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Getsova Z, Rangelova V. Infectious diseases risk framing in Bulgarian media during early COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola crisis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36575. [PMID: 39281583 PMCID: PMC11399659 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36575] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Social forces, in conjunction with biological variables, play a crucial role in shaping the overall health of a community, particularly in the context of infectious disease outbreaks. Mass media calibrates risk perception among the public. The present study's aims are to review risk framings in the Bulgarian National Television in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare results with the communication strategies employed when Ebola was exported outside of Africa. The research seeks to provide a quantitative and qualitative understanding of how the media communicated risk during the two crises. It also aims to determine the extent to which messages altered based on the distinct epidemiological characteristics of the two epidemics. Methods We used interdisciplinary analysis, combining methods from the social sciences and epidemiology. It is based on a controlled study of media content comparing the share and presentation of information on infections during two different outbreaks caused by newly emerging pathogens (in 2014 and 2020), as well as during periods with no specific concern for novel public health threats (JAN 2019 and OCT-NOV 2019). A content analysis was carried out. Results The findings of the study indicate that during the Ebola crisis, medical frames were used in 92 % of the cases, whereas the majority of the analyzed media coverage of COVID-19 focused on the socio-political frame (97 %). During control periods, the extent of coverage using a medical framework varies between 100 and 86 %. In terms of geographic coverage, the presentation of content followed the principle of proximity. In non-emergency circumstances, clinical practitioners are often preferred candidates for interviews. However, during health crises, the media tends to highlight individuals holding administrative positions and authoritative functions. Conclusion The present research confirms the hypothesis that public health emergencies increase the volume of infectious disease content on the news. The most frequently selected speaker categories should be briefed timely on outbreak developments in order to feed the media with accurate information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhivka Getsova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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2
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Fontanesi L, Verrocchio MC, D'Ettorre M, Prete G, Ceravolo F, Marchetti D. The impact of catastrophic events on the sex ratio at birth: A systematic review. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24003. [PMID: 37916952 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The impact of maternal stress on birth outcomes is well established in the scientific research. The sex ratio at birth (SRB), namely the ratio of male to female live births, shows significant alteration when mothers experience acute stress conditions, as proposed by the Trivers-Willard Hypothesis. We aimed to synthetize the literature on the relationship between two exogenous and catastrophic stressful events (natural disasters and epidemics) and SRB. METHODS A systematic search was run in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, until March 9, 2023. The search produced 1336 articles and 25 articles met the inclusion criteria. We found seven case-control studies and 18 observational studies. Most of studies investigated the impact of earthquakes and other natural disasters. Only seven studies examined the effect of epidemics or pandemics. RESULTS The results of the studies seem inconsistent, as 16 studies found a decline in SRB, three found a rise, four did not record any change and two studies gave contradictory results. The period and population analyzed, the source of information, the method of variance analysis in the SRB, and the failure to assess confounding variables may have influenced the incongruence of the results. CONCLUSION Our findings contribute to improve the knowledge about the relationship between socio-ecological factors and SRB. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms by which this relationship impacts public health, in particular the health of pregnant women and their newborn, through an accurate and consistent methodology that also includes confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilybeth Fontanesi
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Verrocchio
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Melissa D'Ettorre
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Prete
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Ceravolo
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Daniela Marchetti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Zegarra-Valdivia JA, Chino Vilca BN, Ames Guerrero RJ, Paredes-Manrique C. Knowledge, Perception, and Attitudes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Peruvian Population. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:807. [PMID: 37887457 PMCID: PMC10604249 DOI: 10.3390/bs13100807] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latin American countries have been profoundly affected by COVID-19. Due to the alarming incidence of identified cases, we intended to explore which psychosocial elements may influence poor adherence to the mandatory control measures among the population. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess Peruvians' knowledge, attitudes, and vulnerability perception during the coronavirus outbreak. METHOD We collected data from 225 self-selected participants using a web-based cross-sectional survey. RESULTS The overall respondents were between 18 and 29 years old (56.8%), female (59.5%), belonged to educated groups, and graduated professionals (69.3%), most of them. Logistic regression showed that Knowledge is highly associated with education (p = 0.031), occupation (p = 0.002), and age (p = 0.016). Our study identified that, although people reported adequate Knowledge by identifying expected symptoms and virus transmission ways in COVID-19 disease. There is a significant perceived susceptibility to contracting the mentioned virus, displaying stigmatized behavior (59.1%) and fear of contracting the virus from others (70.2%). Additionally, it is reported to lack people's confidence in national health authorities regarding sanitary responses (62.7%), preparedness for the disease (76.9%), and the lack of adequate measures to deal with it (51.1%). CONCLUSION We found that age, education, and occupation modulate Knowledge. At the same time, only age affected Perception and Attitude. Public policies should consider specific guidelines on knowledge translation and risk communication strategies for both containing psychological responses promptly and ensuring compliance with general control measures by the population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brenda Nadia Chino Vilca
- Psychology School, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru; (B.N.C.V.); (C.P.-M.)
| | | | - Carmen Paredes-Manrique
- Psychology School, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru; (B.N.C.V.); (C.P.-M.)
