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Broda MD, Bogenschutz M, Dinora P, Prohn S, Lineberry S, West A. Understanding COVID-19 infection among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities using machine learning. Disabil Health J 2024; 17:101607. [PMID: 38548522 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Predicting COVID-19 infection has been difficult. OBJECTIVE We sought to address two research questions in this study: 1) to assess the overall utility of a machine learning model to predict COVID-19 diagnosis for people with IDD, and 2) to determine the primary predictors of COVID-19 diagnosis in a random sample of Home and Community Based Services users in one state. METHODS We merged three major IDD-specific datasets (National Core Indicators, Supports Intensity Scale, Medicaid HCBS expenditures) from one state to create one combined dataset for analyses that included more than 700 variables. We then built a random forest machine learning algorithm to predict COVID-19 diagnosis and to explore the top predictors of such a diagnosis, when present. RESULTS Our algorithm predicted COVID-19 diagnosis in a random sample of HCBS users with IDD with 62.5% accuracy. The top predictors of having a documented case of COVID-19 among our sample were higher age, having high overall, medical, or behavioral support needs, living in a lower-income neighborhood, total Medicaid expenditure, and higher body mass index. CONCLUSIONS Results largely followed trends in the general population, and were largely suggestive that increased contact with other people may have exposed a person with IDD to greater COVID-19 risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Broda
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education, PO Box 842020, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA.
| | - Matthew Bogenschutz
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work, PO Box 842027, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA.
| | - Parthenia Dinora
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Partnership for People with Disabilities, PO Box 843020, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA.
| | - Seb Prohn
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Partnership for People with Disabilities, PO Box 843020, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA.
| | - Sarah Lineberry
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Partnership for People with Disabilities, PO Box 843020, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA.
| | - Angela West
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Partnership for People with Disabilities, PO Box 843020, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA.
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Kuo JC, Chan W, Leon-Novelo L, Lairson DR, Brown A, Fujimoto K. Latent classification model for censored longitudinal binary outcome. Stat Med 2024. [PMID: 38951953 DOI: 10.1002/sim.10156] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Latent classification model is a class of statistical methods for identifying unobserved class membership among the study samples using some observed data. In this study, we proposed a latent classification model that takes a censored longitudinal binary outcome variable and uses its changing pattern over time to predict individuals' latent class membership. Assuming the time-dependent outcome variables follow a continuous-time Markov chain, the proposed method has two primary goals: (1) estimate the distribution of the latent classes and predict individuals' class membership, and (2) estimate the class-specific transition rates and rate ratios. To assess the model's performance, we conducted a simulation study and verified that our algorithm produces accurate model estimates (ie, small bias) with reasonable confidence intervals (ie, achieving approximately 95% coverage probability). Furthermore, we compared our model to four other existing latent class models and demonstrated that our approach yields higher prediction accuracies for latent classes. We applied our proposed method to analyze the COVID-19 data in Houston, Texas, US collected between January first 2021 and December 31st 2021. Early reports on the COVID-19 pandemic showed that the severity of a SARS-CoV-2 infection tends to vary greatly by cases. We found that while demographic characteristics explain some of the differences in individuals' experience with COVID-19, some unaccounted-for latent variables were associated with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky C Kuo
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wenyaw Chan
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Luis Leon-Novelo
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David R Lairson
- Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Armand Brown
- Bureau of Epidemiology, Houston Health Department, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kayo Fujimoto
