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Ratrikaningtyas PD, Lazuardi L, Nugroho A, Wahdi AE, Nurvitasari RI, Azizatunnisa L, Hanafiah A, Lestari SK, Wardani RK, Rosha PT, Ermamilia A, Kusumaningrum FM, Jaladara V, Hartriyanti Y, Dewi FST. Lessons Learned From Telephone-Based Data Collection for Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2024; 12:e2200446. [PMID: 38428996 PMCID: PMC11057803 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-22-00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) is a longitudinal survey held routinely since 2014 to collect demographic, social, and health changes in Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, we needed to adjust our method of conducting data collection from in-person to telephone interviews. We describe the Sleman HDSS data collection strategy used and the opportunities it presented. First, the Sleman HDSS team completed a feasibility study and adjusted the standard operational procedures to conduct telephone interviews. Then, the Sleman HDSS team collected data via a telephone interview in September-October 2020. Ten interviewers were equipped with an e-HDSS data collection application installed on an Android-based tablet to collect data. The sample targeted was 5,064 households. The telephone-based data collection successfully interviewed 1,674 households (33% response rate) in 17 subdistricts. We changed the data collection strategy so that the Sleman HDSS could still be conducted and we could get the latest data from the population. Compared to in-person interviewing, data collection via telephone was sufficiently practical. The telephone interview was a safe and viable data collection method. To increase the response rate, telephone number activation could be checked, ways of building rapport could be improved, and engagement could be improved by using social capital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prima Dhewi Ratrikaningtyas
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia.
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Lutfan Lazuardi
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Agung Nugroho
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
- Nutrition Study Program at University of Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Amirah Ellyza Wahdi
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Rahsunji Intan Nurvitasari
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Luthfi Azizatunnisa
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
- Department of Health Behavior, Environment, and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Alfianto Hanafiah
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Septi Kurnia Lestari
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Ratri Kusuma Wardani
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Putri Tiara Rosha
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Aviria Ermamilia
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
- Department of Health Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Fitrina Mahardani Kusumaningrum
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
- Department of Health Behavior, Environment, and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Vena Jaladara
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
- Department of Health Behavior, Environment, and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Yayuk Hartriyanti
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
- Department of Health Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
| | - Fatwa Sari Tetra Dewi
- Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia.
- Department of Health Behavior, Environment, and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Indonesia
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Benson J, Lakeberg M, Brand T. Exploring the perspectives and practices of humanitarian actors towards the Participation Revolution in humanitarian digital health responses: a qualitative study. Global Health 2024; 20:36. [PMID: 38671505 PMCID: PMC11055264 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As crises escalate worldwide, there is an increasing demand for innovative solutions to enhance humanitarian outcomes. Within this landscape, digital health tools have emerged as promising solutions to tackle certain health challenges. The integration of digital health tools within the international humanitarian system provides an opportunity to reflect upon the system's paternalistic tendencies, driven largely by Global North organisations, that perpetuate existing inequities in the Global South, where the majority of crises occur. The Participation Revolution, a fundamental pillar of the Localisation Agenda, seeks to address these inequities by advocating for greater participation from crisis-affected people in response efforts. Despite being widely accepted as a best practice; a gap remains between the rhetoric and practice of participation in humanitarian response efforts. This study explores the extent and nature of participatory action within contemporary humanitarian digital health projects, highlighting participatory barriers and tensions and offering potential solutions to bridge the participation gap to enhance transformative change in humanitarian response efforts. METHODS Sixteen qualitative interviews were conducted with humanitarian health practitioners and experts to retrospectively explored participatory practices within their digital health projects. The interviews were structured and analysed according to the Localisation Performance Measurement Framework's participation indicators and thematically, following the Framework Method. The study was guided by the COREQ checklist for quality reporting. RESULTS Varied participatory formats, including focus groups and interviews, demonstrated modest progress towards participation indicators. However, the extent of influence and power held by crisis-affected people during participation remained limited in terms of breadth and depth. Participatory barriers emerged under four key themes: project processes, health evidence, technology infrastructure and the crisis context. Lessons for leveraging participatory digital health humanitarian interventions were conducting thorough pre-project assessments and maintaining engagement with crisis-affected populations throughout and after humanitarian action. CONCLUSION The emerging barriers were instrumental in shaping the limited participatory reality and have implications: Failing to engage crisis-affected people risks perpetuating inequalities and causing harm. To advance the Participation Revolution for humanitarian digital health response efforts, the major participatory barriers should be addressed to improve humanitarian efficiency and digital health efficacy and uphold the rights of crisis-affected people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Benson
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany.
- Leibniz Science Campus Digital Public Health, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Meret Lakeberg
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Tilman Brand
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
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Altare C, Kostandova N, Basadia LM, Petry M, Gankpe GF, Crockett H, Morfin NH, Bruneau S, Antoine C, Spiegel PB. COVID-19 epidemiology, health services utilisation and health care seeking behaviour during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mweso health zone, Democratic Republic of Congo. J Glob Health 2024; 14:05016. [PMID: 38665056 PMCID: PMC11047223 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.05016] [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: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although the evidence about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased exponentially since the beginning of the pandemic, less is known about the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in humanitarian settings. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), most studies occurred in Kinshasa and other cities. Limited research was conducted in remote conflict-affected settings. We investigated the COVID-19 epidemiology, health service utilisation, and health care-seeking behaviour during the first year of the pandemic (March 2020-March 2021) in the Mweso health zone, North Kivu, DRC. Methods This mixed-methods study includes a descriptive epidemiological analysis of reported COVID-19 cases data extracted from the provincial line list, interrupted time series analysis of health service utilisation using routine health service data, qualitative perceptions of health care workers about how health services were affected, and community members' health care seeking behaviour from a representative household survey and focus group discussions. Results The COVID-19 epidemiology in North Kivu aligns with evidence reported globally, yet case fatality rates were high due to underreporting. Testing capacity was limited and initially mainly available in the province's capital. Health service utilisation showed different patterns - child measles vaccinations experienced a decrease at the beginning of the pandemic, while outpatient consultations, malaria, and pneumonia showed an increase over time. Such increases might have been driven by insecurity and population displacements rather than COVID-19. Community members continued seeking care during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic and visited the same health facilities as before COVID-19. Financial constraints, not COVID-19, were the main barrier reported to accessing health care. Conclusions The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Mweso health zone was characterised by low testing capacity and an underestimation of reported COVID-19 infections. The increase in health care utilisation should be further explored to understand the role of factors unrelated to COVID-19, such as insecurity, population displacement, and poverty, which remain major challenges to successfully providing health services and improving the population's health. Measles vaccination coverage dropped, which exacerbated the ongoing measles outbreak. Improved decentralised testing capacity will be crucial for future epidemics and enhanced efforts to maintain child vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Altare
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Natalya Kostandova
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Linda Matadi Basadia
- Health and Nutrition Department, Action Contre la Faim, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Marie Petry
- Health and Nutrition Department, Action Contre la Faim, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Gbètoho Fortuné Gankpe
- Health and Nutrition Department, Action Contre la Faim, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Hannah Crockett
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Natalia Hernandez Morfin
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sophie Bruneau
- Operations Department, Action Contre la Faim, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Antoine
- Technical and Advocacy Department, Action Contre la Faim, Paris, France
| | - Paul B Spiegel
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - IMPACT DRC TeamMullafirozeRoxanaLinkeJasperCecchiOlivierDasNayanaRickardKatieMushamalirwaJean-PaulRuhindaDestinLehmannNadiaAmandineMarieHenzlerElioraGallecierAudreyBesnardeauBenoitGerritsmaNoortje
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Health and Nutrition Department, Action Contre la Faim, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Operations Department, Action Contre la Faim, Paris, France
- Technical and Advocacy Department, Action Contre la Faim, Paris, France
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Kawungezi P, Migisha R, Zavuga R, Simbwa BN, Zalwango JF, Ninsiima M, Kiggundu T, Agaba B, Kyamwine I, Kadobera D, Kwesiga B, Bulage L, Majwala RK, Ario AR. Investigation of COVID-19 outbreak at a refugee transit centre, Kisoro District, Uganda, June-July 2022. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002428. [PMID: 38446829 PMCID: PMC10917256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Due to conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), approximately 34,000 persons arrived at Nyakabande Transit Centre (NTC) between March and June 2022. On June 12, 2022, Kisoro District reported >330 cases of COVID-19 among NTC residents. We investigated the outbreak to assess its magnitude, identify risk factors, and recommend control measures. We defined a confirmed case as a positive SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in an NTC resident during March 1-June 30, 2022. We generated a line list through medical record reviews and interviews with residents and health workers. We assessed the setting to understand possible infection mechanisms. In a case-control study, we compared exposures between cases (persons staying ≥5 days at NTC between June 26 and July 16, 2022, with a negative COVID-19 test at NTC entry and a positive test at exit) and unmatched controls (persons with a negative COVID-19 test at both entry and exit who stayed ≥5 days at NTC during the same period). We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with contracting COVID-19. Among 380 case-persons, 206 (54.2%) were male, with a mean age of 19.3 years (SD = 12.6); none died. The attack rate was higher among exiting persons (3.8%) than entering persons (0.6%) (p<0.01). Among 42 cases and 127 controls, close contact with symptomatic persons (aOR = 9.6; 95%CI = 3.1-30) increased the odds of infection; using a facemask (aOR = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.02-0.17) was protective. We observed overcrowding in shelters, poor ventilation, and most refugees not wearing face masks. The COVID-19 outbreak at NTC was facilitated by overcrowding and suboptimal use of facemasks. Enforcing facemask use and expanding shelter space could reduce the risk of future outbreaks. The collaborative efforts resulted in successful health sensitization and expanding the distribution of facemasks and shelter space. Promoting facemask use through refugee-led efforts is a viable strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kawungezi
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Migisha
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Zavuga
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brenda Nakafeero Simbwa
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jane Frances Zalwango
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mackline Ninsiima
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thomas Kiggundu
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brian Agaba
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Kyamwine
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Kadobera
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Benon Kwesiga
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lilian Bulage
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Kaos Majwala
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Global Health Security, Baylor Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Riolexus Ario
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Omar H, Busolo D, Hickey J, Gupta N. Health Resilience in Arabic-speaking Adult Refugees With Type 2 Diabetes: A Grounded Theory Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Can J Diabetes 2024; 48:82-88. [PMID: 37865167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2023.10.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This qualitative study aimed to describe the lived experiences of Arabic-speaking refugees in managing their type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) while resettling during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to generate a grounded theory of how resilience is used to facilitate living well while facing multiple health stressors. METHODS A grounded theory approach was used to conceptualize the dynamic process of resilience in living well with diabetes. Five recently resettled adult refugees with T2DM (2 women and 3 men) participated in unstructured individual interviews in Arabic in New Brunswick, Canada, during the pandemic's second wave (October 2020 to March 2021). Interview data were transcribed and analyzed thematically using open, axial, and core category coding followed by member checking. RESULTS Participants identified self-reliance as the core driver for decision-making, actions, and interpretations in health management while experiencing unplanned instability. The process was found to be facilitated by 4 distinct constructs: knowledge seeking, positive outlook, self-care, and creativity. CONCLUSIONS The substantive model derived from this study supports a strengths-based approach to clinical assessment and care of refugees with T2DM, notably during disrupted access to primary and preventive services due to forced resettlement and pandemic mitigation measures. More research is needed to increase understanding of how self-reliance can be optimized in resilience-promoting interventions to facilitate diabetes management among populations in posttraumatic circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanin Omar
- Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
| | - David Busolo
- Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Jason Hickey
- Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Neeru Gupta
- Department of Sociology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
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Schenk H, Caf Y, Knabl L, Mayerhofer C, Rauch W. High prevalence group testing in epidemiology with geometrically inspired algorithms. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18910. [PMID: 37919330 PMCID: PMC10622438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45639-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Demand for mass surveillance during peak times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic caused high workload for clinical laboratories. Efficient and cost conserving testing designs by means of group testing can substantially reduce resources during possible future emergency situations. The novel hypercube algorithm proposed by Mutesa et al. 2021 published in Nature provides methodological proof of concept and points out the applicability to epidemiological testing. In this work, the algorithm is explored and expanded for settings with high group prevalence. Numerical studies investigate the limits of the adapted hypercube methodology, allowing to optimize pooling designs for specific requirements (i.e. number of samples and group prevalence). Hyperparameter optimization is performed to maximize test-reduction. Standard deviation is examined to investigate resilience and precision. Moreover, empirical validation was performed by elaborately pooling SARS-CoV-2 virus samples according to numerically optimized pooling designs. Laboratory experiments with SARS-CoV-2 sample groups, ranging from 50 to 200 items, characterized by group prevalence up to 10%, are successfully processed and analysed. Test-reductions from 50 to 72.5% were achieved in the experimental setups when compared to individual testing. Higher theoretical test-reduction is possible, depending on the number of samples and the group prevalence, indicated by simulation results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Schenk
- Unit of Environmental Engineering, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 13, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Yasemin Caf
- Tyrolpath Obrist Brunhuber GmbH, Hauptplatz 4, 6511, Zams, Austria
| | - Ludwig Knabl
- Tyrolpath Obrist Brunhuber GmbH, Hauptplatz 4, 6511, Zams, Austria
| | | | - Wolfgang Rauch
- Unit of Environmental Engineering, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 13, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Kosal M. How COVID-19 is reshaping U.S. national security policy. Politics Life Sci 2023; 43:83-98. [PMID: 38567781 DOI: 10.1017/pls.2023.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States is actively reshaping parts of its national security enterprise. This article explores the underlying politics, with a specific interest in the context of biosecurity, biodefense, and bioterrorism strategy, programs, and response, as the United States responds to the most significant outbreak of an emerging infectious disease in over a century. How the implicit or tacit failure to recognize the political will and political decision-making connected to warfare and conflict for biological weapons programs in these trends is explored. Securitization of public health has been a focus of the literature over the past half century. This recent trend may represent something of an inverse: an attempt to treat national security interests as public health problems. A hypothesis is that the most significant underrecognized problem associated with COVID-19 is disinformation and the weakening of confidence in institutions, including governments, and how adversaries may exploit that blind spot.
