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Turner RR, Hart J, Carr N, Bull E, Fraser J, Byrne-Davis L. Interview study exploring how global health partnership principles are enacted and recommendations for practice. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e076475. [PMID: 38862224 PMCID: PMC11168132 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective global health partnerships can strengthen and improve health and healthcare systems across the world; however, establishing and maintaining effective partnerships can be challenging. Principles of Partnerships have been developed to improve the quality and effectiveness of health partnerships. It is unclear how principles are enacted in practice, and current research has not always included the voices of low-income and middle-income country partners. This study aimed to explore how The Tropical Health and Education Trust's nine Principles of Partnership are enacted in practice, from the points of view of partners from low-income, middle-income and high-income countries, to help improve partnerships' quality and sustainability. METHODS People who had been a part of previous and/or ongoing health partnerships were interviewed virtually. Participants were purposefully sampled and interviews were conducted using an appreciative inquiry approach. Audio recordings were transcribed and deductive framework analysis was conducted. RESULTS 13 participants from 8 partnerships were interviewed. Six participants were based in the low-income or middle-income countries and seven in the UK. Key findings identified strategies that enacted 'successful' and 'effective' partnerships within the Principles of Partnerships. These included practical techniques such as hiring a project manager, managing expectations and openly sharing information about the team's expertise and aspirations. Other strategies included the importance of consulting behavioural science to ensure the partnerships consider longevity and sustainability of the partnership. DISCUSSION Core principles to effective partnerships do not work in isolation of each other; they are intertwined and are complimentary to support equitable partnerships. Good communication and relationships built on trust which allow all partners to contribute equally throughout the project are core foundations for sustainable partnerships. Recommendations for established and future partnerships include embedding behavioural scientists/psychologists to support change to improve the quality and sustainability of health partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rose Turner
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jo Hart
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Natalie Carr
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Eleanor Bull
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jessica Fraser
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), London, UK
| | - Lucie Byrne-Davis
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Hassoun N, Basu K, Gostin L. Pandemic preparedness and response: a new mechanism for expanding access to essential countermeasures. HEALTH ECONOMICS, POLICY, AND LAW 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38817149 DOI: 10.1017/s1744133124000094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
As the world comes together through the WHO design and consultation process on a new medical counter-measures platform, we propose an enhanced APT-A (Access to Pandemic Tools Accelerator) that builds on the previous architecture but includes two new pillars - one for economic assistance and another to combat structural inequalities for future pandemic preparedness and response. As part of the APT-A, and in light of the Independent Panel on Pandemic Preparation & Response's call for an enhanced end-to-end platform for access to essential health technologies, we propose a new mechanism that we call the Pandemic Open Technology Access Accelerator (POTAX) that can be implemented through the medical countermeasures platform and the pandemic accord currently under negotiation through the World Health Assembly and supported by the High-Level Meeting review on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response at the United Nations. This mechanism will provide (1) conditional financing for new vaccines and other essential health technologies requiring companies to vest licenses in POTAX and pool intellectual property and other data necessary to allow equitable access to the resulting technologies. It will also (2) support collective procurement as well as measures to ensure equitable distribution and uptake of these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hassoun
- Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies, University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 24 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Kaushik Basu
- Department of Economics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
- Brookings Institution, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - Lawrence Gostin
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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da Silva RGL. The advancement of artificial intelligence in biomedical research and health innovation: challenges and opportunities in emerging economies. Global Health 2024; 20:44. [PMID: 38773458 PMCID: PMC11107016 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01049-5] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), algorithm optimization and high-throughput experiments has enabled scientists to accelerate the discovery of new chemicals and materials with unprecedented efficiency, resilience and precision. Over the recent years, the so-called autonomous experimentation (AE) systems are featured as key AI innovation to enhance and accelerate research and development (R&D). Also known as self-driving laboratories or materials acceleration platforms, AE systems are digital platforms capable of running a large number of experiments autonomously. Those systems are rapidly impacting biomedical research and clinical innovation, in areas such as drug discovery, nanomedicine, precision oncology, and others. As it is expected that AE will impact healthcare innovation from local to global levels, its implications for science and technology in emerging economies should be examined. By examining the increasing relevance of AE in contemporary R&D activities, this article aims to explore the advancement of artificial intelligence in biomedical research and health innovation, highlighting its implications, challenges and opportunities in emerging economies. AE presents an opportunity for stakeholders from emerging economies to co-produce the global knowledge landscape of AI in health. However, asymmetries in R&D capabilities should be acknowledged since emerging economies suffers from inadequacies and discontinuities in resources and funding. The establishment of decentralized AE infrastructures could support stakeholders to overcome local restrictions and opens venues for more culturally diverse, equitable, and trustworthy development of AI in health-related R&D through meaningful partnerships and engagement. Collaborations with innovators from emerging economies could facilitate anticipation of fiscal pressures in science and technology policies, obsolescence of knowledge infrastructures, ethical and regulatory policy lag, and other issues present in the Global South. Also, improving cultural and geographical representativeness of AE contributes to foster the diffusion and acceptance of AI in health-related R&D worldwide. Institutional preparedness is critical and could enable stakeholders to navigate opportunities of AI in biomedical research and health innovation in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Gonçalves Leonel da Silva
- Health Ethics and Policy Lab, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Hottingerstrasse 10, HOA 17, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.
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Ventura MWS, Lima FET, Brito PDS, Pascoal LM, de Albuquerque NLS, de Almeida PC. Social determinants and access to health services in patients with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2024; 58:e20230324. [PMID: 38466908 PMCID: PMC10927267 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2023-0324en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To verify the association between social determinants of health and access to health services for COVID-19 patients. METHOD Analytical, cross-sectional study, carried out in three states in the Northeast of Brazil (Ceará, Maranhão and Pernambuco), with 968 patients, using questionnaires with sociodemographic data, determinants and the Primary Care Assessment Tool, adapted to the reality of COVID-19, with 58 items, classified as high (score ≥ 6.6) and low (score < 6.6), whose high value reveals better standards of access to health services. The Chi-square test was used for comparative analysis. RESULTS There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the domains of the instrument and the following determinants: age, skin color, body mass index, origin, schooling, employment, services close to home, first service, income and means of transport. CONCLUSION Access to health services for people with COVID-19 was associated with various determinants, including individual, behavioural and social ones, correlated with the structural and organizational aspects of the health services offered by the three states of Northeastern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Williany Silva Ventura
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Faculdade de Farmácia, Odontologia e Enfermagem, Departamento de enfermagem, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lívia Maia Pascoal
- Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Departamento de Enfermagem, Imperatriz, MA, Brazil
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Bieczek D, Ściślicka A, Bobowska A, Tomsia F, Wilczyński KM, Janas-Kozik M. Relationship of autistic traits and the severity of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1260444. [PMID: 38469032 PMCID: PMC10925681 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1260444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the study was to investigate the level of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic and to detect a possible correlation between the autistic traits and the level of fear and to learn about other factors that may affect the level of fear. Methods The study utilised a questionnaire and was conducted online in the period from 16.02.2021 to 11.06.2021. The test group consisted of 214 respondents with an average age of 23.78 years (95%CI: 22.48 - 25.08; max: 61, min: 14) from the general population. The study used The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire to assess the degree of autistic traits in the general population and The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, which was used to assess the level of fear of COVID-19. Results Among the respondents, 9 people scored ≥32 on the AQ test and were considered to have a high degree of autistic traits. In multiple regression (R2 = 0.1, p<0.0001), a positive relationship between the severity of fear of COVID-19 and the autistic traits (p=0.01) and age (p<0.001) was obtained. Additionally, a second multiple regression (R2 = 0.1, p<0.000001) including the subscales of AQ was performed and a positive relationship between the severity of fear of COVID-19 and the difficulties in attention switching (p=0.0004) and age (p=0.00001) was obtained. Conclusion People with higher autistic traits present greater fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. We suggest that it might be caused by cognitive stiffness and disorders in emotions regulation, according to the literature. The elderly also present higher levels of fear. The other variables did not affect the level of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Bieczek
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Adrianna Ściślicka
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bobowska
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Filip Tomsia
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Maria Wilczyński
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, John Paul’s II Pediatric Center, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Janas-Kozik
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, John Paul’s II Pediatric Center, Sosnowiec, Poland
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Umphrey L, Beck A, Zhou S, Kagoya EK, Paasi G, Coria A, Evert J, Haque M, Rule A, Lamb MM. Access, interest and equity considerations for virtual global health activities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. Glob Health Res Policy 2024; 9:8. [PMID: 38317192 PMCID: PMC10845763 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-023-00333-y] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global health activities (GHAs) reduce health disparities by promoting medical education, professional development, and resource sharing between high- and low- to middle-income countries (HICs and LMICs). Virtual global health activities facilitated continuity and bidirectionality in global health during the COVID-19 pandemic. While virtual engagement holds potential for promoting equity within partnerships, research on equitable access to and interest in virtual global health activities is limited. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, online, mixed-methods survey from January to February 2022 examining access to virtual activities before and during the pandemic across resource settings. Eligible participants were participants or facilitators of global health activities. Closed- and open-ended questions elicited participants' access to and interest in virtual global health engagement. RESULTS We analyzed 265 surveys from respondents in 45 countries (43.0% LMIC vs. HIC 57.0%). HIC respondents tended to report greater loss of in-person access due to the pandemic at their own institutions (16 of 17 queried GHAs), while LMIC respondents tended to report greater loss of in-person activities at another institution (9 of 17 queried GHAs). Respondents from LMICs were more likely to gain virtual access through another organization for all 17 queried VGHAs. HIC respondents had significantly more access to global health funding through their own organization (p < 0.01) and more flexibility for using funds. There were significant differences and trends between respondent groups in different resource environments in terms of accessibility to and interest in different virtual global health activities, both during and after the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the need to examine accessibility to virtual global health activities within partnerships between high- and low- to middle-income countries. While virtual activities may bridge existing gaps in global health education and partnerships, further study on priorities and agenda setting for such initiatives, with special attention to power dynamics and structural barriers, are necessary to ensure meaningful virtual global health engagement moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Umphrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13123 E 16th Ave, B302, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 E Montview Blvd, Ste 310, A090, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Alyssa Beck
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 E Montview Blvd, Ste 310, A090, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Shuo Zhou
- Department of Communication Studies, School of Communication and System Health Lab, Hong Kong Baptist University, No. 5 Hereford Rd, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Enid Kawala Kagoya
- Department of Community Health, Institute of Public Health, Busitema University, P.O Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Plot 29, 33 Pallisa, Mbale, Uganda
| | - George Paasi
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Plot 29, 33 Pallisa, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Alexandra Coria
- Department of Pediatrics, Maimonides Children's Hospital and SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, 4802 10th Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11219, USA
| | - Jessica Evert
- Child Family Health International, 11135 San Pablo Ave #929, El Cerrito, CA, 94530, USA
| | - Marina Haque
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Amy Rule
- Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA
| | - Molly M Lamb
- Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 E Montview Blvd, Ste 310, A090, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 E Montview Blvd, Ste 310, A090, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Cerda A, Rivera M, Armijo G, Ibarra-Henriquez C, Reyes J, Blázquez-Sánchez P, Avilés J, Arce A, Seguel A, Brown AJ, Vásquez Y, Cortez-San Martín M, Cubillos FA, García P, Ferres M, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Federici F, Gutiérrez RA. An Open One-Step RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297081. [PMID: 38271448 PMCID: PMC10810446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths globally, and while several diagnostic systems were proposed, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the gold standard. However, diagnostic reagents, including enzymes used in RT-PCR, are subject to centralized production models and intellectual property restrictions, which present a challenge for less developed countries. With the aim of generating a standardized One-Step open RT-qPCR protocol to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in clinical samples, we purified and tested recombinant enzymes and a non-proprietary buffer. The protocol utilized M-MLV RT and Taq DNA pol enzymes to perform a Taqman probe-based assay. Synthetic RNA samples were used to validate the One-Step RT-qPCR components, demonstrating sensitivity comparable to a commercial kit routinely employed in clinical settings for patient diagnosis. Further evaluation on 40 clinical samples (20 positive and 20 negative) confirmed its comparable diagnostic accuracy. This study represents a proof of concept for an open approach to developing diagnostic kits for viral infections and diseases, which could provide a cost-effective and accessible solution for less developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Cerda
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maira Rivera
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Grace Armijo
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Catalina Ibarra-Henriquez
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Reyes
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula Blázquez-Sánchez
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Avilés
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
| | - Aníbal Arce
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
| | - Aldo Seguel
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexander J. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States of America
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Yesseny Vásquez
- Escuela de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcelo Cortez-San Martín
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco A. Cubillos
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia García
- Departamento de Laboratorios Clínicos, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Ferres
- Departamento de Laboratorios Clínicos, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - César A. Ramírez-Sarmiento
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernán Federici
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A. Gutiérrez
- ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Goh KW, Ishikawa S, Okubo R, Kusumi I, Tabuchi T. Are patients with mental disorders more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic? - Findings from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:72-79. [PMID: 37556872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.035] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and social isolation are well-known factors that worsen the symptoms among patients with mental disorders. Few previous studies have explored loneliness and social isolation among populations with mental disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, our study examined the mental health impact of the pandemic on these population groups in terms of loneliness and social isolation. METHODS We used data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Surveys, a large-scale online survey. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we calculated the odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation for major chronic diseases, including mental disorders, after adjusting for potential confounders. Calculations were performed for each type of mental disorder. Finally, calculations were performed to explore the association between moderate-to-severe loneliness or high social isolation and psychiatric symptoms among patients with mental disorders. RESULTS Of the 28,175 participants, 2021 (7.2 %) had a mental disorder. Mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety disorders, were found to be associated with a higher risk of moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation. Patients with mental disorders who experienced moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation were found to have exacerbated psychiatric symptoms. LIMITATION Our findings were obtained from a cross-sectional study design. CONCLUSIONS Patients with mental disorders were more vulnerable to moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation during the pandemic, which contributed to the exacerbation of their symptoms. Depression and anxiety, in particular, were most likely to occur and required special attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuhei Ishikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Ryo Okubo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, National Hospital Organization Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kusumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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Sobczyk K, Holecki T, Rogalska A. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on indirect costs of mental illness and behavioral disorders in Poland. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1207389. [PMID: 37790719 PMCID: PMC10544582 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1207389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In various research, the estimation of the disease's economic burden has been taken into consideration. But given the fact that different settings will have distinguished consequences, determining the economic burden of COVID-19 in the studied environment is of great importance. As a result, this study aimed to show the change in indirect costs of mental health problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. Methods and Results Indirect costs related to mental health problems were analyzed from the perspective of the Social Insurance Institution in Poland. In 2021, they amounted to about 285.8 billion PLN (Polish currency) [61.1 billion EUR (European currency)], up 6% from the previous year. A large increase in spending on disability benefits was observed for 2019-2021 (+14.7%). Disease groups generating the highest expenditures in the structure of total expenditures on incapacity benefits in 2021 in Poland were mental health problems (16.7% of total expenditures). Expenditures on disability benefits related to mental health problems incurred by Social Security in 2021 amounted to about 7.42 billion PLN [1.6 billion EUR] and were 19.4% higher than in 2019 (before the pandemic). In the 2012-2019 period, there was a significant decrease in expenses related to inpatient rehabilitation (41.3%), while in 2020-2021, these expenses decreased several times as the epidemiological situation related to the COVID pandemic reduced access to such services. Discussion This is the first study on the economic burden of COVID-19 indirect costs in Poland. Calculating the economic impact is crucial, particularly when there is a large disease outbreak and countries are severely constrained by financial resources. Doing so could aid in the development of effective social security policies. As shown in this study, the indirect costs of absenteeism expenses due to mental health problems increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to take all possible measures, both in the field of primary and secondary prevention, to prevent disability and exclusion from the labor market of people affected by mental health problems, which is justified by epidemiological data and financial data on the expenses incurred by Social Security for social insurance benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Sobczyk
- Department of Economics and Health Care Management, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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10
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Ayalew M, Deribe B, Hussen S, Defar S, Tesfaye E, Gedefaw A. Insomnia and common mental disorder among patients with pre-existing chronic non-communicable diseases in southern Ethiopia: a survey during COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1142926. [PMID: 37779630 PMCID: PMC10540445 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1142926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 has been causing significant mental health problems and other health-related issues. Despite the fact that COVID-19 has a significant impact on chronic disease patients, there is scant research on insomnia, common mental health disorders (CMD), and their associated factors among chronic disease patients. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of insomnia and common mental disorders (CMD) and their associated factors among patients with pre-existing chronic NCDs in Sidama, southern Ethiopia. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was undertaken between June 1 and September 1, 2021. The study included 633 participants. CMD and insomnia were assessed using a 20-item Self-Reported Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and a 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scale, respectively. To describe the various variables, descriptive statistics were used. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify independent factors associated with CMD and insomnia. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval. Results The prevalence of insomnia and CMD was found to be 39.3% and 46.8%, respectively. Being merchant (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.82), having a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.04, 3.46), comorbid diagnosis (AOR = 3.96; 95% CI = 2.27, 6.89), low social support (poor (AOR = 3.37; 95% CI = 1.51, 7.57) and moderate (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI = 1.46, 6.69)), symptoms of insomnia (AOR = 12.08; 95% CI = 7.41, 19.72) and poor quality of life (QOL) (AOR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.04, 2.72) were independent predictors of CMD. We also found out that, having cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.18, 5.19), CMD (AOR = 12.09; 95% CI = 7.46, 19.61), and poor QOL (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.27, 3.26) were significantly associated with insomnia symptoms. Conclusion Our study suggests that substantially high prevalence of CMD and insomnia. Significant association between CMD and occupation, diagnosis, comorbidity, social support, insomnia, and QOL were found. We also revealed that having CVDs, CMD, and poor QOL were significantly associated with insomnia symptoms. Therefore, dealing with the mental health problems of patients with chronic NCDs is an essential component of public health intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ayalew
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Bedilu Deribe
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Siraj Hussen
- School of Medical Laboratory, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Semira Defar
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Emnet Tesfaye
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Abel Gedefaw
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Weber MB, Baumann AA, Rakhra A, Akwanalo C, Gladys Amaning Adjei K, Andesia J, Apusiga K, Ha DA, Hosseinipour MC, Muula AS, Nguyen HL, Price LN, Ramirez-Zea M, Fitzpatrick AL, Fort MP. Global implementation research capacity building to address cardiovascular disease: An assessment of efforts in eight countries. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002237. [PMID: 37708090 PMCID: PMC10501667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but implementation of evidence-based interventions for risk factors such as hypertension is lacking, particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Building implementation research capacity in LMICs is required to overcome this gap. Members of the Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT) Consortium have been collaborating in recent years to establish a research and training infrastructure in dissemination and implementation to improve hypertension care. GRIT includes projects in Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Rwanda, and Vietnam. We collected data from each site on capacity building activities using the Potter and Brough (2004) model, mapping formal and informal activities to develop (a) structures, systems and roles, (b) staff and infrastructure, (c) skills, and (d) tools. We captured information about sites' needs assessments and metrics plus program adaptations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All sites reported capacity building activities in each layer of the Capacity Pyramid, with the largest number of activities in the Skills and Tools categories, the more technical and easier to implement categories. All sites included formal and informal training to build Skills. All sites included a baseline needs assessment to guide capacity building activities or assess context and inform intervention design. Sites implementing evidence-based hypertension interventions used common implementation science frameworks to evaluate implementation outcomes. Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected timelines and in-person events, all projects were able to pivot and carry out planned activities. Although variability in the activities and methods used existed, GRIT programs used needs assessments to guide locally appropriate design and implementation of capacity building activities. COVID-19 related changes were necessary, but strong collaborations and relationships with health ministries were maintained. The GRIT Consortium is a model for planning capacity building in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Beth Weber
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ana A. Baumann
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Ashlin Rakhra
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Kezia Gladys Amaning Adjei
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Josephine Andesia
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Kingsley Apusiga
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Duc A. Ha
- Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Vietnam Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Adamson S. Muula
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi and the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Hoa L. Nguyen
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - LeShawndra N. Price
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Manuel Ramirez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Annette L. Fitzpatrick
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Meredith P. Fort
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
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Essuman MA, Addy NA, Essien-Baidoo S, Donkoh IE, Botchway FA, Afrifa J, Agyeman P, Amaama LA, Amoah S, Sorvor FBK, Ephraim RKD. Self-reported continuing professional development needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2023; 21:74. [PMID: 37700340 PMCID: PMC10498610 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00859-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of the essential nature of the work of medical laboratory professionals, continuing development in knowledge and skills is indispensable. The study aimed at identifying and prioritizing the development and training needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana. This is expected to help in developing focused continuing professional development (CPD) that meets the needs of practitioners as well as the changing medical trends. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey in February 2022 using a structured questionnaire was conducted. Respondents were asked questions that collected demographic and work-related data about them, their participation, preference, and challenges in being part of CPDs. Finally, a list of topics based on (i) quality management systems, (ii) technical competence, (iii) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching, (iv) pathophysiology, and (iv) data interpretation and research were asked with the option to rate them on a 3-point scale (most, moderate, and least) in order of importance. RESULTS A total of 316 medical laboratory professionals participated in the study. Overall, the most frequently selected topics for training based on domains for CPD training and ranking as most important were (i) quality management systems, (mean = 80.59 ± 9.024; 95% CI = 73.04-88.13); (ii) pathophysiology, data interpretation, and research (mean = 78.0 ± 6.973; 95% CI = 73.97-82.03); (iii) technical competence (mean = 73.97 ± 10.65; 95% CI = 66.35-81.59); and (iv) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching (mean = 72.82 ± 9.719; 95% CI = 67.44-78.2). The factors affecting the choice of training needs included the medical laboratory professionals' current place of work, years in service, the reason for attending CPD activities, the period for attending the last CPD, being in a supervisory role, and the number of staff being supervised. Face-to-face presentations, training workshops, and hands-on workshops were the most preferred modes of CPD delivery with financial implications and workload/time constraints being the main challenges impeding CPD participation. CONCLUSION The identified needs will help in developing CPD programs that address what medical laboratory professionals prioritize as training needs. Stakeholders should incorporate these training needs into future programs and address the challenges highlighted in this study to have more relevant training for medical laboratory professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mainprice Akuoko Essuman
