among other behavioral outcomes - and thereby instill a virtuous cycle. Such a society would have been better endowed to cope with COVID-19, and possibly even prevented the pandemic. Neo-humanism proposes a world in which the well-being of people comes before the well-being of markets, in which promoting cooperation and social relations represents the starting point for better lives, and a peaceful and respectful coexistence with other species on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sarracino
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques du Grand-Duché du Luxembourg (STATEC Research), and GLO Fellow, Global Labor Organization. 14, rue Erasme, L-2013 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Kelsey J. O’Connor
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques du Grand-Duché du Luxembourg (STATEC Research), GLO Fellow, Global Labor Organization (GLO), Research Affiliate, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), and Senior Research Associate, School of Economics, University of Johannesburg. 14, rue Erasme, L-2013 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
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15
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Shimamoto K, McElroy E, Ibuka Y. Health inequity in pandemic anxiety about COVID-19 infection and socioeconomic consequences in Japan: A structural equation modeling approach. SSM Popul Health 2022; 20:101269. [PMID: 36276239 PMCID: PMC9574575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health inequity in relation to COVID-19 infection and socioeconomic consequences is a major global concern. Mental health issues in vulnerable populations have received special attention in research and practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is limited evidence on the nature of the anxieties experienced as a result of COVID-19, and how such concerns vary across demographic groups. Aim This study examines anxiety among the working population of Japan (aged 18-59), in terms of both COVID-19 infection and socioeconomic consequences, using an internationally validated tool, the Pandemic Anxiety Scale (PAS). Methods Data were collected using an online survey (n = 2,764). The analyses included an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM), followed by validation of the Japanese version of the PAS. Results A two-factor latent variable model shows the multidimensionality of anxiety in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and the disparity across population groups in predicting the two defined anxiety dimensions. Several path coefficients showed somewhat unexpected and/or unique results from Japan compared with previous European studies. Specifically, self-reported health status was not significantly related to disease anxiety, and those who were not in paid employment reported lower consequence anxiety. The SEM results showed a greater number of significant exogenous variables for consequence anxiety compared to disease anxiety, highlighting disparities in pandemic anxiety by socioeconomic status in regard to socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic. Conclusion In contrast to existing European studies, evidence from the current study suggests contextual patterns of health inequity. Due to the prolonged socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic, multidisciplinary research on mental health issues and the quality of life remains an important research agenda in exploring socioeconomic measures in context, towards addressing inequity concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Shimamoto
- Keio Global Research Institute, Keio University, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan,Graduate School of Health Management, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan,Corresponding author. Keio Global Research Institute, Keio University, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan
| | - Eoin McElroy
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Yoko Ibuka
- Department of Economics, Keio University, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan
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16
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Cunha CM, Dens N, Granic GD. University Students' Well-Being and Engagement in Activities in the Early Days of Covid-19. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2022; 18:279-303. [PMID: 36466124 PMCID: PMC9684801 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-022-10119-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Governments worldwide took measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. Universities moved to online teaching almost overnight. This paper explores Belgian university students' perceptions, behaviors, and emotional well-being during the first weeks of strict preventive measures. We conducted a survey with 614 business administration students at the University of Antwerp. The results indicate that, in comparison to the pre-lockdown period, students feel less productive, engage less in healthy behaviors (e.g., healthy snacking, exercising alone), and report more study problems. Based on the emotional quality of their everyday experience, students can be clustered into two groups. One group (54.5%) experiences mostly negative affect, while the other reports