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Favaretti C, Adam M, Greuel M, Hachaturyan V, Gates J, Bärnighausen T, Vandormael A. Participant engagement with a short, wordless, animated video on COVID-19 prevention: a multi-site randomized trial. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daab179. [PMID: 35137068 PMCID: PMC8690074 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 misinformation has spread rapidly across social media. To counter misinformation, we designed a short, wordless and animated video (called the CoVideo) to deliver scientifically informed and emotionally compelling information about preventive COVID-19 behaviours. After 15 163 online participants were recruited from Germany, Mexico, Spain, the UK and the USA, we offered participants in the attention placebo control (APC) and do-nothing arms the option to watch the CoVideo (without additional compensation) as post-trial access to treatment. The objective of our study was to evaluate participant engagement by quantifying (i) the proportion of participants opting to watch the CoVideo and (ii) the duration of time spent watching the CoVideo. We quantified the CoVideo opt-in and view time by experimental arm, age, gender, educational status, country of residence and COVID-19 prevention knowledge. Overall engagement with the CoVideo was high: 72% of the participants [CI: 71.1%; 73.0%] opted to watch the CoVideo with an average view time of 138.9 out of 144.0 s [CI: 138.4; 139.4], with no statistically significant differences by arm. Older participants (35-59 years) and participants with higher COVID-19 prevention knowledge had higher view times than their counterparts. Spanish participants had the highest opt-in percentage whereas Germans exhibited the shortest view times of the five countries. Short, wordless and animated storytelling videos, optimized for 'viral spread' on social media, can enhance global engagement with COVID-19 prevention messages by transcending cultural, language and literary barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Favaretti
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, 130.3 Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Maya Adam
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, 453 Quarry Road Palo Alto, CA 94304-5660, USA
| | - Merlin Greuel
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, 130.3 Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Violetta Hachaturyan
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, 130.3 Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gates
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, 130.3 Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban 4013, South Africa
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, 9 Bow Street, MA 02138, USA
| | - Alain Vandormael
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, 130.3 Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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Hanafi I, Alzamel L, Alnabelsi O, Sallam S, Almousa S. Lessons learnt from the first wave of COVID-19 in Damascus, Syria: a multicentre retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065280. [PMID: 37474170 PMCID: PMC10360434 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The decade-long Syrian war led to fragile health infrastructures lacking in personal and physical resources. The public health of the Syrian population was, therefore, vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated even well-resourced healthcare systems. Nevertheless, the officially reported incidence and fatality rates were significantly lower than the forecasted numbers. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING The four main responding hospitals in Damascus, which received most of the cases during the first pandemic wave in Syria (i.e., June-August 2020). PARTICIPANTS One thousand one hundred eighty-four patients who were managed as inpatient COVID-19 cases. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The records of hospitalised patients were screened for clinical history, vital signs, diagnosis modality, major interventions and status at discharge. RESULTS The diagnostic and therapeutic preparedness for COVID-19 was significantly heterogeneous among the different centres and depleted rapidly after the arrival of the first wave. Only 32% of the patients were diagnosed based on positive reverse transcription-PCR tests. Five hundred twenty-six patients had an indication for intensive care unit admission, but only 82% of them received it. Two hundred fifty-seven patients needed mechanical ventilation, but ventilators were not available to 14% of them, all of whom died. Overall mortality during hospitalisation reached 46% and no significant difference was found in fatality between those who received and did not receive these care options. CONCLUSIONS The Syrian healthcare system expressed minor resilience in facing the COVID-19 pandemic, as its assets vanished swiftly with a limited number of cases. This forced physicians to reserve resources (e.g., ventilators) for the most severe cases, which led to poor outcomes of in-hospital management and limited the admission capacity for milder cases. The overwhelmed system additionally suffered from constrained coordination, suboptimal allocation of the accessible resources and a severe inability to informatively report on the catastrophic pandemic course in Syria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahem Hanafi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Lyana Alzamel
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Ola Alnabelsi
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Sondos Sallam
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Damascus Hospital, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Samaher Almousa
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tishreen Military Hospital, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
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Altare C, Kostandova N, Gankpe GF, Nalimo P, Almoustapha Abaradine AA, Bruneau S, Antoine C, Spiegel PB. The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in humanitarian settings: epidemiology, health service utilization, and health care seeking behavior in Bangui and surrounding areas, Central African Republic. Confl Health 2023; 17:24. [PMID: 37210535 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-023-00523-y] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increasing evidence on COVID-19, few studies have been conducted in humanitarian settings and none have investigated the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in the Central African Republic. We studied the COVID-19 epidemiology, health service utilization, and health care seeking behavior in the first year of the pandemic in Bangui and surrounding areas. METHODS This mixed-methods study encompasses four components: descriptive epidemiological analysis of reported COVID-19 cases data; interrupted time series analysis of health service utilization using routine health service data; qualitative analysis of health care workers' perceptions of how health services were affected; and health care seeking behavior of community members with a household survey and focus group discussions. RESULTS The COVID-19 epidemiology in CAR aligns with that of most other countries with males representing most of the tested people and positive cases. Testing capacity was mainly concentrated in Bangui and skewed towards symptomatic cases, travelers, and certain professions. Test positivity was high, and many cases went undiagnosed. Decreases in outpatient department consultations, consultations for respiratory tract infections, and antenatal care were found in most study districts. Cumulative differences in districts ranged from - 46,000 outpatient department consultations in Begoua to + 7000 in Bangui 3; - 9337 respiratory tract infections consultations in Begoua to + 301 in Bangui 1; and from - 2895 antenatal care consultations in Bimbo to + 702 in Bangui 2. Consultations for suspected malaria showed mixed results while delivery of BCG vaccine doses increased. Fewer community members reported seeking care at the beginning of the pandemic compared to summer 2021, especially in urban areas. The fear of testing positive and complying with related restrictions were the main obstacles to seeking care. CONCLUSIONS A large underestimation of infections and decreased health care utilization characterized the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangui and surrounding area. Improved decentralized testing capacity and enhanced efforts to maintain health service utilization will be crucial for future epidemics. A better understanding of health care access is needed, which will require strengthening the national health information system to ensure reliable and complete data. Further research on how public health measures interact with security constraints is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Altare
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Natalya Kostandova
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul B Spiegel
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Jolivet D, Fransen S, Adger WN, Fábos A, Abu M, Allen C, Boyd E, Carr ER, Codjoe SNA, Gavonel MF, Gemenne F, Rocky MH, Lantz J, Maculule D, de Campos RS, Siddiqui T, Zickgraf C. COVID-19 responses restricted abilities and aspirations for mobility and migration: insights from diverse cities in four continents. HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 10:250. [PMID: 37250294 PMCID: PMC10195652 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-023-01721-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Research on the impacts of COVID-19 on mobility has focused primarily on the increased health vulnerabilities of involuntary migrant and displaced populations. But virtually all migration flows have been truncated and altered because of reduced economic and mobility opportunities of migrants. Here we use a well-established framework of migration decision-making, whereby individual decisions combine the aspiration and ability to migrate, to explain how public responses to the COVID-19 pandemic alter migration patterns among urban populations across the world. The principal responses to COVID-19 pandemic that affected migration are: 1) through travel restrictions and border closures, 2) by affecting abilities to move through economic and other means, and 3) by affecting aspirations to move. Using in-depth qualitative data collected in six cities in four continents (Accra, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dhaka, Maputo, and Worcester), we explore how populations with diverse levels of education and occupations were affected in their current and future mobility decisions. We use data from interviews with sample of internal and international migrants and non-migrants during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic outbreak to identify the mechanisms through which the pandemic affected their mobility decisions. The results show common processes across the different geographical contexts: individuals perceived increased risks associated with further migration, which affected their migration aspirations, and had reduced abilities to migrate, all of which affected their migration decision-making processes. The results also reveal stark differences in perceived and experienced migration decision-making across precarious migrant groups compared to high-skilled and formally employed international migrants in all settings. This precarity of place is particularly evident in low-income marginalised populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Jolivet
- School of Business and Economics - UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja Fransen
- School of Business and Economics - UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - William Neil Adger
- Geography, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Anita Fábos
- Department of International Development, Community, and Environment, Clark University, Worcester, USA
| | - Mumuni Abu
- Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charlotte Allen
- Centre for Sustainability Studies, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emily Boyd
- Centre for Sustainability Studies, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Edward R. Carr
- Department of International Development, Community, and Environment, Clark University, Worcester, USA
| | | | - Maria Franco Gavonel
- Geography, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- School for Business and Society, University of York, York, UK
| | - François Gemenne
- Department of Geography and the Hugo Observatory, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Mahmudol Hasan Rocky
- Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jozefina Lantz
- Department of International Development, Community, and Environment, Clark University, Worcester, USA
| | - Domingos Maculule
- Faculty of Architecture and Physical Planning, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Tasneem Siddiqui
- Department of Geography and the Hugo Observatory, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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12
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Duah JK, Dotun-Olujinmi O, Johnson JA, Greenhill RG. Points of entry dynamics: understanding the cross-border threats for Ebola virus disease and COVID-19 in Ghana using a logic model approach. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2264. [PMID: 37347066 PMCID: PMC10280238 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2264] [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: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The influx of people across the national borders of Ghana has been of interest and concern in the public health and national security community in recent times due to the low capacity for the prevention and management of epidemics and other public health risks. Although the international health regulations (IHR) stipulate core public health capacities for designated border facilities such as international airports, seaports, and ground crossings, contextual factors that influence the attainment of effective public health measures and response capabilities remain understudied. Objective This study aims to assess the relationship between contextual factors and COVID-19 procurement to help strengthen infrastructure resources for points of entry (PoE) public health surveillance functions, thereby eliminating gaps in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of pandemic-related interventions in Ghana. Methods This study employed a mixed-methods design, where quantitative variables were examined for relationships and effect size interactions using multiple linear regression techniques and the wild bootstrap technique. Country-level data was sourced from multiple publicly available sources using the social-ecological framework, logic model, and IHR capacity monitoring framework. The qualitative portion included triangulation with an expert panel to determine areas of convergence and divergence. Results The most general findings were that laboratory capacity and Kotoka International Airport testing center positively predicted COVID-19 procurement, and public health response and airline boarding rule negatively predicted COVID-19 procurement. Conclusion Contextual understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola epidemic is vital for strengthening PoE mitigation measures and preventing disease importation.