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4
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Metelmann I, Nagel M, Schneider B, Krämer B, Kraemer S. Lasting Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Prehospital Emergency Medical Service Missions. Open Access Emerg Med 2023; 15:325-332. [PMID: 37745834 PMCID: PMC10516217 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s425272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic confronted prehospital emergency medical services (PHEMS) with immense challenges. This study aimed to investigate the development of PHEMS mission numbers and times in the COVID-affected region of Southwest Saxony (SWS). Patients and Methods This was a retrospective analysis of PHEMS in SWS during lockdown periods and equal time spans in the previous and following years. Differences were tested for statistical significance using the chi-squared test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results The total number of missions showed a substantial drop during the first (-16.6%) and the second (-4.5%) lockdown period compared with the previous year. Next-year periods showed a recovery that was nearly equivalent to the starting point. The first lockdown period was not associated with longer overall mission times. The minutes spent at the scene differed significantly between the first lockdown period (31.1 ± 3.52 min), previous year (28.4 ± 4.84 min), and follow-up period (31.8 ± 0.98 min). During the second lockdown, the overall mission times (71.6 ± 2.91 min), response times in minutes (8.9 ± 0.49 min), and minutes spent at the scene (31.4 ± 2.99 min) were significantly longer. The minutes spent at the scene (32.3 ± 18.68 min) and the overall mission time (69.6 ± 1.92 min) remained significantly longer during the control period. Conclusion Our data confirm the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on German PHEMS. It can be concluded that nationwide lockdown measures led to lasting effects regarding a reduction in the total mission number, transport-on-site released-ratio, and emergency time intervals in the following year, without lockdown restrictions. The lasting effects on the transport-on-site released-ratio and emergency time intervals call for a re-evaluation of the delivery of emergency services during pandemics. These findings can inform future policy decisions and resource allocations to ensure optimal emergency medical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Metelmann
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony, 04103, Germany
| | | | | | - Bernd Krämer
- Rettungszweckverband Südwestsachsen, Plauen, Saxony, 08529, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kraemer
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony, 04103, Germany
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5
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Wang C, Fang B, Regmi A, Yamaguchi Y, Yang L, Cai Y. Text mining online disinformation about antihypertensive agents ACEI/ARB and COVID-19 on Sina Weibo. J Glob Health 2023; 13:06028. [PMID: 37593954 PMCID: PMC10436343 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.06028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The global COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has caused a significant social and economic burden, with over 4.7 million confirmed cases and thousands of casualties. Moreover, pandemic-related misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms have led to intense psychosocial issues. We investigated online disinformation about angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drugs and their relationship to COVID-19 on Sina Weibo. Methods We searched for posts related to the pandemic from its beginning in December 2019 to 19 January 2021. We used text mining to identify content related to "antihypertensive agents ACEI/ARB can increase COVID-19". Results We found 82 posts spreading disinformation and 44 posts dispelling disinformation. The former had 535 clicks and concerns and 31 comments, and was forwarded 98 times. Of the 82 posts spreading disinformation, 15.9% (n = 13) contained pseudo-scientific information, 24.4% (n = 20) contained authoritative releases, and 75.6% (n = 62) contained normal personal releases. Most disinformation posts (n = 61 (74.3%)) were published from 16 February 2020 to 16 March 2020, and 12.2% (n = 10) were published from 1 February 2021 to 16 March 2021. Among the 44 dispelling disinformation posts, approximately 57.1% of the comments were in support, and 42.9% were opposed or invalid. Nearly half of the users were confused or superstitious about the disinformation. Conclusions The disinformation about ACEI/ARB increasing the opportunity for COVID-19 infection during the pandemic was based on clinical mechanisms and scientific evidence intended for hypertensive patients taking long-term medication. It was packaged in a pseudo-scientific shell, leading to confusion and panic among patients. This disinformation harmed COVID-19 prevention efforts, damaged mental health, and possibly led to harmful behaviours. In future crises, the spread of rumours should be stopped quickly and effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Fang
- Department of Information Management, School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aksara Regmi
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yoshifumi Yamaguchi
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyang Cai
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Zhao S, Ye B, Wang W, Zeng Y. The Intolerance of Uncertainty and "Untact" Buying Behavior: The Mediating Role of the Perceived Risk of COVID-19 Variants and Protection Motivation. Front Psychol 2022; 13:807331. [PMID: 35173661 PMCID: PMC8842793 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.807331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Draw on the protection motivation theory, this study investigated the impacts of intolerance of uncertainty on "untact" buying behavior, and examined the sequential mediating role of the perceived risk of COVID-19 variants and protection motivation. A total of 1,564 (M age = 20.75, SD = 1.92) young individuals participated in the survey. The serial mediation analysis results reveal that intolerance of uncertainty influences one's "untact" buying behavior through "perceived risk of COVID-19 variants - protection motivation." Both internal (intolerance of uncertainty, protection motivation) and external (risk of COVID-19) factors worked together to accelerate the transition of individuals' consumption behavior during COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, our findings generate important implications for public mental health and economic recovery in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunying Zhao
- School of Education Science, Jiaying University, Meizhou, China
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Baojuan Ye
- Center of Mental Health Education and Research, School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Weisha Wang
- Newcastle University Business School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Yadi Zeng
- Center of Preschool Education, Mental Health Education and Research, School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
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7
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Sultana MS, Khan AH, Islam MR, Hossain S, Tasdik Hasan M, Sikder MT. Gender differences in knowledge, attitudes and
preparedness to respond to COVID-19 among adults in
Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study. POPULATION MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.18332/popmed/145763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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8
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Fagbamigbe AF, Tolba MF, Amankwaa EF, Mante PK, Sylverken AA, Zahouli JZB, Goonoo N, Mosi L, Oyebola K, Matoke-Muhia D, de Souza DK, Badu K, Dukhi N. Implications of WHO COVID-19 interim guideline 2020.5 on the comprehensive care for infected persons in Africa Before, during and after clinical management of cases. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2021; 15:e01083. [PMID: 34957351 PMCID: PMC8683379 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e01083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the biggest public health crises globally. Although Africa did not display the worst-case scenario compared to other continents, fears were still at its peak since Africa was already suffering from a heavy load of other life-threatening infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. Other factors that were anticipated to complicate Africa's outcomes include the lack of resources for diagnosis and contact tracing along with the low capacity of specialized management facilities per capita. The current review aims at assessing and generating discussions on the realities, and pros and cons of the WHO COVID-19 interim guidance 2020.5 considering the known peculiarities of the African continent. A comprehensive evaluation was done for COVID-19-related data published across PubMed and Google Scholar (date of the last search: August 17, 2020) with emphasis on clinical management and psychosocial aspects. Predefined filters were then applied in data screening as detailed in the methods. Specifically, we interrogated the WHO 2020.5 guideline viz-a-viz health priority and health financing in Africa, COVID-19 case contact tracing and risk assessment, clinical management of COVID-19 cases as well as strategies for tackling stigmatization and psychosocial challenges encountered by COVID-19 survivors. The outcomes of this work provide links between these vital sub-themes which may impact the containment and management of COVID-19 cases in Africa in the long-term. The chief recommendation of the current study is the necessity of prudent filtration of the global findings along with regional modelling of the global care guidelines for acting properly in response to this health threat on the regional level without exposing our populations to further unnecessary adversities.
