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Altare C, Kostandova N, Basadia LM, Petry M, Gankpe GF, Crockett H, Morfin NH, Bruneau S, Antoine C, Spiegel PB. COVID-19 epidemiology, health services utilisation and health care seeking behaviour during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mweso health zone, Democratic Republic of Congo. J Glob Health 2024; 14:05016. [PMID: 38665056 PMCID: PMC11047223 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.05016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although the evidence about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased exponentially since the beginning of the pandemic, less is known about the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in humanitarian settings. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), most studies occurred in Kinshasa and other cities. Limited research was conducted in remote conflict-affected settings. We investigated the COVID-19 epidemiology, health service utilisation, and health care-seeking behaviour during the first year of the pandemic (March 2020-March 2021) in the Mweso health zone, North Kivu, DRC. Methods This mixed-methods study includes a descriptive epidemiological analysis of reported COVID-19 cases data extracted from the provincial line list, interrupted time series analysis of health service utilisation using routine health service data, qualitative perceptions of health care workers about how health services were affected, and community members' health care seeking behaviour from a representative household survey and focus group discussions. Results The COVID-19 epidemiology in North Kivu aligns with evidence reported globally, yet case fatality rates were high due to underreporting. Testing capacity was limited and initially mainly available in the province's capital. Health service utilisation showed different patterns - child measles vaccinations experienced a decrease at the beginning of the pandemic, while outpatient consultations, malaria, and pneumonia showed an increase over time. Such increases might have been driven by insecurity and population displacements rather than COVID-19. Community members continued seeking care during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic and visited the same health facilities as before COVID-19. Financial constraints, not COVID-19, were the main barrier reported to accessing health care. Conclusions The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Mweso health zone was characterised by low testing capacity and an underestimation of reported COVID-19 infections. The increase in health care utilisation should be further explored to understand the role of factors unrelated to COVID-19, such as insecurity, population displacement, and poverty, which remain major challenges to successfully providing health services and improving the population's health. Measles vaccination coverage dropped, which exacerbated the ongoing measles outbreak. Improved decentralised testing capacity will be crucial for future epidemics and enhanced efforts to maintain child vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Altare
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Natalya Kostandova
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Linda Matadi Basadia
- Health and Nutrition Department, Action Contre la Faim, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Marie Petry
- Health and Nutrition Department, Action Contre la Faim, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Gbètoho Fortuné Gankpe
- Health and Nutrition Department, Action Contre la Faim, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Hannah Crockett
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Natalia Hernandez Morfin
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sophie Bruneau
- Operations Department, Action Contre la Faim, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Antoine
- Technical and Advocacy Department, Action Contre la Faim, Paris, France
| | - Paul B Spiegel
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - IMPACT DRC TeamMullafirozeRoxanaLinkeJasperCecchiOlivierDasNayanaRickardKatieMushamalirwaJean-PaulRuhindaDestinLehmannNadiaAmandineMarieHenzlerElioraGallecierAudreyBesnardeauBenoitGerritsmaNoortje
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Health and Nutrition Department, Action Contre la Faim, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Operations Department, Action Contre la Faim, Paris, France
- Technical and Advocacy Department, Action Contre la Faim, Paris, France
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Kuandyk (Sabitova) A, Ortega MA, Ntegwa MJ, Sarria-Santamera A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to and delivery of maternal and child healthcare services in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review of the literature. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1346268. [PMID: 38655525 PMCID: PMC11036866 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1346268] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a multifaceted impact on maternal and child services and adversely influenced pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to and delivery of maternal and child healthcare services in low- and middle-income countries. Methods The review was reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A primary search of electronic databases was performed using a combination of search terms related to the following areas of interest: "impact' AND 'COVID-19' AND 'maternal and child health services' AND 'low- and middle-income countries. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyse and integrate the results. Results Overall, 45 unique studies conducted across 28 low- and middle-income countries met the inclusion criteria for the review. The findings suggest the number of family planning visits, antenatal and postnatal care visits, consultations for sick children, paediatric emergency visits and child immunisation levels decreased compared to the pre-pandemic levels in the majority of included studies. An analytical framework including four main categories was developed based on the concepts that emerged from included studies: the anxiety of not knowing (1), overwhelmed healthcare systems (2), challenges perceived by healthcare professionals (3) and difficulties perceived by service users (4). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted family planning services, antenatal and postnatal care coverage, and emergency and routine child services. Generalised conclusions are tentative due to the heterogeneity and inconsistent quality of the included studies. Future research is recommended to define the pandemic's impact on women and children worldwide and prepare healthcare systems for future resurgences of COVID-19 and potential challenges beyond. Systematic review registration PROSPERO (CRD42021285178).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Kuandyk (Sabitova)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Miguel-Angel Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Sarria-Santamera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
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Odunyemi A, Sohrabi H, Alam K. The evolution of household forgone essential care and its determinants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: A longitudinal analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296301. [PMID: 38564649 PMCID: PMC10986961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296301] [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: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Apart from the morbidity and mortality, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the predisposition of households in Nigeria to forgone care, thereby increasing their vulnerability to adverse health consequences. Since there is no previous study in Nigeria on the evolution of pandemic-related forgone care and its drivers, our study assess the evolution of the problem using descriptive and nationally representative panel data analyses. We found about a 30% prevalence of forgone care during the lockdown, which declined progressively afterwards, dropping by 69.50 percentage points between April 2020 and April 2022. This decline produced a surge in households needing care from about 35.00% in the early pandemic to greater than 50%, beginning in early 2021. The forgone care was primarily due to financial hindrances, movement restrictions, and supply-side disruptions. Household socioeconomic factors such as income loss had 2.74 [95%CI: 1.45-5.17] times higher odds of forgone care, job loss, food insecurity, and poverty were 87% (OR: 1.87 [95%CI: 1.25-2.79]), 60% (OR: 1.60 [95%CI: 1.12-2.31]) and 76% (OR: 1.76 [95%CI: 1.12-2.75]) more likely to predispose households to forgone care, respectively. Also, geographical location, such as the South-South zone, induced 1.98 [95%CI: 1.09-3.58] times higher odds of forgone care than North-Central. A married female household head increased the odds by 6.07 [95%CI: 1.72-21.47] times compared with an unmarried female head. However, having a married household head, social assistance, and North-East or North-West zone compared with North-Central increased the chance of accessing care by 69% (OR 0.31 [95%CI: 0.16-0.59]), 59%,(OR 0.41 [95%CI: 0.21-0.77]), 72% (OR 0.28 [95%CI: 0.15-0.53]) and 64% (OR 0.36 [95%CI: 0.20-0.65]), respectively. Non-communicable diseases, disability, old age, large household size and rural-urban location did not affect the forgone care. Our study highlights the need to strengthen Nigeria's health system, create policies to promote healthcare accessibility and prepare the country for future pandemic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelakun Odunyemi
- Murdoch Business School, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia
- Hospitals’ Management Board, Alagbaka Estate, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Hamid Sohrabi
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Khurshid Alam
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia
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Yeboah I, Dwomoh D, Ndejjo R, Kabwama SN, Ohemeng F, Takyi SA, Issah I, Bawuah SA, Wanyenze RK, Fobil J. Maintaining essential health services during COVID-19 in Ghana: a qualitative study. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 8:e013284. [PMID: 38490688 PMCID: PMC11148662 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013284] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence suggests that non-pharmaceutical interventions such as lockdown policies, restriction of movement and physical distancing to control the novel COVID-19 contributed to the decline in utilisation of essential health services. We explored healthcare providers' and policy-makers' experiences of the barriers, interventions and response actions that contributed to ensuring the continuity of essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana to help inform future practice and policy. METHODS We used a qualitative study approach. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Thirty Four participants composed of 20 healthcare providers and 14 policy-makers who worked across regions with low and high recorded COVID-19 cases in Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic were involved in this study. RESULTS Participants reported that essential health services including maternal, reproductive and child health services, communicable and non-communicable disease care, and elective surgeries were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barriers to the utilisation of essential services were constructed into three subthemes: (1) fear, (2) poor quality of care at the facility and (3) financial limitation. These barriers were mitigated with population-based interventions underpinned by the socioecological model at the individual and interpersonal level (including psychosocial care for families and home visits), institutional and community levels (such as allocation of funds, training of health workers, public education, triage stations, provision of logistics, appointment scheduling, telemedicine and redeployment of health workers) and public policy level (tax relief packages, transportation arrangements and provision of incentives), which helped in maintaining essential health services during COVID-19. CONCLUSION Disruption of essential health services during COVID-19 in Ghana instigated population-based interventions which aided in expanding the populations' continuous access to essential health services and strengthened health service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Yeboah
- Employment and Society, University of Professional Studies, Legon, Ghana
| | - Duah Dwomoh
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Rawlance Ndejjo
- Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Sylvia Akpene Takyi
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Ibrahim Issah
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Serwaa Akoto Bawuah
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Julius Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Shafiq Y, Rubini E, Fazal ZZ, Bukhari MM, Zakaria M, Zeeshan NUH, Muhammad A, Ragazzoni L, Barone-Adesi F, Valente M. Impact of Ebola and COVID-19 on maternal, neonatal, and child health care among populations affected by conflicts: a scoping review exploring demand and supply-side barriers and solutions. Confl Health 2024; 18:12. [PMID: 38291492 PMCID: PMC10829480 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-024-00572-x] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Armed conflicts have a severe impact on the health of women and children. Global health emergencies such as pandemics and disease outbreaks further exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare (MNCH). There is a lack of evidence that summarizes the challenges faced by conflict-affected pregnant women, mothers, and children in accessing MNCH services during global health emergencies, mainly the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics. This scoping review aimed to analyze studies evaluating and addressing barriers to accessing comprehensive MNCH services during Ebola and COVID-19 emergencies in populations affected by conflict. METHODS The search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using terms related to Ebola and COVID-19, conflicts, and MNCH. Original studies published between 1990 and 2022 were retrieved. Articles addressing the challenges in accessing MNCH-related services during pandemics in conflict-affected settings were included. Thematic analysis was performed to categorize the findings and identify barriers and solutions. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Challenges were identified in various MNCH domains, including antenatal care, intrapartum care, postnatal care, vaccination, family planning, and the management of childhood illnesses. Ebola-related supply-side challenges mainly concerned accessibility issues, health workforce constraints, and the adoption of stringent protocols. COVID-19 has resulted in barriers related to access to care, challenges pertaining to the health workforce, and new service adoption. On the demand-side, Ebola- and COVID-19-related risks and apprehensions were the leading barriers in accessing MNCH care. Community constraints on utilizing services during Ebola were caused by a lack of trust and awareness. Demand-side challenges of COVID-19 included fear of disease, language barriers, and communication difficulties. Strategies such as partnerships, strengthening of health systems, service innovation, and community-based initiatives have been employed to overcome these barriers. CONCLUSION Global health emergencies amplify the barriers to accessing MNCH services faced by conflict-affected populations. Cultural, linguistic, and supply-side factors are key challenges affecting various MNCH domains. Community-sensitive initiatives enhancing primary health care (PHC), mobile clinics, or outreach programs, and the integration of MNCH into PHC delivery should be implemented. Efforts should prioritize the well-being and empowerment of vulnerable populations. Addressing these barriers is crucial for achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Shafiq
- CRIMEDIM - Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid, and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
- Centre of Excellence for Trauma and Emergencies (CETE) & Community Health Science, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Bostan, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Global Advancement of Infants and Mothers, Boston, USA.