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13
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Chen X, McMaughan DJ, Li M, Kreps GL, Ariati J, Han H, Rhoads KE, Mahaffey CC, Miller BM. Trust in and Use of COVID-19 Information Sources Differs by Health Literacy among College Students. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060831. [PMID: 36981488 PMCID: PMC10048640 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
People’s health information-seeking behaviors differ by their health literacy levels. This study assessed the relationship between health literacy and college students’ levels of trust in and use of a range of health information sources of COVID-19. We collected data from August to December 2020 among college students (n = 763) through an online survey. We used a health literacy measure containing three self-reported survey questions, developed by the CDC. We assessed the extent to which participants trusted and used any of the sixteen different sources of information about COVID-19. Respondents reported high levels of trusting and using COVID-19 information from the CDC, health care providers, the WHO, state/county/city health departments, and official government websites when compared to other sources. After controlling for demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, age, race, ethnicity, and income), those who reported having lower health literacy were significantly less likely to trust and use COVID-19 information from these health authorities when compared to participants who reported having higher health literacy. Students with lower self-reported health literacy indicated not trusting or using official health authority sources for COVID-19 information. Relying on low-quality information sources could create and reinforce people’s misperceptions regarding the virus, leading to low compliance with COVID-19-related public health measures and poor health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Chen
- School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (D.J.M.); (H.H.); (K.E.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Darcy Jones McMaughan
- School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (D.J.M.); (H.H.); (K.E.R.)
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Health Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252, USA;
| | - Gary L. Kreps
- Center for Health and Risk Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
| | - Jati Ariati
- School of Educational Foundation, Leadership, and Aviation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
- Department of Psychology, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Ho Han
- School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (D.J.M.); (H.H.); (K.E.R.)
| | - Kelley E. Rhoads
- School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (D.J.M.); (H.H.); (K.E.R.)
| | - Carlos C. Mahaffey
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA;
| | - Bridget M. Miller
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
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14
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Liu T, Peng MM, Au WSH, Wong FHC, Kwok WW, Yin J, Lum TYS, Wong GHY. Depression risk among community-dwelling older people is associated with perceived COVID-19 infection risk: effects of news report latency and focusing on number of infected cases. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:475-482. [PMID: 35260014 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2045562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Awareness of COVID-19 infection risk and oscillation patterns ('waves') may affect older people's mental health. Empirical data from populations experiencing multiple waves of community outbreaks can inform guidance for maintaining mental health. This study aims to investigate the effects of COVID-19 infection risk and oscillations on depression among community-dwelling older people in Hong Kong. A rolling cross-sectional telephone survey method was used. Screening for depression risk was conducted among 8,163 older people (age ≥ 60) using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) from February to August 2020. The relationships between PHQ-2, COVID-19 infection risk proxies - change in newly infected cases and effective reproductive number (Rt), and oscillations - stage of a 'wave' reported in the media, were analysed using correlation and regression. 8.4% of survey respondents screened positive for depression risk. Being female (β = .08), having a pre-existing mental health issue (β = .21), change in newly infected cases (β = .05), and screening during the latency period before the media called out new waves (β = .03), contributed to higher depression risk (R2 = .06, all p <.01). While depression risk does not appear alarming in this sample, our results highlight that older people are sensitive to reporting of infection, particularly among those with existing mental health needs. Future public health communication should balance awareness of infection risks with mental health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyin Liu
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Man Peng
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, China
| | - Walker Siu Hong Au
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Frankie Ho Chun Wong
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Wai Kwok
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jiayi Yin
- London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
| | - Terry Yat Sang Lum
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Gloria Hoi Yan Wong
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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15
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Zare M, Mirahmadizadeh A, Akbari M, Moradian MJ. Comparison of in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 between pregnant and non-pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2: a historical cohort study. J Perinat Med 2023; 51:269-276. [PMID: 35254012 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare pregnant and non-pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) in terms of in-hospital mortality. METHODS This historical cohort study was conducted on hospitalized women of reproductive ages (15-49 years) infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Fars province, Iran during 15 March 2019-10 May 2021. RESULTS Out of the 5,322 patients, 330 were pregnant. The fatality rate of SARS-CoV-2 was 1.2% amongst pregnant women and 3.5% amongst non-pregnant ones. Pregnant and non-pregnant women reported the same history of smoking, opium use, previous COVID-19 infection, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, and COVID-19 symptoms (p>0.05 for all). However, the pregnant women were younger and had fewer underlying diseases (p<0.001 for both). The results revealed no significant difference between the two groups regarding in-hospital clinical manifestations including the number of days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, mechanical ventilation, and long involvement (cRR; 95% CI=0.99 (0.96-1.02), 1.18 (0.72-2.02), and 0.95 (0.88-1.02), respectively). Nonetheless, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission was significantly higher in pregnant women (cRR; 95% CI=2.37(1.85-3.02)). After adjusting for age, history of underlying diseases, and ICU admission, pregnant women showed lower in-hospital mortality due to COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant women (aRR; 95% CI=0.32 (0.12-0.87)). CONCLUSIONS Based on the current study findings, pregnant women showed lower in-hospital mortality due to COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant ones. Nevertheless, they should follow the same recommendations as non-pregnant women, avoiding exposure to the virus and receiving medical treatment and vaccination. Further studies are recommended to address the follow-up of recovered pregnant women, their babies, and puerperium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Zare
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Mirahmadizadeh
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Akbari
- Health Affairs, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Moradian
- Trauma Research Center, Shahid Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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16
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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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17
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Shoghli A, Maleki A, Masjedi MR, Hessari MB, Khodaei S. The effect of peer-to-peer education on health literacy, knowledge, and adherence to COVID-19 protocols in vulnerable adolescents. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:18. [PMID: 36650437 PMCID: PMC9843949 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-01979-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study was done to examine the effectiveness of peer-to-peer education on increasing health literacy, knowledge s, and observance of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) health prevention protocols in vulnerable adolescents. METHOD The study was a one-group intervention (before and after the intervention) that was performed on 1200 vulnerable adolescents living in varamin. The educational intervention was presented to adolescents in a face-to-face session. In the next step, the adolescents were taught the information received by three members of their families. Data were evaluated using a self-designed questionnaire before, and three months after the intervention. The paired t-test was used to compare scores of health literacy, compliance, and knowledge before and after the intervention at a 0.05 confidence level. The Multiple linear regression model was used to determine the predictive factors of observance of COVID-19 preventive behaviors. RESULTS The most of adolescents were in the age group of 14 to 18 years (60%) and most of them were girls (61.5%). The most important source of information about COVID-19 disease was radio and television (59.6%). The results showed that the effectiveness of the intervention in increasing the adolescents' health literacy, knowledge, and adherence to preventive behaviors were 40%, 30%, and 23%, respectively. The effectiveness of the intervention in increasing their families' health literacy and adherence to the protocols were 11% and 20%, respectively (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION Involving volunteer adolescents as health ambassadors and transmitting messages and methods of promoting personal protection against COVID-19 epidemics to family members had a significant effect on increasing the knowledge and adherence to the health procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shoghli
- grid.469309.10000 0004 0612 8427Health Services Management, School of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Azam Maleki
- grid.469309.10000 0004 0612 8427Reproductive Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Masjedi
- Pulmonary Diseases, Tobacco Control Research Center (TCRC), Iranian Anti-Tobacco Association, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Siavash Khodaei
- English Language Teaching, administration manager of Iran Non-Communicable Diseases, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Allen JD, Fu Q, Nguyen K, Rose R, Silva D, Corlin L. Parents' Willingness to Vaccinate Children for COVID-19: Conspiracy Theories, Information Sources, and Perceived Responsibility. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:15-27. [PMID: 36755480 PMCID: PMC10038916 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2172107] [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] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding parental decision-making about vaccinating their children for COVID-19 is essential to promoting uptake. We conducted an online survey between April 23-May 3, 2021, among a national sample of U.S. adults to assess parental willingness to vaccinate their child(ren). We also examined associations between parental intentions to VACCINATE their children for COVID-19 and conspiracy theory beliefs, trusted information sources, trust in public authorities, and perceptions regarding the responsibility to be vaccinated. Of 257 parents of children under 18 years that responded, 48.2% reported that they would vaccinate their children, 25.7% were unsure, and 26.1% said they would not vaccinate. After adjusting for covariates, each one-point increase in the Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale was associated with 25% lower odds of parents intending to vaccinate their children compared to those who did not intend to (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64-0.88). Parents that perceived an individual and societal responsibility to be vaccinated were more likely to report that they intended to vaccinate their children compared to those that did not intend to vaccinate their children (AOR = 5.65, 95% CI: 2.37-13.44). Findings suggest that interventions should focus on combatting conspiracy beliefs, promoting accurate and trusted information sources, and creating social norms emphasizing shared responsibility for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D. Allen
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Ave, Medford MA 02155, USA
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Ave, Medford MA 02155, USA
| | - Kimberly Nguyen
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston MA, 02111, USA
| | - Rebecca Rose
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Ave, Medford MA 02155, USA
| | - Deborah Silva
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Ave, Medford MA 02155, USA
| | - Laura Corlin
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston MA, 02111, USA
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19
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Lebel L, Navy H, Siharath P, Long CTM, Aung N, Lebel P, Hoanh CT, Lebel B. COVID-19 and household water insecurities in vulnerable communities in the Mekong Region. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2023; 25:3503-3522. [PMID: 35233185 PMCID: PMC8874302 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02182-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Access to sufficient clean water is important for reducing the risks from COVID-19. It is unclear, however, what influence COVID-19 has had on water insecurities. The objective of this study was to assess the associations between COVID-19 control measures and household water insecurities. A survey of 1559 individuals living in vulnerable communities in five countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam) showed that increased needs for clean water to wash hands or facemasks made it more likely a person was water insecure along those dimensions. Water insecurities with respect to handwashing and drinking, in turn, made adoption of the corresponding good practices less likely, whereas in the case of washing facemasks there was no association. Water system infrastructure, environmental conditions such as floods and droughts, as well as gender norms and knowledge, were also important for water insecurities and the adoption of good practices. As domestic water insecurities and COVID-19 control measures are associated with each other, efforts should therefore be directed at identifying and assisting the water insecure at high risk when COVID-19 reaches their communities. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10668-022-02182-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Lebel
- Unit for Social and Environmental Research, Department of Social Science and Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Hap Navy
- Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Fisheries Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Phoummixay Siharath
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Laos, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Chau Thi Minh Long
- Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute, Dak Lak, Vietnam
| | | | - Phimphakan Lebel
- Unit for Social and Environmental Research, Department of Social Science and Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chu Thai Hoanh
- International Water Management Institute, Regional Office for Southeast Asia, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Boripat Lebel
- Unit for Social and Environmental Research, Department of Social Science and Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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20
