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Silverthorne CA, Jones B, Brooke M, Coates LC, Orme J, Robson JC, Tillett W, Dures E. Qualitative interview study of rheumatology patients' experiences of COVID-19 shielding to explore the physical and psychological impact and identify associated support needs. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e075871. [PMID: 38653512 PMCID: PMC11043751 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many clinically extremely vulnerable rheumatology patients have only recently ceased shielding from COVID-19, while some continue to minimise in-person contact. The objective of this study was to understand the impact of shielding and associated support needs in patients with rheumatic conditions and to understand how rheumatology teams can meet these needs both currently and in future pandemics. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The study was conducted in the Southwest of England using a case-study design. The participants were 15 patients with rheumatic conditions who were advised to shield and/or chose to shield at any time during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Qualitative data collected via telephone and online semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Fifteen interviews were conducted. Three main themes represent the data:'Just shove them over there in the corner' captures changes in patients' self-perception. They felt different to most other people, vulnerable and left behind. The initial sense of shock was followed by a sense of loss as changes became long term.'A long and lonely road' captures patients' psychological isolation due to a perceived lack of understanding and support. This included having to prove their health status and justify their shielding behaviours, which impacted their relationships. At times, they felt abandoned by their healthcare providers.'You can't just flip a switch' captures the difficulty of getting back to pre-pandemic normal after shielding. Patients did not recognise themselves physically and mentally. They wanted to collaborate with health professionals and identified the need for specific guidance to support their recovery. CONCLUSION Patients are dealing with lasting physical and mental effects from shielding and consequences of delayed healthcare. Health professionals need time and resources to ask about patients' well-being, identify their health needs and refer/signpost to appropriate sources of support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Silverthorne
- Academic Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK
- University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Bethan Jones
- Academic Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK
- University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Laura C Coates
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jen Orme
- Academic Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK
- University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Joanna C Robson
- Academic Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK
- University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - William Tillett
- Royal United Hospitals, Bath, UK
- University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Emma Dures
- Academic Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK
- University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
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Obiefuna EC, Ojonta OI, Ogbuabor JE. The influence of COVID-19 pandemic and coping strategies on work operation of nonfarm household enterprises in Nigeria. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37363036 PMCID: PMC10066960 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03185-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate how COVID-19 pandemic including some coping strategies such as hand wash with soap and food consumption influences work operation or performance of nonfarm household enterprises (NHEs) in Nigeria using 2020 Living Standard Measurement Survey data of 1728 sample size. This study departs from existing study in two ways: first, the study employs multinomial logistic regression technique to ascertain the determinants of work performance of nonfarm household enterprises in Nigeria. Second, the study focuses on nonfarm enterprises such as petty trade, road side automobile and cab drivers. The results show that COVID-19 pandemic is significant with negative influence on the work operation of NHEs in Nigeria. The result of the study also reveals that coping strategy such as hand wash with soap during the pandemic is an important driver of work performance or operation of NHEs in Nigeria. Another coping strategy like food consumption by nonfarm household enterprises shows insignificant influence on work operation which implies that there is no relationship between food consumption and work operation by NHEs in Nigeria. The policy recommendation of this study, among others, is that policies should focus on procurement of sanitary material for public use. This can be achieved through public sensitisation in terms of organising workshops and conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Obed I. Ojonta
- Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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Coleman P, Barber TM, van Rens T, Hanson P, Coffey A, Oyebode O. COVID-19 Outcomes in Minority Ethnic Groups: Do Obesity and Metabolic Risk Play a Role? Curr Obes Rep 2022; 11:107-115. [PMID: 34655051 PMCID: PMC8518892 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-021-00459-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Globally, minority ethnic groups have been at higher risk of COVID-19 mortality and morbidity than majority populations. This review outlines factors that may interact to create these inequalities and explores the hypothesis that differing levels of cardio-metabolic risk, according to ethnic group, play a role. RECENT FINDINGS Two UK Biobank studies have reported that the body mass index is more strongly associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality in minority ethnic populations than in White populations. A study of UK patients found that the strongest association between obesity and adverse COVID-19 outcomes was in people of Black ethnicity. Differences in the prevalence of obesity and its metabolic sequelae have been shown to partly mediate ethnic inequalities in COVID-19 outcomes, although not always consistently. It is possible that ethnic differences in the consequences of obesity may explain some of the remaining disparity in COVID-19 risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Coleman
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Thijs van Rens
- Department of Economics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Petra Hanson
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Alice Coffey