| | - Elena Rubini
- CRIMEDIM - Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid, and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luca Ragazzoni
- CRIMEDIM - Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid, and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Vercelli, Italy
| | - Francesco Barone-Adesi
- CRIMEDIM - Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid, and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Martina Valente
- CRIMEDIM - Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid, and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Vercelli, Italy
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6
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Altare C, Matadi Basadia L, Kostandova N, Nsio Mbeta J, Bruneau S, Antoine C, Petry M. The implementation of infection prevention and control measures and health care utilisation in ACF-supported health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2020. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2258711. [PMID: 37846089 PMCID: PMC10583608 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2258711] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection prevention and control (IPC) was a central component of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's COVID-19 response in 2020, aiming to prevent infections and ensure safe health service provision. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the evolution of IPC capacity in 65 health facilities supported by Action Contre la Faim in three health zones in Kinshasa (Binza Meteo (BM), Binza Ozone (BO), and Gombe), investigate how triage and alert validation were implemented, and estimate how health service utilisation changed in these facilities (April-December 2020). METHODS We used three datasets: IPC Scorecard data assessing health facilities' IPC capacity at baseline, monthly and weekly triage data, and monthly routine data on eight health services. We examined factors associated with triage and isolation capacity with a mixed-effects negative binomial model and estimated changes in health service utilisation with a mixed-model with random intercept and long-term trend for each health facility. We reported incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for level change when the pandemic began, for trend change, and for lockdown and post-lockdown periods (Gombe). We estimated cumulative and monthly percent differences with expected consultations. RESULTS IPC capacity reached an average score of 90% by the end of the programme. A one-point increase in the IPC score was associated with +6% and +5% increases in triage capacity in BO and Gombe, respectively, and with +21% and +10% increases in isolation capacity in the same zones. When the pandemic began, decreases were seen in outpatient consultations (IRR: 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.48-0.95] BM&BO-combined; IRR: 0.29, 95%CI [0.16-0.53] Gombe), consultations for respiratory tract infections (IRR: 0.48, 95%CI [0.28-0.87] BM&BO-combined), malaria (IRR: 0.60, 95%CI [0.43-0.84] BM&BO-combined, IRR: 0.33, 95%CI [0.18-0.58] Gombe), and vaccinations (IRR: 0.27, 95%CI [0.10-0.71] Gombe). Maternal health services decreased in Gombe (ANC1: IRR: 0.42, 95%CI [0.21-0.85]). CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of the triage and alert validation process was affected by the complexity of implementing a broad clinical definition in limited-resource settings with a pre-pandemic epidemiological profile characterised by infectious diseases with symptoms like COVID-19. Readily available testing capacity remains key for future pandemic response to improve the disease understanding and maintain health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Altare
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Linda Matadi Basadia
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Action contre la Faim, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Natalya Kostandova
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Justus Nsio Mbeta
- Technical Secretariat, Multisectorial Response Committee, Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Sophie Bruneau
- Department of Operations, Action contre la Faim, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Antoine
- Technical and Advocacy Department, Action contre la Faim, Paris, France
| | - Marie Petry
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Action contre la Faim, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
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Fejfar D, Andom AT, Msuya M, Jeune MA, Lambert W, Varney PF, Aron MB, Connolly E, Juárez A, Aranda Z, Niyigena A, Cubaka VK, Boima F, Reed V, Law MR, Grépin KA, Mugunga JC, Hedt-Gauthier B, Fulcher I. The impact of COVID-19 and national pandemic responses on health service utilisation in seven low- and middle-income countries. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2178604. [PMID: 36880985 PMCID: PMC10013493 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2178604] [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: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health services worldwide, which may have led to increased mortality and secondary disease outbreaks. Disruptions vary by patient population, geographic area, and service. While many reasons have been put forward to explain disruptions, few studies have empirically investigated their causes. OBJECTIVE We quantify disruptions to outpatient services, facility-based deliveries, and family planning in seven low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and quantify relationships between disruptions and the intensity of national pandemic responses. METHODS We leveraged routine data from 104 Partners In Health-supported facilities from January 2016 to December 2021. We first quantified COVID-19-related disruptions in each country by month using negative binomial time series models. We then modelled the relationship between disruptions and the intensity of national pandemic responses, as measured by the stringency index from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker. RESULTS For all the studied countries, we observed at least one month with a significant decline in outpatient visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also observed significant cumulative drops in outpatient visits across all months in Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. A significant cumulative decrease in facility-based deliveries was observed in Haiti, Lesotho, Mexico, and Sierra Leone. No country had significant cumulative drops in family planning visits. For a 10-unit increase in the average monthly stringency index, the proportion deviation in monthly facility outpatient visits compared to expected fell by 3.9% (95% CI: -5.1%, -1.6%). No relationship between stringency of pandemic responses and utilisation was observed for facility-based deliveries or family planning. CONCLUSIONS Context-specific strategies show the ability of health systems to sustain essential health services during the pandemic. The link between pandemic responses and healthcare utilisation can inform purposeful strategies to ensure communities have access to care and provide lessons for promoting the utilisation of health services elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Afom T Andom
- Clinical Services, Partners In Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Meba Msuya
- Clinical Services, Partners In Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Marc Antoine Jeune
- Department of Strategic Planning and Information Systems, Zanmi Lasante, Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti
| | - Wesler Lambert
- Department of Strategic Planning and Information Systems, Zanmi Lasante, Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti
| | - Prince F Varney
- Strategic Health Information Systems, Partners In Health, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Moses Banda Aron
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Information, Partners In Health, Neno, Malawi
| | - Emilia Connolly
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Information, Partners In Health, Neno, Malawi
| | - Ameyalli Juárez
- Partners In Health/Compañeros en Salud, Jaltenango de la Paz, Mexico
| | - Zeus Aranda
- Partners In Health/Compañeros en Salud, Jaltenango de la Paz, Mexico
| | - Anne Niyigena
- Department of Research and Training, Partners In Health, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Vincent K Cubaka
- Department of Research and Training, Partners In Health, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Foday Boima
- Strategic Health Informations Systems, Partners In Health, Koidu City, Kono District, Sierra Leone
| | - Vicky Reed
- Strategic Health Informations Systems, Partners In Health, Koidu City, Kono District, Sierra Leone
| | - Michael R Law
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karen A Grépin
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | | | - Bethany Hedt-Gauthier
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabel Fulcher
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Yi J, Li X, Zhang R, Kong L, Wang Z, Yu Q, Zhang H, Chen B, Li S, Xu Y, Chen Y. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection in Beijing, China. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29155. [PMID: 37815056 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29155] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections nationwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly influenced on the HPV prevention project. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of the pandemic on HPV prevalence and genotype distribution in Beijing, China. A total of 44 401 genital swabs were obtained from outpatients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital during two distinct periods: the prepandemic stage from January 2017 to December 2019 and the pandemic stage from January 2020 to December 2022. During the prepandemic and pandemic stages, a total of 33 531 and 10 870 swabs were respectively collected. Fifteen high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) DNA type and a combination of two low-risk (LR-HPV) types (6/11) of genital swabs were detected to compare the HPV infection rates and genotype distributions in two stages. The results showed that the pandemic period witnessed a decrease in the overall HPV infection rate from 33.43% (11 245/33 531) to 29.43% (5527/18 780) compared to the prepandemic. There were statistically significant differences in infection rates between females and males (p < 0.05). Single infection was the predominant type while multiple infection was more prevalent in males than females in both prepandemic and pandemic periods. HR-HPV infection constituted the majority of infections and cannot be disregarded. The distribution of HR-HPV genotypes exhibited little variation before and after the outbreak, but there were some differences between females and males. HPV 16, 52, 58, 56, and 66 were the most commonly detected genotypes in females, whereas HPV 16, 52, 51, 58, and 18 were frequently detected in males. Additionally, HPV 6/11 exhibited a higher prevalence in males than in females. Notably, the age group of 31-40 years old exhibited the highest prevalence of HPV and the lowest infection rate was detected among individuals aged ≤20 years (p < 0.05), which remained relatively consistent before and during the pandemic. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring the trend of HPV epidemic and offer valuable insights for the prevention, treatment, and scientific investigation of HPV in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Li
- Coyote Bioscience Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lingjun Kong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | | | - Sabrina Li
- Coyote Bioscience Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Angeles G, Silverstein H, Ahsan KZ, Kibria MG, Rakib NA, Escudero G, Singh K, Mpiima J, Simmons E, Weiss W. Estimating the effects of COVID-19 on essential health services utilization in Uganda and Bangladesh using data from routine health information systems. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1129581. [PMID: 37829090 PMCID: PMC10564984 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1129581] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since March 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a major shock to health systems across the world. We examined national usage patterns for selected basic, essential health services, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda and Bangladesh, to determine whether COVID-19 affected reporting of service utilization and the use of health services in each country. Methods We used routine health information system data since January 2017 to analyze reporting and service utilization patterns for a variety of health services. Using time series models to replicate pre-COVID-19 trajectories over time we estimated what levels would have been observed if COVID-19 had not occurred during the pandemic months, starting in March 2020. The difference between the observed and predicted levels is the COVID-19 effect on health services. Results The time trend models for Uganda and Bangladesh closely replicated the levels and trajectories of service utilization during the 38 months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results indicate that COVID-19 had severe effects across all services, particularly during the first months of the pandemic, but COVID-19 impacts on health services and subsequent recovery varied by service type. In general, recovery to expected levels was slow and incomplete across the most affected services. Conclusion Our analytical approach based on national information system data could be very useful as a form of surveillance for health services disruptions from any cause leading to rapid responses from health service managers and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Angeles
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Hannah Silverstein
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Karar Zunaid Ahsan
- Public Health Leadership Program, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Mohammad Golam Kibria
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Nibras Ar Rakib
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Gabriela Escudero
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kavita Singh
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Elizabeth Simmons
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - William Weiss
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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10
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Tannor EK, Quentin W, Busse R, Opoku D, Amuasi J. Impact of COVID-19 on health service utilisation in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074769. [PMID: 37751950 PMCID: PMC10533669 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in health systems of many countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite comparatively low rates of COVID-19 admissions and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, the pandemic still had a significant impact by disrupting health service utilisation (HSU). The aim of this scoping review is to synthesise the available evidence on HSU in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially focusing on (1) changes in HSU compared with the prepandemic period, (2) changes in HSU among particular patient groups studied and (3) identifying factors determining changes in HSU as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD AND ANALYSIS The scoping review will be guided by the methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews developed by Arskey and O'Malley. We will identify relevant studies on HSU in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic using PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases from 1 December, 2019 to 31 March 2023. We will search grey literature, government and organisational websites for reports and conference proceedings. Included studies will be restricted to those reported in English or French. Two reviewers will independently screen articles at the title and abstract stage for inclusion into full text screening. We will provide a general descriptive overview, tabular summaries and content analysis for the extracted data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for the conduct of the scoping review. We will disseminate our findings via open access peer-reviewed journals and scientific presentations. Our scoping review findings will help to determine the feasibility of a subsequent systematic review (and meta-analysis) on HSU during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Koranteng Tannor
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Global Health, German-West African Center for Global Health and Pandemic Preparedness, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Wilm Quentin
- Department of Health Care Management, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Health Care Management, German-West African Center for Global Health and Pandemic Preparedness, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhard Busse
- Department of Health Care Management, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Health Care Management, German-West African Center for Global Health and Pandemic Preparedness, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Opoku
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Global Health, German-West African Center for Global Health and Pandemic Preparedness, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Health Care Management, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - John Amuasi
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Global Health, German-West African Center for Global Health and Pandemic Preparedness, Kumasi, Ghana
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11
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Bose B, Alam SA, Pörtner CC. Impacts of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Healthcare Inaccessibility and Unaffordability in Uganda. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:527-535. [PMID: 37580028 PMCID: PMC10484254 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0144] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have reported adverse consequences of the COVID-19 lockdowns on the utilization of healthcare services across Africa. However, little is known about the channels through which lockdowns impacted healthcare utilization. This study focuses on unaffordability as a reason for not utilizing healthcare services. We estimate the causal impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on healthcare inaccessibility and affordability in Uganda relative to the nonlockdown periods of the pandemic. We use nationally representative longitudinal household data and a household fixed-effects model to identify the impact of the lockdown on whether households could not access medical treatment and whether the reason for not getting care was the lack of money. We find that the lockdown in Uganda was associated with an 8.4% higher likelihood of respondents being unable to access healthcare when treatment was needed relative to the nonlockdown periods. This implies a 122% increase in the share of respondents unable to access healthcare. As lockdown restrictions eased, the likelihood of being unable to access medical treatment decreased. The main reason for the increase in inaccessibility was the lack of money, with a 71% increase in the likelihood of respondents being unable to afford treatment. We find little evidence that the effects of the lockdown differed by wealth status or area of residence. Our results indicate the need for policymakers to consider immediate social support for households as a strategy for balancing the disruptions caused by lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijetri Bose