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Han Q, Zheng B, Cristea M, Agostini M, Bélanger JJ, Gützkow B, Kreienkamp J, Leander NP. Trust in government regarding COVID-19 and its associations with preventive health behaviour and prosocial behaviour during the pandemic: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. Psychol Med 2023; 53:149-159. [PMID: 33769242 DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/p5gns] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effective implementation of government policies and measures for controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic requires compliance from the public. This study aimed to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of trust in government regarding COVID-19 control with the adoption of recommended health behaviours and prosocial behaviours, and potential determinants of trust in government during the pandemic. METHODS This study analysed data from the PsyCorona Survey, an international project on COVID-19 that included 23 733 participants from 23 countries (representative in age and gender distributions by country) at baseline survey and 7785 participants who also completed follow-up surveys. Specification curve analysis was used to examine concurrent associations between trust in government and self-reported behaviours. We further used structural equation model to explore potential determinants of trust in government. Multilevel linear regressions were used to examine associations between baseline trust and longitudinal behavioural changes. RESULTS Higher trust in government regarding COVID-19 control was significantly associated with higher adoption of health behaviours (handwashing, avoiding crowded space, self-quarantine) and prosocial behaviours in specification curve analyses (median standardised β = 0.173 and 0.229, p < 0.001). Government perceived as well organised, disseminating clear messages and knowledge on COVID-19, and perceived fairness were positively associated with trust in government (standardised β = 0.358, 0.230, 0.056, and 0.249, p < 0.01). Higher trust at baseline survey was significantly associated with lower rate of decline in health behaviours over time (p for interaction = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These results highlighted the importance of trust in government in the control of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Han
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Bang Zheng
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mioara Cristea
- Department of Psychology, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jocelyn J Bélanger
- Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ben Gützkow
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jannis Kreienkamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - N Pontus Leander
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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21
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Han Q, Zheng B, Cristea M, Agostini M, Bélanger JJ, Gützkow B, Kreienkamp J, Leander NP. Trust in government regarding COVID-19 and its associations with preventive health behaviour and prosocial behaviour during the pandemic: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. Psychol Med 2023; 53:149-159. [PMID: 33769242 PMCID: PMC8144822 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721001306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effective implementation of government policies and measures for controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic requires compliance from the public. This study aimed to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of trust in government regarding COVID-19 control with the adoption of recommended health behaviours and prosocial behaviours, and potential determinants of trust in government during the pandemic. METHODS This study analysed data from the PsyCorona Survey, an international project on COVID-19 that included 23 733 participants from 23 countries (representative in age and gender distributions by country) at baseline survey and 7785 participants who also completed follow-up surveys. Specification curve analysis was used to examine concurrent associations between trust in government and self-reported behaviours. We further used structural equation model to explore potential determinants of trust in government. Multilevel linear regressions were used to examine associations between baseline trust and longitudinal behavioural changes. RESULTS Higher trust in government regarding COVID-19 control was significantly associated with higher adoption of health behaviours (handwashing, avoiding crowded space, self-quarantine) and prosocial behaviours in specification curve analyses (median standardised β = 0.173 and 0.229, p < 0.001). Government perceived as well organised, disseminating clear messages and knowledge on COVID-19, and perceived fairness were positively associated with trust in government (standardised β = 0.358, 0.230, 0.056, and 0.249, p < 0.01). Higher trust at baseline survey was significantly associated with lower rate of decline in health behaviours over time (p for interaction = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These results highlighted the importance of trust in government in the control of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Han
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Bang Zheng
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mioara Cristea
- Department of Psychology, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jocelyn J. Bélanger
- Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ben Gützkow
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jannis Kreienkamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - N. Pontus Leander
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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22
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Schots MAS, Coleman HLS, Lutwama GW, Straetemans M, Jacobs E. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access and utilisation in South Sudan: a cross-sectional mixed methods study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1559. [PMID: 36539823 PMCID: PMC9765347 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities in fragile and conflict-affected settings may be severe due to reduced access and use of healthcare, as happened during the 2015 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak. Achieving a balance between short-term emergency response and addressing long-term health needs is particularly challenging in fragile and conflict-affected settings such as South Sudan, given the already significant barriers to accessing healthcare for the population. This study sought to characterise the effect of COVID-19 on healthcare access and South Sudan's healthcare response. This can inform efforts to mitigate the potential impacts of COVID-19 or other epidemiological threats, and contribute to understanding how these may be balanced for greater health system resilience in fragile contexts. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study in three of South Sudan's states, combining data from a cross-sectional quantitative household survey with qualitative interviews and Focus Group Discussions. RESULTS Even though some fears related to COVID-19 were reported, we found these did not greatly dissuade people from seeking care and do not yield significant consequences for health system programming in South Sudan. The pillars of the response focused on risk communication and community engagement were effective in reaching communities through different channels. Respondents and participants reported behaviour changes that were in line with public health advice. We also found that the implementation of COVID-19 response activities sometimes created frictions between the national government and international health actors, and that COVID-19 caused a greater reliance on, and increased responsibility for, international donors for health planning. CONCLUSIONS Given the fact that global priorities on COVID-19 are greatly shifting, power dynamics between international health agencies and the national government may be useful to consider in further COVID-19 planning, particularly for the vaccine roll-out. South Sudan must now navigate a period of transition where COVID-19 vaccine roll-out continues and other domestic health burdens are re-prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. S. Schots
- grid.11503.360000 0001 2181 1687KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, Amsterdam, 1092 AD The Netherlands
| | - H. L. S. Coleman
- grid.11503.360000 0001 2181 1687KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, Amsterdam, 1092 AD The Netherlands
| | - G. W. Lutwama
- grid.11503.360000 0001 2181 1687KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, Amsterdam, 1092 AD The Netherlands ,Health Pooled Fund, American Embassy Residency Road, Juba, South Sudan
| | - M. Straetemans
- grid.11503.360000 0001 2181 1687KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, Amsterdam, 1092 AD The Netherlands
| | - E. Jacobs
- grid.11503.360000 0001 2181 1687KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, Amsterdam, 1092 AD The Netherlands
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23
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Talukder B, vanLoon GW, Hipel KW. Planetary health & COVID-19: A multi-perspective investigation. One Health 2022; 15:100416. [PMID: 35892119 PMCID: PMC9304035 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 can be characterized as an outcome of degraded planetary health drivers in complex systems and has wide-reaching implications in social, economic and environmental realms. To understand the drivers of planetary health that have influences of emergence and spread of COVID-19 and their implications for sustainability systems thinking and a narrative literature review are deployed. In particular, sixteen planetary health drivers are identified, i.e., population growth, climate change, agricultural intensification, urbanization, land use and land cover change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, globalization, wildlife trade, wet markets, non-planetary health diet, antimicrobial resistance, air pollution, water stress, poverty and weak governance. The implications of COVID-19 for planetary health are grouped in six categories: social, economic, environmental, technological, political, and public health. The implications for planetary health are then judged to see the impacts with respect to sustainable development goals (SDGs). The paper indicates that sustainable development goals are being hampered due to the planetary health implications of COVID-19. Identified and categorized drivers of planetary health for the emergence and spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 has implications in six categories of planetary health issues: social, economic, environment, technology, political and public health. COVID-19's planetary health implications have profound impacts on SDGs. Holistic measures are required to tackle the implications of COVID-19 for planetary health and SDGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byomkesh Talukder
- Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, York University, Canada
| | - Gary W vanLoon
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Keith W Hipel
- System Engineering Department and Conflict Analysis Group, Waterloo University, Canada.,Centre for International Governance Innovation Coordinator, Waterloo, Canada
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24
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Harasym MC, Raju E, Ayeb-Karlsson S. A global mental health opportunity: How can cultural concepts of distress broaden the construct of immobility? GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE : HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS 2022; 77:102594. [PMID: 36407678 PMCID: PMC9651962 DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2022.102594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(Im)mobility studies often focus on people on the move, neglecting those who stay, are immobile, or are trapped. The duality of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis creates a global mental health challenge, impacting the most structurally oppressed, including immobile populations. The construct of immobility is investigated in the context of socio-political variables but lacks examination of the clinical psychological factors that impact immobility. Research is beginning to identify self-reported emotions that immobile populations experience through describing metaphors like feeling trapped. This article identifies links in the literature between Cultural Concepts of Distress drawn from transcultural psychiatry and immobility studies. Feeling trapped is described in mental health research widely. Among (im)mobile people and non-mobility contexts, populations experience various mental health conditions from depression to the cultural syndrome, nervios. The connection of feeling trapped to CCD research lends itself to potential utility in immobility research. The conceptualisation can support broadening and deepening the comprehension of this global mental health challenge - how immobile populations' experience feeling trapped. To broaden the analytical framework of immobility and incorporate CCD, evidence is needed to fill the gaps on the psychological aspects of immobility research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Harasym
- United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), Bonn, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Raju
- Global Health Section and Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- African Centre for Disaster Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London (IRDR), University College London (UCL), London, UK
- United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), Bonn, Germany
- School of Global Studies, University of Sussex, Falmer Brighton, UK
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25
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Altare C, Kostandova N, OKeeffe J, Omwony E, Nyakoojo R, Kasozi J, Spiegel PB. COVID-19 epidemiology and changes in health service utilization in Uganda's refugee settlements during the first year of the pandemic. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1927. [PMID: 36253816 PMCID: PMC9574818 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14305-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been characterized by multiple waves with varying rates of transmission affecting countries at different times and magnitudes. Forced displacement settings were considered particularly at risk due to pre-existing vulnerabilities. Yet, the effects of COVID-19 in refugee settings are not well understood. In this study, we report on the epidemiology of COVID-19 cases in Uganda’s refugee settlement regions of West Nile, Center and South, and evaluate how health service utilization changed during the first year of the pandemic. Methods We calculate descriptive statistics, testing rates, and incidence rates of COVID-19 cases in UNHCR’s line list and adjusted odds ratios for selected outcomes. We evaluate the changes in health services using monthly routine data from UNHCR’s health information system (January 2017 to March 2021) and apply interrupted time series analysis with a generalized additive model and negative binomial distribution, accounting for long-term trends and seasonality, reporting results as incidence rate ratios. Findings The first COVID-19 case was registered in Uganda on March 20, 2020, and among refugees two months later on May 22, 2020 in Adjumani settlement. Incidence rates were higher at national level for the general population compared to refugees by region and overall. Testing capacity in the settlements was lower compared to the national level. Characteristics of COVID-19 cases among refugees in Uganda seem to align with the global epidemiology of COVID-19. Only hospitalization rate was higher than globally reported. The indirect effects of COVID-19 on routine health services and outcomes appear quite consistent across regions. Maternal and child routine and preventative health services seem to have been less affected by COVID-19 than consultations for acute conditions. All regions reported a decrease in consultations for respiratory tract infections. Interpretation COVID-19 transmission seemed lower in settlement regions than the national average, but so was testing capacity. Disruptions to health services were limited, and mainly affected consultations for acute conditions. This study, focusing on the first year of the pandemic, warrants follow-up research to investigate how susceptibility evolved over time, and how and whether health services could be maintained. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14305-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Altare
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Natalya Kostandova
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jennifer OKeeffe
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Emmanuel Omwony
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Nyakoojo
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julius Kasozi
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul B Spiegel
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, 615 N Wolfe str, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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26
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Abstract
Infectious diseases and war are maleficent comrades. This reality applies equally well to the war in Ukraine and the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Europe is facing a huge refugee crisis and potentially the conflict could worsen the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, 2 major countries of concern are Poland, which has taken the majority of refugees, and Moldova, which has taken a very large number of refugees on a per capita basis. However, the concern extends to the rest of Europe because of the mobility of refugees beyond the first country they enter. Vaccinating, infection control, and boosting refugees should be a priority. However, complete prevention of COVID-19 is very complex because of other issues related to the success of prevention.