experiencing mostly positive affect and personal optimism. The "negative affect" group consists of more women and students in the early years of their bachelor's. This group experiences more financial difficulties and spends more time on social media. These students seem to have a more challenging time coping with the lockdown: they perceive higher study load increase and more significant reduction of social contacts while facing more study problems, studying fewer hours, and perceiving a lower study efficiency. They also engage in less healthy behaviors (e.g., unhealthy snacking more, drinking more alcohol, and exercising alone less) to a greater extent than the positive affect group. These results confirm previous research, demonstrating a positive relationship between emotional well-being and the engagement in and the intensity of productive and healthy activities. Several recommendations are provided in light of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmem M. Cunha
- Department of Marketing, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Dens
- Department of Marketing, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Georg D. Granic
- Department of Marketing, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Applied Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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17
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Sánchez A, Jiménez-Fernández E. European Union Cohesion Policy: Socio-Economic Vulnerability of the Regions and the COVID-19 Shock. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2022; 18:195-228. [PMID: 36440458 PMCID: PMC9676792 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-022-10116-1] [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: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The European Union Cohesion Policy for the period 2021-2027 focuses on five goals to make the European Union smarter, greener, more connected, more social and closer to citizens. However, a macroeconomic index is proposed as the predominant criterion for allocating the Structural Funds among regions. In this paper, we hypothesise that it is possible to take into account new, complementary criteria that better reflect citizens' quality of life. To that end, we build a composite index of socio-economic vulnerability for the 233 regions. The results show that following our multidimensional approach for allocating the Structural Funds, there are remarkable differences in the maps of priority regions. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic represents a threat to well-being. Are all regions equally exposed to COVID-19 in terms of their socio-economic vulnerability? To address this issue, we estimate multilevel models which indicate that country characteristics interact with regions' characteristics to alter patterns of vulnerability. More specifically, increases in government expenditures in education and an improvement in political stability would reduce the regional vulnerability or foster the capacity for resilience, whereas increases in poverty would be associated with greater vulnerability. Likewise, more vulnerable regions would be the most exposed to the negative socio-economic effects of COVID-19. However, it is remarkable that several regions of Sweden and Finland would be among the group of regions whose socio-economic vulnerability would be the most negatively affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeles Sánchez
- Department of Applied Economics, Faculty of Economics, Campus Cartuja, S/N, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Eduardo Jiménez-Fernández
- Department of Economics Theory and History, Faculty of Economics, Campus Cartuja, S/N, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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18
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Long D, Bonsel GJ, Lubetkin EI, Yfantopoulos JN, Janssen MF, Haagsma JA. Health-Related Quality of Life and Mental Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Five Countries: A One-Year Longitudinal Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:6467. [PMID: 36362694 PMCID: PMC9654255 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate socioeconomic and health-related determinants and recent life events and their relation to changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental well-being during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A web-based survey was administered repeatedly to participants from Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Primary outcome measures were HRQoL (measured by EQ-5D-5L) and mental well-being (measured by WHO-5). Linear regression analyses were performed to estimate the impact of determinants on HRQoL and well-being. In total, 6765 respondents completed the questionnaire at T1 (April-May 2020) and T2 (May-June 2021). Regarding results, 33% showed improved HRQoL at T2, whereas 31% deteriorated. In terms of mental well-being, 44% improved and 41% deteriorated. The greatest deterioration in HRQoL and mental well-being from T1 to T2 was observed with an increasing number of chronic conditions. The effect of negative life events on HRQoL and mental well-being was larger than the effect of positive life events. We conclude that slightly more respondents showed improved rather than deteriorated HRQoL and mental well-being, with some variation by outcome measure and country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Long
