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Manoj M, Truong PP, Shiffman J, Shawar YR. The Health Justice Policy Tracker: COVID-19 Policies To Advance Health Justice For Vulnerable Populations. Health Aff (Millwood) 2023; 42:1689-1696. [PMID: 38048505 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
The rapid spread of COVID-19 throughout the world in early 2020 created unprecedented challenges for national governments. Policies developed during the early months of the pandemic, before the first mRNA vaccines were authorized for emergency use, provide a window into national governments' prioritization of populations that were particularly vulnerable. We developed the COVID-19 Health Justice Policy Tracker to capture and categorize these policies using a health justice lens. In this article we present the results of a preliminary analysis of the tracker data. The tracker focuses on policies for six population groups: children, the elderly, people with disabilities, migrant workers, incarcerated people, and people who were refugees or were seeking political asylum. It includes 610 policies, most targeting children and the elderly and providing financial support. National governments also prioritized measures such as policies to ensure access to mental health care and social services, digital and teleservices, continuity of children's education, and food security. The tracker provides a resource for researchers and policy makers seeking model language and tested policy approaches to advance health justice during future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malvikha Manoj
- Malvikha Manoj , Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Phong Phu Truong
- Phong Phu Truong, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
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Silva VLMD, Silveira LMBD, Cecchetto FR, Njaine K, Silva AD, Pinto LW. Inter(national) recommendations to face violence against women and girls in COVID-19 pandemic. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2023; 28:1643-1653. [PMID: 37255142 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232023286.14412022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This article is an integral part of the research "Violence in the context of COVID-19: global challenges and vulnerabilities", which proposes a critical reflection on situations of gender-based violence increased by social distancing protocols, required by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a 2020 literature survey, we have analyzed recommendations made by researchers and institutions from different countries around the world, with the aim of systematizing and disseminating strategies to deal with this scenario. The material is organized into two thematic areas, namely: gender policies and intersectoral actions; and strategies to face violence against women and children in the health and social work field. The recommendations are focused on the development of actions by States/governments, service networks and society in general. Part of the recommendations suggest increasing or adapting existing surveillance actions and part of them contribute with creative proposals, guiding promotional and preventive actions at an individual and collective level. The adoption of teleassistance, media campaigns raising awareness that violence is unjustifiable and the development of reporting strategies through signs and codes have been reiterated in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Lucia Marques da Silva
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Liane Maria Braga da Silveira
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | | | - Kathie Njaine
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Adriano da Silva
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Liana Wernersbach Pinto
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
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Jumaa JA, Bendau A, Ströhle A, Heinz A, Betzler F, Petzold MB. Psychological distress and anxiety in Arab refugees and migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Transcult Psychiatry 2023; 60:62-73. [PMID: 36154342 PMCID: PMC9510964 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221122536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with various psychological stressors due to health-related, social, economic, and individual consequences, especially for minority groups such as refugees and other migrants who live in unstable conditions and have lost their social support groups. The aim of this study was to explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on this specific population in Germany.This study used a mixed-method approach. A total of 85 migrants took part in an online survey in Germany from April to July 2020. The questionnaire included demographic information and measures of psychological distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as risk and protective factors for psychological health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with 10 refugees were conducted between May and June 2020. In our sample, 54.5% expressed fear of being infected with COVID-19. Participants spent several hours per day thinking about COVID-19 (M = 3.13 hours). Psychological and social determinants of mental health showed stronger associations with anxiety regarding COVID-19 than experiences with the disease. Interviews showed that especially for refugees with limited information regarding access to medical treatment, the pandemic increased already-existing psychological symptoms and worries about their families back home and reminded them of their flight from their home country to Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with psychological distress, anxiety, and depression in refugees and migrants in Germany. Information on where to get medical treatment, if needed, is of utmost importance to this population group, in addition to other strategies such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and social contacts, and acceptance of strategies to cope with anxiety and negative emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinan Abi Jumaa
- Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Charite
Mitte, Germany
| | - Antonia Bendau
- Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Charite
Mitte, Germany
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Charite
Mitte, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Charite
Mitte, Germany
| | - Felix Betzler
- Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Charite
Mitte, Germany
| | - Moritz Bruno Petzold
- Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Charite
Mitte, Germany
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The impact of immigration detention on the health of asylum seekers during the COVID-19 pandemic. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2022; 2:100072. [PMID: 35340588 PMCID: PMC8940268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority groups as well as people in jails and immigration detention centers in the United States. Between April and August of 2020, the mean monthly COVID-19 case ratio for ICE detainees was 13.4 times that of the general U.S. population. This study aims to understand the experiences of detained asylum seekers during the pandemic and to provide insight into COVID-19's impact on this population's health. This qualitative study employed first-person, in-depth narratives obtained from 12 asylum seekers, all of whom were detained in immigration detention centers or prisons during the initial surge of the COVID-19 pandemic and were subsequently released. Detained asylum seekers reported inadequate medical care, obstacles to receiving care, an inability to social distance, poor hygiene, restricted movement, and a lack of infection control-- all which increased their risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 and exacerbated health inequalities brought to the forefront by the pandemic. Advocating for improved disease prevention and screening, prompt access to health care and treatment, cohorting of infectious cases, and community alternatives to detention to decrease the detained immigrant population sizes are crucial to halt communicability of the virus and its subsequent morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