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Key Words
- AFCOR, Africa Task Force for Novel Coronavirus
- AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Africa
- C02, carbon dioxide
- COVID-19
- Clinical management
- Contact tracing
- ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
- GGE, general government expenditure
- GGHE, general government health expenditure
- H2O, Hydrogen
- HIV, Human immunodeficiency virus
- MERS, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
- NHS, national health services
- O2, Oxygen
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder
- RECOVERY, Randomized Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy
- SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome
- Stigmatization
- US-CDC, United States Centre for Disease Control
- WHO guidelines
- WHO, World Health Organization
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mai F Tolba
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and The Centre of Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.,School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Capital City, Egypt
| | - Ebenezer F Amankwaa
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Priscilla Kolibea Mante
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Pharmacology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ashanti, UPO/PMB, Kumasi, Ghana.,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Julien Z B Zahouli
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre d'Entomologie Médicale et Vétérinaire, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nowsheen Goonoo
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Biomaterials, Drug Delivery and Nanotechnology Unit, Centre for Biomedical Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius
| | - Lydia Mosi
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Ghana.,West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kolapo Oyebola
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Damaris Matoke-Muhia
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dziedzom K de Souza
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kingsley Badu
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ashanti, UPO/PMB, Kumasi, Ghana.,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Natisha Dukhi
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Human and Social Capabilities Division, Human Sciences Research Council, 116-118 Buitengracht Street, Merchant House, 3rd floor, Cape Town, Western Cape 8001, South Africa
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BJS commission on surgery and perioperative care post-COVID-19. Br J Surg 2021; 108:1162-1180. [PMID: 34624081 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the WHO on 11 March 2020 and global surgical practice was compromised. This Commission aimed to document and reflect on the changes seen in the surgical environment during the pandemic, by reviewing colleagues' experiences and published evidence. METHODS In late 2020, BJS contacted colleagues across the global surgical community and asked them to describe how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had affected their practice. In addition to this, the Commission undertook a literature review on the impact of COVID-19 on surgery and perioperative care. A thematic analysis was performed to identify the issues most frequently encountered by the correspondents, as well as the solutions and ideas suggested to address them. RESULTS BJS received communications for this Commission from leading clinicians and academics across a variety of surgical specialties in every inhabited continent. The responses from all over the world provided insights into multiple facets of surgical practice from a governmental level to individual clinical practice and training. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has uncovered a variety of problems in healthcare systems, including negative impacts on surgical practice. Global surgical multidisciplinary teams are working collaboratively to address research questions about the future of surgery in the post-COVID-19 era. The COVID-19 pandemic is severely damaging surgical training. The establishment of a multidisciplinary ethics committee should be encouraged at all surgical oncology centres. Innovative leadership and collaboration is vital in the post-COVID-19 era.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Biomedical Research/organization & administration
- COVID-19/diagnosis
- COVID-19/economics
- COVID-19/epidemiology
- COVID-19/prevention & control
- Education, Medical, Graduate/methods
- Education, Medical, Graduate/trends
- Female
- Global Health
- Health Resources/supply & distribution
- Health Services Accessibility/trends
- Humans
- Infection Control/economics
- Infection Control/methods
- Infection Control/standards
- International Cooperation
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pandemics
- Perioperative Care/education
- Perioperative Care/methods
- Perioperative Care/standards
- Perioperative Care/trends
- Practice Patterns, Physicians'/standards
- Practice Patterns, Physicians'/trends
- Surgeons/education
- Surgeons/psychology
- Surgeons/trends
- Surgical Procedures, Operative/education
- Surgical Procedures, Operative/methods
- Surgical Procedures, Operative/standards
- Surgical Procedures, Operative/trends
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10
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Garfield S, Wheeler C, Boucher C, Etkind M, Lloyd J, Norton J, Ogunleye D, Taylor A, Williams M, Grimes T, Kelly D, Franklin BD. Medicines management at home during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study exploring the UK patient/carer perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2021; 29:458-464. [PMID: 34343311 PMCID: PMC8436399 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore home medicine practices and safety for people shielding and/or over the age of 70 during the COVID-19 pandemic and to create guidance, from the patient/carer perspective, for enabling safe medicine practices for this population. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 50 UK participants who were shielding and/or over the age of 70 and who used medicines for a long-term condition, using telephone or video conferencing. Participants were recruited through personal/professional networks and through patient/carer organisations. Participants were asked about their experiences of managing medicines during the pandemic and how this differed from previous practices. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. KEY FINDINGS Patients' and their families' experiences of managing medicines safely during the pandemic varied greatly. Analysis suggests that this was based on the patient's own agency, the functioning of their medicines system pre-pandemic and their relationships with family, friends, community networks and pharmacy staff. Medicine safety issues reported included omitted doses and less-effective formulations being used. Participants also described experiencing high levels of anxiety related to obtaining medicines, monitoring medicines and feeling at risk of contracting COVID-19 while accessing healthcare services for medicine-related issues. Effects of the pandemic on medicines adherence were reported to be positive by some and negative by others. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacy staff have a key role to play by establishing good relationships with patients and their families, working with prescribers to ensure medicines systems are as joined up as possible, and signposting to community networks that can help with medicines collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Garfield
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
| | - Carly Wheeler
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Charles Boucher
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Mike Etkind
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jill Lloyd
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, UK
| | - John Norton
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | - Alex Taylor
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | - Tamasine Grimes
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dervla Kelly
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,ULCaN, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Bryony Dean Franklin
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
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11
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Ames-Guerrero RJ, Barreda-Parra VA, Huamani-Cahua JC, Banaszak-Holl J. Self-reported psychological problems and coping strategies: a web-based study in Peruvian population during COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:351. [PMID: 34256718 PMCID: PMC8276225 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03326-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted health systems across the world and led to major shifts in individual behavior by forcing people into isolation in home settings. Its rapid spread has overwhelmed populations in all corners of Latin-American countries resulting in individual psychological reactions that may aggravate the health crisis. This study reports on demographics, self-reported psychological disturbances and associated coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Peruvian population. METHODS This cross-sectional study uses an online survey with snowball sampling that was conducted after the state of emergency was declared in Perú (on April 2nd). The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used to identify somatic symptoms, incidence of anxiety/ insomnia, social dysfunction and depression and the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (COPE-28) mapped personal strategies to address recent stress. RESULTS 434 self-selected participants ranging in age from 18 to 68 years old (Mean age = 33.87) completed the survey. The majority of participants were women (61.30%), aged between 18 and 28 (41.70%), well-educated (> = 85.00%), Peruvian (94.20%), employed (57.40%) and single (71.20%). 40.8% reported psychological distress, expressing fear of coronavirus infection (71.43%). Regression analysis shows that men had lower somatic-related symptom (β = - 1.87, 95%, CI: - 2.75 to -.99) and anxiety/insomnia symptom (β = - 1.91, 95% CI: - 2.98 to 0.84) compared to women. The risk for depression and social dysfunction are less likely with increasing age. Educational status was protective against developing psychological conditions (p < 0.05). While active responses (acceptance and social support) are scarcely used by individuals with psychological distress; passive strategies (such as denial, self-distraction, self-blame, disconnection, and venting) are more commonly reported. CONCLUSION This study provides a better understanding of the psychological health impact occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Peruvian population. About half of the respondents reported psychological distress and poor coping responses. This evidence informs the need for broader promotional health policies focused on strengthening individual's active strategies aiming at improving emotional health and preventing psychiatric conditions, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jane Banaszak-Holl
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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12
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Siramaneerat I. Perceptions, knowledge and self-defense behaviors regarding COVID-19 among employees at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Thailand. JOURNAL OF HEALTH RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jhr-09-2020-0426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to study self-defense behaviors from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to investigate factors affecting the prevention and control behavior of COVID-19 among personnel at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample was 405 personnel of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi. The sample was calculated by using the Yamane formula at a confidence level of 95. The researcher collected the data between July 1 and 15, 2020. Questionnaire items were developed following the health belief model (HBM). The questionnaire contains basic information, knowledge of COVID-19, perception of COVID-19 and COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis at the statistical significance level of 0.05.