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gouke J. Bonsel
- EuroQol Research Foundation, 3068 AV Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erica I. Lubetkin
- Department of Community Health and Social Medicine, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - John N. Yfantopoulos
- Health Department of Economics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Mathieu F. Janssen
- Section Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Juanita A. Haagsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Wang Y, Xu J, Xie T. Relationship between internet use intensity and quality of life in chronic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of physical exercise and health insurance. Front Public Health 2022; 10:947465. [PMID: 36187609 PMCID: PMC9523425 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.947465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The internet use intensity of human has increased substantially during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and it is severely impacting the well-being of chronic patients. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of the relationship between internet use intensity and quality of life in chronic patients, based on the cross-sectional data from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020. The results showed that the internet use intensity had significant positive association with quality of life among chronic patients, and such association has been found in both urban and rural samples. Among the relationship of internet use intensity and quality of life in chronic patients, the mediating effect of physical exercise reached 10.25%. Furthermore, health insurance positively moderated this relationship. There are new insights for policy recommendations and clinical guidance on the role of physical activity and health insurance aimed at improving chronic patients' quality of life. Meanwhile, in both rural and urban governance, public health agencies should promote the "Internet + Healthcare" program to improve health insurance and physical activity literacy, thus providing a higher level of quality of life for patients with chronic diseases during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Wang
- China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Xu
- China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Xie
- School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Tian Xie
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20
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Jacques Wels, Booth C, Wielgoszewska B, Green MJ, Di Gessa G, Huggins CF, Griffith GJ, Kwong ASF, Bowyer RCE, Maddock J, Patalay P, Silverwood RJ, Fitzsimons E, Shaw R, Thompson EJ, Steptoe A, Hughes A, Chaturvedi N, Steves CJ, Katikireddi SV, Ploubidis GB. Mental and social wellbeing and the UK coronavirus job retention scheme: Evidence from nine longitudinal studies. Soc Sci Med 2022; 308:115226. [PMID: 35932537 PMCID: PMC9296227 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115226] [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: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to major economic disruptions. In March 2020, the UK implemented the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - known as furlough - to minimize the impact of job losses. We investigate associations between change in employment status and mental and social wellbeing during the early stages of the pandemic. METHODS Data were from 25,670 respondents, aged 17-66, across nine UK longitudinal studies. Furlough and other employment changes were defined using employment status pre-pandemic and during the first lockdown (April-June 2020). Mental and social wellbeing outcomes included psychological distress, life satisfaction, self-rated health, social contact, and loneliness. Study-specific modified Poisson regression estimates, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and pre-pandemic mental and social wellbeing, were pooled using meta-analysis. Associations were also stratified by sex, age, education, and household composition. RESULTS Compared to those who remained working, furloughed workers were at greater risk of psychological distress (adjusted risk ratio, ARR = 1.12; 95%CI: 0.97, 1.29), low life satisfaction (ARR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.07, 1.22), loneliness (ARR = 1.12; 95%CI: 1.01, 1.23), and poor self-rated health (ARR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.50). Nevertheless, compared to furloughed workers, those who became unemployed had greater risk of psychological distress (ARR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.12, 1.52), low life satisfaction (ARR = 1.16; 95%CI: 0.98, 1.38), and loneliness (ARR = 1.67; 95%CI: 1.08, 2.59). Effects were not uniform across all sub-groups. CONCLUSIONS During the early stages of the pandemic, those furloughed had increased risk of poor mental and social wellbeing, but furloughed workers fared better than those who became unemployed, suggesting that furlough may have partly mitigated poorer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Wels
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, UK.