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27
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Barua M, Chowdhury S, Saha A, Mia C, Sajow SH, Sarker M. Community-based referral transportation system for accessing emergency obstetric services in the Rohingya refugee camp during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: facilitators and barriers through beneficiaries' and providers' lens using a mixed-method design. Confl Health 2022; 16:51. [PMID: 36217169 PMCID: PMC9549832 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-022-00485-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Delays in seeking timely maternity care from health care professionals are crucial to address among the Rohingya population where many preventable pregnancy-related deaths occur within the camps when care is not sought. To address the challenges related to the referral of emergency and routine Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) cases, United Nations Population Fund, through its partners, implemented a community-based referral transportation project called Referral hub. This paper presents the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of this referral transportation system from the perspectives of the beneficiaries and providers. Methods The research adopted a sequential explanatory mixed-method design. The quantitative phase consisted of a survey among 100 women while the qualitative phase comprised of in-depth interviews with a total of 12 mothers who used the services and key informant interviews with 21 providers. Results The barriers identified for referral hub are discordant understanding of emergency, strict gender norms and practices, distrust in providers, poor roads and mobile phone networks. The facilitators are partnership with the community, within and other organizations. Conclusion The study observed that the referral hub has a high potential to increase the utilization of SRHR services. Despite the barriers, the facilitating factors show a scope of improvement for these services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrittika Barua
- BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Avijit Saha
- BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Chand Mia
- BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Malabika Sarker
- BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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28
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Di Nicola V, Leslie M, Haynes C, Nesbeth K. Clinical Considerations for Immigrant, Refugee, and Asylee Youth Populations. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2022; 31:679-692. [PMID: 36182218 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This article will explore the psychological sequelae of forced family separation in immigration policy, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the youth migrant population, how youth migrants form an identity in their new country, and finally how politics affect the mental health of youth migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Nicola
- Canadian Association of Social Psychiatry (CASP); World Association of Social Psychiatry (WASP); Department. of Psychiatry & Addictions, University of Montreal; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The George Washington University.
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29
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Suleimany M, Mokhtarzadeh S, Sharifi A. Community resilience to pandemics: An assessment framework developed based on the review of COVID-19 literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2022; 80:103248. [PMID: 35991617 PMCID: PMC9375855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak in 2019 and the challenges it posed to communities around the world, demonstrated the necessity of enhancing the resilience of communities to pandemics. In this regard, assessment frameworks can play an essential role and guide resilience-building efforts. However, the lack of a comprehensive assessment framework has led to a focus on sectoral evaluation. This study aims to propose an integrated framework for assessing the pandemic resilience of communities. For this purpose, we rely on a systematic review of literature indexed in major academic databases. We have thoroughly analyzed a total number of 115 related documents to extract relevant criteria. Findings show that many criteria and factors affect community resilience to pandemics. By inductive content coding in MAXQDA software, we have categorized these criteria into five dimensions of Institutional, Social, Economic, Infrastructural, and Demographic. Good leadership and management, insurance and governmental support, planning and preparation, expertise and labor, and available equipment and technologies are the most important institutional criteria. Communication and collective identity, mutual support, public safety and protection, public awareness, and social justice are the influential social criteria. Economic sustainability and resource availability are criteria of economic resilience. Sufficiency of services, public spaces, housing tenure, and transportation system are the main criteria related to the built environment and infrastructural dimension. Finally, demographic resilience includes physical health, psychological well-being, life quality, and hygiene. Based on these criteria, this study develops an integrated evaluation framework that researchers can implement along with conventional assessment and ranking methods to determine the level of community resilience to pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Suleimany
- Urban Planning and Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safoora Mokhtarzadeh
- Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism. Daneshpajoohan Pishro Institute, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ayyoob Sharifi
- Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Science, Japan
- Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Advances Science and Engineering, Japan
- Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS), Japan
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30
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Barua M, Saha A, Chowdhury S, Chowdhury S, Sajow SH, Sarker M. Implementation of a community-based referral project to improve access to emergency obstetric and newborn care in Rohingya population during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. BMJ INNOVATIONS 2022; 8:247-254. [PMID: 37556264 PMCID: PMC9157323 DOI: 10.1136/bmjinnov-2021-000831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The delay in seeking emergency obstetric care leads to significant maternal morbidity and mortality and can worsen during pandemics, especially in humanitarian conflict settings with low uptake of obstetric services. To mitigate the challenges related to the second delay caused by lack of transport in the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation United Nations Population Fund implements a community-based referral project called Referral Hub in the Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh. The objective of the paper is to describe the implementation process of the Referral hub and present clients' utilisation and perception of the service. Methods Findings from part of a larger mixed-method study, the analysis of the standard operating protocol of the intervention, secondary data of routine utilisation of the 12 referral hubs between January and August 2020, 21 key informant interviews and a community survey among 100 pregnant women are presented in this paper. Results The findings show an increasing trend in the referral hub utilisation and a strong recommendation of the service. Conclusion Due to a robust referral mechanism by collaborating with the community and engaging accessible and free of cost transport service, the intervention has high potential to improve access to facility care in low-resource and humanitarian contexts, especially during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrittika Barua
- BRAC University James P Grant School of Public
Health, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
| | - Avijit Saha
- BRAC University James P Grant School of Public
Health, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
| | - Srizan Chowdhury
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease
Research, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Malabika Sarker
- BRAC University James P Grant School of Public
Health, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
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31
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Krishnan S, Zaman S, Ferdaus M, Kabir MH, Khatun H, Rahman SMS, Marzouk M, Durrance-Bagale A, Howard N. How can humanitarian services provision during mass displacement better support health systems? An exploratory qualitative study of humanitarian service provider perspectives in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. J Migr Health 2022; 6:100132. [PMID: 36158594 PMCID: PMC9489749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Health services provision in mass displacement settings is a humanitarian imperative and essential to promoting international and regional security. Internationally displaced populations experience a range of issues pre-, peri-, post-displacement and residing in host countries that affect their health and well-being. This study examined links between humanitarian and government health services provision for forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMN) in Cox's Bazar to consider how improved knowledge sharing and collaboration might better support health systems during mass displacement. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study, interviewing 25 humanitarian service providers in-person in Bangladesh in early 2021 and analysing data thematically. We found that government restricted what essential services humanitarian health actors could provide and FDMN had to undergo stringent screening and referral to receive tertiary healthcare. Concurrently, the government health system was challenged by accessibility, affordability and availability of medicines, equipment, and trained staff. Humanitarian health service providers augmented government responses by working with community groups, recruiting and training Rohingya volunteers, and involving religious leaders. Findings suggest that easing barriers to a fuller range of health services, allowing access to digital devices, and hiring FDMN to support their communities would improve health system responsiveness to the legitimate needs of FDMN displaced around Cox's Bazar. It is imperative to amplify and listen to the voices of FDMN and collaborate in addressing structural and social barriers constraining their access to effective health services, both to increase trust in and responsiveness of the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Krishnan
- Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability, Jindal Global University, Haryana and Environment, Technology and Community Health Consultancy Services, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Samia Zaman
- BRAC University, UB04–66 Bir Uttam AK Khandakar Road, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Ferdaus
- BRAC University, UB04–66 Bir Uttam AK Khandakar Road, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Humayun Kabir
- University of Dhaka, Department of Geography & Environment, Nilkhet Road, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Hafiza Khatun
- University of Dhaka, Department of Geography & Environment, Nilkhet Road, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - SM Safiqur Rahman
- BRAC University, UB04–66 Bir Uttam AK Khandakar Road, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Manar Marzouk
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Anna Durrance-Bagale
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117549, Singapore,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health & Development, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom,Corresponding author at: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health & Development, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Natasha Howard
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117549, Singapore,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health & Development, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
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Longsheng C, Shah SAA. Smarter and Greener Cities After COVID-19: An Integrated Decision-Making Framework to Prioritize Investment Alternatives. ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS 2022; 6:2200166. [PMID: 35942083 PMCID: PMC9350289 DOI: 10.1002/adsu.202200166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Locking down cities to curb the transmission of coronavirus brought the global economy to a grinding halt. Cities are like engines of growth; when they stop, so does the growth. Therefore, it becomes paramount to build cities that continue to function and do not collapse amidst any crisis. Since economic recovery is underway, this paper examines priority areas for investment to expedite recovery and build back stronger cities. These areas are evaluated based on their contribution to revitalizing public health, economic, social, energy, and environmental sectors. For the analysis, analytical network process (ANP) and fuzzy-VIKOR are applied. ANP obtains the relative importance of sectors and their respective critical factors after solving a complex relationship among them. The economic sector has the highest weight of 25.8% among the five sectors, while job creation has the highest weight of 10.3% among the fifteen factors. Fuzzy-VIKOR is used to evaluate different areas and it is found that renewable energy has a greater contribution to the sustainable recovery of major sectors and the long-term aim of building inclusive green and resilient cities. These insights shall contribute to the conversations already ongoing among city governments, urban planners, civil society organizations, and city dwellers seeking practical solutions to unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Longsheng
- School of Economics and ManagementNanjing University of Science and TechnologyNanjing210094China
| | - Syed Ahsan Ali Shah
- School of Economics and ManagementNanjing University of Science and TechnologyNanjing210094China
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Healey SJR, Ghafournia N, Massey PD, Andrich K, Harrison J, Taylor K, Bolsewicz K. Factors contributing to the sharing of COVID-19 health information amongst refugee communities in a regional area of Australia: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1434. [PMID: 35897090 PMCID: PMC9331021 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13850-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups worldwide. Newly emerging CALD populations formed by recently arrived refugees are predisposed to even greater health disadvantages due to complexities of the refugee experience. The aim of this study was to explore how culture, refugee experiences and existing relationships shaped what COVID-19 messages were listened to and shared during the early-mid phases of the pandemic. The work focused on three newly emerging refugee groups in the Hunter New England region, Australia: Afghan, Congolese and Syrian communities. Methods Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the experiences and stories of 15 adult community members, nine influential members and six service providers. All community members arrived in Australia on or after January 2014. Interpreter-assisted interviews were conducted with small groups or individuals, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim in English. Three levels of thematic data analysis were employed to uncover the important issues and experiences of the participants. Results Three key themes and several subthemes were identified. The themes were: 1) Experience as a refugee uniquely influences COVID-19 message communication; 2) Refugee groups use diverse practices when accessing and sharing COVID-19 messages; and 3) Official government messages could be improved by listening and tailoring to community needs. Conclusions Effective health messaging relies on reaching communities in a culturally acceptable and meaningful way. Official COVID-19 messages can be tailored to engage newly emerging communities by improving the quality of the content, delivery and format whilst working collaboratively with communities and trusted service providers. Further mutual research is needed to understand emerging communities’ viewpoints. The use of culturally informed approaches is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita Joann Rebecca Healey
- Multicultural and Refugee Health Services, HNE Health, Harker Building, Wallsend Health Services, Longworth Ave, Wallsend NSW, Newcastle, 2287, Australia.