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shamma A. Alam
- Department of International Studies, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
| | - Claus C. Pörtner
- Department of Economics, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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12
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Murewanhema G, Mpabuka E, Moyo E, Tungwarara N, Chitungo I, Mataruka K, Gwanzura C, Musuka G, Dzinamarira T. Accessibility and utilization of antenatal care services in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic: A rapid review. Birth 2023; 50:496-503. [PMID: 36877622 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to health care delivery. Some countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) stopped the provision of essential health care except for those services that were deemed emergencies or life-threatening. A rapid review was conducted on March 18, 2022, on the accessibility and utilization of antenatal care services in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and the World Health Organization library databases were searched for relevant studies. A modified Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes (PICO) framework informed the development of the search strategy. The review included studies conducted within Africa that described the availability, access, and utilization of antenatal services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. This review revealed a reduction in access to ANC services, an increase in the number of home deliveries, and a reduction in the number of women attending ANC visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. A decrease in ANC service utilization was reported in some studies in the review. Barriers to ANC access and utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic included movement restrictions, limited transport access, fear of contracting COVID-19 at the health facilities, and facility barriers. The use of telemedicine needs to be improved in African countries to allow for the continued provision of health services during pandemics. In addition, there should strengthening of community involvement in the provision of maternal health services post-COVID-19 so that services may be able to better withstand future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Murewanhema
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Enos Moyo
- Medical Centre Oshakati, Oshakati, Namibia
| | - Nigel Tungwarara
- Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Itai Chitungo
- Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kidson Mataruka
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Chipo Gwanzura
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- ICAP at Columbia University, Kigali, Rwanda
- ICAP at Columbia University, Harare, Zimbabwe
- School of Health Systems & Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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13
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Gómez-Pérez GP, de Groot R, Abajobir AA, Wainaina CW, Rinke de Wit TF, Sidze E, Pradhan M, Janssens W. Reduced incidence of respiratory, gastrointestinal and malaria infections among children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Western Kenya: An analysis of facility-based and weekly diaries data. J Glob Health 2023; 13:06024. [PMID: 37448326 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.06024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemics can cause significant disruptions of essential health care services. This was evident in West-Africa during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, raising concerns that COVID-19 would have similar devastating consequences for the continent. Indeed, official facility-based records show a reduction in health care visits after the onset of COVID-19 in Kenya. Our question is whether this observed reduction was caused by lower access to health care or by reduced incidence of communicable diseases resulting from reduced mobility and social contacts. Methods We analysed monthly facility-based data from 2018 to 2020, and weekly health diaries data digitally collected by trained fieldworkers between February and November 2020 from 342 households, including 1974 individuals, in Kisumu and Kakamega Counties, Kenya. Diaries data was collected as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of a digital health insurance scheme (Kakamega), and universal health coverage implementation (Kisumu). We assessed the weekly incidence of self-reported medical symptoms, formal and informal health-seeking behaviour, and foregone care in the diaries and compared it with facility-based records. Linear probability regressions with household fixed-effects were performed to compare the weekly incidence of health outcomes before and after COVID-19. Results Facility-based data showed a decrease in health care utilization for respiratory infections, enteric illnesses, and malaria, after start of COVID-19 measures in Kenya in March 2020. The weekly diaries confirmed this decrease in respiratory and enteric symptoms, and malaria / fever, mainly in the paediatric population. In terms of health care seeking behaviour, our diaries data find a temporary shift in consultations from health care centres to pharmacists / chemists / medicine vendors for a few weeks during the pandemic, but no increase in foregone care. According to the diaries, for adults the incidence of communicable diseases/symptoms rebounded after COVID-19 mobility restrictions were lifted, while for children the effects persisted. Conclusions COVID-19-related containment measures in Western Kenya were accompanied by a decline in respiratory infections, enteric illnesses, and malaria / fever mainly in children. Data from a population-based survey and facility-based records aligned regarding this finding despite the temporary shift to non-facility-based consultations and confirmed that the drop in utilization of health care services was not due to decreased accessibility, but rather to a lower incidence of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria P Gómez-Pérez
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- PharmAccess Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Richard de Groot
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Caroline W Wainaina
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
- Universiteit Utrecht, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias F Rinke de Wit
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- PharmAccess Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Estelle Sidze
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Menno Pradhan
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Universiteit van Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wendy Janssens
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Chippaux JP. COVID-19 impacts on healthcare access in sub-Saharan Africa: an overview. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20230002. [PMID: 37405230 PMCID: PMC10317188 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This overview aimed to describe the situation of healthcare access in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A PubMed® search from March 31, 2020, to August 15, 2022, selected 116 articles. Healthcare access and consequences of COVID-19 were assessed based on comparisons with months before its onset or an identical season in previous years. A general reduction of healthcare delivery, associated with the decline of care quality, and closure of many specialty services were reported. The impact was heterogeneous in space and time, with an increase in urban areas at the beginning of the pandemic (March-June 2020). The return to normalcy was gradual from the 3rd quarter of 2020 until the end of 2021. The impact of COVID-19 on the health system and its use was attributed to (a) conjunctural factors resulting from government actions to mitigate the spread of the epidemic (containment, transportation restrictions, closures of businesses, and places of entertainment or worship); (b) structural factors related to the disruption of public and private facilities and institutions, in particular, the health system; and (c) individual factors linked to the increase in costs, impoverishment of the population, and fear of contamination or stigmatization, which discouraged patients from going to health centers. They have caused considerable socio-economic damage. Several studies emphasized some adaptability of the healthcare offer and resilience of the healthcare system, despite its unpreparedness, which explained a return to normal activities as early as 2022 while the COVID-19 epidemic persisted. There appears to be a strong disproportion between the moderate incidence and severity of COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa, and the dramatic impact on healthcare access. Several articles make recommendations for lowering the socioeconomic consequences of future epidemics to ensure better management of health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Chippaux
- Paris Cité University, Research Institute for Development, Mother and child in tropical environment: pathogens, health system and epidemiological transition, Paris, France
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15
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Galle A, Kavira G, Semaan A, Malonga Kaj F, Benova L, Ntambue A. Utilisation of services along the continuum of maternal healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lubumbashi, DRC: findings from a cross-sectional household survey of women. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069409. [PMID: 37369398 PMCID: PMC10410797 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The continuum of maternal care along antenatal (ANC), intrapartum and postnatal care (PNC) is fundamental for protecting women's and newborns' health. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the provision and use of these essential services globally. This study examines maternal healthcare utilisation along the continuum during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). DESIGN This is a cross-sectional study using data collected on a survey of 599 households in Lubumbashi, DRC, using stratified random sampling. PARTICIPANTS We included 604 women (15-49 years) who were pregnant between March 2020 and May 2021. OUTCOME MEASURES A structured interview involved questions on sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes regarding COVID-19 and maternal service use and cost. Complete continuum of care was defined as receiving ANC 4+ consultations, skilled birth attendance and at least one PNC check for both mother and newborn. Data were analysed in SPSS using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS One-third (36%) of women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic completed the continuum of maternal healthcare. Factors significantly associated with completing the continuum included higher education (aOR=2.6; p<0.001) and positive attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccination (aOR=1.9; p=0.04). Reasons for not seeking maternal care included lack of money and avoiding COVID-19 vaccination. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, maternal healthcare seeking behaviours were shaped by vaccine hesitancy and care unaffordability in Lubumbashi. Addressing the high cost of maternal healthcare and vaccine hesitancy appear essential to improve access to maternal healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Galle
- Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Gladys Kavira
- Department of Epidemiology and Maternal and Child Health, Université de Lubumbashi, École de Santé Publique, Unité d'Epidémiologie et de Santé de la Mère, du Nouveau-né et de l'enfant, Lubumbashi, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Aline Semaan
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Françoise Malonga Kaj
- Department of Epidemiology and Maternal and Child Health, Université de Lubumbashi, École de Santé Publique, Unité d'Epidémiologie et de Santé de la Mère, du Nouveau-né et de l'enfant, Lubumbashi, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Lenka Benova
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Abel Ntambue
- Department of Epidemiology and Maternal and Child Health, Université de Lubumbashi, École de Santé Publique, Unité d'Epidémiologie et de Santé de la Mère, du Nouveau-né et de l'enfant, Lubumbashi, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
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16
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Angeles G, Silverstein H, Worges M, Hotchkiss DR, Wisniewski JM, Lusamba Dikassa PS, Weiss W, Ahsan KZ. Area-specific covid-19 effects on health services utilization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo using routine health information system data. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:575. [PMID: 37270545 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09547-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has shocked health systems worldwide. This analysis investigated the effects of the pandemic on basic health services utilization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and examined the variability of COVID effects in the capital city Kinshasa, in other urban areas, and in rural areas. METHODS We estimated time trends models using national health information system data to replicate pre-COVID-19 (i.e., January 2017-February 2020) trajectories of health service utilization, and then used those models to estimate what the levels would have been in the absence of COVID-19 during the pandemic period, starting in March 2020 through March 2021. We classified the difference between the observed and predicted levels as the effect of COVID-19 on health services. We estimated 95% confidence intervals and p-values to examine if the effect of the pandemic, nationally and within specific geographies, was statistically significant. RESULTS Our results indicate that COVID-19 negatively impacted health services and subsequent recovery varied by service type and by geographical area. COVID-19 had a lasting impact on overall service utilization as well as on malaria and pneumonia-related visits among young children in the DRC. We also found that the effects of COVID-19 were even more immediate and stronger in the capital city of Kinshasa compared with the national effect. Both nationally and in Kinshasa, most affected services had slow and incomplete recovery to expected levels. Therefore, our analysis indicates that COVID-19 continued to affect health services in the DRC throughout the first year of the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The methodology used in this article allows for examining the variability in magnitude, timing, and duration of the COVID effects within geographical areas of the DRC and nationally. This analytical procedure based on national health information system data could be applied to surveil health service disruptions and better inform rapid responses from health service managers and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Angeles
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hannah Silverstein
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Matt Worges
- Department of International Health and Sustainable Development, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - David R Hotchkiss
- Department of International Health and Sustainable Development, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Janna M Wisniewski
- Department of International Health and Sustainable Development, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Paul Samson Lusamba Dikassa
- Tulane International LLC, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, The University of Kinshasa, DRC, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - William Weiss
- Department of International Health, The John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Karar Zunaid Ahsan
- Public Health Leadership Program, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, Chapel Hill, USA
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17
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Yeboah H, Yaya S. Health and economic implications of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on women and children in Africa. Reprod Health 2023; 20:70. [PMID: 37158924 PMCID: PMC10165567 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01616-w] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to pose major health and economic challenges for many countries worldwide. Particularly for countries in the African region, the existing precarious health status resulting from weak health systems have made the impact of the pandemic direr. Although the number of the COVID-19 infections in Africa cannot be compared to that of Europe and other parts of the world, the economic and health ramifications cannot be overstated. Significant impacts of the lockdowns during the onset of the pandemic caused disruptions in the food supply chain, and significant declines in income which decreased the affordability and consumption of healthy diets among the poor and most vulnerable. Access and utilization of essential healthcare services by women and children were also limited because of diversion of resources at the onset of the pandemic, limited healthcare capacity, fear of infection and financial constraint. The rate of domestic violence against children and women also increased, which further deepened the inequalities among these groups. While all African countries are out of lockdown, the pandemic and its consequent impacts on the health and socio-economic well-being of women and children persist. This commentary discusses the health and economic impact of the ongoing pandemic on women and children in Africa, to understand the intersectional gendered implications within socio-economic and health systems and to highlight the need for a more gender-based approach in response to the consequences of the pandemic in the Africa region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Yeboah
- School of International Development and Global Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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18