| | - Charlotte Booth
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Social Research Institute, University College London, UK
| | - Bożena Wielgoszewska
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Social Research Institute, University College London, UK
| | - Michael J Green
- MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Giorgio Di Gessa
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, UK
| | | | | | - Alex S F Kwong
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Ruth C E Bowyer
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, UK
| | - Jane Maddock
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, UK
| | - Praveetha Patalay
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, UK; Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Social Research Institute, University College London, UK
| | - Richard J Silverwood
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Social Research Institute, University College London, UK
| | - Emla Fitzsimons
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Social Research Institute, University College London, UK
| | - Richard Shaw
- MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Ellen J Thompson
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, UK
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, UK
| | - Alun Hughes
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, UK
| | - Nishi Chaturvedi
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, UK
| | - Claire J Steves
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, UK
| | | | - George B Ploubidis
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Social Research Institute, University College London, UK
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21
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Shiota N, Ishimaru T, Okawara M, Fujino Y, Tabuchi T. Association between work-related changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and severe psychological distress among Japanese workers. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2022; 60:216-223. [PMID: 34657896 PMCID: PMC9171128 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2021-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the association between work-related changes caused by COVID-19 and psychological distress among Japanese workers. The cross-sectional study was conducted from August 25 to September 30, 2020. The participants were 15,454 employees who were registered as panelists with an online survey company. The Kessler psychological distress scale with a 13-point cutoff was used to measure psychological distress. Multiple logistic regression was performed. Of the respondents, 8.9% were evaluated as having severe psychological distress. Among five examined work-related changes, being laid off and changing jobs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.18-7.05), experiencing temporary workplace closure (aOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.67-2.25), being forced to visit the workplace for paperwork (aOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.58-2.15), and starting telework from home (aOR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.01-1.37) were associated with increased psychological distress; no significant association was found for participation in work-related online meetings. The impact on psychological distress was greater among men, especially for being laid off and changing jobs because of COVID-19. It is important to assess and reduce negative mental health effects among workers experiencing work-related changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, taking gender differences into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Shiota
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishimaru
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Makoto Okawara
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Fujino
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Japan
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22
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Mohsen S, El-Masry R, Ali OF, Abdel-Hady D. Quality of life during COVID-19 pandemic: a community-based study in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Glob Health Res Policy 2022; 7:15. [PMID: 35585569 PMCID: PMC9117117 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-022-00246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sudden transmission of the novel coronavirus along with instant measures taken in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused many new challenges adversely disturbing quality of life (QoL). The objective of this study is to measure quality of life of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic and factors affecting it among adults. METHODS This is a community-based cross-sectional household study with analytic component conducted in an agricultural area in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt and included 500 individuals. Data were collected through a structured interview, and the collected data included socio-demographic characteristics as well as some data related to their habits and comorbidities, their experience with COVID-19 and data about QoL using the COV19-Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) scale Arabic version, after assessing Content validity and reliability. RESULTS The total QoL score (mean ± standard deviation) is 2.3 ± 0.6 and the score for QoL in general and perception of danger on personal safety show the highest mean with 2.6 ± 0.7. The lowest mean score is related to the perception of mental health deterioration (1.9 ± 0.8). Independent predictors of the total QoL scale are sex (regression coefficient (95% CI) = 0.1 (0.02 to 0.2), p value = 0.02), monthly income (regression coefficient (95% CI) = 0.1 (0.004 to 0.2), p value = 0.04), knowing someone infected with COVID-19 (regression coefficient (95% CI) = 0.15 (0.08 to 0.3), p value = 0.001), and data collection time (regression coefficient (95% CI) = 0.1 (0.006 to 0.2), p value = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the public quality of life, particularly in terms of general quality of life and personal safety. People with substantial predictors of lower quality of life should be given more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shorouk Mohsen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ragaa El-Masry
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Olfat Farag Ali
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Doaa Abdel-Hady
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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23