- Department of Health Promotion and Behaviroal Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Fisher KA, Mazor KM, Epstein MM, Goldthwait L, Abu Ghazaleh H, Zhou Y, Crawford S, Marathe J, Linas BP. Long COVID awareness and receipt of medical care: a survey among populations at risk for disparities. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1360341. [PMID: 38873310 PMCID: PMC11173587 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1360341] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has been characterized by disparities in disease burden and medical care provision. Whether these disparities extend to long COVID awareness and receipt of medical care is unknown. We aimed to characterize awareness of long COVID and receipt of medical care for long COVID symptoms among populations who experience disparities in the United States (US). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among a national sample of US adults between January 26-February 5, 2023. We surveyed approximately 2,800 adults drawn from the Ipsos probability-based KnowledgePanel® who identify as White, Black, or Hispanic, with over-sampling of Black, Hispanic, and Spanish-proficient adults. Awareness of long COVID was assessed with the question, "Have you heard of long COVID? This is also referred to as post-COVID, Long-haul COVID, Post-acute COVID-19, or Chronic COVID." Respondents reporting COVID-19 symptoms lasting longer than 1 month were classified as having long COVID and asked about receipt of medical care. Results Of the 2,828 respondents, the mean age was 50.4 years, 52.8% were female, 40.2% identified as Hispanic, 29.8% as Black, and 26.7% as White. 18% completed the survey in Spanish. Overall, 62.5% had heard of long COVID. On multivariate analysis, long COVID awareness was lower among respondents who identified as Black (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.51, 0.81), Hispanic and completed the survey in English (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.46, 0.76), and Hispanic and completed the survey in Spanish (OR 0.31, 95% C.I. 0.23, 0.41), compared to White respondents (overall p < 0.001). Long COVID awareness was also associated with educational attainment, higher income, having health insurance, prior history of COVID-19 infection, and COVID-19 vaccination. Among those reporting symptoms consistent with long COVID (n = 272), 26.8% received medical care. Older age, longer symptom duration and greater symptom impact were associated with receipt of medical care for long COVID symptoms. Of those who received care, most (77.8%) rated it as less than excellent on a 5-point scale. Discussion This survey reveals limited awareness of long COVID and marked disparities in awareness according to race, ethnicity, and language. Targeted public health campaigns are needed to raise awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Fisher
- Division of Health Systems Science, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Mazor
- Division of Health Systems Science, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Mara M. Epstein
- Division of Health Systems Science, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Lydia Goldthwait
- Division of Health Systems Science, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Hiba Abu Ghazaleh
- Division of Health Systems Science, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Yanhua Zhou
- Division of Health Systems Science, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Sybil Crawford
- Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jai Marathe
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Benjamin P. Linas
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Kumar A, Pushkar K, Mathur Y, Kumar R, Patnaik U, Ahmed FHM, Yendamuri S, Dawra S. Association of socio-demographic factors with clinical outcome among hospitalized patients in first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic: Study from the developing world. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:1636-1642. [PMID: 38948593 PMCID: PMC11213441 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_57_23] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Recent disease resurgence in China indicates that corona virus infectious disease is still a pertinent public health problem. We stand at a juncture where we are still unsure about the initial dilemmas regarding its birth, therapies, and the emerging novel strains. Medical literature has focused on the clinical, laboratory, radiological, and therapeutic aspects of disease management. There is paucity of literature on the association between socio-demographic variables on disease severity and clinical outcome. Materials and Methods This retrospective observational study analyzing the socio-demographic variables was performed at a dedicated COVID care center in western Maharashtra, India. Electronic records of all individuals who were admitted to this hospital from July 29 2020, to June 14, 2021, and diagnosed COVID-19 positive by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were identified after due institutional ethical clearance. Patients admitted from July 29, 2020, to February 27, 2021, were categorized as patients presenting during the 'first wave of viral pandemic'. Those admitted from March 01, 2021, to June 14, 2021, have been included as patients admitted during 'second wave of viral pandemic'. The following outcome parameters were collected (presenting symptoms, duration of symptoms before the individual presented for diagnostic RT-PCR, total duration of symptoms, severity of disease at onset, duration of hospital stay, the final outcome (discharge/death) and Charlson's comorbidity index). The linear regression model was used to establish association between socio-demographic factors and disease severity at onset (mild/moderate/severe/critical). Results A total of 37033 patients were screened, and the positivity rate with RT-PCR was 16.99% (n = 6275) during the study period. Out of which 45% (n = 2824) of the patients had mild disease requiring home isolation and the remaining 55% of patients required admission. 