| | - Nafiseh Ghafournia
- Multicultural and Refugee Health Services, HNE Health, Harker Building, Wallsend Health Services, Longworth Ave, Wallsend NSW, Newcastle, 2287, Australia
| | - Peter D Massey
- College of Medicine & Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Karinne Andrich
- Multicultural and Refugee Health Services, HNE Health, Harker Building, Wallsend Health Services, Longworth Ave, Wallsend NSW, Newcastle, 2287, Australia
| | - Joy Harrison
- Multicultural and Refugee Health Services, HNE Health, Armidale Community Health Centre, 226 Rusden St, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - Kathryn Taylor
- Central Coast Population Health Unit, Level 1, 4 Watt St, Gosford, NSW, 2250, Australia
| | - Katarzyna Bolsewicz
- The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan NSW, Newcastle, 2308, Australia
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Heidari S. Gender perspective in COVID-19. SESPAS Report 2022. GACETA SANITARIA 2022; 36 Suppl 1:S26-S29. [PMID: 35781144 PMCID: PMC9244841 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We failed to adequately launch a gender transformative response to COVID-19 pandemic, data by sex on a variety of indicators for most countries are hard to find. Some symptoms reported as common of COVID-19 infection, are more prominent in men, while others are more prominent in women, one cannot with certainty exclude that some of the differences observed could be due to gender bias in the management of cases in health services. The gender implications of the pandemic reach wide and far. Inequalities can be further aggravated as sex and gender intersect with other axes of inequality. The SAGER guidelines exemplify an effort to improve reporting of sex and gender dimensions and encouraging researchers to integrate these aspects in the research design. these observations and emerging evidence about the persistent gender-blind approach to COVID-19 is a wake-up call to change course. National Gender Equality Institutions can be central in ensuring gender matters are considered in government responses. COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to reverse the trend and take action to apply an intersectional feminist approach to global health that enables a just and equal world where everyone's health and wellbeing matter.
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Key Words
- Sex, Gender, Sex-differences, gender bias, COVID-19, Disease outbreaks analysis, Disease outbreak statistics and numerical data
- Sexo, género, diferencias de sexo, sesgo de género, COVID-19, análisis de brotes de enfermedades, estadísticas de brotes de enfermedades y datos numéricos
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Heidari
- GENDRO, Geneva, Switzerland; Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Rodo M, Singh L, Russell N, Singh NS. A mixed methods study to assess the impact of COVID-19 on maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Confl Health 2022; 16:30. [PMID: 35659039 PMCID: PMC9162897 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-022-00465-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The impacts of COVID-19 are unprecedented globally. The pandemic is reversing decades of progress in maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition (MNCHN), especially fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS) whose populations were already facing challenges in accessing basic health and nutrition services. This study aimed to investigate the collateral impact of COVID-19 on funding, services and MNCHN outcomes in FCAS, as well as adaptations used in the field to continue activities. Methods A scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 1st March 2020–31st January 2021 was conducted. We analysed 103 publications using a narrative synthesis approach. 39 remote semi-structured key informant interviews with humanitarian actors and donor staff within 12 FCAS were conducted between October 2020 and February 2021. Thematic analysis was undertaken independently by two researchers on interview transcripts and supporting documents provided by key informants, and triangulated with literature review findings. Results Funding for MNCHN has been reduced or suspended with increase in cost of continuing the same activities, and diversion of MNCHN funding to COVID-19 activities. Disruption in supply and demand of interventions was reported across different settings which, despite data evidence still being missing, points towards likely increased maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Some positive adaptations including use of technology and decentralisation of services have been reported, however overall adaptation strategies have been insufficient to equitably meet additional challenges posed by the pandemic, and have not been evaluated for their effectiveness. Conclusions COVID-19 is further exacerbating negative women’s and children’s health outcomes in FCAS. Increased funding is urgently required to re-establish MNCHN activities which have been deprioritised or halted. Improved planning to sustain routine health services and enable surge planning for emergencies with focus on the community/service users throughout adaptations is vital for improved MNCHN outcomes in FCAS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13031-022-00465-x.
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Leung CMC, Ho MK, Bharwani AA, Cogo-Moreira H, Wang Y, Chow MSC, Fan X, Galea S, Leung GM, Ni MY. Mental disorders following COVID-19 and other epidemics: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:205. [PMID: 35581186 PMCID: PMC9110635 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01946-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has imposed a very substantial direct threat to the physical health of those infected, although the corollary impact on mental health may be even more burdensome. Here we focus on assessing the mental health impact of COVID-19 and of other epidemics in the community. We searched five electronic databases until December 9, 2020, for all peer-reviewed original studies reporting any prevalence or correlates of mental disorders in the general population following novel epidemics in English, Chinese or Portuguese. We synthesised prevalence estimates from probability samples during COVID-19 and past epidemics. The meta-analytical effect size was the prevalence of relevant outcomes, estimated via random-effects model. I2 statistics, Doi plots and the LFK index were used to examine heterogeneity and publication bias. This study is pre-registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020179105. We identified 255 eligible studies from 50 countries on: COVID-19 (n = 247 studies), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS; n = 5), Ebola virus disease (n = 2), and 1918 influenza (n = 1). During COVID-19, we estimated the point prevalence for probable anxiety (20.7%, 95% CI 12.9-29.7), probable depression (18.1%, 13.0-23.9), and psychological distress (13.0%, 0-34.1). Correlates for poorer mental health include female sex, lower income, pre-existing medical conditions, perceived risk of infection, exhibiting COVID-19-like symptoms, social media use, financial stress, and loneliness. Public trust in authorities, availability of accurate information, adoption of preventive measures and social support were associated with less morbidity. The mental health consequences of COVID-19 and other epidemics could be comparable to major disasters and armed conflicts. The considerable heterogeneity in our analysis indicates that more random samples are needed. Health-care professionals should be vigilant of the psychological toll of epidemics, including among those who have not been infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candi M. C. Leung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Margaret K. Ho
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Alina A. Bharwani
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Hugo Cogo-Moreira
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China ,grid.411249.b0000 0001 0514 7202Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yishan Wang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Mathew S. C. Chow
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Xiaoyan Fan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Sandro Galea
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Gabriel M. Leung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Michael Y. Ni
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
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Seruwagi G, Nakidde C, Lugada E, Ssematiko M, Ddamulira DP, Masaba A, Luswata B, Ochen EA, Okot B, Muhangi D, Lawoko S. Psychological distress and social support among conflict refugees in urban, semi-rural and rural settlements in Uganda: burden and associations. Confl Health 2022; 16:25. [PMID: 35551630 PMCID: PMC9096741 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-022-00451-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent research shows that psychological distress is on the rise globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions imposed on populations to manage it. We studied the association between psychological distress and social support among conflict refugees in urban, semi-rural and rural settlements in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods Cross-sectional survey data on psychological distress, social support, demographics, socio-economic and behavioral variables was gathered from 1014 adult refugees randomly sampled from urban, semi-rural and rural refugee settlements in Uganda, using two-staged cluster sampling. Data was analyzed in SPSS-version 22, and statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. Results Refugees resident in rural/semi-rural settlements exhibited higher levels of psychological distress [F(2, 1011) = 47.91; p < 0.001], higher availability of social interaction [F(2, 1011) = 82.24; p < 0.001], lower adequacy of social interaction [F(2, 1011) = 54.11; p < 0.001], higher availability of social attachment [F(2, 1011) = 47.95; p < 0.001], and lower adequacy of social attachment [F(2, 1011) = 50.54; p < 0.001] than peers in urban settlements. Adequacy of social interaction significantly explained variations in psychological distress levels overall and consistently across settlements, after controlling for plausible confounders. Additionally, adequacy of social attachment significantly explained variations in psychological distress levels among refugees in rural settlements, after controlling for plausible confounders. Conclusion There is a settlement-inequality (i.e. rural vs. urban) in psychological distress and social support among conflict refugees in Uganda. To address psychological distress, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) should focus on strategies which strengthen the existing social networks among refugees. Variations in social support are a key predictor of distress which should guide tailored need-adapted interventions instead of duplicating similar and generic interventions across diverse refugee settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Seruwagi
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda. .,Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Centre for Health and Social Economic Improvement (CHASE-i), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Catherine Nakidde
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Centre for Health and Social Economic Improvement (CHASE-i), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eric Lugada
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Centre for Health and Social Economic Improvement (CHASE-i), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria Ssematiko
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Centre for Health and Social Economic Improvement (CHASE-i), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Brian Luswata
- Directorate of Governance and Regulation, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eric A Ochen
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Centre for Health and Social Economic Improvement (CHASE-i), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Betty Okot
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Centre for Health and Social Economic Improvement (CHASE-i), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Denis Muhangi
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Centre for Health and Social Economic Improvement (CHASE-i), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Lawoko
- Department of Public Health Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
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Altare C, Kostandova N, OKeeffe J, Hayek H, Fawad M, Musa Khalifa A, Spiegel PB. COVID-19 epidemiology and changes in health service utilization in Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps in Jordan: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003993. [PMID: 35536871 PMCID: PMC9089859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in humanitarian contexts are not well understood. Specific vulnerabilities in such settings raised concerns about the ability to respond and maintain essential health services. This study describes the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps in Jordan (population: 37,932 and 79,034, respectively) and evaluates changes in routine health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND FINDINGS We calculate the descriptive statistics of COVID-19 cases in the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)'s linelist and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for selected outcomes. We evaluate the changes in health services using monthly routine data from UNHCR's health information system (HIS; January 2018 to March 2021) and apply interrupted time series analysis with a generalized additive model and negative binomial (NB) distribution, accounting for long-term trends and seasonality, reporting results as incidence rate ratios (IRRs). COVID-19 cases were first reported on September 8 and September 13, 2020 in Azraq and Zaatari camps, respectively, 6 months after the first case in Jordan. Incidence rates (IRs) were lower in camps than neighboring governorates (by 37.6% in Azraq (IRR: 0.624, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.584 to 0.666], p-value: <0.001) and 40.2% in Zaatari (IRR: 0.598, 95% CI: [0.570, 0.629], p-value: <0.001)) and lower than Jordan (by 59.7% in Azraq (IRR: 0.403, 95% CI: [0.378 to 0.430], p-value: <0.001) and by 63.3% in Zaatari (IRR: 0.367, 95% CI: [0.350 to 0.385], p-value: <0.001)). Characteristics of cases and risk factors for negative disease outcomes were consistent with increasing COVID-19 evidence. The following health services reported an immediate decline during the first year of COVID-19: healthcare utilization (by 32% in Azraq (IRR: 0.680, 95% CI [0.549 to 0.843], p-value < 0.001) and by 24.2% in Zaatari (IRR: 0.758, 95% CI [0.577 to 0.995], p-value = 0.046)); consultations for respiratory tract infections (RTIs; by 25.1% in Azraq (IRR: 0.749, 95% CI: [0.596 to 0.940], p-value = 0.013 and by 37.5% in Zaatari (IRR: 0.625, 95% CI: [0.461 to 0.849], p-value = 0.003)); and family planning (new and repeat family planning consultations decreased by 47.4% in Azraq (IRR: 0.526, 95% CI: [0.376 to 0.736], p-value = <0.001) and 47.6% in Zaatari (IRR: 0.524, 95% CI: [0.312 to 0.878], p-value = 0.014)). Maternal and child health services as well as noncommunicable diseases did not show major changes compared to pre-COVID-19 period. Conducting interrupted time series analyses in volatile settings such refugee camps can be challenging as it may be difficult to meet some analytical assumptions and to mitigate threats to validity. The main limitation of this study relates therefore to possible unmeasured confounding. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 transmission was lower in camps than outside of camps. Refugees may have been affected from external transmission, rather than driving it. Various types of health services were affected differently, but disruptions appear to have been limited in the 2 camps compared to other noncamp settings. These insights into Jordan's refugee camps during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic set the stage for follow-up research to investigate how infection susceptibility evolved over time, as well as which mitigation strategies were more successful and accepted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Altare
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Natalya Kostandova
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jennifer OKeeffe
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Heba Hayek
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Amman, Jordan
| | - Muhammad Fawad
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Paul B. Spiegel
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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A Perspective towards Multi-Hazard Resilient Systems: Natural Hazards and Pandemics. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14084508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The concept of resilience has been used extensively across the sciences in engineering and the humanities. It is applied to ecology, medicine, economics, and psychology. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed an extraordinary challenge to the resilience of healthcare systems, communities, and nations and has profoundly altered our previous day-to-day operations. This paper presents a discussion of the definitions and characteristics of resilient systems. Scenarios are utilized to qualitatively explore key relationships, responses, and paths for recovery across different system types. The purpose is to develop an integrated approach that can accommodate simultaneous threats to system resilience, in particular, impacts from a natural hazard in conjunction with COVID-19. This manuscript is the first to advocate for more in-depth and quantitative research utilizing transdisciplinary approaches that can accommodate considerations across our built environment and healthcare system infrastructures in pursuit of designing systems that are resilient to both natural hazards and pandemic impacts.