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Odani S, Shinozaki T, Shibuya K, Tabuchi T. Economic Hardships and Self-reported Deterioration of Physical and Mental Health Under the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study, 2020, Japan. J Epidemiol 2022; 32:195-203. [PMID: 35095089 PMCID: PMC8918622 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20210268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable populations. We assessed the prevalence and disparities of economic hardships and their impact on health deterioration in Japan. METHODS Data were obtained from a nation-wide, cross-sectional, internet-based, self-reported survey conducted during August-September, 2020 with individuals aged 15-79 years in Japan (n = 25,482). Economic hardships and changes in various physical and mental health status were measured using sample-weighted data. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) were estimated to investigate the associations between economic hardships and health outcomes. RESULTS During April-September, 2020 in Japan, 25.0%, 9.6%, 7.9%, and 3.1% of the respondents experienced income loss, money shortage, financial anxiety and financial exploitation, respectively, with higher prevalence among workers (vs non-workers). Stratifying by sex and working status, income loss was associated with physical health deterioration (APRs ranged from 1.45-1.95), mental health deterioration (APRs ranged from 1.47-1.68), and having serious psychological distress (APRs ranged from 1.41-2.01) across all strata. Shortage of money and financial anxiety were also associated with increased likelihood of all adverse health outcomes assessed, regardless of whether the hardships were pre-existing or experienced first time. Among non-working individuals, financial exploitation was associated with physical health deterioration among males (APR 1.88) and mental health deterioration among both males (APR 1.80) and females (APR 2.23), while such associations were not observed among working individuals. CONCLUSIONS During the early phase of the COVID-19 epidemic, COVID-19-related economic hardships were associated with physical and mental health deterioration in Japan, particularly among the vulnerable populations. Timely and prompt responses are warranted to mitigate both economic and health burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Odani
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Shinozaki
- Tokyo University of Science, Department of Information and Computer Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Shibuya
- Soma COVID Vaccination Medical Center, Fukushima, Japan
- The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
- The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan
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24
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Aruta JJBR, Callueng C, Antazo BG, Ballada CJA. The mediating role of psychological distress on the link between socio-ecological factors and quality of life of Filipino adults during COVID-19 crisis. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:712-726. [PMID: 34260751 PMCID: PMC8426953 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Anchored on the Ecological Systems Theory, this study aimed to determine how psychological distress operates as an underlying mechanism in the impact of socio-ecological factors on the quality of life of Filipino adults during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to assess perceptions of 401 adults on socio-ecological factors (i.e., safety at home, trust in public institutions, and financial difficulties), psychological distress, and quality of life during the early phase of COVID-19 community quarantine in the Philippines. Using latent variable path analysis, all three socio-ecological factors have significant direct effects on both psychological distress and quality of life. More importantly, the proposed model was confirmed in terms of a significant partial mediation of psychological distress on the impact of safety at home, trust in public institutions, and financial difficulties on the quality of life of Filipino adults. The study offers novel insights into the role of psychological distress as an underlying mechanism that operates on the influence of socio-ecological factors on the quality of life of adults during a global health crisis. Implications on psychological interventions and policies in preventing mental health problems vis-à-vis improving Filipinos' quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta
- Counseling and Educational Psychology Department, Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of EducationDe La Salle UniversityManilaPhilippines
| | | | - Benedict G. Antazo
- Department of PsychologyJose Rizal UniversityMandaluyong CityNational Capital RegionPhilippines
| | - Christine Joy A. Ballada
- Counseling and Educational Psychology Department, Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of EducationDe La Salle UniversityManilaPhilippines
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25
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Bhandari D, Ozaki A, Suzuki T, Kotera Y, Shrestha S, Horiuchi S, Miyachi T, Tabuchi T. Physical and verbal abuse amid COVID-19: a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Japan. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054915. [PMID: 35177454 PMCID: PMC8889444 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The detrimental impacts of abuse on victims' well-being are well documented globally, including Japan. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may increase the incidence of abuse in the community, creating an additional burden amid the crisis. However, the incidence of abuse in Japan during COVID-19 remains to be evaluated. Accordingly, our study aimed to assess the incidence of physical and verbal abuse among the general population in Japan and to identify the associated factors of abuse during COVID-19. DESIGN AND SETTING We used the data obtained from a nationwide, cross-sectional internet survey conducted in Japan between August and September 2020. Sampling weights were used to calculate national estimates, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the associated factors for physical and verbal abuse. RESULTS Out of the total 25 482 participants, 965 (3.8 %) reported experiencing physical abuse and 1941 (7.6%) verbal abuse from April 2020 to September 2020. The incidence of physical and verbal abuse was higher among female participants. Participants who lived in areas where the 'state of emergency' was enforced were more likely to suffer from physical abuse. Similarly, vulnerable participants such as those below age 18, with low income, bad family relationships, and disabled people were more likely to experience both physical and verbal abuse. Participants suffering from COVID-19-related symptoms, who had poor health status and widows/divorcees were more likely to be verbally abused. Furthermore, those who did not follow preventive behaviours such as wearing masks in public places, abusing drugs and drinking alcohol in high amounts were also more likely to experience abuse. CONCLUSION The impact of abuse was found disproportionately greater in more vulnerable groups of the population. Pandemic has reinforced the existing social inequalities, which need to be addressed timely to prevent precarious repercussions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Medical Governance Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Japan