1590 patients from the first wave and 910 from the second wave of COVID-19 were hospitalized and included in the study after exclusion. The mean age of patients in first wave was 49 years and that in second wave was 54 years with 77.6% and 70.6% males in two waves, respectively. The burden of critical cases was higher in second wave as computed to first wave (10% vs 8%). The second wave had more outreach in the rural population as compared to second one (17.8% vs 12.2%). The mean duration from the onset of symptoms to hospitalization was 03 and 04 days, respectively, in two waves. Mortality associated in two waves was 11.9% and 24%, respectively (P < 0.05). Higher Charlson's comorbidity index was associated with higher mortality, and the cumulative survival from urban area was more as compared to the rural population (log rank - 9.148, P = 0.0002). Conclusion The second COVID-19 wave had significantly higher case mortality. It affected elderly patients and those with rural background. The factors associated with higher mortality during COVID-19 pandemic were rural background, higher Charlson's comorbidity index and late presentation to the hospital. Ongoing vaccine campaigns, thus, should focus on rural areas and individuals with comorbidities especially in developing and least developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Military Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Kumar Pushkar
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Command Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yashvir Mathur
- Associate Professor, Department of Radio-diagnosis, Command Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ravi Kumar
- Resident, Department of Internal Medicine, Command Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Uma Patnaik
- Professor, Department of ENT, Command Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - F H M Ahmed
- Professor, Department of Medicine, Command Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sushma Yendamuri
- Resident, Department of Internal Medicine, Command Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Saurabh Dawra
- Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Command Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Yehia A, Abulseoud OA. Melatonin: a ferroptosis inhibitor with potential therapeutic efficacy for the post-COVID-19 trajectory of accelerated brain aging and neurodegeneration. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:36. [PMID: 38641847 PMCID: PMC11031980 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00728-6] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19 swept millions of lives in a short period, yet its menace continues among its survivors in the form of post-COVID syndrome. An exponentially growing number of COVID-19 survivors suffer from cognitive impairment, with compelling evidence of a trajectory of accelerated aging and neurodegeneration. The novel and enigmatic nature of this yet-to-unfold pathology demands extensive research seeking answers for both the molecular underpinnings and potential therapeutic targets. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, is a strongly proposed underlying mechanism in post-COVID-19 aging and neurodegeneration discourse. COVID-19 incites neuroinflammation, iron dysregulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, antioxidant system repression, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) disruption, and clock gene alteration. These events pave the way for ferroptosis, which shows its signature in COVID-19, premature aging, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the search for a treatment, melatonin shines as a promising ferroptosis inhibitor with its repeatedly reported safety and tolerability. According to various studies, melatonin has proven efficacy in attenuating the severity of certain COVID-19 manifestations, validating its reputation as an anti-viral compound. Melatonin has well-documented anti-aging properties and combating neurodegenerative-related pathologies. Melatonin can block the leading events of ferroptosis since it is an efficient anti-inflammatory, iron chelator, antioxidant, angiotensin II antagonist, and clock gene regulator. Therefore, we propose ferroptosis as the culprit behind the post-COVID-19 trajectory of aging and neurodegeneration and melatonin, a well-fitting ferroptosis inhibitor, as a potential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Yehia
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, 58054, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Osama A Abulseoud
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, 58054, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA.