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Cénat JM, Noorishad PG, Bakombo SM, Onesi O, Mesbahi A, Darius WP, Caulley L, Yaya S, Chomienne MH, Etowa J, Venkatesh V, Dalexis RD, Pongou R, Labelle PR. A Systematic Review on Vaccine Hesitancy in Black Communities in Canada: Critical Issues and Research Failures. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1937. [PMID: 36423032 PMCID: PMC9695687 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Black communities have been disproportionately impacted by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Canada, in terms of both number of infections and mortality rates. Yet, according to early studies, vaccine hesitancy appears to be higher in Black communities. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the prevalence and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in Black communities in Canada. Peer-reviewed studies published from 11 March 2020 to 26 July 2022, were searched through eleven databases: APA PsycInfo (Ovid), Cairn.info, Canadian Business & Current Affairs (ProQuest), CPI.Q (Gale OneFile), Cochrane CENTRAL (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Érudit, Global Health (EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (Ovid), and Web of Science (Clarivate). Eligible studies were published in French or English and had empirical data on the prevalence or factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in samples or subsamples of Black people. Only five studies contained empirical data on vaccine hesitancy in Black individuals and were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. Black individuals represented 1.18% (n = 247) of all included study samples (n = 20,919). Two of the five studies found that Black individuals were more hesitant to be vaccinated against COVID-19 compared to White individuals, whereas the other three found no significant differences. The studies failed to provide any evidence of factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in Black communities. Despite national concerns about vaccine hesitancy in Black communities, a color-blind approach is still predominant in Canadian health research. Of about 40 studies containing empirical data on vaccine hesitancy in Canada, only five contained data on Black communities. None analyzed factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in Black communities. Policies and strategies to strengthen health research in Black communities and eliminate the color-blind approach are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude Mary Cénat
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | | | - Schwab Mulopo Bakombo
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Olivia Onesi
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Aya Mesbahi
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Wina Paul Darius
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Lisa Caulley
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Family Medicine University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London NW9 7PA, UK
| | - Marie-Hélène Chomienne
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Family Medicine University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, ON K1K 0T2, Canada
| | - Josephine Etowa
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Vivek Venkatesh
- Department of Art Education, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3H 1M8, Canada
| | - Rose Darly Dalexis
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Roland Pongou
- Department of Economics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
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Hébert M, Jean-Thorn A, Fortin L. History of trauma and COVID-19-related psychological distress and PTSD. PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:100092. [PMCID: PMC9682866 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2022.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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De Jesus M, Moumni Z, Sougui ZH, Biswas N, Kubicz R, Pourtau L. "Living in Confinement, Stopped in Time": Migrant Social Vulnerability, Coping and Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in France. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10084. [PMID: 36011730 PMCID: PMC9408687 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610084] [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: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed health and social inequities among migrant populations. Less empirical evidence exists about the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on migrants. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the first lockdown in France between March and May 2020 on migrants' lives and livelihoods. We adopted a social vulnerability framework to conceptualize how the pandemic and the consequential lockdown in France contributed to a 'compounded crisis' for asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. This crisis encompassed health, protection, and socio-economic challenges for migrants and exposed the shortcomings of existing government policies that exclude migrants and do not address the root causes of health inequities. The study draws on in-depth qualitative interviews conducted with 75 asylum seekers and undocumented migrants during the pandemic lockdown in the French regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Île-de-France. The findings of this paper highlight the importance of implementing a cohesive pandemic response approach that views health as a fundamental inclusive right for all human beings and all policies as health policies to promote well-being for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria De Jesus
- Center on Health, Risk, and Society, School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
- Collegium de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 69002 Lyon, France
| | - Zoubida Moumni
- Psychologie de la Santé, Université Lumière Lyon 2, 69365 Lyon, France
| | - Zara Hassan Sougui
- Santé Publique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Neeharika Biswas
- Center on Health, Risk, and Society, School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Raquel Kubicz
- Center on Health, Risk, and Society, School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Lionel Pourtau
- Habitat et Humanisme, 69300 Caluire et Cuire, France
- Pôle Recherche & Innovation, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, 34090 Montpellier, France
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Menculini G, Bernardini F, Attademo L, Balducci PM, Sciarma T, Moretti P, Tortorella A. The Influence of the Urban Environment on Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focus on Air Pollution and Migration-A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3920. [PMID: 33917942 PMCID: PMC8068323 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a crisis worldwide, due to both its public health impact and socio-economic consequences. Mental health was consistently affected by the pandemic, with the emergence of newly diagnosed psychiatric disorders and the exacerbation of pre-existing ones. Urban areas were particularly affected by the virus spread. In this review, we analyze how the urban environment may influence mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering two factors that profoundly characterize urbanization: air pollution and migration. Air pollution serves as a possibly risk factor for higher viral spread and infection severity in the context of urban areas and it has also been demonstrated to play a role in the development of serious mental illnesses and their relapses. The urban environment also represents a complex social context where minorities such as migrants may live in poor hygienic conditions and lack access to adequate mental health care. A global rethinking of the urban environment is thus required to reduce the impact of these factors on mental health. This should include actions aimed at reducing air pollution and combating climate change, promoting at the same time a more inclusive society in a sustainable development perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Menculini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (P.M.B.); (T.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Francesco Bernardini
- CSM 24 ore Area delle Dolomiti Friulane, Department of Mental Health, AsFO Friuli Occidentale, 33170 Pordenone, Italy;
- Planetary Health Lab, Old Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK;
| | - Luigi Attademo
- Planetary Health Lab, Old Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK;
- SPDC Potenza, Department of Mental Health, ASP Basilicata, Italian National Health Service, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Maria Balducci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (P.M.B.); (T.S.); (P.M.)