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Jullien S, Mateescu I, Brînzac MG, Dobocan C, Pop I, Weber MW, Butu C, Carai S. Unnecessary hospitalisations and polypharmacy practices in Romania: A health system evaluation for strengthening primary health care. J Glob Health 2023; 13:04039. [PMID: 37143374 PMCID: PMC10160704 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04039] [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] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Children and pregnant women usually have multiple contacts with the health care system. While most conditions can be managed by primary health care (PHC) providers, hospitalisations are nevertheless common and often unjustified. The number of hospitalizations decreased in Romania at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While this is likely due to the disruption of health services and public health measures established to limit the spread of COVID-19, it also suggests that a proportion of hospitalisations prior to the pandemic were unnecessary. This healthcare system evaluation in Romania quantified unnecessary and unnecessarily prolonged hospitalisations in children, pregnant women and women hospitalised for delivery, and assessed antibiotic and polypharmacy practices in these groups. Methods We conducted the healthcare system evaluation in 10 hospitals across the country. We extracted data from medical records of patients hospitalized between 2019 and 2020. In each hospital, we randomly selected 40 medical records for each of the following groups: children 2-59 months of age, pregnant women, and women hospitalised for delivery. Clinical data were compared against WHO standards indicating a need for inpatient treatment or antibiotic therapy. Results Among 209 children and 349 pregnant women, unnecessary hospitalisations accounted for 57.9% and 56.2% of hospitalisations, respectively. Among necessary hospitalisations, a large proportion was unnecessarily prolonged, including 44.4% (n = 32/72) in children, 23.3% (n = 34/146) in pregnant women, and 45.8% (n = 110/240) in women after delivery. The proportion of unnecessary and unnecessarily prolonged hospitalisations did not differ between the pre-pandemic, the lockdown, and the post-lockdown periods. Antibiotics were prescribed to 53.1% (n = 43/81) of children with diarrhoea, while 50.8% (n = 61/120) of women with caesarean section received an unjustified prolonged course of antibiotics. Children and women were commonly prescribed unnecessary medications. Conclusions Findings of this evaluation should inform evidence-based decisions and actions for strengthening PHC and the healthcare system structure and improving the management of common diseases in mothers, newborns, and children. The evaluation should be repeated periodically to monitor progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Jullien
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Quality of care and patient safety office, Athens, Greece
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Child and Adolescent Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Irina Mateescu
- World Health Organization Romania country office, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica G Brînzac
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Ioana Pop
- World Health Organization Romania country office, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Martin W Weber
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Quality of care and patient safety office, Athens, Greece
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Child and Adolescent Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cassandra Butu
- World Health Organization Romania country office, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Susanne Carai
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Quality of care and patient safety office, Athens, Greece
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Child and Adolescent Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Witten Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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19
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Dzinamarira T, Moyo E, Pierre G, Mpabuka E, Kahere M, Tungwarara N, Chitungo I, Murewanhema G, Musuka G. Postnatal care services availability and utilization during the COVID-19 era in sub-Saharan Africa: A rapid review. Women Birth 2023; 36:e295-e299. [PMID: 36253282 PMCID: PMC9550672 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.10.002] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considerable progress has been made globally in improving maternal and newborn babies' health. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed considerable challenges for countries to maintain the provision of high-quality, essential maternal and newborn healthcare services. METHODS A rapid review was carried out on 20 March 2022 on postnatal care (PNC) services availability and utilization during the COVID-19 era in sub-Saharan Africa. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Africa Journals Online (AJOL) databases were searched for relevant studies. Studies included in the review utilized both primary data and secondary data. FINDINGS Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review revealed that there were significant declines in the availability and utilization of PNC services during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Several reasons were found to contribute to the decline. DISCUSSION New, innovative strategies are therefore required to ensure that mothers and their newborn babies receive essential PNC to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the strategies that can be used include home-based PNC visits, the use of telemedicine, phone-based referral networks, social media, and community radios.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enos Moyo
- Oshakati Medical Centre, Oshakati, Namibia
| | - Gashema Pierre
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Morris Kahere
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nigel Tungwarara
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Itai Chitungo
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Grant Murewanhema
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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20
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Tikouk J, Boubkr AA, Chentoufi MA. Impact of COVID-19 on the antenatal care services utilization in the region of Guelmim Oued Noun, Morocco. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2263. [PMID: 37347061 PMCID: PMC10280236 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted access to healthcare facilities across the world, but there is little evidence of how the pandemic influences the use of essential healthcare in the world. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antenatal indicators in the region of Guelmim Oued Noun, Morocco. Methods The aggregated data was delivered by regional health authorities covering the period from January 2017 to December 2020. The interrupted time series was mobilized to conduct statistical analysis. Results The descriptive results revealed a steady decline after the COVID-19 pandemic in antenatal indicators. The results of the regression model showed a negative impact of the pandemic on the antenatal recruitment rate (β2=-16.14; P<0.01), recruitment rate of women in antenatal visits during the 1st quarter of pregnancy (β2=- 2.09; P<0.01), antenatal visit completion rate (β2=-18.10; P>0.05), and average number of visits/pregnancies (β2=-15.65, P<0,05). Conclusion The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on antenatal rates was significant for almost all the indicators studied. Future studies should focus on the impact of the pandemic on postnatal and immunization services on a national scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Tikouk
- Laboratory of Applied Modeling in Economics and Management, University Hassan II, Casablanca
| | - Asmaa Ait Boubkr
- Laboratory of Applied Modeling in Economics and Management, University Hassan II, Casablanca
| | - Mohammed Alami Chentoufi
- Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling and Economic Computation, University Hassan I, Settat, Morocco
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21
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Reddy T, Kapoor NR, Kubota S, Doubova SV, Asai D, Mariam DH, Ayele W, Mebratie AD, Thermidor R, Sapag JC, Bedregal P, Passi-Solar Á, Gordon-Strachan G, Dulal M, Gadeka DD, Mehata S, Margozzini P, Leerapan B, Rittiphairoj T, Kaewkamjornchai P, Nega A, Awoonor-Williams JK, Kruk ME, Arsenault C. Associations between the stringency of COVID-19 containment policies and health service disruptions in 10 countries. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:363. [PMID: 37046260 PMCID: PMC10096103 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09363-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruptions in essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported in several countries. Yet, patterns in health service disruption according to country responses remain unclear. In this paper, we investigate associations between the stringency of COVID-19 containment policies and disruptions in 31 health services in 10 low- middle- and high-income countries in 2020. METHODS Using routine health information systems and administrative data from 10 countries (Chile, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, South Korea, and Thailand) we estimated health service disruptions for the period of April to December 2020 by dividing monthly service provision at national levels by the average service provision in the 15 months pre-COVID (January 2019-March 2020). We used the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) index and multi-level linear regression analyses to assess associations between the stringency of restrictions and health service disruptions over nine months. We extended the analysis by examining associations between 11 individual containment or closure policies and health service disruptions. Models were adjusted for COVID caseload, health service category and country GDP and included robust standard errors. FINDINGS Chronic disease care was among the most affected services. Regression analyses revealed that a 10% increase in the mean stringency index was associated with a 3.3 percentage-point (95% CI -3.9, -2.7) reduction in relative service volumes. Among individual policies, curfews, and the presence of a state of emergency, had the largest coefficients and were associated with 14.1 (95% CI -19.6, 8.7) and 10.7 (95% CI -12.7, -8.7) percentage-point lower relative service volumes, respectively. In contrast, number of COVID-19 cases in 2020 was not associated with health service disruptions in any model. CONCLUSIONS Although containment policies were crucial in reducing COVID-19 mortality in many contexts, it is important to consider the indirect effects of these restrictions. Strategies to improve the resilience of health systems should be designed to ensure that populations can continue accessing essential health care despite the presence of containment policies during future infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Neena R Kapoor
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Shogo Kubota
- World Health Organization, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Svetlana V Doubova
- Epidemiology and Health Services Research Unit CMN Siglo XXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daisuke Asai
- World Health Organization, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Damen Haile Mariam
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wondimu Ayele
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anagaw Derseh Mebratie
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Roody Thermidor
- Studies and Planning Unit, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Jaime C Sapag
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula Bedregal
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Álvaro Passi-Solar
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Mahesh Dulal
- Office of the Member of Federal Parliament Gagan Kumar Thapa, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Suresh Mehata
- Ministry of Health, Koshi Province, Biratnagar, Nepal
| | - Paula Margozzini
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Borwornsom Leerapan
- Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Adiam Nega
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Margaret E Kruk
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Catherine Arsenault
- Department of Global Health, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, USA.
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22
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Ahoya B, Kavle JA, Kiige L, Gathi C, Samburu B, Maina L, Ramirez L, Wambu R, Codjia P. How COVID-19 affected food systems, health service delivery and maternal and infant nutrition practices: Implications for moving forward in Kenya. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2023; 19:e13466. [PMID: 36484395 PMCID: PMC9878145 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This implementation research study sought to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and infant nutrition practices, and related aspects of health and food systems in Nairobi and Uasin Gishu Counties, Kenya. The study triangulated in-depth interviews with 16 pregnant women, 31 lactating women (including COVID-19 positive), 10 facility health workers, 10 community health volunteers, 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) with food vendors, 4 FGDs and 15 stakeholder interviews with government and implementing partners. Trends from Kenyan Health Information System indicators (i.e., exclusive breastfeeding and initiation of breastfeeding, antenatal care) were also examined. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a decline in attendance of antenatal care, and maternity facilities was observed, and corroborated by Kenyan Health Information System data. Lack of clarity among health workers on COVID-19 breastfeeding guidance and fear of COVID-19 infection early in the pandemic were key drivers of early infant formula use, mother-child separation following delivery and delayed initiation of breastfeeding. Most women exclusively breastfed due to Government of Kenya restrictions in movement. Unemployment and job loss was linked to food insecurity and worsened by increased food prices and limited social protection measures. In response, pregnant and lactating women resorted to skipping meals and reducing quantity and variety of foods consumed. Efforts to build forward from COVID-19 in Kenya should include facility and community health education to prevent disruptions in breastfeeding and to support maternal dietary intake, and in the provision of targeted social protection measures alongside other multisectoral interventions (i.e., psychosocial support) for Kenyan pregnant and lactating women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lucy Maina
- Nutrition DivisionUNICEF KenyaNairobiKenya
| | - Lacey Ramirez
- Kavle Consulting LLCWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Rose Wambu
- Division of Nutrition and DieteticsMinistry of HealthNairobiKenya
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23
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Ogallo W, Wanyana I, Tadesse GA, Wanjiru C, Akinwande V, Kabwama S, Remy SL, Wachira C, Okwako S, Kizito S, Wanyenze R, Kiwanuka S, Walcott-Bryant A. Quantifying the impact of COVID-19 on essential health services: a comparison of interrupted time series analysis using Prophet and Poisson regression models. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2023; 30:634-642. [PMID: 36534893 PMCID: PMC10018265 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac223] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) altered healthcare utilization patterns. However, there is a dearth of literature comparing methods for quantifying the extent to which the pandemic disrupted healthcare service provision in sub-Saharan African countries. OBJECTIVE To compare interrupted time series analysis using Prophet and Poisson regression models in evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on essential health services. METHODS We used reported data from Uganda's Health Management Information System from February 2018 to December 2020. We compared Prophet and Poisson models in evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on new clinic visits, diabetes clinic visits, and in-hospital deliveries between March 2020 to December 2020 and across the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Western regions of Uganda. RESULTS The models generated similar estimates of the impact of COVID-19 in 10 of the 12 outcome-region pairs evaluated. Both models estimated declines in new clinic visits in the Central, Northern, and Western regions, and an increase in the Eastern Region. Both models estimated declines in diabetes clinic visits in the Central and Western regions, with no significant changes in the Eastern and Northern regions. For in-hospital deliveries, the models estimated a decline in the Western Region, no changes in the Central Region, and had different estimates in the Eastern and Northern regions. CONCLUSIONS The Prophet and Poisson models are useful in quantifying the impact of interruptions on essential health services during pandemics but may result in different measures of effect. Rigor and multimethod triangulation are necessary to study the true effect of pandemics on essential health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Wanyana
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Victor Akinwande
- IBM Research Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Steven Kabwama
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Susan Kizito
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rhoda Wanyenze
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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24