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Nii Armah Addy
- Institute of Leadership and Management in Education (InLaME), Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Essien-Baidoo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Irene Esi Donkoh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Felix A Botchway
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Justice Afrifa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Prince Agyeman
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Leticia Awontayami Amaama
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Amoah
- Laboratory Department, University Health Services, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Richard K D Ephraim
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
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Ibrahim M, Saeed E, Hamarsheh I, Al Zabadi H, Ahmead M. Depression and death anxiety among patients undergoing hemodialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Palestine: a cross sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1247801. [PMID: 37720896 PMCID: PMC10501786 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1247801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hemodialysis patients are vulnerable to serious complications such as prolonged hospital stay and psychosocial issues like depression and death anxiety. Studies on psychosocial factors on end-stage renal disease patients' outcomes during COVID-19 pandemic are limited. We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and death anxiety among Palestinian hemodialysis patients and the evaluate the relationship between their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics during COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling technique. We recruited 308 hemodialysis patients from five hemodialysis units located in government hospitals in Palestine. Beck Depression Inventory and the Templers Death Anxiety Scale were used to collect data, which were then analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and means), t-test, ANOVA and multiple linear regression models were used for data analysis. Results Nearly 66.2% of the sample had depression symptoms, 61.4% met the diagnostic threshold for depression, and 69.8% had death anxiety. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis revealed that having a female identity, residing in a city or refugee camp, and patients who reported not experiencing depression had a significant relationship with death anxiety, while having a higher educational level than 12 years, having one or more chronic co-morbidities, and patients who reported experiencing death anxiety had a significant correlation with depression. Conclusion Patients receiving hemodialysis frequently experience depression and death anxiety. These patients should receive a psychiatric evaluation in the early stages of their illness so that timely and appropriate psychological interventions can be given in hemodialysis facilities in Palestine during and after future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elias Saeed
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Islam Hamarsheh
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Hamzeh Al Zabadi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Muna Ahmead
- Faculty of Public Health, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
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14
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Umphrey L, Wathen J, Chambliss A, Kalata K, Morgan L, Moua M, Collesides A, Berman S. Pediatrics in Disasters: Evolution of a Hybrid Global Health Training Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Adv Pediatr 2023; 70:1-15. [PMID: 37422288 DOI: 10.1016/j.yapd.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
This report describes the Pediatrics in Disasters (PEDS) course during a novel hybrid in-person and virtual format due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. International and local faculty collaborated on 2021 precourse revisions and course facilitation for multinational in-person and virtual students. Student and facilitator 2021 surveys and 2019 to 2021 student feedback reported overall satisfaction with the course while suggesting needed improvements to maximize international and virtual student participation. The hybrid PEDS course structure successfully achieved course goals and incorporated international faculty. Lessons learned will guide future course revisions and fellow global health educators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Umphrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, c/o Center for Global Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA; c/o Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Joseph Wathen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, c/o Center for Global Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA; c/o Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Amy Chambliss
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, c/o Center for Global Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kathryn Kalata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, c/o Center for Global Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lucas Morgan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, c/o Center for Global Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mary Moua
- c/o Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alexa Collesides
- c/o Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stephen Berman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, c/o Center for Global Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, c/o Center for Global Health, 13199 East Montview Boulevard, Suite 310, Aurora, CO, USA
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15
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Alexandrou R, Kyprianidou M, Photiou G, Kassianos AP, Giannakou K. Factors associated with perceived fear of future pandemics and/or epidemics: a cross-sectional study in Cyprus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12194. [PMID: 37500807 PMCID: PMC10374585 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39381-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to understand the levels of fear experienced by individuals regarding future pandemics and/or epidemics among the general population of Cyprus and comprehensively examine the diverse factors that influence this perceived fear. The cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1st, 2022, to February 19th, 2023. A proportionate quota sampling method was used for the recruitment, by recruiting a fixed number of participants from each age group, sex, and place of residence. The study collected information on sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, health literacy, trust, COVID-19 vaccination information, and perceived fear of future epidemics and/or pandemics using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey included 1075 participants, with 53.7% of them reporting fear of future pandemics. Logistic regression analysis revealed that women (OR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.78, 3.16) and individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.02, 2.43) were significantly more likely to experience fear of future pandemics. Moreover, higher levels of trust (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02, 1.06) and higher health literacy (OR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.03, 1.08) were associated with an increased likelihood of fearing future pandemics. Conversely, unemployment (OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.13, 0.65) and having a postgraduate education decreased the likelihood of fearing future pandemics (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.34, 0.90). The linear regression model revealed that older age (β = - 0.10, 95% CI - 0.14, - 0.05) was negatively associated with a higher score of fear regarding future pandemics. Conversely, being in a vulnerable group (β = 2.02, 95% CI 0.75, 3.28) and having at least one chronic disease (β = 1.76, 95% CI 0.68, 2.84) showed positive associations with increased fear of future epidemics and/or pandemics. The findings emphasize the need for relevant authorities to prioritize mental health and disseminate information in a manner that avoids spreading fear and panic, particularly among vulnerable population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Alexandrou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Kyprianidou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Galatia Photiou
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Angelos P Kassianos
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos Giannakou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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16
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McCurry P, Cadogan AA, Hubinger G, Paramour S, Tan S, Minhoto Arid de Lima V, Menon R, Albano D. Understanding information (in)equity: influencing factors and medical information's role in bridging the gap. Curr Med Res Opin 2023; 39:1007-1011. [PMID: 37314382 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2023.2225300] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Medical Information in the pharmaceutical industry involves the creation and dissemination of evidence-based scientific medical content in response to questions about medicines and therapy areas for patients and healthcare professionals. Health information equity can be broadly defined as the distribution of health information in a way that is accessible and understandable to all users, allowing them to benefit and reach their full potential for health. Ideally, this information would be made available to all those in need across the globe. However, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread health discrepancies exist. The World Health Organization defines health inequity as differences in health status or in the distribution of health resources between different population groups. Health inequities are influenced by the social conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. This article explains select key factors influencing health information inequity and addresses opportunities where Medical Information departments can make a difference to improve global public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McCurry
- Global Medical Information, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | | - Gudrun Hubinger
- Global Medical Information, Pfizer Gulf FZ LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarah Paramour
- Global Medical Information, Pfizer Ltd., Tadworth, United Kingdom
| | - Shu Tan
- Global Medical Information, Pfizer Inc., Beijing, China
| | | | - Roopa Menon
- Global Medical Information, Pfizer Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Dominick Albano
- Global Medical Information, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA
- Board of Directors, Pharma Collaboration for Transparent Medical Information, West Point, PA, USA
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17
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Doosti-Irani M, Noorian K, Rafiee Vardanjani L, Fanti P, Odoi EW, Abdoli S. Psychosocial comorbidities of diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2023; 12:210. [PMID: 37545992 PMCID: PMC10402822 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_892_22] [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: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are mainly focused on the general population, while pandemics do not impact the mental health of the entire population uniformly, especially vulnerable populations with underlying health conditions. This study aimed to investigate diabetes psychosocial comorbidities among Iranians with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate diabetes psychosocial comorbidities among Iranians with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 212 adults with T1D in different cities in Iran. Study participants completed an online survey in April-June 2020. The survey collected self-reported data on diabetes psychosocial comorbidities (i.e. diabetes burnout, diabetes distress, and depressive symptoms). Demographic and COVID-19 data before and during the pandemic were also collected. Responses were analyzed using ordinary least squares and logistic regression methods. RESULTS Around 17.5% reported being tested for COVID-19 virus, 8% were diagnosed positive, 10.8% were hospitalized, and 92.9% followed precaution recommendations during the pandemic. Participants had high levels of diabetes distress (57.1%), depressive symptoms (60.8%), and diabetes burnout (mean score = 3.1 out of 5). During the pandemic, trouble paying for the very basic needs was a consistent factor increasing the risk of diabetes distress, diabetes burnout, and depressive symptoms. Lack of access to diabetes care was only associated with diabetes burnout, while diabetes hospitalization/emergency department (ED) visit was associated with diabetes distress. Existing diabetes disparities before the pandemic were also associated with higher scores of diabetes psychosocial comorbidities [accessing diabetes supplies and medications (P < 0.0001) and places for physical exercise (P < 0.0333)]. CONCLUSION The negative impact of the COVID-19-related changes on individuals with diabetes, as one of the most vulnerable populations, must be recognized alongside the physical, financial, and societal impact on all those affected. Psychological interventions should be implemented urgently in Iran, especially for those with such characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Doosti-Irani
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Kobra Noorian
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Leila Rafiee Vardanjani
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran
- Student Research Committee, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paulo Fanti
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas-SP, Brasil, Brazil
| | - Evah W. Odoi
- Department of Public Health, The University of Tennessee, 1914 Andy Holt Avenue, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Samereh Abdoli
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, 1200 Volunteer Blvd Rm 155, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Agyepong I, Spicer N, Ooms G, Jahn A, Bärnighausen T, Beiersmann C, Brown Amoakoh H, Fink G, Guo Y, Hennig L, Kifle Habtemariam M, Kouyaté BA, Loewenson R, Micah A, Moon S, Moshabela M, Myhre SL, Ottersen T, Patcharanarumol W, Sarker M, Sen G, Shiozaki Y, Songane F, Sridhar D, Ssengooba F, Vega J, Ventura D, Voss M, Heymann D. Lancet Commission on synergies between universal health coverage, health security, and health promotion. Lancet 2023; 401:1964-2012. [PMID: 37224836 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01930-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Agyepong
- Faculty of Public Health, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Neil Spicer
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gorik Ooms
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Albrecht Jahn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Beiersmann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hannah Brown Amoakoh
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Ghana and Department of Global Health Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Günter Fink
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Global Health School of Public Health, Peking University, Peking, China
| | - Lisa Hennig
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mahlet Kifle Habtemariam
- Office of the Director, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bocar A Kouyaté
- National Malaria Research and Training Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso; Ministry of Health, Koulouba, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Angela Micah
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Suerie Moon
- Department of International Relations and Political Science, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sonja Lynn Myhre
- Division of Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trygve Ottersen
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Malabika Sarker
- James P Grant School of Public Health, Brac University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gita Sen
- Public Health Foundation of India, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | - Devi Sridhar