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Whittington BJ, Buttazzoni G, Patel A, Power LE, McKane P, Fleischer NL, Hirschtick JL. Disparities in COVID-19 Hospitalization at the Intersection of Race and Ethnicity and Income. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1116-1123. [PMID: 37058202 PMCID: PMC10103660 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01591-9] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing studies have elucidated racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 hospitalizations, but few have examined disparities at the intersection of race and ethnicity and income. METHODS We used a population-based probability survey of non-institutionalized adults in Michigan with a polymerase chain reaction-positive SARS-CoV-2 test before November 16, 2020. We categorized respondents by race and ethnicity and annual household income: low-income (< $50,000) Non-Hispanic (NH) Black, high-income (≥ $50,000) NH Black, low-income Hispanic, high-income Hispanic, low-income NH White, and high-income NH White. We used modified Poisson regression models, adjusting for sex, age group, survey mode, and sample wave, to estimate COVID-19 hospitalization prevalence ratios by race and ethnicity and income. RESULTS Over half of the analytic sample (n = 1593) was female (54.9%) and age 45 or older (52.5%), with 14.5% hospitalized for COVID-19. Hospitalization was most prevalent among low-income (32.9%) and high-income (31.2%) Non-Hispanic (NH) Black adults, followed by low-income NH White (15.3%), low-income Hispanic (12.9%), high-income NH White (9.6%), and high-income Hispanic adults (8.8%). In adjusted models, NH Black adults, regardless of income (low-income prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.36-2.54; high-income PR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.07-2.31), and low-income NH White adults (PR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.12-2.07), had higher prevalence of hospitalization compared to high-income NH White adults. We observed no significant difference in the prevalence of hospitalization among Hispanic adults relative to high-income NH White adults. CONCLUSIONS We observed disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization at the intersection of race and ethnicity and income for NH Black adults and low-income NH White adults relative to high-income NH White adults, but not for Hispanic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair J Whittington
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Giovanna Buttazzoni
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Akash Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Laura E Power
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patricia McKane
- Lifecourse Epidemiology and Genomics Division, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI, USA
- Animal Industry Division, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Nancy L Fleischer
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jana L Hirschtick
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Sun D, Zhu X, Bao Z, Lin X. Association between healthy lifestyles and post-COVID-19 syndrome among college students. Ann Thorac Med 2024; 19:139-146. [PMID: 38766372 PMCID: PMC11100468 DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_219_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-COVID-19 syndrome still occurs in some populations. A healthy lifestyle is widely recognized as a first-line treatment to increase the body's antiviral resistance and tissue repair, but it is unclear whether a healthy lifestyle can promote or alleviate the symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome. METHODS A stratified random sampling method was used to select 498 participants from three universities in Fujian as the target of the questionnaire survey. The survey focused on students' healthy lifestyles and the symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, dyspnea, and depression that are common in post-COVID-19 syndrome. RESULTS Two months after developing COVID-19, some students continued to experience fatigue, anxiety, dyspnea, and depression, with fatigue being the most prominent symptom. The results of the study showed that there was a significant negative correlation (P < 0.01) between a healthy lifestyle and fatigue, anxiety, dyspnea, and depression among university students. Furthermore, when analyzing the different subdimensions of healthy lifestyles among university students, it was found that all dimensions showed varying degrees of negative correlation with fatigue, anxiety, dyspnea, and depression, except for health-related behaviors and interpersonal behaviors, which showed no relationship with fatigue (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS By improving healthy lifestyles, long-term COVID-19 symptoms can be reduced and improved and contribute positively to patient recovery, providing a viable rehabilitation option for long-term COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhuo Sun
- Department of Recreation Tourism and Sports Management, Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Xiangfei Zhu
- Department of Recreation Tourism and Sports Management, Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Zhonghan Bao
- Department of Recreation Tourism and Sports Management, Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Xiaoping Lin
- Department of Recreation Tourism and Sports Management, Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Araújo MVRD, Pereira-Borges RC. Racism, health and pandemic: a narrative review of the relationship between black population and COVID-19 events in 2020. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2024; 29:e11072023. [PMID: 38451653 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232024293.11072023] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze how scientific publications described and interpreted findings about the relationship between the Black population and events linked to COVID-19 in 2020. Narrative review with systematic search, in which a survey was conducted on articles published in 2020 in the Scopus, Medline/PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Initially, 665 articles were found, and after reading and applying the eligible criteria, the final number of 45 articles was reached. Epidemiological, observational studies, secondary data and developed in the United States predominated. Four groupings and respective findings emerged from the synthesis of information extracted: Main events in the Black population - high number of deaths and mortality rate; Direct relationships - poor health, housing, and work conditions; Intermediate relationships - low income and anti-Black prejudice; Comprehensive relationships - structural racism and social determinants of health. The identification of racial health disparities is an important finding about the dynamics of the pandemic among the Black population. However, multicausal explanations were limited. It is necessary to mobilize critical theoretical resources from ethnic and health studies to qualify research in order to support global actions to combat the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Vinícius Ribeiro de Araújo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar de Reabilitação e Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia. R. Padre Feijó 312, casas 47 e 49, Canela. 40.110-170 Salvador BA Brasil.