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Cruz-Valdez A, Palacio-Mejía LS, Quezada-Sánchez AD, Hernández-Ávila JE, Galicia-Carmona T, Cetina-Pérez LDC, Arango-Bravo EA, Isla-Ortiz D, Aranda-Flores CE, Uscanga-Sánchez SR, Madrid-Marina V, Torres-Poveda K. Cervical cancer prevention program in Mexico disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and opportunities. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1008560. [PMID: 36969022 PMCID: PMC10034019 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1008560] [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: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the preventive services for cervical cancer (CC) control programs in Mexico, which will result in increased mortality. This study aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on the interruption of three preventive actions in the CC prevention program in Mexico. Methods This study is a retrospective time series analysis based on administrative records for the uninsured population served by the Mexican Ministry of Health. Patient data were retrieved from the outpatient service information system and the hospital discharge database for the period 2017-2021. Data were aggregated by month, distinguishing a pre-pandemic and a pandemic period, considering April 2020 as the start date of the pandemic. A Poisson time series analysis was used to model seasonal and secular trends. Five process indicators were selected to assess the disruption of the CC program, these were analyzed as monthly data (N=39 pre-pandemic, N=21 during the pandemic). HPV vaccination indicators (number of doses and coverage) and diagnostic characteristics of CC cases were analyzed descriptively. The time elapsed between diagnosis and treatment initiation in CC cases was modeled using restricted cubic splines from robust regression. Results Annual HPV vaccination coverage declined dramatically after 2019 and was almost null in 2021. The number of positive Papanicolaou smears decreased by 67.8% (90%CI: -72.3, -61.7) in April-December 2020, compared to their expected values without the pandemic. The immediate pandemic shock (April 2020) in the number of first-time and recurrent colposcopies was -80.5% (95%CI:-83.5, -77.0) and -77.9% (95%CI: -81.0, -74.4), respectively. An increasing trend was observed in the proportion of advanced stage and metastatic CC cases. The fraction of CC cases that did not receive medical treatment or surgery increased, as well as CC cases that received late treatment after diagnosis. Conclusions Our analyses show significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with declines at all levels of CC prevention and increasing inequalities. The restarting of the preventive programs against CC in Mexico offers an opportunity to put in place actions to reduce the disparities in the burden of disease between socioeconomic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio Cruz-Valdez
- Center for Population Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Lina Sofia Palacio-Mejía
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT)—Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Amado D. Quezada-Sánchez
- Center for Evaluation and Surveys Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Tatiana Galicia-Carmona
- Department of Clinical Research and Medical Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCAN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Eder A. Arango-Bravo
- Department of Clinical Research and Medical Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCAN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - David Isla-Ortiz
- Department of Oncology Gynecology, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCAN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Vicente Madrid-Marina
- Chronic Infections and Cancer Division, Center for Research on Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Kirvis Torres-Poveda
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT)—Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico
- Chronic Infections and Cancer Division, Center for Research on Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico
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25
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Heuschen AK, Abdul-Mumin A, Abubakari A, Agbozo F, Lu G, Jahn A, Müller O. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on general health and malaria control in Ghana: a qualitative study with mothers and health care professionals. Malar J 2023; 22:78. [PMID: 36872343 PMCID: PMC9986038 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04513-6] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has severely impacted health systems and the management of non-COVID-19 diseases, including malaria, globally. The pandemic has hit sub-Saharan Africa less than expected; even considering large underreporting, the direct COVID-19 burden was minor compared to the Global North. However, the indirect effects of the pandemic, e.g. on socio-economic inequality and health care systems, may have been more disruptive. Following a quantitative analysis from northern Ghana, which showed significant reductions in overall outpatient department visits and malaria cases during the first year of COVID-19, this qualitative study aims to provide further explanations to those quantitative findings. METHODS In the Northern Region of Ghana, 72 participants, consisting of 18 health care professionals (HCPs) and 54 mothers of children under the age of five, were recruited in urban and rural districts. Data were collected using focus group discussions with mothers and through key informant interviews with HCPs. RESULTS Three main themes occurred. The first theme-general effects of the pandemic-includes impacts on finances, food security, health service provision as well as education and hygiene. Many women lost their jobs, which increased their dependance on males, children had to drop out of school, and families had to cope with food shortages and were considering migration. HCPs had problems reaching the communities, suffered stigmatisation and were often barely protected against the virus. The second theme-effects on health-seeking-includes fear of infection, lack of COVID-19 testing capacities, and reduced access to clinics and treatment. The third theme-effects on malaria-includes disruptions of malaria preventive measures. Clinical discrimination between malaria and COVID-19 symptoms was difficult and HCPs observed increases in severe malaria cases in health facilities due to late reporting. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has had large collateral impacts on mothers, children and HCPs. In addition to overall negative effects on families and communities, access to and quality of health services was severely impaired, including serious implications on malaria. This crisis has highlighted weaknesses of health care systems globally, including the malaria situation; a holistic analysis of the direct and indirect effects of this pandemic and an adapted strengthening of health care systems is essential to be prepared for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Katharina Heuschen
- Institute for Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Alhassan Abdul-Mumin
- School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.,Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Abdulai Abubakari
- School of Public Health, Department of Global Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Faith Agbozo
- Fred Binka School of Public Health, Department of Family and Community Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Guangyu Lu
- School of Public Health, Medical School, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Albrecht Jahn
- Institute for Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Müller
- Institute for Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
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26
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Chippaux JP. [Impact of COVID-19 on public health in sub-Saharan Africa]. BULLETIN DE L'ACADEMIE NATIONALE DE MEDECINE 2023; 207:150-164. [PMID: 36628105 PMCID: PMC9816877 DOI: 10.1016/j.banm.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Objective This work aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare supply in sub-Saharan Africa except South Africa. Method A search through PubMed® between April 2020 and August 2022 selected 135 articles. The impact of COVID-19 was assessed on comparisons with the months prior to the onset of COVID-19 or an identical season in previous years. Results The decline of health services, associated with a reduction in their quality, and the closure of specialized health units have been reported. Many control programs and public health interventions have been interrupted, with the risk of an increase of the corresponding diseases. Social disorganization has generated mental health issues among the population, including health personnel. The impact was heterogeneous in space and time. The main causes were attributed to containment measures (transport restrictions, trade closures) and the lack of human and material resources. The increase in costs, in addition to the impoverishment of the population, and the fear of being contaminated or stigmatized have discouraged patients from going to health centres. The studies mention the gradual return to normal after the first epidemic wave and the resilience of the healthcare system. Conclusion Several articles make recommendations aimed at reducing the impact of future epidemics: support for community workers, training of health workers and reorganization of services to improve the reception and care of patients, technological innovations (use of telephones, drones, etc.) and better information monitoring.
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27
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Comparison of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes using archival medical records before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a facility-based, retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:31. [PMID: 36647021 PMCID: PMC9841139 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05291-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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little research has been conducted on the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on either birth outcomes or the ability of archival medical records to accurately capture these outcomes. Our study objective is thus to compare the prevalence of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), congenital microcephaly, and neonatal bloodstream infection (NBSI) before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). METHODS We conducted a facility-based retrospective cohort study in which identified cases of birth outcomes were tabulated at initial screening and subcategorized according to level of diagnostic certainty using Global Alignment of Immunization Safety Assessment in pregnancy (GAIA) definitions. Documentation of any birth complications, delivery type, and maternal vaccination history were also evaluated. The prevalence of each birth outcome was compared in the pre-COVID-19 (i.e., July 2019 to February 2020) and intra-COVID-19 (i.e., March to August 2020) periods via two-sample z-test for equality of proportions. RESULTS In total, 14,300 birth records were abstracted. Adverse birth outcomes were identified among 22.0% and 14.3% of pregnancies in the pre-COVID-19 and intra-COVID-19 periods, respectively. For stillbirth, LBW, SGA, microcephaly, and NBSI, prevalence estimates were similar across study periods. However, the prevalence of preterm birth in the intra-COVID-19 period was significantly lower than that reported during the pre-COVID-19 period (8.6% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the level of diagnostic certainty declined slightly across all outcomes investigated from the pre-COVID-19 to the intra-COVID-19 period. Nonetheless, diagnostic certainty was especially low for certain outcomes (i.e., stillbirth and NBSI) regardless of period; still, other outcomes, such as preterm birth and LBW, had moderate to high levels of diagnostic certainty. Results were mostly consistent when the analysis was focused on the facilities designated for COVID-19 care. CONCLUSION This study succeeded in providing prevalence estimates for key adverse birth outcomes using GAIA criteria during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, DRC. Furthermore, our study adds crucial real-world data to the literature surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and neonatal services and outcomes in Africa.
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28
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Zhang X, Yin R, Zheng M, Kong D, Chen W. Impact of COVID-19 on health services utilization in mainland China and its different regions based on S-ARIMA predictions. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001044. [PMID: 36962843 PMCID: PMC10021243 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Global health services are disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated extent and duration of impacts of the pandemic on health services utilization in different economically developed regions of mainland China. Based on monthly health services utilization data in China, we used Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (S-ARIMA) models to predict outpatient and emergency department visits to hospitals (OEH visits) per capita without pandemic. The impacts were evaluated by three dimensions:1) absolute instant impacts were evaluated by difference between predicted and actual OEH visits per capita in February 2020 and relative instant impacts were the ratio of absolute impacts to baseline OEH visits per capita; 2) absolute and relative accumulative impacts from February 2020 to March 2021; 3) duration of impacts was estimated by time that actual OEH visits per capita returned to its predicted value. From February 2020 to March 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced OEH visits by 0.4676 per capita, equivalent to 659,453,647 visits, corresponding to a decrease of 15.52% relative to the pre-pandemic average annual level in mainland China. The instant impacts in central, northeast, east and west China were 0.1279, 0.1265, 0.1215, and 0.0986 visits per capita, respectively; and corresponding relative impacts were 77.63%, 66.16%, 44.39%, and 50.57%, respectively. The accumulative impacts in northeast, east, west and central China were up to 0.5898, 0.4459, 0.3523, and 0.3324 visits per capita, respectively; and corresponding relative impacts were 23.72%, 12.53%, 13.91%, and 16.48%, respectively. The OEH visits per capita has returned back to predicted values within the first 2, 6, 9, 9 months for east, central, west and northeast China, respectively. Less economically developed areas were affected for a longer time. Safe and equitable access to health services, needs paying great attention especially for undeveloped areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangliang Zhang
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Yin
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Zheng
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Kong
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Schots MAS, Coleman HLS, Lutwama GW, Straetemans M, Jacobs E. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access and utilisation in South Sudan: a cross-sectional mixed methods study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1559. [PMID: 36539823 PMCID: PMC9765347 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities in fragile and conflict-affected settings may be severe due to reduced access and use of healthcare, as happened during the 2015 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak. Achieving a balance between short-term emergency response and addressing long-term health needs is particularly challenging in fragile and conflict-affected settings such as South Sudan, given the already significant barriers to accessing healthcare for the population. This study sought to characterise the effect of COVID-19 on healthcare access and South Sudan's healthcare response. This can inform efforts to mitigate the potential impacts of COVID-19 or other epidemiological threats, and contribute to understanding how these may be balanced for greater health system resilience in fragile contexts. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study in three of South Sudan's states, combining data from a cross-sectional quantitative household survey with qualitative interviews and Focus Group Discussions. RESULTS Even though some fears related to COVID-19 were reported, we found these did not greatly dissuade people from seeking care and do not yield significant consequences for health system programming in South Sudan. The pillars of the response focused on risk communication and community engagement were effective in reaching communities through different channels. Respondents and participants reported behaviour changes that were in line with public health advice. We also found that the implementation of COVID-19 response activities sometimes created frictions between the national government and international health actors, and that COVID-19 caused a greater reliance on, and increased responsibility for, international donors for health planning. CONCLUSIONS Given the fact that global priorities on COVID-19 are greatly shifting, power dynamics between international health agencies and the national government may be useful to consider in further COVID-19 planning, particularly for the vaccine roll-out. South Sudan must now navigate a period of transition where COVID-19 vaccine roll-out continues and other domestic health burdens are re-prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. S. Schots
- grid.11503.360000 0001 2181 1687KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, Amsterdam, 1092 AD The Netherlands
| | - H. L. S. Coleman
- grid.11503.360000 0001 2181 1687KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, Amsterdam, 1092 AD The Netherlands
| | - G. W. Lutwama
- grid.11503.360000 0001 2181 1687KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, Amsterdam, 1092 AD The Netherlands ,Health Pooled Fund, American Embassy Residency Road, Juba, South Sudan
| | - M. Straetemans
- grid.11503.360000 0001 2181 1687KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, Amsterdam, 1092 AD The Netherlands
| | - E. Jacobs
- grid.11503.360000 0001 2181 1687KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, Amsterdam, 1092 AD The Netherlands
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Sitthikarnkha P, Uppala R, Mairiang D, Suebsarakam P, Sirikarn P, Techasatian L. Pediatric asthma control in tertiary care setting using telemedicine during COVID-19 era. Transl Pediatr 2022; 11:1892-1898. [PMID: 36643676 PMCID: PMC9834956 DOI: 10.21037/tp-22-287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, national measures have affected health care services. Children with asthma were a vulnerable population who were advised to avoid needless hospital visits. Telemedicine was utilized in this circumstance. However, data in Thailand is limited. This study aimed to evaluate asthma control in patients who were followed up by telemedicine compared with in-person visits at an outpatient clinic in Thailand's tertiary academic medical center. METHODS This was a retrospective study among pediatric patients with asthma who were followed up in the pediatric pulmonary and allergy clinic of Srinagarind Hospital from 1 January to 31 May 2021. We offered telemedicine (telephone visit) and in-person visits at the hospital by their willingness during this period. All patients were asked about asthma clinical control symptoms, medication compliance, exacerbation events, and hospital admissions by pediatric pulmonologists and allergists. Then, we decided to prescribe in controller medications. In the telemedicine groups, we used the postal service to deliver controller medicine to patients. RESULTS Among 195 asthmatic children, 83 (42.56%) were followed up by telemedicine. Children who were followed up by telemedicine had more controlled symptoms than the in-person visit group [adjusted relative risk (aRR): 1.219; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.062-1.400; P value =0.005]. In the in-person visit group, children had more asthma exacerbation events than telemedicine (5 vs. 0, respectively, P value =0.073). CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine follow-up in asthmatic children resulted in well-controlled symptoms and few asthma exacerbation events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rattapon Uppala