- Usher Institute, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Freddie Ssengooba
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Makarere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Deisy Ventura
- Global Health and Sustainability Graduate Program, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maike Voss
- Centre for Planetary Health Policy, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Heymann
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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19
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Cerda A, Rivera M, Armijo G, Ibarra-Henriquez C, Reyes J, Blázquez-Sánchez P, Avilés J, Arce A, Seguel A, Brown AJ, Vásquez Y, Cortez-San Martín M, Cubillos FA, García P, Ferres M, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Federici F, Gutiérrez RA. An Open One-Step RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2021.11.29.21267000. [PMID: 34909786 PMCID: PMC8669853 DOI: 10.1101/2021.11.29.21267000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths globally, and while several diagnostic systems were proposed, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the gold standard. However, diagnostic reagents, including enzymes used in RT-PCR, are subject to centralized production models and intellectual property restrictions, which present a challenge for less developed countries. With the aim of generating a standardized One-Step open RT-qPCR protocol to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in clinical samples, we purified and tested recombinant enzymes and a non-proprietary buffer. The protocol utilized M-MLV RT and Taq DNA pol enzymes to perform a Taqman probe-based assay. Synthetic RNA samples were used to validate the One-Step RT-qPCR components, and the kit showed comparable sensitivity to approved commercial kits. The One-Step RT-qPCR was then tested on clinical samples and demonstrated similar performance to commercial kits in terms of positive and negative calls. This study represents a proof of concept for an open approach to developing diagnostic kits for viral infections and diseases, which could provide a cost-effective and accessible solution for less developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Cerda
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation. Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8331150, Chile
| | - Maira Rivera
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Grace Armijo
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation. Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8331150, Chile
| | - Catalina Ibarra-Henriquez
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation. Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8331150, Chile
| | - Javiera Reyes
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula Blázquez-Sánchez
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Avilés
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
| | - Aníbal Arce
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
| | - Aldo Seguel
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
| | - Alexander J. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Yesseny Vásquez
- Escuela de Ciencias Médicas. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Santiago de Chile. USACH, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcelo Cortez-San Martín
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco A. Cubillos
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia García
- Departamento de Laboratorios Clínicos. Escuela de Medicina. Facultad de Medicina. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Ferres
- Departamento de Laboratorios Clínicos. Escuela de Medicina. Facultad de Medicina. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - César A. Ramírez-Sarmiento
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernán Federici
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation. Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8331150, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A. Gutiérrez
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation. Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8331150, Chile
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20
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Pant DP, Acharya B, Kattel MR. Association of government effectiveness, logistics performance, IT systems and income with COVID-19 mortality. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15214. [PMID: 37035369 PMCID: PMC10072949 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has unprecedentedly shaken the public health system worldwide. It has been one of the greatest humanitarian crises faced by all countries, regardless of their economic prosperity. However, some countries have been able to minimize the deaths caused by the coronavirus even in the face of a large number of cases, while others have failed to control the death rate even in a comparatively small number of cases. This study explores possible causes of this disparity using cross-sectional data from 126 countries associated with demography, governance, income level, the extent of ICT maturity and the geographical divide. The results of this study suggest that while government effectiveness is negatively associated with the COVID-19 death rate, the logistics performance of governments is positively linked to the COVID-19 mortality rate. The ICT maturity proxied through online service delivery did not confirm its association with the COVID-19 mortality rate. This study informs that poverty and the location of countries do not necessarily influence COVID-19 deaths. Hence, it behoves governments to focus on improving government effectiveness and putting in place more effective and efficient mobility systems, healthcare supply chains and digital administration to address the global health crisis posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate its harsh effects, including mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bikram Acharya
- Policy Research Institute, Narayanhiti, Kathmandu, Nepal
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21
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Pancheshnikov A, Cuneo CN, Matias WR, Cázares-Adame R, Santos López AG, Paxton RM, Chen CCG. Case studies in adaptation: centring equity in global health education during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:bmjgh-2023-011682. [PMID: 37085270 PMCID: PMC10123849 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-011682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all aspects of life globally and laid bare the pervasive inequities in access to education, employment, healthcare and economic security in both high-resource and low-resource settings. The global health field's brittle attempts of addressing global health inequities, through efforts that in some cases have evoked the colonialist forces implicated in shaping these disparities, have been further challenged by the pandemic. COVID-19 has forced global health leaders to reimagine their field through innovation such as shifting the application of global health to a local focus, collaborating with community organisations and exploring virtual education technologies. We present four case studies illustrating this promising movement towards a more sustainable, ethical and equitable model of global health education practice.Case 1: trainees from the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health partnered with the Board of Health of Holyoke, a majority Latinx city with high poverty levels, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through research and intervention. Case 2: Prevencasa, a community health organisation in Tijuana, Mexico, providing healthcare to local underserved communities, shifted its focus from hosting international trainees to developing a multidisciplinary training programme for Mexican healthcare professionals. Case 3: the Johns Hopkins Global Health Leadership Program adapted its curriculum into a hybrid online and in-person migrant health and human rights elective, collaborating with local organisations. Case 4: a US-based and a Latin American-based organisation collaborated to create a longitudinal, virtual urogynaecology training programme with hybrid simulation practice to increase accessibility of procedural-based training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pancheshnikov
- Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- UGHI: Urogynecology Global Health Initiative, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - C Nicholas Cuneo
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Migrant Health and Human Rights Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wilfredo R Matias
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Abner Gamaliel Santos López
- Division of Urogynecology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Centro Médico de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Scientific Committee, ALAPP (Latin American Association of Pelvic Floor), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Ryan M Paxton
- Health Inspector, Holyoke Board of Health, Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chi Chiung Grace Chen
- Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Global Health Leadership Program, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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22
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Da'ar OB, Kalmey F. The level of countries' preparedness to health risks during Covid-19 and pre-pandemic: the differential response to health systems building blocks and socioeconomic indicators. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2023; 13:16. [PMID: 36917372 PMCID: PMC10012285 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-023-00428-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The global health security (GHS) Index assesses countries' level of preparedness to health risks. However, there is no evidence on how and whether the effects of health systems building blocks and socioeconomic indicators on the level of preparedness differ for low and high prepared countries. The aim of this study was to examine the contributions of health systems building blocks and socioeconomic indicators to show differences in the level of preparedness to health risks. The study also aimed to examine trends in the level of preparedness and the World Health Organization (WHO) regional differences before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. We used the 2021 GHS index report data and employed quantile regression, log-linear, double-logarithmic, and time-fixed effects models. As robustness checks, these functional form specifications corroborated with one another, and interval validity tests confirmed. The results show that increases in effective governance, supply chain capacity in terms of medicines and technologies, and health financing had positive effects on countries' level of preparedness to health risks. These effects were considerably larger for countries with higher levels of preparedness to health risks. The positive gradient trends signaled a sense of capacity on the part of countries with higher global health security. However, the health workforce including doctors, and health services including hospital beds, were not statistically significant in explaining variations in countries' level of preparedness. While economic factors had positive effects on the level of preparedness to health risks, their impacts across the distribution of countries' level of preparedness to health risks were mixed. The effects of Social Development Goals (SDGs) were greater for countries with higher levels of preparedness to health risks. The effect of the Human Development Index (HDI) was greatest for countries whose overall GHS index lies at the midpoint of the distribution of countries' level of preparedness. High-income levels were associated with a negative effect on the level of preparedness, especially if countries were in the lower quantiles across the distributions of preparedness. Relative to poor countries, middle- and high-income groups had lower levels of preparedness to health risks, an indication of a sense of complacency. We find the pandemic period (year 2021) was associated with a decrease in the level of preparedness to health risks in comparison to the pre-pandemic period. There were significant WHO regional differences. Apart from the Eastern Mediterranean, the rest of the regions were more prepared to health risks compared to Africa. There was a negative trend in the level of preparedness to health risks from 2019 to 2021 although regional differences in changes over time were not statistically significant. In conclusion, attempts to strengthen countries' level of preparedness to health shocks should be more focused on enhancing essentials such as supply chain capacity in terms of medicines and technologies; health financing, and communication infrastructure. Countries should also strengthen their already existing health workforce and health services. Together, strengthening these health systems essentials will be beneficial to less prepared countries where their impact we find to be weaker. Similarly, boosting SDGs, particularly health-related sub-scales, will be helpful to less prepared countries. Moreover, there is a need to curb complacency in preparedness to health risks during pandemics by high-income countries. The negative trend in the level of preparedness to health risks would suggest that there is a need for better preparedness during pandemics by conflating national health with global health risks. This will ensure the imperative of having a synergistic response to global health risks, which is understood by and communicated to all countries and regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar B Da'ar
- Department of Health Systems Management, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Institute for Cost Analysis and Research Evaluation, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Farah Kalmey
- Institute for Cost Analysis and Research Evaluation, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Organizational Health and Wellbeing at the Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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23
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Homayuni A. Investigating the correlation between perceived stress and health anxiety with obsessive-compulsive disorder and quality of life during COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:54. [PMID: 36855204 PMCID: PMC9971677 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01090-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between perceived stress and health anxiety with obsessive-compulsive symptoms and quality of life during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed in the general public in Isfahan and Bandar Abbas. 559 citizens were selected by convenience sampling. An online questionnaire was used to collect the data, which consisted of: short health anxiety inventory, perceived stress scale, world health organization quality of life questionnaire and Padua inventory. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-24 and Amos-21. RESULTS There were significant positive correlations between health anxiety and perceived stress (r = 0/338), obsessive-compulsive symptoms and perceived stress (r = 0/16), obsessive-compulsive symptoms and health anxiety (r = 0/344). Also there were significant negative correlations between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and quality of life (r = - 0/21), health anxiety and quality of life (r = - 0/366), perceived stress and quality of life (r = - 0/715). CONCLUSION health anxiety and perceived stress during COVID-19 affect the obsessive-compulsive symptoms and quality of life. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to these psychological disorders during this global crisis and take actions to prevent and treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Homayuni
- Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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24