Findings
The results showed that the sample had an average knowledge about COVID-19 of 8.93, the perceived of risk and severity of COVID-19 was presented average of 4.22 and 3.48. The perceived of benefits and barriers of COVID-19 showed average of 4.31 and 2.72 and mean of COVID-19 prevention and control behaviors was 2.41. The multiple regression analysis showed that the model can explain the various self-defense behaviors from COVID-19 of 11.30%. Perception of the benefits of COVID-19 had a statistically significant effect on self-defense behaviors from COVID-19 at the level 0.05 (Beta = 0.232, 95% CI: 1.233–3.395, p < 0.001).
Originality/value
Based on the results, the relationship between HBM and COVID-19 prevention behavior can be clearly seen. This study found the perception of benefit toward COVID-19 affected prevention practice. Thus, using HBM could be useful in improving preventive behaviors of COVID-19.
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Chowdhury N, Khalid A, Turin TC. Understanding misinformation infodemic during public health emergencies due to large-scale disease outbreaks: a rapid review. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 31:553-573. [PMID: 33968601 PMCID: PMC8088318 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01565-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, impacted the flow of life and resulted in an immeasurable amount of socio-economic damage. However, not all of this damage is attributable to the disease itself; much of it has occurred due to the prevailing misinformation around COVID-19. This rapid integrative review will draw on knowledge from the literature about misinformation during previous abrupt large-scale infectious disease outbreaks to enable policymakers, governments and health institutions to proactively mitigate the spread and effect of misinformation. SUBJECT AND METHODS For this rapid integrative review, we systematically searched MEDLINE and Google Scholar and extracted the literature on misinformation during abrupt large-scale infectious disease outbreaks since 2000. We screened articles using predetermined inclusion criteria. We followed an updated methodology for integrated reviews and adjusted it for our rapid review approach. RESULTS We found widespread misinformation in all aspects of large-scale infectious disease outbreaks since 2000, including prevention, treatment, risk factor, transmission mode, complications and vaccines. Conspiracy theories also prevailed, particularly involving vaccines. Misinformation most frequently has been reported regarding Ebola, and women and youth are particularly vulnerable to misinformation. A lack of scientific knowledge by individuals and a lack of trust in the government increased the consumption of misinformation, which is disseminated quickly by the unregulated media, particularly social media. CONCLUSION This review identified the nature and pattern of misinformation during large-scale infectious disease outbreaks, which could potentially be used to address misinformation during the ongoing COVID-19 or any future pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashit Chowdhury
- Department of Family Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, G012F, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - Ayisha Khalid
- Department of Family Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, G012F, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - Tanvir C. Turin
- Department of Family Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, G012F, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
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14
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Schoch-Spana M. An Epidemic Recovery Framework to Jump-start Analysis, Planning, and Action on a Neglected Aspect of Global Health Security. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:2516-2520. [PMID: 32348449 PMCID: PMC7713692 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa486] [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: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemic readiness and response command the disproportionate attention of health security decision makers, planners, and practitioners, overshadowing recovery. How patients and their families, health organizations, community sectors, and entire societies recuperate from major outbreaks requires more systematic study and better translation into policy and guidance. To help remedy this neglected aspect of health emergency management, we offer a working definition for epidemic recovery and a preliminary model of postepidemic recovery. Guiding this framework’s development are insights gleaned from the more mature study of postdisaster reconstruction and rehabilitation as well as recognition that postoutbreak recovery—which involves infectious disease, a biological hazard—presents challenges and opportunities distinct from events involving geological or meteorological hazards. Future work includes developing a consensus around characteristics of successful epidemic recovery, applying these metrics to support preincident planning for postepidemic recovery, and using such a scheme to track and inform actual recovery from an epidemic.