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Dara Mairiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Porntipa Suebsarakam
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Prapassara Sirikarn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Leelawadee Techasatian
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Kapoor NR, Aryal A, Mehata S, Dulal M, Kruk ME, Bauhoff S, Arsenault C. Effect of lifting COVID-19 restrictions on utilisation of primary care services in Nepal: a difference-in-differences analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061849. [PMID: 36446449 PMCID: PMC9709811 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061849] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An increasing number of studies have reported disruptions in health service utilisation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions. However, little is known about the effect of lifting COVID-19 restrictions on health service utilisation. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of lifting COVID-19 restrictions on primary care service utilisation in Nepal. METHODS Data on utilisation of 10 primary care services were extracted from the Health Management Information System across all health facilities in Nepal. We used a difference-in-differences design and linear fixed effects regressions to estimate the effect of lifting COVID-19 restrictions. The treatment group included palikas that had lifted restrictions in place from 17 August 2020 to 16 September 2020 (Bhadra 2077) and the control group included palikas that had maintained restrictions during that period. The pre-period included the 4 months of national lockdown from 24 March 2020 to 22 July 2020 (Chaitra 2076 to Ashar 2077). Models included month and palika fixed effects and controlled for COVID-19 incidence. RESULTS We found that lifting COVID-19 restrictions was associated with an average increase per palika of 57.5 contraceptive users (95% CI 14.6 to 100.5), 15.6 antenatal care visits (95% CI 5.3 to 25.9) and 1.6 child pneumonia visits (95% CI 0.2 to 2.9). This corresponded to a 9.4% increase in contraceptive users, 34.2% increase in antenatal care visits and 15.6% increase in child pneumonia visits. Utilisation of most other primary care services also increased after lifting restrictions, but coefficients were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Despite the ongoing pandemic, lifting restrictions can lead to an increase in some primary care services. Our results point to a causal link between restrictions and health service utilisation and call for policy makers in low- and middle-income countries to carefully consider the trade-offs of strict lockdowns during future COVID-19 waves or future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neena R Kapoor
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amit Aryal
- Swiss TPH, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Suresh Mehata
- Ministry of Health, Government of Nepal, Biratnagar, Province 1, Nepal
| | - Mahesh Dulal
- Office of the Member of Federal Parliament Nepal, Gagan Kumar Thapa, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Margaret E Kruk
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sebastian Bauhoff
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine Arsenault
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Lydon MM, Vilanculos J, Martinez A, Barata A, Keyes E. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and perinatal health service utilisation and outcomes in Mozambique: an interrupted time series analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062975. [PMID: 36385027 PMCID: PMC9670093 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and perinatal health services and outcomes in Mozambique. DESIGN This is an observational study analysing routine service delivery data using interrupted time series analysis. We used 43 months of district-level panel data with April 2020 as the point of interruption, adjusting for seasonality and population growth to analyse service utilisation outcomes. SETTING The 222 public health facilities in Nampula Province, Mozambique, from January 2018 to July 2021. OUTCOME MEASURES The change in the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits and facility deliveries, and the change in the rate of adverse birth outcomes at pandemic onset and over time compared with expected levels and trends, respectively. RESULTS There were no significant disruptions to ANC at pandemic onset. Following this, there was a significant monthly increase of 29.8 (18.2-41.4) first ANC visits and 11.3 (5.5-17.2) ANC visits within the first trimester per district above prepandemic trends. There was no significant change in the number of fourth ANC visits completed. At the onset of COVID-19, districts experienced a significant decrease of 71.1 (-110.5 to -31.7) facility deliveries, but the rate then increased significantly above prepandemic trends. There was no significant increase in any adverse birth outcomes during the pandemic. Conversely, districts observed a significant monthly decrease of 5.3 uterine rupture cases (-9.9 to -0.6) and 19.2 stillbirths (-33.83 to -4.58) per 100 000 facility deliveries below prepandemic trends. There was a significant drop of 23.5 cases of neonatal sepsis/100 000 facility deliveries per district at pandemic onset. CONCLUSION Despite pandemic interference, Nampula Province saw no disruptions to ANC, only temporary disruptions to facility deliveries and no increases in adverse birth outcomes. ANC visits surprisingly increased, and the rates of uterine rupture, stillbirth and neonatal sepsis decreased, suggesting that Nampula Province may offer insights about health system resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Lydon
- Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Division, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Andres Martinez
- Behavioral, Epidemiological and Clinical Sciences, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Emily Keyes
- Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Division, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Zhong W, Yin R, Pan Y, Zhang X, Renzaho AMN, Ling L, Li X, Chen W. Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Hospital Visits of Rural Residents in Guangdong, China: A Controlled Interrupted Time Series Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13259. [PMID: 36293836 PMCID: PMC9603214 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013259] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To date, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the healthcare-seeking behavior and utilization of health services in rural areas where healthcare resources are scarce. We aimed to quantify the long-term impact of COVID-19 on hospital visits of rural residents in China. We collected data on the hospitalization of all residents covered by national health insurance schemes in a county in southern China from April 2017 to March 2021. We analyzed changes in residents' hospitalization visits in different areas, i.e., within-county, out-of-county but within-city, and out-of-city, via a controlled interrupted time series approach. Subgroup analyses based on gender, age, hospital levels, and ICD-10 classifications for hospital visits were examined. After experiencing a significant decline in hospitalization cases after the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, the pattern of rural residents' hospitalization utilization differed markedly by disease classification. Notably, we found that the overall demand for hospitalization utilization of mental and neurological illness among rural residents in China has been suppressed during the pandemic, while the utilization of inpatient services for other common chronic diseases was redistributed across regions. Our findings suggest that in resource-poor areas, focused strategies are urgently needed to ensure that people have access to adequate healthcare services, particularly mental and neurological healthcare, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfang Zhong
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Rong Yin
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yan Pan
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiangliang Zhang
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Andre M. N. Renzaho
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown 2560, Australia
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Li Ling
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Sun Yat-sen Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xingge Li
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Mulenga-Cilundika P, Ekofo J, Kabanga C, Criel B, Van Damme W, Chenge F. Indirect Effects of Ebola Virus Disease Epidemics on Health Systems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia: A Scoping Review Supplemented with Expert Interviews. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13113. [PMID: 36293703 PMCID: PMC9602680 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemics have been extensively documented and have received large scientific and public attention since 1976. Until July 2022, 16 countries worldwide had reported at least one case of EVD, resulting in 43 epidemics. Most of the epidemics occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but the largest epidemic occurred from 2014-2016 in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa. The indirect effects of EVD epidemics on these countries' health systems, i.e., the consequences beyond infected patients and deaths immediately related to EVD, can be significant. The objective of this review was to map and measure the indirect effects of the EVD epidemics on the health systems of DRC, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia and, from thereon, draw lessons for strengthening their resilience vis-à-vis future EVD outbreaks and other similar health emergencies. A scoping review of published articles from the PubMed database and gray literature was conducted. It was supplemented by interviews with experts. Eighty-six articles were included in this review. The results were structured based on WHO's six building blocks of a health system. During the EVD outbreaks, several healthcare services and activities were disrupted. A significant decline in indicators of curative care utilization, immunization levels and disease control activities was noticeable. Shortages of health personnel, poor health data management, insufficient funding and shortages of essential drugs characterized the epidemics that occurred in the above-mentioned countries. The public health authorities had virtually lost their leadership in the management of an EVD response. Governance was characterized by the development of a range of new initiatives to ensure adequate response. The results of this review highlight the need for countries to invest in and strengthen their health systems, through the continuous reinforcement of the building blocks, even if there is no imminent risk of an epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Mulenga-Cilundika
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa 3088, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi 1825, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joel Ekofo
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa 3088, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Chrispin Kabanga
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa 3088, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Bart Criel
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa 3088, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Faustin Chenge
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa 3088, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi 1825, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Cardoso Pinto AM, Ranasinghe L, Dodd PJ, Budhathoki SS, Seddon JA, Whittaker E. Disruptions to routine childhood vaccinations in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:979769. [PMID: 36034563 PMCID: PMC9403570 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.979769] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine childhood vaccinations worldwide with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) most affected. This study aims to quantify levels of disruption to routine vaccinations in LMICs. Methods A systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42021286386) was conducted of MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, Scopus and MedRxiv, on the 11th of February 2022. Primary research studies published from January 2020 onwards were included if they reported levels of routine pediatrics vaccinations before and after March 2020. Study appraisal was performed using NHLBI tool for cross-sectional studies. Levels of disruption were summarized using medians and interquartile ranges. Results A total of 39 cross-sectional studies were identified. These showed an overall relative median decline of -10.8% [interquartile range (IQR) -27.6%, -1.4%] across all vaccines. Upper-middle-income countries (upper-MICs) (-14.3%; IQR -24.3%, -2.4%) and lower-MICs (-18.0%; IQR -48.6%, -4.1%) showed greater declines than low-income countries (-3.1%; IQR -12.8%, 2.9%), as did vaccines administered at birth (-11.8%; IQR -27.7%, -3.5%) compared to those given after birth (-8.0%; IQR -28.6%, -0.4%). Declines during the first 3 months of the pandemic (-8.1%; IQR -35.1%, -1.4%) were greater than during the remainder of 2020 (-3.9%; IQR -13.0%, 11.4%) compared to baseline. Conclusion There has been a decline in routine pediatric vaccination, greatest in MICs and for vaccines administered at birth. Nations must prioritize catch-up programs alongside public health messaging to encourage vaccine uptake. Systematic review registration Identifier: CRD42021286386.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lasith Ranasinghe
- Academic Foundation Doctor, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Dodd
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Shyam Sundar Budhathoki
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James A Seddon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Whittaker
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Dzinamarira T, Moyo E, Moyo P, Pierre G, Mpabuka E, Kahere M, Tungwarara N, Chitungo I, Murewanhema G, Musuka G. Childhood immunization services accessibility and utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. J Infect 2022; 85:436-480. [PMID: 35914610 PMCID: PMC9338170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Enos Moyo
- Oshakati Medical Centre, Oshakati, Namibia
| | | | - Gashema Pierre
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Morris Kahere
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nigel Tungwarara
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Itai Chitungo
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Grant Murewanhema
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Trinh LTT, Stubbs JM, Gilroy N, Schindeler S, Achat H. Using the Experiences and Perceptions of Health Care Workers to Improve the Health Care Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Workplace Health Saf 2022; 70:500-508. [PMID: 35801569 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221102299] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought the opinions of health care workers (HCWs) at a designated COVID-19 facility receiving the first cases to identify workplace modifications and inform effective changes to maximize health and safety at the onset of a crisis. METHODS A cross-sectional study utilized open- and close-ended questions gathered demographic and work details, experiences and perspectives on infection control, communication, support, and the workplace. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and quantitative were analyzed using descriptive statistics. FINDINGS Of 340 HCWs, most approved of the organization's response to minimizing risk (81.0%), infection control training (81.1%), and supplies (74.3%). Key actions included up-to-date guidelines (93.6%) and specialized infectious diseases clinics (94.9%). Conclusions: HCWs rated the organization's adaptive changes highly, noting areas for improvement such as transparency and timeliness of communication. Incorporating input from HCWs when responding to health crises was beneficial to maximize staff health and safety and consequently that of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieu Thi Thuy Trinh
- Epidemiology and Health Analytics, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney
| | - Joanne M Stubbs
- Epidemiology and Health Analytics, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney
| | - Nicole Gilroy
- Infectious Diseases and Prevention, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville.,New South Wales Biocontainment Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District and New South Wales Health
| | | | - Helen Achat
- Epidemiology and Health Analytics, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney
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Drivers of Routine and Outbreak Vaccination Uptake in the Western Democratic Republic of Congo: An Exploratory Study in Ten Health Zones. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071066. [PMID: 35891230 PMCID: PMC9320175 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We performed a cross-sectional survey on vaccination-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among randomly selected parents of <5 years-old children, elderly populations (aged ≥ 55 years), and health care workers (HCWs) in 10 health zones from 4 provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Questionnaires targeted both routine (BCG, measles, polio) and outbreak-related (cholera, Ebola, COVID-19) vaccinations. In total, 2751 participants were included, 1165 parents, 1040 elderly, and 546 HCWs. In general, KAP expressed were supportive of vaccination uptake, although concerns regarding side effects and feelings of being insufficiently informed were more prevalent among parents and the elderly. Vaccine acceptance was lower for outbreak vaccinations (57%) than for routine vaccinations (90%). HCWs expressed the highest vaccine acceptance. Problems with the vaccine supply chain were reported by 20% of respondents. Despite a high level of positive KAP towards vaccination, parents and the elderly expressed a need to be better informed and had concerns regarding vaccine side-effects. A high acceptance for routine vaccinations was reported by participants, but somewhat less for outbreak vaccinations. In conclusion, HCWs in the communities could play a key role in the increased uptake of routine vaccinations and in optimizing uptake during outbreaks, provided that the supply chain is functioning well.