| | - Tomoya Suzuki
- Medical Governance Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kotera
- School of Health Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sunil Shrestha
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sayaka Horiuchi
- Center for Birth Cohort Studies, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Takashi Miyachi
- Medical Governance Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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26
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Miller R, Arita K, Igarashi NH, Fujii D, Yumino A, Jimba M. Social support as a bridge: A rapid realist review of migrant inclusion in the Japanese response to the COVID-19 pandemic. J Migr Health 2022; 6:100135. [PMID: 36117644 PMCID: PMC9472581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inclusion of migrants in public health policy in Japan is rare. We synthesized the evidence on migrant inclusion during COVID-19. Vulnerability derived from movement restrictions and socioeconomic background. Access to support programs was conceptually equal, yet structurally inequitable. Structural gaps were bridged with social support from host society.
Government policy to address the COVID-19 pandemic has been complex with profound impacts on vulnerable minorities like international migrants. In Japan migrants are an important and growing community but their consideration in health policy is rare. We conducted a rapid realist review about ‘what works’ for the equitable inclusion of migrants during the pandemic as a case study for other public health emergencies. Due to the time-sensitive needs of policy-makers in the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, our evidence search was purposive, yet exploratory and iterative in nature. We assessed academic and gray literature sources, published in either English or Japanese, that examined the policy response to COVID-19 in Japan and its impact on migrants. A panel of external stakeholders was also consulted during the review process. This evidence synthesis suggests that, rather than illness alone, restrictions on movement and socioeconomic background lead to the considerable impact of policy on the well-being of migrants. Many policy responses, while conceptually inclusive and flexible, were often structurally inequitable for migrants. Poor outcomes included confusion about changing virus-related regulations and need for technical assistance to access support. Social support from volunteers and non-profit organizations were consistently left to connect migrants with unmet needs to available services. Using the diverse international community of Japan as an example, we show that, during public health emergencies, social support from civil society remains crucial for bridging structural inequities. For equitable inclusion of migrants, evidence-informed policy will be key for governments to better protect migrants’ right to health and well-being in future emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Miller
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
- Corresponding author.
| | - Kuniko Arita
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | | | - Daiki Fujii
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Aya Yumino
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
- Kawasaki Medical Cooperative Association, Asao Clinic, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
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27
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Terai H, Tamai K, Takahashi S, Hori Y, Iwamae M, Ohyama S, Yabu A, Hoshino M, Nakamura H. The health-related quality of life of patients with musculoskeletal disorders after the COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2021; 46:189-195. [PMID: 34735594 PMCID: PMC8566965 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-021-05256-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To verify changes in the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with musculoskeletal disorders after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to assess the relationship between the patients’ change in several activities of daily living and in the HRQOL to discover factors related to the deterioration in HRQOL. Methods A multi-centre cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered between November 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, in Japan. The participants included those who visited the orthopaedics clinic within the survey period and had experienced the first and second waves of COVID-19 in Japan and the first stay-at-home order issued by the government. Patients’ HRQOL at the two different time points (pre-outbreak and post-second wave of COVID-19) was assessed with the EuroQoL-5 dimensions 5-level (EQ-5D). Results The survey was completed by 1254 patients (average age: 52.5 ± 21.9 years; 644 women). Among them, 431 patients (34.3%) reported a decrease in the EQ-5D index after the pandemic. The largest decrease was in the pain domain followed by the mobility domain. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the patients with decreased regular exercise habits were significantly related to deterioration in HRQOL compared with those with stable regular exercise (adjusted odds ratio = 1.76, p < 0.001) independently from age, sex, and change of symptoms. Conclusions Up to 35% of patients with musculoskeletal disorders reported deterioration of HRQOL after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pain and mobility rather than anxiety were the two leading factors of the HRQOL decrease. The decrease in regular exercise was related to the HRQOL decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetomi Terai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-7, Asahimachi, Abenoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Koji Tamai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-7, Asahimachi, Abenoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.