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van Duijn S, Barsosio HC, Omollo M, Milimo E, Akoth I, Aroka R, de Sanctis T, K'Oloo A, June MJ, Houben N, Wilming C, Otieno K, Kariuki S, Onsongo S, Odhiambo A, Ganda G, Rinke de Wit TF. Public-private partnership to rapidly strengthen and scale COVID-19 response in Western Kenya. Front Public Health 2023; 10:837215. [PMID: 36733283 PMCID: PMC9887331 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.837215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Africa almost half of healthcare services are delivered through private sector providers. These are often underused in national public health responses. To support and accelerate the public sector's COVID-19 response, we facilitated recruitment of additional private sector capacity by initiating a public-private partnership (PPP) in Kisumu County, Kenya. In this manuscript we demonstrate this PPP's performance. Methods COVID-19 diagnostic testing formed the basis for a PPP between Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Department of Health Kisumu County, PharmAccess Foundation, and local faith-based and private healthcare facilities: COVID-Dx. First phase COVID-Dx was implemented from June 01, 2020, to March 31, 2021 in Kisumu County, Kenya. Trained laboratory technologists in participating healthcare facilities collected nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples from patients meeting the Kenyan MoH COVID-19 case definition. Healthcare workers in participating facilities collected patient clinical data using a digitized MoH COVID-19 Case Identification Form. We shared aggregated results from these data via (semi-) live dashboards with all relevant stakeholders through their mobile phones and tablets. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 16 to inform project processes. Results Nine private facilities participated in the project. A patient trajectory was developed from case identification to result reporting, all steps supported by a semi-real time digital dashboard. A total of 4,324 PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were added to the public response, identifying 425 positives, accounting for 16% of all COVID-19 tests performed in the County over the given time-period. Geo-mapped and time-tagged information on incident cases was depicted on Google maps through PowerBI-dashboards and fed back to policymakers for informed rapid decision making. Preferential COVID-19 testing was performed on health workers at risk, with 1,009 tests performed (up to 43% of all County health workforce). Conclusion We demonstrate feasibility of rapidly increasing the public health sector COVID-19 response through coordinated private sector efforts in an African setting. Our PPP intervention in Kisumu, Kenya was based on a joint testing strategy and demonstrated that semi-real time digitalization of patient trajectories can gain significant efficiencies, linking public and private healthcare efforts, increasing transparency, support better quality health services and informing policy makers to target interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannen van Duijn
- PharmAccess Foundation, Amsterdam Office, Amsterdam, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Shannen van Duijn ✉
| | - Hellen C. Barsosio
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Mevis Omollo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Isdorah Akoth
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Robert Aroka
- PharmAccess Foundation Kenya Office, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Alloys K'Oloo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Micah J. June
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | | | - Kephas Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Albert Odhiambo
- Department of Health, Kisumu County Government, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Gregory Ganda
- Department of Health, Kisumu County Government, Kisumu, Kenya
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25
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Zhao L, Jin Y, Zhou L, Yang P, Qian Y, Huang X, Min M. Evaluation of health system resilience in 60 countries based on their responses to COVID-19. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1081068. [PMID: 36699903 PMCID: PMC9870292 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1081068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic swept the world, and many national health systems faced serious challenges. To improve future public health responses, it's necessary to evaluate the performance of each country's health system. Methods We developed a resilience evaluation system for national health systems based on their responses to COVID-19 using four resilience dimensions: government governance and prevention, health financing, health service provision, and health workers. We determined the weight of each index by combining the three-scale and entropy-weight methods. Then, based on data from 2020, we used the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to rank the health system resilience of 60 countries, and then used hierarchical clustering to classify countries into groups based on their resilience level. Finally, we analyzed the causes of differences among countries in their resilience based on the four resilience dimensions. Results Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Australia, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, the United States, and the United Kingdom had the highest health system resilience in 2020. Eritrea, Nigeria, Libya, Tanzania, Burundi, Mozambique, Republic of the Niger, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea had the lowest resilience. Discussion Government governance and prevention of COVID-19 will greatly affect a country's success in fighting future epidemics, which will depend on a government's emergency preparedness, stringency (a measure of the number and rigor of the measures taken), and testing capability. Given the lack of vaccines or specific drug treatments during the early stages of the 2020 epidemic, social distancing and wearing masks were the main defenses against COVID-19. Cuts in health financing had direct and difficult to reverse effects on health systems. In terms of health service provision, the number of hospitals and intensive care unit beds played a key role in COVID-19 clinical care. Resilient health systems were able to cope more effectively with the impact of COVID-19, provide stronger protection for citizens, and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. Our evaluation based on data from 60 countries around the world showed that increasing health system resilience will improve responses to future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laijun Zhao
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajun Jin
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yajun Jin ✉
| | - Lixin Zhou
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingle Yang
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Qian
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Emergency Management Office, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Min
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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26
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An agent-based model of COVID-19 pandemic and its variants using fuzzy subsets and real data applied in an island environment. KNOWL ENG REV 2023. [DOI: 10.1017/s0269888923000036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In this paper, we present a model of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic simulated by a multi-agent system (MAS) based on demographic data and medical knowledge. Demographic data are linked to the distribution of the population according to age and to an index of socioeconomic fragility with regard to the elderly. Medical knowledge are related to two risk factors: age and obesity. The contributions of this approach are as follows. Firstly, the two aggravating risk factors are introduced into the MAS using fuzzy sets. Secondly, the worsening of disease caused by these risk factors is modeled by fuzzy aggregation operators. The appearance of virus variants is also introduced into the simulation through a simplified modeling of their contagiousness. Using real data from inhabitants of an island in the Antilles (Guadeloupe, FWI), we model the rate of the population at risk which could be critical cases, if neither social distancing nor barrier gestures are respected by the entire population. The results show that hospital capacities are exceeded. The results show that hospital capacities are exceeded. The socioeconomic fragility index is used to assess mortality and also shows that the number of deaths can be significant.
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27
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de Souza LEPF, Castro MC, Hage Carmo E, Polidoro M. The global failure of facing the pandemic. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2124645. [PMID: 36285582 PMCID: PMC9621274 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2124645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in late 2019 has had social, political, and economic consequences worldwide. However, its emergence was not a surprise. In 2015, a Panel organised by the World Health Organization highlighted the importance of learning about the crisis caused by the Ebola epidemic. In 1992, the Committee on Emerging Microbial Threats to Health of the US Institute of Medicine warned of the possibility of an emerging global microbial threat. In this text, we point out five arguments that reveal the global failure in facing the pandemic: (1) deficiency in the global alert system and the fragility of the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005), (2) problems of the international response to the pandemic, related to global health governance, (3) the dispersed global adoption of the elimination strategy (zero Covid) widely seen as a policy of restriction of freedom instead as a strategy of inequities reduction, (4) fragile control of the disease with a narrow reading of the associated problems, and (5) global setbacks in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the context of ongoing neoliberal national policies. Finally, we argue that overcoming the weaknesses discussed requires strengthening health systems in all their components and expanding social welfare policies.[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcia Caldas Castro
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eduardo Hage Carmo
- Institute of Saúde Coletiva, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Maurício Polidoro
- Environmental Sciences Area, Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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28
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Shpakou A, Sokołowska D, Krajewska-Kułak E, Cybulski M, Kowalewska B, Korpak F, Surkov S, Owoc J, Krakowiak J, Kowalczuk K. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity, life satisfaction, anxiety, stress perception and coping strategies in student-athletes: A comparison between Belarus and Poland-countries with a different approach of anti-pandemic measures. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1052744. [PMID: 36530658 PMCID: PMC9755163 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1052744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed lives of people around the world and had a profound impact on the field of sports. This has resulted in decreased physical activity (PA) and changes in mental health. The goal was to assess self-reported physical activity, life satisfaction, perceived stress, choice of coping strategies and their correlations among student athletes from two neighboring countries facing different anti-pandemic strategies. Methods Cross-sectional surveys using standardized questionnaires: International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Mini-COPE) to compare 600 students from Physical Education and Sports departments of universities in Belarus (n = 333), where restrictions were found to be less stringent than in neighboring Poland (n = 267). Results Minor differences in physical activities between both countries indicate that student athletes have adapted fairly quickly and found ways to keep their PA at a fairly high level. Nevertheless, higher PA was reported in the group of student athletes from Belarus. PA levels correlated with life satisfaction, anxiety and stress levels. Female students from Poland reported lower satisfaction with their lives. Their perception of stress was twice as high as that of their Belarusian counterparts. The most common coping strategy in both groups was active coping. Polish respondents less frequently used strategies of avoiding problems and seeking outside support. Conclusion The level of physical activity and well-being of student athletes are associated with increased mental health and coping with stress. They also contribute to prevention of affective disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, it is dependent on the country's anti-pandemic policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Shpakou
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland,*Correspondence: Andrei Shpakou
| | - Dorota Sokołowska
- Department of Physical Education and Tourism, University of Finance and Management, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Mateusz Cybulski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Filip Korpak
- Department of Recreation and Tourism, Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biala Podlaska, Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sergei Surkov
- Department of Athletics, Swimming and Skiing, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Brest State A.S. Pushkin University, Brest, Belarus
| | - Jakub Owoc
- Department of Gerontology, Public Health and Education, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Krakowiak
- Department of Social Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Krystyna Kowalczuk
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
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Șoitu CT, Grecu SP, Asiminei R. Health Security, Quality of Life and Democracy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparative Approach in the EU-27 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14436. [PMID: 36361316 PMCID: PMC9654764 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to emphasize the role played by the social, economic and political variables in shaping models of sustainable healthcare systems and strategies able to support and improve the quality of life during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The context of our research is represented by the medical and socioeconomic crises generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The current pandemic negatively affects healthcare systems, quality of life and the global economy. In this respect, this paper aims to thoroughly scrutinize the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social and healthcare systems of EU countries, to analyze the impact of human development in the field of the Global Health Security Index and to estimate the relation between resilience and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research design is quantitative, resorting to the use of both descriptive and inferential statistics, against the background of a long-term comparative approach to the respective situations in the EU-27 countries. Empirical findings are relevant for emphasizing the fact that human development and social progress are predictors for the dynamics of health security measures. Moreover, the quality of the political regime, particularly in the case of full and flawed democracies, is strongly related to a high level of resilience and could influence the perception of quality of life. All of these empirical results could prove valuable for scholars interested in understanding the relationships between democracy, healthcare systems and quality of life, and for political decision makers involved in the effort of reducing the negative effects of COVID-19 in EU-27 countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conțiu Tiberiu Șoitu
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, 700506 Iași, Romania
| | - Silviu-Petru Grecu
- Department of Political Sciences, International Relations and European Studies, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, 700506 Iași, Romania
| | - Romeo Asiminei
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, 700506 Iași, Romania
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Mitchell-Sparke E, Mitchell KW, Sparke MB. Re-socializing pre-health education in the context of COVID: Pandemic prompts for bio-social approaches. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1012821. [DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1012821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has underlined the critical importance of bringing biosocial and biopsychosocial approaches to pre-health education. Given the striking social inequalities that the pandemic has both exposed and exacerbated, we argue that bridging between the biomedical and social sciences with such approaches is now more appropriate and urgently needed than ever. We therefore call for the re-socialization of pre-health education by teaching to develop socio-structural competencies alongside physical and biological science knowledge. We suggest that community partnerships, which address local inequalities and their global interdependencies, should be encouraged as an essential element in all pre-health education. Educators should also support such partnerships as opportunities for students who come from more minoritized and impoverished social backgrounds to see their own social knowledge–including community-based knowledge of health-injustices revealed by the pandemic–as the basis of biopsychosocial expertise. By prioritizing this reconceptualization of pre-health education, we can empower future health workers to prepare more adequately for future health crises in ways that are socially aware and structurally transformative.