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Shahrabani S, Bord S, Admi H, Halberthal M. Physicians’ Compliance with COVID-19 Regulations: The Role of Emotions and Trust. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10030582. [PMID: 35327060 PMCID: PMC8949516 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10030582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Medical teams are at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. Decision making among medical staff is important for promoting and maintaining the health of patients and staff. This study examines factors associated with physicians’ decision making and preventive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel. (2) Methods: An online survey was conducted among 187 Israeli physicians in April and May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire included the levels of physicians’ perceived threat and perceived risk during the epidemic, trust in the health system, emotions, and the degree of compliance with hygiene rules and mandated behaviors. (3) Results: Most physicians reported complying with the rules of hygiene at work (73%) and full compliance with Ministry of Health guidelines (61%). The findings show that higher levels of trust, positive emotions, and threat and risk perceptions were associated with a higher degree of compliance with Ministry of Health guidelines and more careful decision making among physicians. (4) Conclusions: Levels of trust in the health system and positive emotions among healthcare staff during the pandemic are related to careful adherence to guidelines. Taking steps to maintain physical and mental health among healthcare staff is important for their functioning and for maintaining public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shosh Shahrabani
- The Economics and Management Department, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel 1930600, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-46-423-522
| | - Shiran Bord
- Health Systems Management Department, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel 1930600, Israel;
| | - Hanna Admi
- Head of Master’s Program in Nursing Leadership, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel 1930600, Israel;
| | - Michael Halberthal
- Director General & CEO, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel;
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Aung TNN, Shirayama Y, Moolphate S, Lorga T, Jamnongprasatporn W, Yuasa M, Aung MN. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hypertension among Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063511. [PMID: 35329196 PMCID: PMC8955730 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are showing an increasing trend worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic may interrupt or delay NCD care, the leading cause of mortality in Thailand, which is hosting 2–3 million migrant workers. The transition of epidemiological risk factors, limited access to health-promoting activities, and pandemic containment measures may adversely impact NCD risks. Therefore, hypertension and associated risk factors were determined among registered Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with structured questionnaires was conducted in Thailand in 2017. Having hypertension was analyzed as a dependent variable, and the associated risk factors were explored by binary logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 414 participants with a mean age of 29.45 ± 9.03 years were included, and 27.8 percent of the study participants were hypertensive, which was a rate higher than that in their host country (24.7%) and country of origin (26.4%). An older age, being male, current alcohol drinking, and being overweight and obese with reference to the body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusions: Our findings reaffirmed the idea that NCDs are important public health concerns, and a simple BMI measurement would be a valuable tool with which to determine hypertension risks. Targeted surveillance and an appropriate health policy are necessary for such a vulnerable population in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thin Nyein Nyein Aung
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Yoshihisa Shirayama
- Department of Global Health Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.S.); (M.Y.)
- Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Saiyud Moolphate
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand;
| | - Thaworn Lorga
- School of Nursing, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand;
| | | | - Motoyuki Yuasa
- Department of Global Health Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.S.); (M.Y.)
- Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Myo Nyein Aung
- Department of Global Health Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.S.); (M.Y.)
- Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Advanced Research Institute for Health Sciences, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Correspondence:
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Bahamondes L, Makuch MY, Margatho D, Charles CM, Brasil C, de Amorin HSF. Assessment of the availability of sexual and reproductive healthcare for Venezuelan migrant women during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at the north-western border of Brazil-Venezuela. J Migr Health 2022; 5:100092. [PMID: 35313677 PMCID: PMC8928724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Access to essential SRH services. Less SRH services offered. Lack of availability and access to contraceptives. Impact on health infrastructure. Reallocation of beds to attend COVID-19 cases. Shortage of healthcare providers. Challenges and opportunities for strengthening SRH services. Doubts about the management of the pandemic due to conflicting messages.
Background The public healthcare system of Roraima state, at the north-western border Brazil-Venezuela, experienced an impact due to the incoming of Venezuelan migrants and to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. After the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazilian government closed the border; however, migration continued through informal paths. There is scarce information regarding the availability of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services at settings impacted both by migration and the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, we aimed to assess the availability and access to SRH services for Venezuelan migrant at Roraima state during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with data collected during the pandemic using an electronic questionnaire. We interviewed three policy makers responsible for the directorate of primary care both at the municipal and state level; the directors of the two public hospitals and the two referral centres for women's health in Boa Vista, and in Pacaraima the director of the hospital and of the basic health post. We also interviewed 20 out of the 34 (58.8%) managers of the basic health posts in Boa Vista and 10 healthcare providers (physicians and nurses). Data collected covered issues pertaining to access to SRH services, and explored the impacts of the COVID-19 on continuation, access, and use of SRH services. Results It was reported that 60% of the beds in the public sector were reallocated for COVID-19 cases and 26 out of the 34 (76%) health posts assessed interrupted the provision of SRH services, including contraceptive provision and gynaecological consultation, since these were considered not essential services. Most of the participants, (25/36; 69.4%) reported that both the state and the municipal health authorities implemented community outreach using telephone, social media, radio, and television, with guidance for the population on how to seek care using the healthcare network. Conclusions The healthcare system in Roraima was impacted firstly by the need to provide SRH to a large number of Venezuelan migrant women, and after an effort to adapt to the reality that this migrant crisis posed; this system was affected by the needs to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Bahamondes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Caixa Postal 6181, Campinas, SP 13084-971, Brazil
- Corresponding author at: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Caixa Postal 6181, 13084-971, Campinas, SP, Brazil. Telephone: +55-19-3289-2856; Fax: +55-19-3289-2440.