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15
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Muller AE, Himmels JPW, Van de Velde S. Instruments to measure fear of COVID-19: a diagnostic systematic review. BMC Med Res Methodol 2021; 21:82. [PMID: 33892631 PMCID: PMC8064424 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-021-01262-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has become a source of fear across the world. Measuring the level or significance of fear in different populations may help identify populations and areas in need of public health and education campaigns. We were interested in diagnostic tests developed to assess or diagnose COVID-19-related fear or phobia. METHODS We performed a systematic review of studies that examined instruments diagnosing or assessing fear or phobia of COVID-19 (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020197100). We utilized the Norwegian Institute of Public Health's Live map of covid-19 evidence, a database of pre-screened and pre-categorized studies. The Live map of covid-19 evidence identified references published since 1 December 2019 in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Following biweekly searches, two researchers independently categorized all studies according to topic (seven main topics, 52 subordinate topics), population (41 available groups), study design, and publication type. For this review, we assessed for eligibility all studies that had been categorized to the topic "Experiences and perceptions, consequences; social, political, economic aspects" as of 25 September 2020, in addition to hand-searching included studies' reference lists. We meta-analyzed correlation coefficients of fear scores to the most common reference tests (self-reports of anxiety, depression, and stress), and reported additional concurrent validity to other reference tests such as specific phobias. We assessed study quality using the QUADAS-2 for the minority of studies that presented diagnostic accuracy statistics. RESULTS We found 18 studies that validated fear instruments. Fifteen validated the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). We found no studies that proposed a diagnosis of fear of COVID-19 or a threshold of significant/clinical versus non-significant/subclinical fear. Study quality was low, with the most common potential biases related to sampling strategy and un-blinded data analysis. The FSV-19S total score correlated strongly with severe phobia (r = 0.703, 95%CI 0.634-0.761) in one study, and moderately with anxiety in a meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS The accuracy of the FSV-19S needs to be measured further using fear-related reference instruments, and future studies need to provide cut-off scores and normative values. Further evaluation of the remaining three instruments is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stijn Van de Velde
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
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16
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Shapoval V, Hägglund P, Pizam A, Abraham V, Carlbäck M, Nygren T, Smith RM. The COVID-19 pandemic effects on the hospitality industry using social systems theory: A multi-country comparison. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT 2021; 94:102813. [PMID: 34866741 PMCID: PMC8631802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In the last few decades, there have been numerous crises and disasters that negatively affected the hospitality industry. Different countries around the world experienced natural disasters, financial crises, violent attacks, and public health crises, all of which were studied in detail, except for public health crises. Thus, this study focuses on the effects of the Covid-19 public health crisis on the hospitality industry from the viewpoint of a select group of hospitality leaders in the USA, Israel, and Sweden. The opinions and viewpoints of these leaders focused on the handling of the Covid-19 crisis through the lens of the social systems theory and Hofstede's (1980) cultural dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Shapoval
- Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Peder Hägglund
- Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Abraham Pizam
- Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Villy Abraham
- Technology Marketing Department, Sapir College, Israel
| | - Mats Carlbäck
- School of Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Tobias Nygren
- School of Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Riana Madison Smith
- Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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17
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Saw YE, Tan EYQ, Liu JS, Liu JC. Predicting Public Uptake of Digital Contact Tracing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From a Nationwide Survey in Singapore. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e24730. [PMID: 33465034 PMCID: PMC7861036 DOI: 10.2196/24730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, new digital solutions have been developed for infection control. In particular, contact tracing mobile apps provide a means for governments to manage both health and economic concerns. However, public reception of these apps is paramount to their success, and global uptake rates have been low. Objective In this study, we sought to identify the characteristics of individuals or factors potentially associated with voluntary downloads of a contact tracing mobile app in Singapore. Methods A cohort of 505 adults from the general community completed an online survey. As the primary outcome measure, participants were asked to indicate whether they had downloaded the contact tracing app TraceTogether introduced at the national level. The following were assessed as predictor variables: (1) participant demographics, (2) behavioral modifications on account of the pandemic, and (3) pandemic severity (the number of cases and lockdown status). Results Within our data set, the strongest predictor of the uptake of TraceTogether was the extent to which individuals had already adjusted their lifestyles because of the pandemic (z=13.56; P<.001). Network analyses revealed that uptake was most related to the following: using hand sanitizers, avoiding public transport, and preferring outdoor over indoor venues during the pandemic. However, demographic and situational characteristics were not significantly associated with app downloads. Conclusions Efforts to introduce contact tracing apps could capitalize on pandemic-related behavioral adjustments among individuals. Given that a large number of individuals is required to download contact tracing apps for contact tracing to be effective, further studies are required to understand how citizens respond to contact tracing apps. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04468581, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04468581
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ern Saw
- Division of Social Sciences, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edina Yi-Qin Tan
- Division of Social Sciences, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jean Cj Liu
- Division of Social Sciences, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore.,Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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18
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Fallani G, Lombardi R, Masetti M, Chisari M, Zanini N, Cattaneo GM, Filosa M, Zanzi F, Guerra E, Bonilauri S, Di Donato L, Garulli G, Lucchi A, Grassia M, Ugolini G, Pasini F, Vetrone G, Benini C, Nicosia S, Jovine E. Urgent and emergency surgery for secondary peritonitis during the COVID-19 outbreak: an unseen burden of a healthcare crisis. Updates Surg 2021; 73:753-762. [PMID: 33394354 PMCID: PMC7780913 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-020-00943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the negative impact of the fear of contagion on people’s willingness to seek medical care and the subsequent effects on patients’ prognosis. To date, not much is known about the outcomes of acute surgical diseases in this scenario. The aim of this multicenter observational study is to explore the effects of COVID-19 outbreak on the outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for peritonitis. Patients undergoing surgery for secondary peritonitis during the first COVID-19 surge in Italy (March 23–May 4, 2020—COVID period group) were compared with patients who underwent surgery during the same time interval of year 2019 (no-COVID period group). The primary endpoint was the development of postoperative complications. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of complications. Of the 332 patients studied, 149 were in the COVID period group and 183 were in the no-COVID period group. Patients in the COVID period group had an increased frequency of late presentations to the emergency departments (43% vs. 31.1%; P = 0.026) and a higher rate of postoperative complications (35.6% vs. 18%; P < 0.001). The same results were found in the subset analysis of patients with severe peritonitis at surgical exploration. The ASA score, severity of peritonitis, qSOFA score, diagnosis other than appendicitis, and COVID period resulted independent predictors of complications. During the COVID-19 pandemic patients with peritonitis had a higher rate of complicated postoperative courses, weighing on hospital costs and assistance efforts already pressured by the ongoing sanitary crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Fallani
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Specialistic Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Largo Bartolo Nigrisoli, 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaele Lombardi