- CSM Terni, Department of Mental Health, 05100 Terni, Italy
| | - Tiziana Sciarma
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (P.M.B.); (T.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Patrizia Moretti
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (P.M.B.); (T.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Alfonso Tortorella
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (P.M.B.); (T.S.); (P.M.)
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Machado S, Goldenberg S. Sharpening our public health lens: advancing im/migrant health equity during COVID-19 and beyond. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:57. [PMID: 33557854 PMCID: PMC7868891 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01399-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Differential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have brought deeply rooted inequities to the forefront, where increasing evidence has shown that racialized immigrant and migrant (im/migrant) populations face a disproportionate burden of COVID-19. Im/migrant communities may be worst affected by lockdowns and restrictive measures, face less opportunity to physically distance or stay home sick within ‘essential’ jobs, and experience severe barriers to healthcare. Insufficient attention to experiences of racialized im/migrants in current pandemic responses globally highlights an urgent need to more fulsomely address unmet health needs through an anti-racist, equity-oriented lens. This commentary aims to highlight the need for public health and clinical training, research, and policy to thoughtfully prioritize im/migrant health equity during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Main text Global pandemic responses have neglected im/migrants by continuing to ignore or insufficiently address inequities, exacerbating COVID transmission, xenophobia, and occupational injustice. Deaths, illness, stress, and other negative outcomes of the overlapping epidemics of COVID-19 and structural racism disproportionately borne by racialized im/migrants suggest the urgent need for action. As evidence mounts about how im/migrants have been left behind in times of crises, we need enhanced focus on health equity within COVID-19 research and interventions, including research that examines and pursues structural interventions necessary to mitigate these impacts, and that identifies patterns and harms of xenophobic policy, structural racism, and white supremacy in shaping im/migrant health outcomes. We must also strengthen anti-racist and equity-oriented curriculum within health education, and ensure sufficient attention to the needs of im/migrant communities within public health, clinical, and research training. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated and rendered more visible the deeply rooted health and social inequities faced by racialized im/migrants across diverse settings. We argue for a greater emphasis on equity-focused and anti-racist im/migrant health research, interventions, and training. Policymakers and practitioners must ensure that healthcare policies and practices do not exacerbate inequities, and instead meaningfully address unmet needs of communities, including racialized im/migrants. Ethical and respectful community engagement, commitment and collaboration with global, national, and local communities, policymakers, academics, and educators, as well as accountability across sectors, is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Machado
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, c/o St Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, BC, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Shira Goldenberg
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, c/o St Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Vancouver, Canada. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, BC, Burnaby, Canada. .,Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA, San Diego, USA.
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Cénat JM, Blais-Rochette C, Kokou-Kpolou CK, Noorishad PG, Mukunzi JN, McIntee SE, Dalexis RD, Goulet MA, Labelle PR. Prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychological distress among populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2021; 295:113599. [PMID: 33285346 PMCID: PMC7689353 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 522] [Impact Index Per Article: 174.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and Psychological distress (PD) related to COVID-19 among affected populations. METHODS We searched articles in Medline, Embase, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. Random-effects meta-analyses on the proportions of individuals with symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and PD were generated and between-group differences for gender, healthcare workers (HCWs), and regions where studies were conducted. RESULTS A total of 2189 articles were screened, 136 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Fifty-five peer-reviewed studies met inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis (N=189,159). The prevalence of depression (k=46) was 15.97% (95%CI, 13.24-19.13). The prevalence of anxiety (k=54) was 15.15% (95%CI, 12.29-18.54). The prevalence of insomnia (k=14) was 23.87% (95%CI, 15.74-34.48). The prevalence of PTSD (k=13) was 21.94% (95%CI, 9.37-43.31). Finally, the prevalence of psychological distress (k=19) was 13.29% (95%CI, 8.80-19.57). Between-group differences were only found in HCWs (z=2.69, p < 0.05) who had a higher prevalence of insomnia than others. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that the short-term mental health consequences of COVID-19 are equally high across affected countries, and across gender. However, reports of insomnia are significantly higher among HCWs than the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude Mary Cénat
- School of psychology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rose Darly Dalexis
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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