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Alarcon BO, O'Connor L, Rowan S, Henson BS, Doan Van AE, Simeteys P, Watanabe MK. Bringing structural competency to the forefront of dental education. J Dent Educ 2022; 86:1083-1089. [PMID: 36165242 DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cultural competency as introduced to the healthcare industry had the intention to alleviate and familiarize all healthcare providers with individuals of other cultures and backgrounds than "self". It attempted to fill in the gaps and prepare providers to relate better with their patients and provide cross-cultural care. Although it gave the impression of helping to decrease biases and stigma, it resulted in stronger biases, stereotypes of different ethnic groups, and racial profiling. It never acknowledged the systemic barriers that are so ingrained in our society that determine who gets access to care, and who gets the best outcomes in our healthcare system. Starting with the premise of our Surgeon General Reports, we reviewed the Social Determinants of Health and the relationship to structural barriers. This manuscript describes the numerous barriers that affect the access to care, and outcomes of the most marginalized population in the US. Numerous of which are so prevalent amongst all of us that they "feel normal" that there is a degree of structural blindness. We share the experience and frameworks to assess the structural vulnerability of our patients and introduce the different aspects of the curriculum and research that are currently in place to address and bring structural competency to the forefront of dental education at WesternU College of Dental Medicine in Pomona CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha O Alarcon
- College of Dental Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Lucian O'Connor
- College of Dental Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Sean Rowan
- College of Dental Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Bradley S Henson
- College of Dental Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Anne E Doan Van
- College of Dental Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Paul Simeteys
- College of Dental Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Marisa K Watanabe
- College of Dental Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
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Umphrey L, Lenhard N, Lam SK, Hayward NE, Hecht S, Agrawal P, Chambliss A, Evert J, Haq H, Lauden SM, Paasi G, Schleicher M, McHenry MS. Virtual global health in graduate medical education: a systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 13:230-248. [PMID: 36057978 PMCID: PMC9911141 DOI: 10.5116/ijme.62eb.94fa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To synthesize recent virtual global health education activities for graduate medical trainees, document gaps in the literature, suggest future study, and inform best practice recommendations for global health educators. METHODS We systematically reviewed articles published on virtual global health education activities from 2012-2021 by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I. We performed bibliography review and search of conference and organization websites. We included articles about primarily virtual activities targeting for health professional trainees. We collected and qualitatively analyzed descriptive data about activity type, evaluation, audience, and drivers or barriers. Heterogeneity of included articles did not lend to formal quality evaluation. RESULTS Forty articles describing 69 virtual activities met inclusion criteria. 55% of countries hosting activities were high-income countries. Most activities targeted students (57%), with the majority (53%) targeting trainees in both low- to middle- and high-income settings. Common activity drivers were course content, organization, peer interactions, and online flexibility. Common challenges included student engagement, technology, the internet, time zones, and scheduling. Articles reported unanticipated benefits of activities, including wide reach; real-world impact; improved partnerships; and identification of global health practice gaps. CONCLUSIONS This is the first review to synthesize virtual global health education activities for graduate medical trainees. Our review identified important drivers and challenges to these activities, the need for future study on activity preferences, and considerations for learners and educators in low- to middle-income countries. These findings may guide global health educators in their planning and implementation of virtual activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Umphrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nora Lenhard
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Suet Kam Lam
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Shaina Hecht
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Priya Agrawal
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amy Chambliss
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jessica Evert
- Child Family Health International, El Cerrito, California, USA
| | - Heather Haq
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA
| | - Stephanie M. Lauden
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - George Paasi
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Mary Schleicher
- Cleveland Clinic Floyd D. Loop Alumni Library, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Infodemic Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic and the Strategies to Deal with Them: A Review Article. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid-127022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Context: The phenomenon of infodemic following the outbreak of COVID-19 has led to several adverse public health consequences. Infodemic poses challenges at the community level, and identifying and adopting effective strategies against it can address many of these challenges. The present study aimed to determine the infodemic challenges of COVID-19 and the strategy to deal with them. Evidence acquisition: We searched PubMed and Scopus scientific databases using related keywords up to April 2022. The article selection process was based on the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction was carried out using a data extraction form. We analyzed the extracted data through the content analyses method. Results: We identified infodemic challenges from related studies and classified them into nine main categories. These challenges included social hazards, improper health behavior, and scientific hazards. Other results show that strategies to deal with COVID-19 and other similar conditions can be classified into seven main categories, including the active confrontation with centers and scientific sources, the effective intervention of health care professionals, responsible participatory actions, actions of governments and authorities, monitoring and identifying incorrect information, heightening people’s awareness, and encouragement for vaccination. Conclusions: In this study, we identified and reported different coping strategies from all around the world that are very broad, and different countries and societies can use appropriate methods according to their situations and characteristics. Efforts to disseminate accurate information and prevent the propagation of incorrect information during a pandemic crisis can be vital.
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Villa Castaño LE, Durán WF, Arohuanca Percca PA. Perception of the quality of remote lessons in the time of COVID-19: A comparative study in Latin America quality of remote lessons in the context of COVID-19. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268966. [PMID: 35657962 PMCID: PMC9165895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This research examines the perception of undergraduate students of public and private universities in Latin America on the quality of the lessons that applied the emergency remote teaching (ERT) in the time of COVID-19. This study employs a mixed sequential approach, starting with six focal groups, and finishing with a quantitative validation exercise that uses exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis as well as regression models. Findings reveal that student perception is elicited along three dimensions: concerns related to academic quality, teaching strategies applied by professors, and access limitations. Moderation analysis shows that the relationship between teaching strategies and the concerns related to academic quality varies and that it even gets stronger when access limitations are reduced. Consequently, perception is limited by student access to maintain the teaching-learning process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Esperanza Villa Castaño
- Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Business Administration, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Bogotá D.C, Colombia
| | - William Fernando Durán
- Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Business Administration, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Bogusz R, Nowakowska L, Majchrowska A, Patryn R, Pawlikowski J, Zagaja A, Kiciński P, Pacyna M, Puacz E. Convalescents' Reports on COVID-19 Experience-A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6147. [PMID: 35627683 PMCID: PMC9140609 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dynamic character of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social consequences caused several medical and societal issues and dilemmas. The aim of our qualitative research was to capture and analyze attitudes and beliefs of convalescents who experienced mild symptoms of COVID-19 in the first wave of the pandemic and decided to donate their plasma for therapeutic purposes. MATERIAL AND METHODS The article presents results of qualitative research conducted on the basis of grounded theory (GT) methodology. Empirical material includes 10 in-depth interviews conducted with respondents who had mild or asymptomatic disease and, after recovery, voluntarily donated their plasma to the Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Blood Treatment (RCKiK). Data were collected in May and June 2020 in Poland. Qualitative analysis was focused on the experience of convalescents who entered the social role of a sick person in individual, social, and organizational dimensions. RESULTS The social role of the patient in the narratives of convalescents was related to three stages: (1) initiation to the role, (2) staying in the COVID-19 patient role, and (3) leaving the role. Research results enabled the distinction of three basic descriptive categories ("ontological uncertainty", "the global and individual dimension", and "being sick in the disease-infected environment"), which became epistemological framework for a detailed description of the roles played by an individual COVID-19 patient during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The disease, despite its mild course, generated a number of non-medical issues, and the entire process of being ill was burdened with institutional and emotional struggles. The experience of mild COVID-19 is significantly modified by disease institutionalization. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the psychosocial dimension of COVID-19 and convalescents' motivations for plasma donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Bogusz
- Chair and Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 7 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (R.B.); (L.N.); (R.P.); (J.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Luiza Nowakowska
- Chair and Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 7 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (R.B.); (L.N.); (R.P.); (J.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Anita Majchrowska
- Chair and Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 7 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (R.B.); (L.N.); (R.P.); (J.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Rafał Patryn
- Chair and Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 7 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (R.B.); (L.N.); (R.P.); (J.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Jakub Pawlikowski
- Chair and Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 7 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (R.B.); (L.N.); (R.P.); (J.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Anna Zagaja
- Chair and Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 7 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (R.B.); (L.N.); (R.P.); (J.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Paweł Kiciński
- Department of Experimental Hematooncoloogy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Pacyna
- Regional Center of Transfusion Medicine, 8 Żołnierzy Niepodległej St., 20-078 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Puacz
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics of SPZOZ, 4 M. Sobieskiego St., 22-300 Krasnystaw, Poland;
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Umphrey L, Paasi G, Windsor W, Abongo G, Evert J, Haq H, Keating EM, Lam SK, McHenry MS, Ndila C, Nwobu C, Rule A, Tam RP, Olson D, Olupot-Olupot P. Perceived roles, benefits and barriers of virtual global health partnership initiatives: a cross-sectional exploratory study. Glob Health Res Policy 2022; 7:11. [PMID: 35478077 PMCID: PMC9046069 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-022-00244-4] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Virtual global health partnership initiatives (VGHPIs) evolved rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure partnership continuity. However the current landscape for VGHPI use and preference is unknown. This study aimed to increase understanding of GH partners’ perspectives on VGHPIs.