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Specialistic Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Largo Bartolo Nigrisoli, 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Michele Masetti
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Specialistic Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Largo Bartolo Nigrisoli, 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Chisari
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Specialistic Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Largo Bartolo Nigrisoli, 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Zanini
- Division of Surgery, Ospedale "Infermi", AUSL Romagna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Gaetano M Cattaneo
- Division of General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ospedale "Guglielmo da Saliceto", AUSL Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Mauro Filosa
- Division of General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ospedale "Guglielmo da Saliceto", AUSL Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Federico Zanzi
- Division of Surgery, Ospedale "Santa Maria Delle Croci", AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Enrico Guerra
- Division of Surgery, Ospedale "Santa Maria Delle Croci", AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Stefano Bonilauri
- Division of Surgery, Arcispedale "Santa Maria Nuova", AUSL Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Di Donato
- Division of Surgery, Arcispedale "Santa Maria Nuova", AUSL Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Garulli
- Division of Surgery, Ospedale "Infermi", AUSL Romagna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Andrea Lucchi
- Division of Surgery, Ospedale "Ceccarini", AUSL Romagna, Riccione, Italy
| | - Michele Grassia
- Division of Surgery, Ospedale "Ceccarini", AUSL Romagna, Riccione, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Ugolini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Division of Surgery, Ospedale degli Infermi, AUSL Romagna,, Faenza, Italy
| | - Francesco Pasini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Division of Surgery, Ospedale degli Infermi, AUSL Romagna,, Faenza, Italy
| | - Gaetano Vetrone
- Division of Surgery, Ospedale "Santa Maria Della Scaletta", AUSL Imola, Imola, Italy
| | - Claudia Benini
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Specialistic Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Largo Bartolo Nigrisoli, 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Nicosia
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Specialistic Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Largo Bartolo Nigrisoli, 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elio Jovine
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Specialistic Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Largo Bartolo Nigrisoli, 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy
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Grimes TC, Garfield S, Kelly D, Cahill J, Cromie S, Wheeler C, Franklin BD. Household medication safety practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive qualitative study protocol. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e044441. [PMID: 33234663 PMCID: PMC7688439 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Those who are staying at home and reducing contact with other people during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to be at greater risk of medication-related problems than the general population. This study aims to explore household medication practices by and for this population, identify practices that benefit or jeopardise medication safety and develop best practice guidance about household medication safety practices during a pandemic, grounded in individual experiences. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a descriptive qualitative study using semistructured interviews, by telephone or video call. People who have been advised to 'cocoon'/'shield' and/or are aged 70 years or over and using at least one long-term medication, or their caregivers, will be eligible for inclusion. We will recruit 100 patient/carer participants: 50 from the UK and 50 from Ireland. Recruitment will be supported by our patient and public involvement (PPI) partners, personal networks and social media. Individual participant consent will be sought, and interviews audio/video recorded and/or detailed notes made. A constructivist interpretivist approach to data analysis will involve use of the constant comparative method to organise the data, along with inductive analysis. From this, we will iteratively develop best practice guidance about household medication safety practices during a pandemic from the patient's/carer's perspective. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and University College London ethics approvals. We plan to disseminate our findings via presentations at relevant patient/public, professional, academic and scientific meetings, and for publication in peer-reviewed journals. We will create a list of helpful strategies that participants have reported and share this with participants, PPI partners and on social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamasine C Grimes
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sara Garfield
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Dervla Kelly
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Joan Cahill
- Centre for Innovative Human Systems (CIHS), School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sam Cromie
- Centre for Innovative Human Systems (CIHS), School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Carly Wheeler
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Bryony Dean Franklin
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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20
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Kwan WM, Mok CK, Kwok YT, Lam HW, Chan KH, Law THS, Leung PM, Mak MY, Que TL, Tang YH. Bundled interventions for consumption management and monitoring of personal protective equipment in COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong local hospitals. BMJ Open Qual 2020; 9:bmjoq-2020-000990. [PMID: 33154097 PMCID: PMC7646320 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2020-000990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, there had been global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) supply due to the breakage of supply chain and also the forbidding of PPE exported by various countries. This situation had greatly affected the healthcare services in local hospitals of Hong Kong. To maintain the availability of PPE for healthcare workers in high-risk clinical settings, the cluster management of New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, had implemented a bundle of interventions in controlling and managing the PPE consumption and ensuring its proper use. A Taskforce on Management of PPE was set up in February 2020 with the aim to monitor and manage the use of PPE in five local hospitals and eight general outpatient clinics of New Territories West Cluster, which were governed in a cluster basis, under the COVID-19 epidemic. Interventions including cutting down non-essential services, implementing telecare, monitoring PPE consumption at unit level and PPE stock at the Cluster Central Distribution Centre and forming mobile infection teams were implemented. The updated PPE standards and usage guidelines to clinical staff were promulgated through forums, newsletters and unit visits. The PPE consumption rates of individual unit were reviewed. Significant decrease in PPE consumption rates was noted when comparing with the baseline data. Comparing the data between 20 February and 1 June 2020, the overall PPE consumption rates were reduced by 64% (r=−0.841; p<0.001) while the PPE consumption rates in anaesthesia and operating theatres, and isolation and surveillance wards were reduced by 47% (r=−0.506; p=0.023) and 49% (r=−0.810; p<0.001), respectively. A bundled approach, including both administrative measures and staff education, is effective in managing PPE consumption during major infection outbreaks especially when PPE supply is at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Man Kwan
- Quality and Safety Division, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Keung Mok
- Medicine and Geriatrics Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yick-Ting Kwok
- Quality and Safety Division, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hon-Wai Lam
- Administrative Services Division, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kwan-Ho Chan
- Administrative Services Division, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tat-Hong Samuel Law
- Administrative Services Division, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pik-Man Leung
- Nursing Services Division, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Yu Mak
- Allied Health Departments, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tak-Lun Que
- Clinical Pathology Department, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yiu-Hang Tang
- Cluster Chief Executive Office, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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21