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Sun A, Johnson D. Characterization of Traumatic Injury During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From a National Healthcare Database. Cureus 2022; 14:e28257. [PMID: 36158388 PMCID: PMC9498929 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize traumatic injury patterns after stay-at-home orders were implemented in the United States in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS A retrospective review of a convenience sample of patients from a national healthcare research database (TriNetX) was conducted from April 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020. Inclusion criteria included all patients with documentation of both injury pattern and mechanism of injury. A comparison was made to a matched pre-pandemic timeframe. Changes in percentage and rate ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval were reported. RRs were calculated using Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 238,661 patients in the control and 178,224 patients in the study cohorts were analyzed. Significant increases in assaults (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.20) and bicycle accidents (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.11) were noted. There was a relative increase in patients who were male (+1.78%) and white (+2.01%). More injuries were alcohol-related (+0.76%) and occurred at home (+0.79%). A decrease in motor vehicle accidents (-1.17%), foot and ankle injuries (-1.63%), and injuries occurring at sporting events (-0.54%) was noted. CONCLUSIONS Changes in injury patterns were observed during the study period. During future crises, particular public health and injury prevention resources may be required to address assaults, substance abuse, and home safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | - Daniel Johnson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, USA
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Baral S, Rao A, Twahirwa Rwema JO, Lyons C, Cevik M, Kågesten AE, Diouf D, Sohn AH, Phaswana-Mafuya N, Kamarulzaman A, Millett G, Marcus JL, Mishra S. Competing Health Risks Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic and Early Response: A Scoping Review. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021:2021.01.07.21249419. [PMID: 33442703 PMCID: PMC7805463 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.07.21249419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has rapidly emerged as a global public health threat with infections recorded in nearly every country. Responses to COVID-19 have varied in intensity and breadth, but generally have included domestic and international travel limitations, closure of non-essential businesses, and repurposing of health services. While these interventions have focused on testing, treatment, and mitigation of COVID-19, there have been reports of interruptions to diagnostic, prevention, and treatment services for other public health threats. OBJECTIVES We conducted a scoping review to characterize the early impact of COVID-19 on HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, sexual and reproductive health, and malnutrition. METHODS A scoping literature review was completed using searches of PubMed and preprint servers (medRxiv/bioRxiv) from January 1st to October 31st, 2020, using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 and HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, sexual and reproductive health, and malnutrition. Empiric studies reporting original data collection or mathematical models were included, and available data synthesized by region. Studies were excluded if they were not written in English. RESULTS A total of 1604 published papers and 205 preprints met inclusion criteria, including 8.2% (132/1604) of published studies and 10.2% (21/205) of preprints: 7.3% (68/931) on HIV, 7.1% (24/339) on tuberculosis, 11.6% (26/224) on malaria, 7.8% (13/166) on sexual and reproductive health, and 9.8% (13/132) on malnutrition. Thematic results were similar across competing health risks, with substantial indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and response on diagnostic, prevention, and treatment services for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, sexual and reproductive health, and malnutrition. DISCUSSION COVID-19 emerged in the context of existing public health threats that result in millions of deaths every year. Thus, effectively responding to COVID-19 while minimizing the negative impacts of COVID-19 necessitates innovation and integration of existing programs that are often siloed across health systems. Inequities have been a consistent driver of existing health threats; COVID-19 has worsened disparities, reinforcing the need for programs that address structural risks. The data reviewed here suggest that effective strengthening of health systems should include investment and planning focused on ensuring the continuity of care for both rapidly emergent and existing public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Amrita Rao
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Carrie Lyons
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Muge Cevik
- Division of Infection and Global Health Research, School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, Scotland
| | - Anna E Kågesten
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | | | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia, amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg
| | | | | | - Julia L Marcus
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Ksinan Jiskrova G, Bobák M, Pikhart H, Ksinan AJ. Job loss and lower healthcare utilisation due to COVID-19 among older adults across 27 European countries. J Epidemiol Community Health 2021; 75:1078-1083. [PMID: 33980720 PMCID: PMC8117469 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2021-216715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults are at greater risk for becoming severely ill from COVID-19; however, the impact of the pandemic on their economic activity and non-COVID-19-related healthcare utilisation is not well understood. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of COVID-19-related unemployment and healthcare utilisation in a sample of older adults across 27 European countries. METHODS We used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe COVID-19 Survey, collected between June and August 2020. Participants (n=52 061) reported whether they lost a job, forwent medical treatment and whether their appointment was postponed due to COVID-19. Three-level models were estimated for each outcome to test the effects of individual, household and country-level characteristics. RESULTS The mean prevalence of reported job loss, and forgone and postponed medical care was 19%, 12% and 26%, respectively. Job loss was associated with female sex, lower education and household income, and older age in women. For example, the OR of job loss, comparing primary versus tertiary (college) education, was 1.89 (95% CI 1.59 to 2.26). Forgone and postponed medical care was associated with older age in men, female sex and higher education. At the country level, postponed medical care was associated with more stringent governmental anti-COVID measures. CONCLUSION Job loss and lower healthcare utilisation for non-COVID-19-related reasons were common among older adults and were associated with several sociodemographic characteristics. Job loss appeared to disproportionally affect already economically vulnerable individuals, raising concerns about the exacerbation of social inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Ksinan Jiskrova
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Bobák
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hynek Pikhart
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Albert J Ksinan
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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