| | - Maria Y Makuch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Caixa Postal 6181, Campinas, SP 13084-971, Brazil
| | - Deborah Margatho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Caixa Postal 6181, Campinas, SP 13084-971, Brazil
| | - Charles M. Charles
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Caixa Postal 6181, Campinas, SP 13084-971, Brazil
| | - Cinthia Brasil
- Direction of Basic Attention Care, Health Secretary, Municipality of Boa Vista, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Helder SF de Amorin
- Direction of Primary Healthcare, Health Secretary, State of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
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Asi YM, Bebasari P, Hardy E, Lokot M, Meagher K, Ogbe E, Parray AA, Sharma V, Standley CJ, Vahedi L. Assessing gender responsiveness of COVID-19 response plans for populations in conflict-affected humanitarian emergencies. Confl Health 2022; 16:4. [PMID: 35164797 PMCID: PMC8842977 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-022-00435-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated rapid development of preparedness and response plans to quell transmission and prevent illness across the world. Increasingly, there is an appreciation of the need to consider equity issues in the development and implementation of these plans, not least with respect to gender, given the demonstrated differences in the impacts both of the disease and of control measures on men, women, and non-binary individuals. Humanitarian crises, and particularly those resulting from conflict or violence, exacerbate pre-existing gender inequality and discrimination. To this end, there is a particularly urgent need to assess the extent to which COVID-19 response plans, as developed for conflict-affected states and forcibly displaced populations, are gender responsive. Methods Using a multi-step selection process, we identified and analyzed 30 plans from states affected by conflict and those hosting forcibly displaced refugees and utilized an adapted version of the World Health Organization’s Gender Responsive Assessment Scale (WHO-GRAS) to determine whether existing COVID-19 response plans were gender-negative, gender-blind, gender-sensitive, or gender-transformative. Results We find that although few plans were gender-blind and none were gender-negative, no plans were gender-transformative. Most gender-sensitive plans only discuss issues specifically related to women (such as gender-based violence and reproductive health) rather than mainstream gender considerations throughout all sectors of policy planning. Conclusions Despite overwhelming evidence about the importance of intentionally embedding gender considerations into the COVID-19 planning and response, none of the plans reviewed in this study were classified as ‘gender transformative.’ We use these results to make specific recommendations for how infectious disease control efforts, for COVID-19 and beyond, can better integrate gender considerations in humanitarian settings, and particularly those affected by violence or conflict. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13031-022-00435-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara M Asi
- School of Global Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
| | | | - Emily Hardy
- Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michelle Lokot
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kristen Meagher
- Conflict and Health Research Group, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ateeb Ahmad Parray
- James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Vandana Sharma
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claire J Standley
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Luissa Vahedi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Brown C, Wilkins K, Craig-Neil A, Upshaw T, Pinto AD. Reducing Inequities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review and Synthesis of Public Health Recommendations. Public Health Rev 2022; 42:1604031. [PMID: 35140994 PMCID: PMC8802804 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2021.1604031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic should take into account worsening health inequities. While many public health experts have commented on inequities, no analysis has yet synthesized recommendations into a guideline for practitioners. The objective of this rapid review was to identify the areas of greatest concern and synthesize recommendations. Methods: We conducted a rapid systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42020178131). We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from December 1, 2019 to April 27, 2020. We included English language peer-reviewed commentaries, editorials, and opinion pieces that addressed the social determinants of health in the context of COVID-19. Results: 338 articles met our criteria. Authors represented 81 countries. Income, housing, mental health, age and occupation were the most discussed social determinants of health. We categorized recommendations into primordial, primary, secondary and tertiary prevention that spoke to the social determinants of COVID-19 and equity. Conclusion: These recommendations can assist efforts to contain COVID-19 and reduce health inequities during the pandemic. Using these recommendations, public health practitioners could support a more equitable pandemic response. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42020178131.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Brown
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Undergraduate Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katie Wilkins
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Undergraduate Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Craig-Neil
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Upshaw
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew David Pinto
- Upstream Lab, MAP/Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- 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 Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Cunha LRA, Antunes BBP, Rodrigues VP, Ceryno PS, Leiras A. Measuring the impact of donations at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) amid the COVID-19 pandemic. ANNALS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH 2022:1-31. [PMID: 35039706 PMCID: PMC8754524 DOI: 10.1007/s10479-021-04378-5] [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: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The governments' isolation measures to contain the transmission of COVID-19 imposed a dilemma for the people at the bottom of the pyramid. Since these people have very unreliable sources of income, a dilemma arises: they must either work under risky conditions or refrain from work and suffer from income cuts. Emergency donations of food and cleaning supplies in a pandemic context might be overlooked by government and civil society actors. This paper aims to model the effects of donations on mitigating the negative effects of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities. Applying the system dynamics method, we simulated the behaviour of the pandemic in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) communities and the impacts that donations of food and cleaning supplies have in these settings. We administered surveys to the beneficiaries and local organisations responsible for the final distribution of donations to gather information from the field operations. The results show that increasing access to cleaning supplies in communities through donations can significantly reduce coronavirus transmission, particularly in high-density and low-resource areas, such as slums in urban settings. In addition, we also show that food donations can increase the vulnerable population's ability to afford necessities, alleviating the stress caused by the pandemic on this portion of the population. Therefore, this work helps decision-makers (such as government and non-governmental organisations) understand the impacts of donations on controlling outbreaks, especially under COVID-19 conditions, in a low-resource environment and, thus, aid these hard-to-reach populations in a pandemic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Ribeiro Alves Cunha
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Marquês de São Vicente St., 225 – Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22541-041 Brazil
| | - Bianca B. P. Antunes
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Marquês de São Vicente St., 225 – Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22541-041 Brazil
| | | | - Paula Santos Ceryno
- Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Pasteur Av., 296 – Urca, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-240 Brazil
| | - Adriana Leiras
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Marquês de São Vicente St., 225 – Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22541-041 Brazil
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Kianian T, Pakpour V, Zamanzadeh V, Lotfi M, Rezayan A, Hazrati M, Gholizadeh M. Cultural Factors and Social Changes Affecting Home Healthcare in Iran: A Qualitative Study. HOME HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/10848223211072224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In Iran, home healthcare (HHC) is provided in a diverse socio-cultural context. Health professionals’ inadequate knowledge of the socio-cultural factors of the society can lead to poor quality HHC. Even so, the ways these factors influence HHC remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of cultural factors and social changes on HHC in Iran. This qualitative study which follows a conventional content analysis approach was conducted in Tabriz, Iran. Eighteen individuals including nurses, home health directors, physicians, policy-makers, patients, and their families participated in the study. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data collection involved focus group discussion (FGD) and 16 semi-structured in-depth interviews. In order to analyze the data, Graneheim and Lundman’s techniques were used and data collection continued until saturation was reached. Five main themes emerged from the data analysis including cultural diversity issues, society’s understanding of HHC, shifting demographics affecting healthcare needs, transitioning from traditional to modern lifeways, and increasing unaffordability of healthcare. Health managers can improve the accessibility and acceptability of HHC services by identifying the socio-cultural needs of the society. Future research should develop and test patients and families’ cultural care models in the HHC setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mojgan Lotfi
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahad Rezayan
- National Research Institute for Science Policy, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Maryam Hazrati
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Centre Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Gunawardena SA, Cordeiro C, Di Vella G, Fernando D, Rajapaksha S, Samaranayake R, Sapino A, Tennakoon A, Waduge S, Woodford N, Wijeratne S, Zoja R. Survey on postmortem screening and management of COVID-19 related deaths. Pathologica 2022; 113:413-420. [PMID: 34974546 PMCID: PMC8720393 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-254] [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: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a high case fatality rate in some countries even thought the majority of cases are asymptomatic. Scientific studies on this novel virus is limited and there is uncertainty regarding the best practices for death investigations both in terms of detection of the disease as well as autopsy safety. An online survey was conducted to identify how different institutions responded to the screening and management of dead bodies during the early phase of the pandemic from January to May. A questionnaire was developed using Google Forms and data was collected from 14 different forensic and pathological institutions in 9 countries. None of the institutions had performed any screening prior to March. Four institutions stated that screening was done routinely. In total, 322 cases had been screened using RT-PCR, out of which 40 positive cases were detected among four institutions. The commonest types of samples obtained were nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs which also had the highest rates of positivity followed by tracheal swab. Blood, swabs from cut surfaces of lung and lung tissue also gave positive results in some cases. Majority of the positive cases were > 65 years with a history suggestive of respiratory infection and were clinically suspected to have COVID-19 before death. Except for one institution which performed limited dissections, standard autopsies were conducted on all positive cases. Disposal of bodies involved the use of sealed body bags and labelling as COVID positive. Funeral rites were restricted and none of the institutions advocated cremation. There were no reports of disease transmission to those who handled COVID positive bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameera A Gunawardena
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Cristina Cordeiro
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Dinesh Fernando
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Ravindra Samaranayake
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Anna Sapino
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy on behalf of SIAPEC-IAP
| | - Ajith Tennakoon
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Noel Woodford
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University & Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Riccardo Zoja
- Institute of Legal and Forensic Medicine, University of Milan, Italy
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de Camargo Fiorini P, Chiappetta Jabbour CJ, Lopes de Sousa Jabbour AB, Ramsden G. The human side of humanitarian supply chains: a research agenda and systematization framework. ANNALS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH 2022; 319:911-936. [PMID: 33612909 PMCID: PMC7882056 DOI: 10.1007/s10479-021-03970-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Humanitarian operations are increasingly receiving attention due to the numerous recent disasters and crises caused by both natural and man-made events, from mass human exodus to pandemics such as COVID-19. The successful management of humanitarian supply chains requires the effective use of human resource practices, which in turn requires strong leadership in the so-called 'soft side' of management. This study aims to investigate the current status of research on the human aspects of humanitarian supply chains. Through a systematic and comprehensive literature review, encompassing an original codification and in-depth analysis of journal articles, this work provides a research agenda and a number of lessons concerning human resource management (HRM) in humanitarian operations. The main findings reveal that: (i) HRM impacts the ability of humanitarian organizations to adequately prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters; (ii) training programs for aid personnel are a vital aspect of humanitarian responsiveness; (iii) humanitarian operations require a workforce with a variety of soft and hard skills; (iv) lack of trained staff is one of the main challenges in this field; and (v) building relationships and strengthening networks can enlarge the human resource pool available. Therefore, the findings of this study and its proposed research agenda have implications for both theory and practice. In terms of theory, this work provides seven recommendations, representing opportunities for scholars to advance this body of knowledge. For humanitarian practitioners, this paper offers insightful lessons to guide them in the management of human resources in humanitarian operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula de Camargo Fiorini
- Department of Administration, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Rod. João Leme dos Santos (SP-264), Km 110, Sorocaba, SP Brazil
| | | | | | - Gary Ramsden
- Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Way, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS UK
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Raza T, Marasigan KM, Raza TK, Villodres AFO, Perez B, Macalalad J, Belmonte J, Alimurung M. Development and operationalization of disaster risk management framework for COVID-19 pandemic: Quezon City inclusive unified response, recovery, and rehabilitation action plan 2020–2030. PANDEMIC RISK, RESPONSE, AND RESILIENCE 2022. [PMCID: PMC9212226 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-99277-0.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The first cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. Four months later around 1.699595 million people globally are infected with the virus causing more than 106,138 deaths.Various countries have taken preventive and control measures to combat this disproportionate impact of COVID-19. It was noted that the pandemic scenario projections work better once scaled down to city level. The QC Disaster Resilience Scorecard (DRS) and Public Health Addendum (PHA) are also the integral part of the methodology considered in operationalizing the DRMF-COVID-19-P. Hence, authors developed and operationalized a local level Disaster Risk Management Framework (DRMF) for COVID-19 Pandemic using 14 guiding principles. Consequently, Quezon City Inclusive Unified Response, Recovery, and Rehabilitation Action Plan 2020–2030 is prepared. It consists of 11 very dynamic Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs). Essentially, the accomplishment level of these PPAs and status of reproduction rate of the virus directs the assertion to end the current COVID-19 Lockdown or initiation of incremental ease in lockdown. In fact the timing to commence such initiation is depending upon the accomplishment of pertinent PPAs and scientific findings that recommend Smart Lockdown. It refers to the use of decision-making criteria such as confirmed case/outbreak threshold ratio, probability of outbreak, etc., defined by different authorities for decision-making especially in declaring of community quarantine at Barangay/Municipality/City level.
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50
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Pimenta ML, Cezarino LO, Piato EL, da Silva CHP, Oliveira BG, Liboni LB. Supply chain resilience in a Covid-19 scenario: Mapping capabilities in a systemic framework. SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION 2022; 29:649-656. [PMID: 37274006 PMCID: PMC10225302 DOI: 10.1016/j.spc.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 hits the global supply chains in a non-paradigm manner unfolding new and systemic complexity. Therefore, the unexpected and frequent disruptions forced the concern of preventing or creating supply chain resilience capabilities. This paper aims to provide theoretical and practical reflections on resilience in supply chains of essential goods during pandemics using a systems approach. Documental research was performed in order to characterize business practices in consulting reports and interviews with managers published in business communication media. Thus, a careful content analysis was carried out, including the coding and categorization of the leading practices indicated by these vehicles. We suggest categories of resilience factors as new concepts to face the new normal in the supply chains. These categories are Technology and People, Sourcing, Customer, Ecosystem, and Financial Assets. The systems approach consists of more qualified supply chain management stimulating several inputs and synchronized actions to sense and respond to the external environment dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio Lopes Pimenta
- School of Business and Management (Fagen), Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, MG, 38408-100, Brazil
| | - Luciana O Cezarino
- BLISS Digital Impact, Department of Management, Ca' Fondamenta San Giobbe 873, 30121, Venice, Italy
| | - Ederson L Piato
- Department of Business Administration, Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba SP, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Garcia Oliveira
- Department of Business and Management (CGEN/UFCAT), Federal University of Goias, Av. Dr. Lamartine Pinto de Avelar, 1120, 75704-020, Catalao-GO, Brazil
| | - Lara B Liboni
- School of Accounting, Business and Economic of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (FEARP/USP), Bandeirantes Av. 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
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