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Ma S, Kim DD, Cohen JT, Neumann PJ. Measuring "Fearonomic Effects" in Valuing Therapies: An Application to COVID-19 in China. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 23:1405-1408. [PMID: 33127009 PMCID: PMC7384788 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop a checklist that helps quantify the economic impact associated with fear of contagion and to illustrate how one might use the checklist by presenting a case study featuring China during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. METHODS Based on "fearonomic effects," a qualitative framework that conceptualizes the direct and indirect economic effects caused by the fear of contagion, we created a checklist to facilitate empirical estimation. As a case study, we first identified relevant sectors affected by China's lockdown policies implemented just before the Lunar New Year (LNY) week. To quantify the immediate impact, we then estimated the projected spending levels in 2020 in the absence of COVID-19 and compared these projections with actual spending during the LNY week. Data sources used include Chinese and global websites. To characterize uncertainty, we reported upper and lower bound estimates and calculated midpoints for each range. RESULTS The COVID-19 epidemic is estimated to cost China's economy $283 billion ($196-369 billion), that is, ¥2.0 trillion renminbi (¥1.4-¥2.6 trillion), during the LNY week. Reduced restaurant and movie theater business ($106 [$103-$109] billion, 37.5% [36.4%-38.5%]) and reduced public transportation utilization ($96 [$13-$179] billion dollars, 33.9% [4.6%-63.3%]) explain most of this loss, followed by travel restrictions and the resulting loss of hotel business and tourism ($80.36 billion, 28.4%). CONCLUSION Our checklist can help quantify the immediate and near-term impact of COVID-19 on a country's economy. It can also help researchers and policy makers consider the broader economic and social consequences when valuing future vaccines and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Ma
- The Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute of Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David D Kim
- The Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute of Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua T Cohen
- The Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute of Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter J Neumann
- The Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute of Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Liu JCJ, Tong EMW. The Relation Between Official WhatsApp-Distributed COVID-19 News Exposure and Psychological Symptoms: Cross-Sectional Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e22142. [PMID: 32877349 PMCID: PMC7527032 DOI: 10.2196/22142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a global pandemic, digital technology offers innovative methods to disseminate public health messages. As an example, the messenger app WhatsApp was adopted by both the World Health Organization and government agencies to provide updates on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). During a time when rumors and excessive news threaten psychological well-being, these services allow for rapid transmission of information and may boost resilience. Objective In this study, we sought to accomplish the following: (1) assess well-being during the pandemic; (2) replicate prior findings linking exposure to COVID-19 news with psychological distress; and (3) examine whether subscription to an official WhatsApp channel can mitigate this risk. Methods Across 8 weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak (March 7 to April 21, 2020), we conducted a survey of 1145 adults in Singapore. As the primary outcome measure, participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). As predictor variables, participants also answered questions pertaining to the following: (1) their exposure to COVID-19 news; (2) their use of the Singapore government’s WhatsApp channel; and (3) their demographics. Results Within the sample, 7.9% of participants had severe or extremely severe symptoms on at least one DASS-21 subscale. Depression scores were associated with increased time spent receiving COVID-19 updates, whereas use of the official WhatsApp channel emerged as a protective factor (b=–0.07, t[863]=–2.04, P=.04). Similarly, increased anxiety scores were associated with increased exposure to both updates and rumors, but this risk was mitigated by trust in the government’s WhatsApp messages (b=–0.05, t[863]=–2.13, P=.03). Finally, although stress symptoms increased with the amount of time spent receiving updates, these symptoms were not significantly related to WhatsApp use. Conclusions Our findings suggest that messenger apps may be an effective medium for disseminating pandemic-related information, allowing official agencies to reach a broad sector of the population rapidly. In turn, this use may promote public well-being amid an “infodemic.” Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04305574; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04305574
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eddie M W Tong
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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23
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Joseph SJ, Gunaseelan P, Bhandari SS, Dutta S. How the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) could have a quivering impact on mental health? OPEN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY & ALLIED SCIENCES 2020; 11:135-136. [PMID: 32671226 DOI: 10.5958/2394-2061.2020.00016.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shijo John Joseph
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - P Gunaseelan
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Samrat Singh Bhandari
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Sanjiba Dutta
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
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24
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Joseph SJ, Gunaseelan P, Bhandari SS, Dutta S. How the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) could have a quivering impact on mental health? OPEN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY & ALLIED SCIENCES 2020; 11:135-136. [PMID: 32671226 PMCID: PMC7363024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Shijo John Joseph
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - P Gunaseelan
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Samrat Singh Bhandari
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Sanjiba Dutta
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
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25
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Yadav AK, Yadav G, Ravi D, Sagar R, Srivastava K, Yadav J, Mukherjee R. Anxiety level among government employees admitted to dedicated COVID-19 hospital. Ind Psychiatry J 2020; 29:298-301. [PMID: 34158716 PMCID: PMC8188918 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_231_20] [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: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients of COVID-19 patients while in a hospital may have stigma, fear, and guilt among them. However, the data on anxiety among the admitted COVID-19 patients are lacking in India and elsewhere. Hence, the study was conducted among the admitted patient of COVID-19 to describe their anxiety status. METHODS The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study in a designated COVID-19 hospital in Delhi. The data were collected from October 22, 2020, to November 21, 2020. All patients who were admitted to the hospital for more than 72 h were eligible for participation. The data collection was done using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of two parts. One part was sociodemographic variables, and the other part was the Anxiety Scale. The anxiety score was collected on the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. RESULTS A total of 132 eligible patients were admitted during the period. The questionnaire was answered by 122 (92.4%) patients. All patients were male. The patients' mean age was 33.5 years (standard deviation = 8.9 years), with a range of 21 years-65 years. The mean score of the Zung Self-Rating Scale was 29.5 (7.2), with an interquartile range of 24-33. There were only five patients (4.4%; 95% confidence interval: 1.3%-9.3%) whose scores were 45 or more, indicating mild-to-moderate anxiety. There was no statistically significant association between any sociodemographic variable and Anxiety Rating Scale. CONCLUSION The anxiety level in the specialized population was low due to social security. The level of anxiety among health-care workers may be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar Yadav
- Department of Community Medicine, AFMC, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - D Ravi
- Department of Community Medicine, AFMC, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ram Sagar
- Post Doc Fellow, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Jyoti Yadav
- Independent Researcher, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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26
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Bali S, Dhatt R, Lal A, Jama A, Van Daalen K, Sridhar D. Off the back burner: diverse and gender-inclusive decision-making for COVID-19 response and recovery. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e002595. [PMID: 32385047 PMCID: PMC7228484 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arush Lal
- Women in Global Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amina Jama
- Somali Institute for Development Research and Analysis (SIDRA), Nairobi, Kenya
- Women in Global Health, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Kim Van Daalen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Devi Sridhar
- Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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27