| | - Ruan Carlos Pereira-Borges
- Programa de Residência Multiprofissional Hospital Metropolitano Odilon Behrens, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Belo Horizonte. Belo Horizonte MG Brasil
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Rakusa M, Moro E, Akhvlediani T, Bereczki D, Bodini B, Cavallieri F, Fanciulli A, Filipović SR, Guekht A, Helbok R, Hochmeister S, Martinelli Boneschi F, Özturk S, Priori A, Romoli M, Willekens B, Zedde M, Sellner J. The COVID-19 pandemic and neurology: A survey on previous and continued restrictions for clinical practice, curricular training, and health economics. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16168. [PMID: 38038262 PMCID: PMC11235678 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health systems worldwide. Here, we assessed the pandemic's impact on clinical service, curricular training, and financial burden from a neurological viewpoint during the enforced lockdown periods and the assumed recovery by 2023. METHODS An online 18-item survey was conducted by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force among the EAN community. The survey was online between February and March 2023. Questions related to general, demographic, clinical, work, education, and economic aspects. RESULTS We collected 430 responses from 79 countries. Most health care professionals were aged 35-44 years, with >15 years of work experience. The key findings of their observations were as follows. (i) Clinical services were cut back in all neurological subspecialties during the most restrictive COVID-19 lockdown period. The most affected neurological subspecialties were services for patients with dementia, and neuromuscular and movement disorders. The levels of reduction and the pace of recovery were distinct for acute emergencies and in- and outpatient care. Recovery was slow for sleep medicine, autonomic nervous system disorders, neurorehabilitation, and dementia care. (ii) Student and residency rotations and grand rounds were reorganized, and congresses were converted into a virtual format. Conferences are partly maintained in a hybrid format. (iii) Affordability of neurological care and medication shortage are emerging issues. CONCLUSIONS Recovery of neurological services up to spring 2023 has been incomplete following substantial disruption of neurological care, medical education, and health economics in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The continued limitations for the delivery of neurological care threaten brain health and call for action on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Rakusa
- Division of NeurologyUniversity Medical Centre MariborMariborSlovenia
| | - Elena Moro
- Division of Neurology, CHU of Grenoble, Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences, INSERM U1216Grenoble Alpes UniversityGrenobleFrance
| | | | | | - Benedetta Bodini
- Neurology DepartmentSt. Antoine Hospital, APHPParisFrance
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, CNRS, INSERMSorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation DepartmentAzienda USL‐IRCCS di Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
| | | | | | - Alla Guekht
- Research and Clinical Center for NeuropsychiatryMoscowRussian Federation
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Department of NeurologyJohannes Kepler UniversityLinzAustria
| | | | | | - Serefnur Özturk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of MedicineSelcuk UniversityKonyaTurkey
| | - Alberto Priori
- Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Azienda Socio‐Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo and Department of Health SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Michele Romoli
- Neurology and Stroke Unit, Department of NeuroscienceBufalini HospitalCesenaItaly
| | - Barbara Willekens
- Department of NeurologyAntwerp University HospitalEdegemBelgium
- Translational Neurosciences Research GroupUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
| | - Marialuisa Zedde
- Neurology Unit, Stroke UnitAzienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, IRCCS di Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
| | - Johann Sellner
- Department of NeurologyLandesklinkum Mistelbach‐GänserndorfMistelbachAustria
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Foster TB, Fernandez L, Porter SR, Pharris-Ciurej N. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Excess All-Cause Mortality in the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Demography 2024; 61:59-85. [PMID: 38197462 DOI: 10.1215/00703370-11133943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Research on the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has consistently found disproportionately high mortality among ethnoracial minorities, but reports differ with respect to the magnitude of mortality disparities and reach different conclusions regarding which groups were most impacted. We suggest that these variations stem from differences in the temporal scope of the mortality data used and difficulties inherent in measuring race and ethnicity. To circumvent these issues, we link Social Security Administration death records for 2010 through 2021 to decennial census and American Community Survey race and ethnicity responses. We use these linked data to estimate excess all-cause mortality for age-, sex-, race-, and ethnicity-specific subgroups and examine ethnoracial variation in excess mortality across states and over the course of the pandemic's first year. Results show that non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaska Natives experienced the highest excess mortality of any ethnoracial group in the first year of the pandemic, followed by Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks. Spatiotemporal and age-specific ethnoracial disparities suggest that the socioeconomic determinants driving health disparities prior to the pandemic were amplified and expressed in new ways in the pandemic's first year to disproportionately concentrate excess mortality among racial and ethnic minorities.