Methods From 15 October to 30 November 2020, An online, international survey was conducted using snowball sampling to document pandemic-related changes in partnership activities, preferences for VGHPIs, and perceived acceptability and barriers. The survey underwent iterative development within a diverse author group, representing academic and clinical institutions, and the non-profit sector. Participants from their professional global health networks were invited, including focal points for global health partnerships while excluding trainees and respondents from the European Economic Area. Analysis stratified responses by country income classification and partnership type. Authors used descriptive statistics to characterize responses, defining statistical significance as α = 0.05. Results A total of 128 respondents described 219 partnerships. 152/219 (69%) partnerships were transnational, 157/219 (72%) were of > 5 years duration, and 127/219 (60%) included bidirectional site visits. High-income country (HIC) partners sent significantly more learners to low- to middle-income country (LMIC) partner sites (p < 0.01). Participants commented on pandemic-related disruptions affecting 217/219 (99%) partnerships; 195/217 (90%) were disruption to activities; 122/217 (56%) to communication; 73/217 (34%) to access to professional support; and 72/217 (33%) to funding. Respondents indicated that VGHPIs would be important to 206/219 (94%) of their partnerships moving forward. There were overall differences in resource availability, technological capacity, and VGHPI preferences between LMIC and HIC respondents, with a statistically significant difference in VGHPI acceptability (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups regarding VGHPIs’ perceived barriers. Conclusions The pandemic disrupted essential partnership elements, compounding differences between LMIC and HIC partners in their resources and preferences for partnership activities. VGHPIs have the potential to bridge new and existing gaps and maximize gains, bi-directionality, and equity in partnerships during and after COVID-19.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41256-022-00244-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Umphrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13123 E 16th Ave, B302, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. .,Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 E Montview Blvd, Ste 310, A090, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - George Paasi
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Plot 29, 33 Pallisa, Mbale, Uganda
| | - William Windsor
- Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 E Montview Blvd, Ste 310, A090, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Grace Abongo
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Plot 29, 33 Pallisa, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Jessica Evert
- Child Family Health International, 11135 San Pablo Ave #929, El Cerrito, CA, 94530, USA
| | - Heather Haq
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Keating
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Suet Kam Lam
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, EC-10 Cleveland Clinic, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Megan S McHenry
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 340 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Carolyne Ndila
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Plot 29, 33 Pallisa, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Charles Nwobu
- Child Family Health International, 11135 San Pablo Ave #929, El Cerrito, CA, 94530, USA.,Child Family Health International, Accra, Ghana
| | - Amy Rule
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Reena P Tam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Daniel Olson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13123 E 16th Ave, B302, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, 13199 E Montview Blvd, Ste 310, A090, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Peter Olupot-Olupot
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Plot 29, 33 Pallisa, Mbale, Uganda.,Busitema University, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
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Kheir-Mataria WAE, El-Fawal H, Bhuiyan S, Chun S. Global Health Governance and Health Equity in the Context of COVID-19: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:540. [PMID: 35327017 PMCID: PMC8949542 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10030540] [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: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health equity is an important aspect of responsible governance. COVID-19 exposed existing shortfalls of Global Health Governance (GHG). A considerable amount of related literature is produced. This scoping review aims at mapping the present knowledge and at identifying research gaps. METHODS This scoping review is based on the Joanna Briggs Institute's guideline for standardized methods and PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting. Documents published from December 2019 to October 2021 were searched using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, World cat, and WHO-Global Index Medicus. Two reviewers screened and reviewed eligible studies in three stages: duplicates identification and elimination, title and abstract screening, and full-text assessment. Data was charted and results were classified into conceptual categories. Analysis was done in three stages: open descriptive coding, focused thematic analysis, and frequency, commonality and significance analysis. RESULTS forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Areas of research were grouped into seven themes: "human rights and inequities", "solidarity, collaboration and partnership", "GHG structure change", "political and economic power and finance", "approaches to address inequity", "law and regulations", and "private investment and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in GHG". The highest number of papers were in the first theme, "human rights and inequities". However, the themes are interrelated. Authors who contributed to research were mostly affiliated to developed countries indicating a gap in knowledge and expertise in developing countries. CONCLUSION Through this scoping review we found that the seven themes are interconnected. Disciplinary collaboration in research relating GHG to health inequities is solicited. Collaboration in research, information sharing, and research capacity development are in needed in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Abu El Kheir-Mataria
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (W.A.E.K.-M.); (H.E.-F.)
| | - Hassan El-Fawal
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (W.A.E.K.-M.); (H.E.-F.)
| | - Shahjahan Bhuiyan
- Department of Public Policy and Administration, School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Sungsoo Chun
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; (W.A.E.K.-M.); (H.E.-F.)
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Jensen N, Kelly AH, Avendano M. Health equity and health system strengthening - Time for a WHO re-think. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:377-390. [PMID: 33427084 PMCID: PMC8820375 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1867881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The pursuit of health equity is foundational to the global health enterprise. But while moral concerns over health inequities can galvanise political commitment, how such concerns can or should translate into practice remains less clear. This paper reviews evolving ways that equity goals have featured in key World Health Organization (WHO)-related policy documents, before discussing the heuristic value and empirical traction that the concept of equity can bring to the health system strengthening (HSS) agenda. We argue that while health equity is often presented as the overarching goal of HSS, in practice this is typically circumscribed to the provision of healthcare services. Although healthcare equity is important, we suggest that this narrow focus risks losing sight of the structural political, social and economic drivers of health and health inequities, as well as the broader contexts of care and complex socio-political mechanisms through which health systems are strengthened. Drawing on new lines of empirical inquiry, we propose that broadening the equity lens for HSS -offers exciting opportunities to put health systems at the heart of a more ambitious equity agenda in global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Jensen
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King’s College London, North East Wing, 40 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BG, UK
| | - A. H. Kelly
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King’s College London, North East Wing, 40 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BG, UK
| | - M. Avendano
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King’s College London, North East Wing, 40 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BG, UK
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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Breast Cancer Patients’ Experiences with Online Group-Based Physical Exercise in a COVID-19 Context: A Focus Group Study. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030356. [PMID: 35330356 PMCID: PMC8950528 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with breast cancer, physical exercise reduces the toxicity of treatment; however, this physical exercise must meet a set of criteria, such as being guided by knowledgeable instructors. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of female breast cancer patients regarding the impact of an online physical exercise programme in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nineteen female breast cancer patients participated in four focus group interviews as part of a qualitative study using a thematic analysis between December 2020 and May 2021. Three major themes emerged: “Experiences and perceptions of online physical exercise with breast cancer”; “Incorporating exercise-based activity for cancer-related side effects”; and “Increasing self-esteem and empowerment”. Online, live-streamed, and supervised group activities help breast cancer patients engage and prevent the recurrence of cancer-related side effects, as well as to control COVID-19-related fear and provide an alternative to promote mental health-related quality of life.
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Sinnatwah JD, Kenneh H, Coker AA, Harmon-Gray WM, Zankah J, Day L, Hubbell E, Murphy MJ, Izzo M, Kong D, Sylwester P, Long Q, Bertozzi E, Skrip LA. Participatory Design and Process Testing to Optimize Utility, Usability, and Acceptability of a Mobile Game for Promoting Evidence-Driven Public Health Decision-Making in Resource-Constrained Settings. Front Digit Health 2022; 3:788557. [PMID: 35059686 PMCID: PMC8763845 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.788557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovative game-based training methods that leverage the ubiquity of cellphones and familiarity with phone-based interfaces have the potential to transform the training of public health practitioners in low-income countries such as Liberia. This article describes the design, development, and testing of a prototype of the Figure It Out mobile game. The prototype game uses a disease outbreak scenario to promote evidence-based decision-making in determining the causative agent and prescribing intervention measures to minimize epidemiological and logistical burdens in resource-limited settings. An initial prototype of the game developed by the US team was playtested and evaluated by focus groups with 20 University of Liberia Masters of Public Health (UL MPH) students. Results demonstrate that the learning objectives—improving search skills for identifying scientific evidence and considering evidence before decision-making during a public health emergency—were considered relevant and important in a setting that has repeatedly and recently experienced severe threats to public health. However, some of the game mechanics that were thought to enhance engagement such as trial-and-error and choose-your-own-path gameplay, were perceived by the target audience as distracting or too time-consuming, particularly in the context of a realistic emergency scenario. Gameplay metrics that mimicked real-world situations around lives lost, money spent, and time constraints during public health outbreaks were identified as relatable and necessary considerations. Our findings reflect cultural differences between the game development team and end users that have emphasized the need for end users to have an integral part of the design team; this formative evaluation has critically informed next steps in the iterative development process. Our multidisciplinary, cross-cultural and cross-national design team will be guided by Liberia-based public health students and faculty, as well as community members who represent our end user population in terms of experience and needs. These stakeholders will make key decisions regarding game objectives and mechanics, to be vetted and implemented by game design experts, epidemiologists, and software developers.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Douglas Sinnatwah
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Hajah Kenneh
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Alvan A. Coker
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Wahdae-Mai Harmon-Gray
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
- Ministry of Health, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Joelyn Zankah
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Liam Day
- Department of Game Design and Development, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, United States
| | - Emma Hubbell
- Department of Game Design and Development, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, United States
| | - Michael J. Murphy
- Department of Game Design and Development, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, United States
| | - Mandy Izzo
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Global Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - David Kong
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Global Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Peter Sylwester
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Global Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Qinghua Long
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Global Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elena Bertozzi
- Department of Game Design and Development, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Elena Bertozzi
| | - Laura A. Skrip
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
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Cuschieri S, Grech S, Grech V. Insight into the Attitudes and Experiences of Adults with Non-Communicable Diseases a Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Malta Experience. DUBAI MEDICAL JOURNAL 2021. [PMCID: PMC8678259 DOI: 10.1159/000519570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been a global epidemic long before the advent of COVID-19. Understandably, with the onset of COVID-19, health priorities shifted. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 through attitudes and experiences on the health and well-being of the Malta adult population suffering from NCDs, a year into COVID-19. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed online between February 1 and 26, 2021 using Google Forms®. This assessed the impact of COVID-19 on medical care, intention to take a COVID-19 vaccine, and whether COVID-19 was acquired. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. Results Out of the 1,034 participants, 34.82% (95% CI, 31.97–37.77; n = 360) reported to suffer from NCDs (single NCD, n = 276; 2 NCDs, n = 56; 3 NCDs, n = 28) with 6.94% (95% CI, 4.71–10.09) of these reported acquiring COVID-19. Since COVID-19, the NCD population visited the general practitioners less (47%) than those without NCDs (32%) (p ≤ 0.001). With a consensus of concern and fear, “I rather skip check-ups than risk getting COVID-19 in waiting room or clinic.” Postponement and cancellations of medical appointments were reported: “had to do blood tests privately as health centre was not doing them” and “delayed treatment and still awaiting further appointments that were postponed more than once.” The majority intended to take COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions It is clear that individuals with NCDs have experienced a general negative effect on their medical care. It's recommended that a dual action strategy is embraced to ensure that both NCDs and COVID-19 are treated simultaneously, leaving no one behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cuschieri
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- *Sarah Cuschieri,
| | - Stephan Grech
- Trauma and Orthopaedic Department, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Victor Grech
- Paediatric Department, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
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Cuschieri S, Mamo J. Taking care of the ordinary in extraordinary times-delayed routine care means more morbidity and pre-mature mortality. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:iv27-iv30. [PMID: 34751363 PMCID: PMC8576302 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with chronic diseases are more susceptible to its grave complications and negative outcomes if infected by COVID-19. Furthermore, mandatory isolation and cancellations of routine healthcare services led to the disruption of the screening and management plans for chronic diseases. Fear of attending health services as well as disruptions to public transport are other factors increasing health risks among persons with chronic conditions during the pandemic. Ensuring access to universal healthcare services, increasing use of digital services, targeted interventions to risk groups are examples of measures that need to be taken when reviewing health systems preparedness for future pandemics and other disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cuschieri
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Julian Mamo
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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Muñoz Del Carpio-Toia A, Begazo Muñoz Del Carpio L, Mayta-Tristan P, Alarcón-Yaquetto DE, Málaga G. Workplace Violence Against Physicians Treating COVID-19 Patients in Peru: A Cross-Sectional Study. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2021; 47:637-645. [PMID: 34257040 PMCID: PMC8200256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge to health systems that has revealed shortcomings and increased unmet demands. Such situations might exacerbate workplace violence (WPV) against physicians, as has been reported in several parts of the world. METHODS To identify the frequency and characteristics of WPV suffered by physicians attending COVID-19 patients in Peru, a descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with an online survey of 200 physicians. RESULTS Of the survey respondents, 84.5% had suffered some type of WPV; 97.6% of these suffered nonphysical violence. Suffering more than one incident of violence was reported by 75.7% of respondents. The primary aggressor was a patient's family member or caregiver. Violence occurred most frequently in critical areas inside the health service facility, such as COVID-19 triage, tents, and hospital units, although it also occurred during teleconsultations. Multiple shortcomings of the health services were perceived as the main trigger of violence. Being a female physician (odds ratio [OR] = 2.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-5.83) and working in a COVID-19 ICU (OR = 5.84, 95% CI = 1.60-21.28) were the main factors associated with WPV. CONCLUSION Violence against physicians attending COVID-19 patients in Peru is common. The perceived factors that contribute most to violence are linked to deficiencies in health services.