| | - Shinji Takahashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-7, Asahimachi, Abenoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Yusuke Hori
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-7, Asahimachi, Abenoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Iwamae
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-7, Asahimachi, Abenoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Ohyama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-7, Asahimachi, Abenoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Akito Yabu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-7, Asahimachi, Abenoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hoshino
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-7, Asahimachi, Abenoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-7, Asahimachi, Abenoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
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28
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Eicher S, Pryss R, Baumeister H, Hövener C, Knoll N, Cohrdes C. Quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic - Results of the CORONA HEALTH App study. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2021. [PMID: 35585992 DOI: 10.25646/8866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about great changes to the everyday lives of the population in Germany. Social distancing, working from home and other measures to contain the pandemic are essentially dominating everyday life. With data from the CORONA HEALTH App study we analysed the quality of life of the adult population in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified possible risk factors for a poor quality of life. In the app-based survey carried out between July and December 2020, 1,396 respondents (women 46.5%, men 52.7%, diverse 0.9%; mean age (mean) 42.0 years (standard deviation=13.4)) provided information on their quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Univariate and multivariate regression was used to examine differences in quality of life between different groups of people during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associations with selected predictors. In summary, women, younger persons and job seekers or those who saw their work hours reduced or who could not pursue their regular jobs presented a lower quality of life in individual areas of life than the respective reference group. On the other hand, a setting that combines working from home and at the regular workplace, as well as living together with other people, showed partly positive associations with quality of life. The results have implications for public health interventions as they highlight groups requiring closer attention and sufficient support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Eicher
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Rüdiger Pryss
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Universität Ulm, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
| | - Claudia Hövener
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Nina Knoll
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Education and Psychology
| | - Caroline Cohrdes
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
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29
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Eicher S, Pryss R, Baumeister H, Hövener C, Knoll N, Cohrdes C. Quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic - Results of the CORONA HEALTH App study. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2021; 6:2-21. [PMID: 35585992 PMCID: PMC8832366 DOI: 10.25646/8867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about great changes to the everyday lives of the population in Germany. Social distancing, working from home and other measures to contain the pandemic are essentially dominating everyday life. With data from the CORONA HEALTH App study we analysed the quality of life of the adult population in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified possible risk factors for a poor quality of life. In the app-based survey carried out between July and December 2020, 1,396 respondents (women 46.5%, men 52.7%, diverse 0.9%; mean age (mean) 42.0 years (standard deviation=13.4)) provided information on their quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Univariate and multivariate regression was used to examine differences in quality of life between different groups of people during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associations with selected predictors. In summary, women, younger persons and job seekers or those who saw their work hours reduced or who could not pursue their regular jobs presented a lower quality of life in individual areas of life than the respective reference group. On the other hand, a setting that combines working from home and at the regular workplace, as well as living together with other people, showed partly positive associations with quality of life. The results have implications for public health interventions as they highlight groups requiring closer attention and sufficient support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Eicher
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Rüdiger Pryss
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Universität Ulm, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
| | - Claudia Hövener
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Nina Knoll
- Freie UniversitätBerlin, Department of Education and Psychology
| | - Caroline Cohrdes
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
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30