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Kirigia JM, Muthuri RNDK, Muthuri NG. The monetary value of human lives lost through Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2019. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1218. [PMID: 31481050 PMCID: PMC6724278 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7542-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 8 May 2018 and 27 May 2019, cumulatively there were 1286 deaths from Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The objective of this study was to estimate the monetary value of human lives lost through EVD in DRC. METHODS Human capital approach was applied to monetarily value years of life lost due to premature deaths from EVD. The future losses were discounted to their present values at 3% discount rate. The model was reanalysed using 5 and 10% discount rates. The analysis was done alternately using the average life expectancies for DRC, the world, and the Japanese females to assess the effect on the monetary value of years of life lost (MVYLL). RESULTS The 1286 deaths resulted in a total MVYLL of Int$17,761,539 assuming 3% discount rate and DRC life expectancy of 60.5 years. The average monetary value per EVD death was of Int$13,801. About 44.7 and 48.6% of the total MVYLL was borne by children aged below 9 years and adults aged between 15 years and 59 years, respectively. Re-estimation of the algorithm with average life expectancies of the world (both sexes) and Japanese females, holding discount rate constant at 3%, increased the MVYLL by Int$ 3,667,085 (20.6%) and Int$ 7,508,498 (42.3%), respectively. The application of discount rates of 5 and 10%, holding life expectancy constant at 60.5 years, reduced the MVYLL by Int$ 4,252,785 (- 23.9%) and Int$ 9,658,195 (- 54.4%) respectively. CONCLUSION The EVD outbreak in DRC led to a considerable MVYLL. There is an urgent need for DRC government and development partners to disburse adequate resources to strengthen the national health system and other systems that address social determinants of health to end recurrence of EVD outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joses M. Kirigia
- African Sustainable Development Research Consortium (ASDRC), P.O. Box 6994 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
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28
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O’Leary A, Jalloh MF, Neria Y. Fear and culture: contextualising mental health impact of the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2018; 3:e000924. [PMID: 29989048 PMCID: PMC6035506 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-000924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ann O’Leary
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohamed F Jalloh
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Public Health Science, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuval Neria
- Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City, New York, USA
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29
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Nuriddin A, Jalloh MF, Meyer E, Bunnell R, Bio FA, Jalloh MB, Sengeh P, Hageman KM, Carroll DD, Conteh L, Morgan O. Trust, fear, stigma and disruptions: community perceptions and experiences during periods of low but ongoing transmission of Ebola virus disease in Sierra Leone, 2015. BMJ Glob Health 2018; 3:e000410. [PMID: 29629189 PMCID: PMC5884263 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2017-000410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Social mobilisation and risk communication were essential to the 2014–2015 West African Ebola response. By March 2015, >8500 Ebola cases and 3370 Ebola deaths were confirmed in Sierra Leone. Response efforts were focused on ‘getting to zero and staying at zero’. A critical component of this plan was to deepen and sustain community engagement. Several national quantitative studies conducted during this time revealed Ebola knowledge, personal prevention practices and traditional burial procedures improved as the outbreak waned, but healthcare system challenges were also noted. Few qualitative studies have examined these combined factors, along with survivor stigma during periods of ongoing transmission. To obtain an in-depth understanding of people’s perceptions, attitudes and behaviours associated with Ebola transmission risks, 27 focus groups were conducted between April and May 2015 with adult Sierra Leonean community members on: trust in the healthcare system, interactions with Ebola survivors, impact of Ebola on lives and livelihood, and barriers and facilitators to ending the outbreak. Participants perceived that as healthcare practices and facilities improved, so did community trust. Resource management remained a noted concern. Perceptions of survivors ranged from sympathy and empathy to fear and stigmatisation. Barriers included persistent denial of ongoing Ebola transmission, secret burials and movement across porous borders. Facilitators included personal protective actions, consistent messaging and the inclusion of women and survivors in the response. Understanding community experiences during the devastating Ebola epidemic provides practical lessons for engaging similar communities in risk communication and social mobilisation during future outbreaks and public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azizeh Nuriddin
- Program Performance and Evaluation Office, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohamed F Jalloh
- Division of Global Health Protection, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Erika Meyer
- Division of Global Health Protection, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca Bunnell
- Division of Global Health Protection, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Franklin A Bio
- Research and Evaluation, FOCUS 1000, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Paul Sengeh
- Research and Evaluation, FOCUS 1000, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Kathy M Hageman
- Epidemiology and Strategic Information Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dianna D Carroll
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lansana Conteh
- Health Education Division, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Oliver Morgan
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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30
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Omoleke SA, Ajibola O, Ajiboye JO, Raji RO. Quagmire of epidemic disease outbreaks reporting in Nigeria. BMJ Glob Health 2018; 3:e000659. [PMID: 29527352 PMCID: PMC5841526 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2017-000659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Semeeh Akinwale Omoleke
- Immunisation, Vaccines and Emergencies Unit, World Health Organisation, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State Field Office, Nigeria
| | - Olumide Ajibola
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | | | - Rilwan Olaolu Raji
- Immunisation, Vaccines and Emergencies Unit, World Health Organisation, Lafia, Nasarawa State Field Office, Nigeria
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31
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Knowledge and attitude towards Ebola and Marburg virus diseases in Uganda using quantitative and participatory epidemiology techniques. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005907. [PMID: 28892520 PMCID: PMC5608436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uganda has reported five (5) Ebola virus disease outbreaks and three (3) Marburg virus disease outbreaks from 2000 to 2016. Peoples' knowledge and attitude towards Ebola and Marburg virus disease impact on control and prevention measures especially during outbreaks. We describe knowledge and attitude towards Ebola and Marburg virus outbreaks in two affected communities in Uganda to inform future outbreak responses and help in the design of health education and communication messages. METHODS The study was a community survey done in Luweero, Ibanda and Kamwenge districts that have experienced outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg virus diseases. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire and triangulated with qualitative participatory epidemiology techniques to gain a communities' knowledge and attitude towards Ebola and Marburg virus disease. RESULTS Out of 740 respondents, 48.5% (359/740) were categorized as being knowledgeable about Ebola and Marburg virus diseases, whereas 60.5% (448/740) were having a positive attitude towards control and prevention of Ebola and Marburg virus diseases. The mean knowledge and attitude percentage scores were 54.3 (SD = 23.5, 95%CI = 52.6-56.0) and 69.9 (SD = 16.9, 95%CI = 68.9-71.1) respectively. People educated beyond primary school were more likely to be knowledgeable about Ebola and Marburg virus disease than those who did not attain any formal education (OR = 3.6, 95%CI = 2.1-6.1). Qualitative data revealed that communities describe Ebola and Marburg virus diseases as very severe diseases with no cure and they believe the diseases spread so fast. Respondents reported fear and stigma suffered by survivors, their families and the broader community due to these diseases. CONCLUSION Communities in Uganda affected by filovirus outbreaks have moderate knowledge about these diseases and have a positive attitude towards practices to prevent and control Ebola and Marburg viral diseases. The public health sector should enhance this community knowledge gap to empower them more by supplying educational materials for epidemic preparedness in future using appropriate communication channels as proposed by the communities.
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