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Mohammadpour A, Rezaei Z, Parvari A, Alami A, Taghavi M, Hajighasemkhan A, Khosravan S, Kalankesh LR. Covid-19 outbreak associated with demographic-meteorological factors in the arid and semi-arid region Iran: case study Gonabad city, 2020-2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:30-39. [PMID: 36175180 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2125161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the (Covid-19) pandemic outbreak, questioning regarding climate and incident of Covid-19 infection rates has been debated, while there is no clear research evidence until now in Iran. This study has focused on investigating the association between Covid-19 cases and demographic -meteorological factors in arid and semi-arid zones of Iran (from March 1, 2020, to January 31, 2022) by analyzing with Via Poisson and negative binomial regression. As a result, the incidence rate of both Covid-19 hospitalization and mortality cases reached peaks in the summer followed by the autumn. Interestingly, Covid-19 hospitalization cases are associated with humidity, temperature, and wind factors seasonally and monthly, but mortality cases are just associated with wind. In conclusion, the result demonstrated that demographicand meteorological factorsare positively and negatively associated with Covid-19 cases. Therefore, identifying the environmental factors contributing to the excess Covid-19 can help to prevent future pandemic waves in Iranian arid and semi-arid zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mohammadpour
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Zahed Rezaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Arash Parvari
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics school of public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Alami
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Taghavi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - AliReza Hajighasemkhan
- School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Khosravan
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Laleh R Kalankesh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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12
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Lu B, Ma R, Xu J, Zhang Y, Guo H, Chen H, Miao P, Qian Y, Xu B, Shen Y, Chen B. Primary healthcare workers' COVID-19 infection status following implementation of adjusted epidemic prevention and control strategies: a cross-sectional study in Jiangsu, China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1297770. [PMID: 38186700 PMCID: PMC10770863 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1297770] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In times of epidemic outbreaks, healthcare workers (HCWs) emerge as a particularly vulnerable group. This cross-sectional study endeavors to assess the COVID-19 infection rate among the primary HCWs in Jiangsu Province subsequent to the implementation of adjusted epidemic prevention and control strategies. Methods From January 17 to February 2, 2023, an extensive survey was conducted among primary HCWs in Jiangsu Province, employing a self-designed questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 infection. Results The overall infection rate among primary HCWs stood at 81.05%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 80.61-81.48%. Among those afflicted, cough, fatigue, and fever emerged as the three most prevalent symptoms, each with an incidence rate exceeding 80%. In the context of multivariate logistic regression, an elevated risk of COVID-19 infection was observed in correlation with female gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.21), possessing a bachelor's degree or higher (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.23-1.41), accumulating over 10 years of work experience (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.11-1.47), holding a middle-level cadre position (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11-1.35), assuming the role of a unit leader (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11-1.54), and working in a fever clinic for 1 to 10 days per month (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.29-1.57). Conversely, advanced age (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70-0.82), being underweight (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.90), current smoking (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57-0.71), receiving 4 doses of COVID-19 vaccine (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.37-0.66), and pregnancy or perinatal status (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-0.99) were associated with a diminished risk of infection. Conclusion Following the implementation of adjusted policies, a substantial proportion of primary HCWs in Jiangsu province contracted COVID-19. Female gender and younger age emerged as risk factors for COVID-19 infection, while no discernible link was established between professions and COVID-19 susceptibility. The receipt of COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated efficacy in curtailing the infection rate, underscoring the significance of bolstering prevention knowledge and heightening self-protective awareness among primary HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beier Lu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongji Ma