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Majer J, Udoh K, Beleke A, Ahmed D, Kumar D, Summers A, Ververs M, Bollemeijer I, Doocy S. Operational challenges and considerations for COVID-19 research in humanitarian settings: A qualitative study of a project in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267822. [PMID: 35771799 PMCID: PMC9246222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, much research has been conducted globally, but relatively few studies have been carried out in complex emergency settings that pose numerous operational challenges. We conducted a qualitative study to explore the barriers and enablers of a COVID-19 cohort study conducted in South Sudan and Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, to inform future research on COVID-19 and infectious diseases in humanitarian settings. We used a case study design embedded within the original prospective cohort study. Qualitative data was collected through four health facility assessments, 28 key informant interviews, and a focus group discussion. Data were analyzed using a manual thematic analysis approach and summarized against four primary themes: testing challenges and enablers, perceptions and attitudes towards COVID-19, national health system considerations, and study management considerations. Findings suggest most of the challenges affecting the cohort study were not specific to COVID-19 research but have been a feature of previous infectious disease research carried out in complex emergencies. However, the pandemic has exacerbated certain problems. The high proportion of travellers enrolled due to testing mandates, stigmatization of infected individuals linked to the heavy global focus on COVID-19, strained resources during waves of increasing infections, and remote management requirements all negatively impacted the cohort study. Factors that facilitated the research included proactive management, data quality oversight procedures, and strong collaboration with national health stakeholders. The global impact of COVID-19, its high public profile, and specific pandemic policies pose further operational challenges for research in already complex humanitarian settings. Future studies could plan mitigation measures that include flexibility in staffing and budgets, strategies to expand testing, and early partnerships with local organizations and health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Majer
- International Programs Department, International Medical Corps, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kelechi Udoh
- Programs Department, International Medical Corps, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Arsene Beleke
- Programs Department, International Medical Corps, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Dugisye Ahmed
- Programs Department, International Medical Corps, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Programs Department, International Medical Corps, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Aimee Summers
- Emergency Response and Recovery Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mija Ververs
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Iris Bollemeijer
- International Programs Department, International Medical Corps, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Shannon Doocy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Arsenault C, Gage A, Kim MK, Kapoor NR, Akweongo P, Amponsah F, Aryal A, Asai D, Awoonor-Williams JK, Ayele W, Bedregal P, Doubova SV, Dulal M, Gadeka DD, Gordon-Strachan G, Mariam DH, Hensman D, Joseph JP, Kaewkamjornchai P, Eshetu MK, Gelaw SK, Kubota S, Leerapan B, Margozzini P, Mebratie AD, Mehata S, Moshabela M, Mthethwa L, Nega A, Oh J, Park S, Passi-Solar Á, Pérez-Cuevas R, Phengsavanh A, Reddy T, Rittiphairoj T, Sapag JC, Thermidor R, Tlou B, Valenzuela Guiñez F, Bauhoff S, Kruk ME. COVID-19 and resilience of healthcare systems in ten countries. Nat Med 2022; 28:1314-1324. [PMID: 35288697 PMCID: PMC9205770 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01750-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Declines in health service use during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could have important effects on population health. In this study, we used an interrupted time series design to assess the immediate effect of the pandemic on 31 health services in two low-income (Ethiopia and Haiti), six middle-income (Ghana, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa and Thailand) and high-income (Chile and South Korea) countries. Despite efforts to maintain health services, disruptions of varying magnitude and duration were found in every country, with no clear patterns by country income group or pandemic intensity. Disruptions in health services often preceded COVID-19 waves. Cancer screenings, TB screening and detection and HIV testing were most affected (26-96% declines). Total outpatient visits declined by 9-40% at national levels and remained lower than predicted by the end of 2020. Maternal health services were disrupted in approximately half of the countries, with declines ranging from 5% to 33%. Child vaccinations were disrupted for shorter periods, but we estimate that catch-up campaigns might not have reached all children missed. By contrast, provision of antiretrovirals for HIV was not affected. By the end of 2020, substantial disruptions remained in half of the countries. Preliminary data for 2021 indicate that disruptions likely persisted. Although a portion of the declines observed might result from decreased needs during lockdowns (from fewer infectious illnesses or injuries), a larger share likely reflects a shortfall of health system resilience. Countries must plan to compensate for missed healthcare during the current pandemic and invest in strategies for better health system resilience for future emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Arsenault
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA.
| | - Anna Gage
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
| | - Min Kyung Kim
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Neena R Kapoor
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
| | | | - Freddie Amponsah
- Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ghana Health Services, Accra, Ghana
| | - Amit Aryal
- Office of the Member of Federal Parliament Gagan Kumar Thapa, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Daisuke Asai
- World Health Organization, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vientiane, Laos
| | | | - Wondimu Ayele
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Paula Bedregal
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Svetlana V Doubova
- Epidemiology and Health Services Research Unit CMN Siglo XXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mahesh Dulal
- Office of the Member of Federal Parliament Gagan Kumar Thapa, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | | | | | - Dilipkumar Hensman
- World Health Organization, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Jean Paul Joseph
- Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais, Zanmi Lasante, Arrondissement de Mirebalais, Mirebalais, Haïti
| | | | | | | | - Shogo Kubota
- World Health Organization, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Borwornsom Leerapan
- Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Madidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paula Margozzini
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Suresh Mehata
- Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Londiwe Mthethwa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Adiam Nega
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Juhwan Oh
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sookyung Park
- Korea National Health Insurance Services, Health Insurance Research Institute, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Álvaro Passi-Solar
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Pérez-Cuevas
- Division of Social Protection and Health, Inter-American Development Bank, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Alongkhone Phengsavanh
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Jaime C Sapag
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roody Thermidor
- Studies and Planning Unit, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Boikhutso Tlou
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Sebastian Bauhoff
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
| | - Margaret E Kruk
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
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Heuschen AK, Abdul-Mumin A, Adokiya M, Lu G, Jahn A, Razum O, Winkler V, Müller O. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria cases in health facilities in northern Ghana: a retrospective analysis of routine surveillance data. Malar J 2022; 21:149. [PMID: 35570272 PMCID: PMC9107588 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04154-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic and its collateral damage severely impact health systems globally and risk to worsen the malaria situation in endemic countries. Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana. This study aims to describe the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria cases observed in health facilities in the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods Monthly routine data from the District Health Information Management System II (DHIMS2) of the Northern Region of Ghana were analysed. Overall outpatient department visits (OPD) and malaria case rates from the years 2015–2019 were compared to the corresponding data of the year 2020. Results Compared to the corresponding periods of the years 2015–2019, overall visits and malaria cases in paediatric and adult OPDs in northern Ghana decreased in March and April 2020, when major movement and social restrictions were implemented in response to the pandemic. Cases slightly rebounded afterwards in 2020, but stayed below the average of the previous years. Malaria data from inpatient departments showed a similar but more pronounced trend when compared to OPDs. In pregnant women, however, malaria cases in OPDs increased after the first COVID-19 wave. Conclusions The findings from this study show that the COVID-19 pandemic affects the malaria burden in health facilities of northern Ghana, with declines in inpatient and outpatient rates except for pregnant women. They may have experienced reduced access to insecticide-treated nets and intermittent preventive malaria treatment in pregnancy, resulting in subsequent higher malaria morbidity. Further data, particularly from community-based studies and ideally complemented by qualitative research, are needed to fully determine the impact of the pandemic on the malaria situation in Africa.