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Thom B, Benedict C, Friedman DN, Watson SE, Zeitler MS, Chino F. Economic distress, financial toxicity, and medical cost-coping in young adult cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from an online sample. Cancer 2021; 127:4481-4491. [PMID: 34351638 PMCID: PMC8426858 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Young adult (YA) cancer survivors are at risk for financial toxicity during and after cancer treatment. Financial toxicity has been associated with medical‐related cost‐coping behaviors such as skipping or delaying treatment. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has resulted in dire economic consequences that may worsen financial hardship among young survivors. Methods This was a cross‐sectional survey; data collection occurred online. A convenience sample was recruited through YA cancer advocacy groups and social media. Negative economic events associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic (eg, income loss, increased debt, and decreased job security) and medical‐related cost‐coping were documented. A validated measure assessed cancer‐related financial toxicity. Results Participants (N = 212) had a mean age of 35.3 years at survey completion and a mean age of 27.4 years at diagnosis. Financial toxicity (mean, 14.0; SD, 9.33) was high. Two‐thirds of the sample experienced at least 1 negative economic event during COVID‐19, and 71% engaged in at least 1 medical cost‐coping behavior. Cost‐coping and pandemic‐related negative economic events were significantly correlated with cancer‐related financial toxicity. In multivariable analyses, pandemic‐related negative economic events and financial toxicity were associated with cost‐coping. Conclusions Acute negative economic events associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic may exacerbate cancer‐related financial toxicity and overall financial hardship among YAs and lead to cost‐coping behaviors that can compromise survivorship care and health outcomes. Multilevel, systematic interventions are needed to address the financial needs of YA survivors after the global pandemic. This study illustrates how the acute negative economic events associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic may have exacerbated existing cancer‐related financial toxicity and general financial hardship among young adult cancer survivors. These negative economic events and financial toxicity are associated with cost‐coping behaviors that can compromise survivorship care and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette Thom
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Catherine Benedict
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Danielle N Friedman
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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31
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Miyawaki A, Tabuchi T, Ong MK, Tsugawa Y. Age and Social Disparities in the Use of Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan: Cross-sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e27982. [PMID: 34259641 PMCID: PMC8315162 DOI: 10.2196/27982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of telemedicine outpatient visits has increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries. Although disparities in access to telemedicine by age and socioeconomic status (SES) have been well-documented, evidence is limited as to how these disparities changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the equity of patient access to telemedicine has been scarcely reported in Japan, despite the huge potential for telemedicine expansion. Objective We aimed to investigate changes due to age and SES disparities in telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Methods Using data from a large internet survey conducted between August 25 and September 30, 2020, in Japan, we examined the associations of participant age and SES (educational attainment, urbanicity of residence, and income level) with their telemedicine use in the following two time periods during the pandemic: April 2020 and August-September 2020. Results Of the 24,526 participants aged 18 to 79 years (50.8% [n=12,446] women), the proportion of individuals who reported using telemedicine increased from 2.0% (n=497) in April 2020 to 4.7% (n=1159) in August-September 2020. After adjusting for potential confounders, younger individuals were more likely to use telemedicine than older individuals in April 2020. Although this pattern persisted in August-September 2020, we also observed a substantial increase in telemedicine use among individuals aged 70 to 79 years (adjusted rates, 0.2% in April 2020 vs 3.8% in August-September 2020; P<.001 after multiple comparisons). We found disparities in telemedicine use by SES in August-September 2020 that did not exist in April 2020. In August-September 2020, individuals with a university degree were more likely to use telemedicine than those with a high school diploma or less (adjusted rates, 6.6% vs 3.5%; P<.001). Individuals living in urban areas exhibited higher rates of telemedicine use than those living in rural areas only in August-September 2020 (adjusted rates, 5.2% vs 3.8%; P<.001). Disparities in telemedicine use by income level were not observed in either time period. Conclusions In general, younger individuals increased their use of telemedicine compared to older individuals during the pandemic, although individuals in their 70s also increased their use of telemedicine. Disparities in telemedicine use by educational attainment and urbanicity of residence widened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Miyawaki
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michael K Ong
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,VA Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yusuke Tsugawa
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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