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Obinna DN. Solidarity across borders: A pragmatic need for global COVID-19 vaccine equity. Int J Health Plann Manage 2021; 37:21-29. [PMID: 34585430 PMCID: PMC8653338 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID‐19 pandemic is one of the most disruptive social, political and economic crises of the modern era. In today's interconnected world, the pandemic shows how quickly infectious disease outbreaks can spread across continents. Since the initial outbreak, the introduction of several vaccines has brought hope to a virus‐weary world. In spite of the remarkable results of approved vaccines, many lower‐middle countries are yet to receive a single vaccine shot. This manuscript highlights the fact that global health inequities have intensified during the pandemic. While many wealthy nations have ramped up vaccination efforts and cautiously opened their borders, many in the developed world are still waiting to be inoculated. With the rise of several resistant variants, this work argues that public health policy experts demand a greater need for global solidarity in vaccine access. This is not only important ethically, but it is also a pragmatic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise N Obinna
- College of Liberal Arts, Mount St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg, Maryland, USA
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Favaro M, Mattina W, Pistoia ES, Gaziano R, Di Francesco P, Middleton S, D'Angelo S, Altarozzi T, Fontana C. A new qualitative RT-PCR assay detecting SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18955. [PMID: 34556690 PMCID: PMC8460689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98114-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is facing an exceptional pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. To allow the diagnosis of COVID-19 infections, several assays based on the real-time PCR technique have been proposed. The requests for diagnosis are such that it was immediately clear that the choice of the most suitable method for each microbiology laboratory had to be based, on the one hand, on the availability of materials, and on the other hand, on the personnel and training priorities for this activity. Unfortunately, due to high demand, the shortage of commercial diagnostic kits has also become a major problem. To overcome these critical issues, we have developed a new qualitative RT-PCR probe. Our system detects three genes-RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), envelope (E) and nucleocapsid (N)-and uses the β-actin gene as an endogenous internal control. The results from our assay are in complete agreement with the results obtained using a commercially available kit, except for two samples that did not pass the endogenous internal control. The coincidence rate was 0.96. The LoD of our assay was 140 cp/reaction for N and 14 cp/reaction for RdRp and E. Our kit was designed to be open, either for the nucleic acid extraction step or for the RT-PCR assay, and to be carried out on several instruments. Therefore, it is free from the industrial production logics of closed systems, and conversely, it is hypothetically available for distribution in large quantities to any microbiological laboratory. The kit is currently distributed worldwide (called MOLgen-COVID-19; Adaltis). A new version of the kit for detecting the S gene is also available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Favaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Mattina
- LifeGene Srl Messina, Italy Via Garibaldi 377, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Enrico Salvatore Pistoia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Gaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Di Francesco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Simon Middleton
- Adaltis R&D S.R.L., Via Luigi Einaudi 7, 00012, Guidonia Montecelio, Italy
| | - Silvia D'Angelo
- Adaltis R&D S.R.L., Via Luigi Einaudi 7, 00012, Guidonia Montecelio, Italy
| | - Tullio Altarozzi
- Adaltis R&D S.R.L., Via Luigi Einaudi 7, 00012, Guidonia Montecelio, Italy
| | - Carla Fontana
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Microbiology and Virology Lab, Tor Vergata University Hospital, V.le Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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Building and Sustaining Effective Partnerships for Training the Next Generation of Global Health Leaders. Ann Glob Health 2021; 87:66. [PMID: 34307069 PMCID: PMC8284501 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Partnerships are essential to creating effective global health leadership training programs. Global pandemics, including the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic, have tested the impact and stability of healthcare systems. Partnerships must be fostered to prepare the next generation of leaders to collaborate effectively and improve health globally. Objectives: We provide key matrices that predict success of partnerships in building global health leadership capacity. We highlight opportunities and challenges to building effective partnerships and provide recommendations to promote development of equitable and mutually beneficial partnerships. Findings: Critical elements for effective partnership when building global health leadership capacity include shared strategic vision, transparency and excellent communication, as well as intentional monitoring and evaluation of the partnership, not just the project or program. There must be recognition that partnerships can be unpredictable and unequal, especially if the end is not defined early on. Threats to equitable and effective partnerships include funding and co-funding disparities between partners from high-income and low-income countries, inequalities, unshared vision and priorities, skewed decision-making levels, and limited flexibility to minimize inequalities and make changes. Further, imbalances in power, privilege, position, income levels, and institutional resources create opportunities for exploitation of partners, particularly those in low-income countries, which widens the disparities and limits success and sustainability of partnerships. These challenges to effective partnering create the need for objective documentation of disparities at all stages, with key milestones to assess success and the environment to sustain the partnerships and their respective goals. Conclusions: Developing effective and sustainable partnerships requires a commitment to equality from the start by all partners and an understanding that there will be challenges that could derail otherwise well-intended partnerships. Guidelines and training on evaluation of partnerships exist and should be used, including generic indicators of equity, mutual benefit, and the added value of partnering. Key Takeaways
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Mas Bermejo P, Sánchez Valdés L, Somarriba López L, Valdivia Onega NC, Vidal Ledo MJ, Alfonso Sánchez I, Seuc Jo A, Almeida Cruz Y, Morales Ojeda R. Equity and the Cuban National Health System's response to COVID-19. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2021; 45:e80. [PMID: 34220992 PMCID: PMC8238257 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2021.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuba’s National Health System has managed to guarantee an effective and equitable response to COVID-19. Universal and free health coverage, based on primary care, follows the principle of equity and the greatest resources are allocated to areas of the lowest socioeconomic stratum (where higher risk is concentrated), followed by those of medium and high strata, in that order. This allowed for similar mortality rates in the three strata, and Cuban national mortality rate was one of the lowest in the Region of the Americas. Before the first case was identified in Cuba, a Plan for Coronavirus Prevention and Control was elaborated with multisectoral participation, and when the first case was confirmed the Temporary National Working Group to Fight COVID-19 was created as an advisory body of the government. The actions to face the pandemic began with preventive measures in the community, continued in the isolation centers and ended again in the community with actions of surveillance and follow up of recovered patients. Following the principle of territoriality, molecular diagnosis laboratories were created in the provinces that did not have one. Free medical care and treatment; the preparation of a single national intersectoral government plan; the use of particular strategies for research, diagnosis and case tracing; and the implementation of a universal protocol for disease prevention and treatment of confirmed cases made it possible to control the disease with a health equity perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Mas Bermejo
- Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine Havana Cuba Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine, Havana, Cuba
| | - Lizet Sánchez Valdés
- Molecular Immunology Center Havana Cuba Molecular Immunology Center, Havana, Cuba
| | | | | | | | - Ileana Alfonso Sánchez
- National Medical Sciences Information Center Havana Cuba National Medical Sciences Information Center, Havana, Cuba
| | - Armando Seuc Jo
- National Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology Havana Cuba National Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, Havana, Cuba
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Sekalala S, Forman L, Hodgson T, Mulumba M, Namyalo-Ganafa H, Meier BM. Decolonising human rights: how intellectual property laws result in unequal access to the COVID-19 vaccine. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e006169. [PMID: 34253631 PMCID: PMC8277484 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines offers hope in addressing the worst pandemic in a hundred years. However, many countries in the Global South face great difficulties in accessing vaccines, partly because of restrictive intellectual property law. These laws exacerbate both global and domestic inequalities and prevent countries from fully realising the right to health for all their people. Commodification of essential medicines, such as vaccines, pushes poorer countries into extreme debt and reproduces national inequalities that discriminate against marginalised groups. This article explains how a decolonial framing of human rights and public health could contribute to addressing this systemic injustice. We envisage a human rights and global health law framework based on solidarity and international cooperation that focuses funding on long-term goals and frees access to medicines from the restrictions of intellectual property law. This would increase domestic vaccine production, acquisition and distribution capabilities in the Global South.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Forman
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy Hodgson
- International Commission of Jurists, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Moses Mulumba
- Center for Health, Human Rights and Development, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Benjamin Mason Meier
- Department of Public Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Gamlin J, Segata J, Berrio L, Gibbon S, Ortega F. Centring a critical medical anthropology of COVID-19 in global health discourse. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e006132. [PMID: 34127443 PMCID: PMC8206169 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean Segata
- Departamento de Antropologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lina Berrio
- Departamento de Antropologia, CIESAS Unidad Regional Pacífico Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | | | - Francisco Ortega
- Departamento de Antropologia, ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Centre (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
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50
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Myhre SL, French SD, Bergh A. National public health institutes: A scoping review. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1055-1072. [PMID: 33870871 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1910966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
During the last century, national public health institutes emerged to address enduring and emergency public health challenges. Previous outbreaks often compelled countries to establish national institutes of public health. Despite historic legacies and contributions to public health, no review of this literature has been published. The aim of this scoping review is to provide an overview of this literature and map characteristics including format, authorship, geographic focus, methods, language, focal topic and public health capacity building domains. The scoping review was guided the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework and utilised the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search of Medline OVID and Scopus databases yielded 5731 records. In total, 43 articles met the eligibility criteria. Articles were published in English, Spanish, French and Russian and included perspectives from over 20 countries in Africa, Europe, North America and South America. Three reported methods or collected primary data. Findings reveal a longstanding international interest in leveraging national institutes to address complex public health challenges. Lack of studies reporting methods reveals the need for future research utilising robust methodology. Several articles recommend investment in national public health institutes as a strategy to respond to crises and strengthen countries' public health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja L Myhre
- Division of Health Services, Global Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Steve D French
- Division of Health Services, Global Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Bergh
- Division of Health Services, Global Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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