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Altare C, Kostandova N, OKeeffe J, Hayek H, Fawad M, Musa Khalifa A, Spiegel PB. COVID-19 epidemiology and changes in health service utilization in Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps in Jordan: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003993. [PMID: 35536871 PMCID: PMC9089859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in humanitarian contexts are not well understood. Specific vulnerabilities in such settings raised concerns about the ability to respond and maintain essential health services. This study describes the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps in Jordan (population: 37,932 and 79,034, respectively) and evaluates changes in routine health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND FINDINGS We calculate the descriptive statistics of COVID-19 cases in the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)'s linelist and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for selected outcomes. We evaluate the changes in health services using monthly routine data from UNHCR's health information system (HIS; January 2018 to March 2021) and apply interrupted time series analysis with a generalized additive model and negative binomial (NB) distribution, accounting for long-term trends and seasonality, reporting results as incidence rate ratios (IRRs). COVID-19 cases were first reported on September 8 and September 13, 2020 in Azraq and Zaatari camps, respectively, 6 months after the first case in Jordan. Incidence rates (IRs) were lower in camps than neighboring governorates (by 37.6% in Azraq (IRR: 0.624, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.584 to 0.666], p-value: <0.001) and 40.2% in Zaatari (IRR: 0.598, 95% CI: [0.570, 0.629], p-value: <0.001)) and lower than Jordan (by 59.7% in Azraq (IRR: 0.403, 95% CI: [0.378 to 0.430], p-value: <0.001) and by 63.3% in Zaatari (IRR: 0.367, 95% CI: [0.350 to 0.385], p-value: <0.001)). Characteristics of cases and risk factors for negative disease outcomes were consistent with increasing COVID-19 evidence. The following health services reported an immediate decline during the first year of COVID-19: healthcare utilization (by 32% in Azraq (IRR: 0.680, 95% CI [0.549 to 0.843], p-value < 0.001) and by 24.2% in Zaatari (IRR: 0.758, 95% CI [0.577 to 0.995], p-value = 0.046)); consultations for respiratory tract infections (RTIs; by 25.1% in Azraq (IRR: 0.749, 95% CI: [0.596 to 0.940], p-value = 0.013 and by 37.5% in Zaatari (IRR: 0.625, 95% CI: [0.461 to 0.849], p-value = 0.003)); and family planning (new and repeat family planning consultations decreased by 47.4% in Azraq (IRR: 0.526, 95% CI: [0.376 to 0.736], p-value = <0.001) and 47.6% in Zaatari (IRR: 0.524, 95% CI: [0.312 to 0.878], p-value = 0.014)). Maternal and child health services as well as noncommunicable diseases did not show major changes compared to pre-COVID-19 period. Conducting interrupted time series analyses in volatile settings such refugee camps can be challenging as it may be difficult to meet some analytical assumptions and to mitigate threats to validity. The main limitation of this study relates therefore to possible unmeasured confounding. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 transmission was lower in camps than outside of camps. Refugees may have been affected from external transmission, rather than driving it. Various types of health services were affected differently, but disruptions appear to have been limited in the 2 camps compared to other noncamp settings. These insights into Jordan's refugee camps during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic set the stage for follow-up research to investigate how infection susceptibility evolved over time, as well as which mitigation strategies were more successful and accepted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Altare
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Natalya Kostandova
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jennifer OKeeffe
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Heba Hayek
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Amman, Jordan
| | - Muhammad Fawad
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Paul B. Spiegel
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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COVID-19-related factors delaying dental visits of workers in Japan. Int Dent J 2022; 72:716-724. [PMID: 35680437 PMCID: PMC9085458 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Sirikarn P, Tiamkao S, Tiamkao S. The effects of COVID-19 measures on the hospitalization of patients with epilepsy and status epilepticus in Thailand: An interrupted time series analysis. Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:325-331. [PMID: 35403839 PMCID: PMC9110909 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12600] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) measures on the hospitalization of patients with epilepsy and status epilepticus (SE). Methods This interrupted time series design included data from the Thai Universal Coverage Scheme electronic database between January 2017 and September 2020. The monthly hospitalization rate of epilepsy and SE was calculated by the number of hospitalizations divided by the midyear population. Segmented regression fitted by ordinary least squares (OLS) was used to detect the immediate and overtime effects of COVID‐19 measures on the hospitalization rate. Results During January 2017 and September 2020, the numbers of epilepsy and SE patients admitted to the hospital were 129 402 and 15 547 episodes, respectively. The monthly trend of the hospitalization rate in epilepsy decreased immediately after the COVID‐19 measure (0.739 per 100 000 population [95% CI: 0.219 to 1.260]). In particular, the number of children declined to 1.178 per 100 000 population, and the number of elderly individuals dropped to 0.467 per 100 000 population, while there was a nonstatistically significant change in SE. Significance COVID‐19 measures reduced the hospital rate in epilepsy, particularly in children and adults. However, there was no change in SE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapassara Sirikarn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Integrated Epilepsy Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Siriporn Tiamkao
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Integrated Epilepsy Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Somsak Tiamkao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Integrated Epilepsy Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Wambua S, Malla L, Mbevi G, Kandiah J, Nwosu AP, Tuti T, Paton C, Wambu B, English M, Okiro EA. Quantifying the indirect impact of COVID-19 pandemic on utilisation of outpatient and immunisation services in Kenya: a longitudinal study using interrupted time series analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055815. [PMID: 35273053 PMCID: PMC8914407 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we assess the indirect impact of COVID-19 on utilisation of immunisation and outpatient services in Kenya. DESIGN Longitudinal study. SETTING Data were analysed from all healthcare facilities reporting to Kenya's health information system from January 2018 to March 2021. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data, interrupted time series analysis was used to quantify the changes in utilisation of services and sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess robustness of estimates. EXPOSURE OF INTEREST COVID-19 outbreak and associated interventions. OUTCOME MEASURES Monthly attendance to health facilities. We assessed changes in immunisation and various outpatient services nationally. RESULTS Before the first case of COVID-19 and pursuant intervention measures in March 2020, uptake of health services was consistent with historical levels. There was significant drops in attendance (level changes) in April 2020 for overall outpatient visits for under-fives (rate ratio, RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.57), under-fives with pneumonia (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.47), overall over-five visits (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.75), over-fives with pneumonia (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.70), fourth antenatal care visit (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.93), total hypertension (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.96), diabetes cases (RR 0.95 95% CI, 0.93 to 0.97) and HIV testing (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99). Immunisation services, first antenatal care visits, new cases of hypertension and diabetes were not affected. The post-COVID-19 trend was increasing, with more recent data suggesting reversal of effects and health services reverting to expected levels as of March 2021. CONCLUSION COVID-19 pandemic has had varied indirect effects on utilisation of health services in Kenya. There is need for proactive and targeted interventions to reverse these effects as part of the pandemic's response to avert non-COVID-19 indirect mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Wambua
- Population Health Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lucas Malla
- Health Services Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - George Mbevi
- Health Services Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joel Kandiah
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Amen-Patrick Nwosu
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Oxford, UK
| | - Timothy Tuti
- Health Services Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Chris Paton
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Oxford, UK
| | - Bernard Wambu
- Division of Neonatal and Child Health, Kenya Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mike English
- Health Services Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Oxford, UK
| | - Emelda A Okiro
- Population Health Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Oxford, UK
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Mlia-Phiri E, Lissauer S, Weatherhead JE. Global Representation During a Global Pandemic. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:e216446. [PMID: 35044429 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.6446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ethwako Mlia-Phiri
- Department of Pediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Samantha Lissauer
- Department of Pediatrics, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jill E Weatherhead
- Department of Pediatrics, Tropical Medicine and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Connolly E, Boley EJ, Fejfar DL, Varney PF, Aron MB, Fulcher IR, Lambert W, Ndayizigiye M, Law MR, Mugunga JC, Hedt-Gauthier B. Childhood immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic: experiences in Haiti, Lesotho, Liberia and Malawi. Bull World Health Organ 2022; 100:115-126C. [PMID: 35125536 PMCID: PMC8795848 DOI: 10.2471/blt.21.286774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine changes in vaccination of children younger than 1 year during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March 2020–August 2021) in Haiti, Lesotho, Liberia and Malawi. Methods We used data from health management information systems on vaccination of children aged 12 months or younger in districts supported by Partners In Health. We used data from January 2016 to February 2020 and a linear model with negative binomial distribution to estimate the expected immunization counts for March 2020–August 2021 with 95% prediction intervals, assuming no pandemic. We compared these expected levels with observed values and estimated the immunization deficits or excesses during the pandemic months. Findings Baseline vaccination counts varied substantially by country, with Lesotho having the lowest count and Haiti the highest. We observed declines in vaccination administration early in the COVID-19 pandemic in Haiti, Lesotho and Liberia. Continued declines largely corresponded to high rates of COVID-19 infection and discrete stock-outs. By August 2021, vaccination levels had returned to close to or above expected levels in Haiti, Liberia and Lesotho; in Malawi levels remained below expected. Conclusion Patterns of childhood immunization coverage varied by country over the course of the pandemic, with significantly lower than expected vaccination levels seen in one country during subsequent COVID-19 waves. Governments and health-care stakeholders should monitor vaccine coverage closely and consider interventions, such as community outreach, to avoid or combat the disruptions in childhood vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Isabel R Fulcher
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | | | | | - Michael R Law
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Bethany Hedt-Gauthier
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Aranda Z, Binde T, Tashman K, Tadikonda A, Mawindo B, Maweu D, Boley EJ, Mphande I, Dumbuya I, Montaño M, Clisbee M, Mvula MG, Ndayizigiye M, Casella Jean-Baptiste M, Varney PF, Anyango S, Grépin KA, Law MR, Mugunga JC, Hedt-Gauthier B, Fulcher IR. Disruptions in maternal health service use during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020: experiences from 37 health facilities in low-income and middle-income countries. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007247. [PMID: 35012970 PMCID: PMC8753094 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has heterogeneously affected use of basic health services worldwide, with disruptions in some countries beginning in the early stages of the emergency in March 2020. These disruptions have occurred on both the supply and demand sides of healthcare, and have often been related to resource shortages to provide care and lower patient turnout associated with mobility restrictions and fear of contracting COVID-19 at facilities. In this paper, we assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of maternal health services using a time series modelling approach developed to monitor health service use during the pandemic using routinely collected health information systems data. We focus on data from 37 non-governmental organisation-supported health facilities in Haiti, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mexico and Sierra Leone. Overall, our analyses indicate significant declines in first antenatal care visits in Haiti (18% drop) and Sierra Leone (32% drop) and facility-based deliveries in all countries except Malawi from March to December 2020. Different strategies were adopted to maintain continuity of maternal health services, including communication campaigns, continuity of community health worker services, human resource capacity building to ensure compliance with international and national guidelines for front-line health workers, adapting spaces for safe distancing and ensuring the availability of personal protective equipment. We employ a local lens, providing prepandemic context and reporting results and strategies by country, to highlight the importance of developing context-specific interventions to design effective mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeus Aranda
- Compañeros En Salud/Partners In Health-Mexico, Ángel Albino Corzo, Mexico
| | - Thierry Binde
- Partners In Health-Sierra Leone, Koidu, Sierra Leone
| | - Katherine Tashman
- Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Data Science Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ananya Tadikonda
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bill Mawindo
- Partners In Health-Sierra Leone, Koidu, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | - Isaac Mphande
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo/Partners In Health-Malawi, Neno, Malawi
| | - Isata Dumbuya
- Partners In Health-Sierra Leone, Koidu, Sierra Leone
| | - Mariana Montaño
- Compañeros En Salud/Partners In Health-Mexico, Ángel Albino Corzo, Mexico
| | - Mary Clisbee
- Zanmi Lasante/Partners In Health-Haiti, Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Karen Ann Grépin
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Michael R Law
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jean Claude Mugunga
- Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bethany Hedt-Gauthier
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Biostatistics, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isabel R Fulcher
- Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Data Science Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Feng S, Hategeka C, Grépin KA. Addressing missing values in routine health information system data: an evaluation of imputation methods using data from the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the COVID-19 pandemic. Popul Health Metr 2021; 19:44. [PMID: 34736462 PMCID: PMC8567342 DOI: 10.1186/s12963-021-00274-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor data quality is limiting the use of data sourced from routine health information systems (RHIS), especially in low- and middle-income countries. An important component of this data quality issue comes from missing values, where health facilities, for a variety of reasons, fail to report to the central system. METHODS Using data from the health management information system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the advent of COVID-19 pandemic as an illustrative case study, we implemented seven commonly used imputation methods and evaluated their performance in terms of minimizing bias in imputed values and parameter estimates generated through subsequent analytical techniques, namely segmented regression, which is widely used in interrupted time series studies, and pre-post-comparisons through paired Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. We also examined the performance of these imputation methods under different missing mechanisms and tested their stability to changes in the data. RESULTS For regression analyses, there were no substantial differences found in the coefficient estimates generated from all methods except mean imputation and exclusion and interpolation when the data contained less than 20% missing values. However, as the missing proportion grew, k-NN started to produce biased estimates. Machine learning algorithms, i.e. missForest and k-NN, were also found to lack robustness to small changes in the data or consecutive missingness. On the other hand, multiple imputation methods generated the overall most unbiased estimates and were the most robust to all changes in data. They also produced smaller standard errors than single imputations. For pre-post-comparisons, all methods produced p values less than 0.01, regardless of the amount of missingness introduced, suggesting low sensitivity of Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to the imputation method used. CONCLUSIONS We recommend the use of multiple imputation in addressing missing values in RHIS datasets and appropriate handling of data structure to minimize imputation standard errors. In cases where necessary computing resources are unavailable for multiple imputation, one may consider seasonal decomposition as the next best method. Mean imputation and exclusion and interpolation, however, always produced biased and misleading results in the subsequent analyses, and thus, their use in the handling of missing values should be discouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Feng
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Celestin Hategeka
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Ann Grépin
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
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Heuschen AK, Lu G, Razum O, Abdul-Mumin A, Sankoh O, von Seidlein L, D'Alessandro U, Müller O. Public health-relevant consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. Malar J 2021; 20:339. [PMID: 34380494 PMCID: PMC8355579 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03872-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges to health systems worldwide, including the control of non-COVID-19 diseases. Malaria cases and deaths may increase due to the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in malaria-endemic countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to summarize information on public health-relevant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the malaria situation in SSA. METHODS Review of publications and manuscripts on preprint servers, in peer-reviewed journals and in grey literature documents from 1 December, 2019 to 9 June, 2021. A structured search was conducted on different databases using predefined eligibility criteria for the selection of articles. RESULTS A total of 51 papers have been included in the analysis. Modelling papers have predicted a significant increase in malaria cases and malaria deaths in SSA due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many papers provided potential explanations for expected COVID-19 effects on the malaria burden; these ranged from relevant diagnostical and clinical aspects to reduced access to health care services, impaired availability of curative and preventive commodities and medications, and effects on malaria prevention campaigns. Compared to previous years, fewer country reports provided data on the actual number of malaria cases and deaths in 2020, with mixed results. While highly endemic countries reported evidence of decreased malaria cases in health facilities, low endemic countries reported overall higher numbers of malaria cases and deaths in 2020. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this review provide evidence for a significant but diverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria in SSA. There is the need to further investigate the public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the malaria burden. Protocol registered on Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/STQ9D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guangyu Lu
- Department of Public Health, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Oliver Razum
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alhassan Abdul-Mumin
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Osman Sankoh
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Statistics Sierra Leone, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Olaf Müller
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
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