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinshui Xu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Haijian Guo
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Hualing Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengcheng Miao
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongkang Qian
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Biyun Xu
- Medical Statistics and Analysis Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ya Shen
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Bingwei Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Ramalho JP, Simões DG, Aguiar P. Impact of sociodemographic and economic determinants of health on COVID-19 infection: incidence variation between reference periods. Public Health 2023; 225:305-310. [PMID: 37963420 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.10.023] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic hit Portugal in March 2020, causing widespread disruption to various aspects of society. While extensive research has been conducted on the significance of socio-economic disparities in infection risk, this study aims to enhance our understanding of their evolving relationship over time by analysing four distinct periods in 2020. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This retrospective observational ecological study included individuals residing in the Primary Healthcare Cluster areas of Almada-Seixal and Western Lisbon and Oeiras, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test between the 2nd of March and the 8th of November of 2020. Using incidence rates for each specific neighbourhood (n = 29) and period, we explored the relationship between neighbourhood-level socio-economic variables and the risk of infection using negative-binomial regression models. RESULTS In the analysed period, a total of 8562 confirmed COVID-19 cases were identified. Overall incidence rates for each period were sequentially 2.74, 5.03, 3.99 and 14.29 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 person-days. Housing overcrowding, illiteracy rate and place of birth were associated with increased risk of infection, while age, congregate living, and employment in the secondary sector exhibited the opposite association. No association was consistent across all time periods. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the idea that the influence of socio-economic determinants of health is not immutable throughout time. In a pandemic context where information, knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours are ever-changing and evolving, a dynamic, inclusive, and adaptable approach to disease control can lead to a more equitable distribution of improved outcomes, benefiting all strata of society.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Ramalho
- Public Health Unit of Primary Healthcare Cluster of Western Lisbon and Oeiras, Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Lisbon, Portugal; National School of Public Health, NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - D G Simões
- National School of Public Health, NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal; Public Health Unit of Primary Healthcare Cluster of Almada-Seixal, Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - P Aguiar
- National School of Public Health, NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal; Public Health Research Centre (CISP/PHRC), NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal
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14
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Baron R, Hamdiui N, Helms YB, Crutzen R, Götz HM, Stein ML. Evaluating the Added Value of Digital Contact Tracing Support Tools for Citizens: Framework Development. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e44728. [PMID: 38019583 PMCID: PMC10719815 DOI: 10.2196/44728] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that with high infection rates, health services conducting contact tracing (CT) could become overburdened, leading to limited or incomplete CT. Digital CT support (DCTS) tools are designed to mimic traditional CT, by transferring a part of or all the tasks of CT into the hands of citizens. Besides saving time for health services, these tools may help to increase the number of contacts retrieved during the contact identification process, quantity and quality of contact details, and speed of the contact notification process. The added value of DCTS tools for CT is currently unknown. OBJECTIVE To help determine whether DCTS tools could improve the effectiveness of CT, this study aims to develop a framework for the comprehensive assessment of these tools. METHODS A framework containing evaluation topics, research questions, accompanying study designs, and methods was developed based on consultations with CT experts from municipal public health services and national public health authorities, complemented with scientific literature. RESULTS These efforts resulted in a framework aiming to assist with the assessment of the following aspects of CT: speed; comprehensiveness; effectiveness with regard to contact notification; positive case detection; potential workload reduction of public health professionals; demographics related to adoption and reach; and user experiences of public health professionals, index cases, and contacts. CONCLUSIONS This framework provides guidance for researchers and policy makers in designing their own evaluation studies, the findings of which can help determine how and the extent to which DCTS tools should be implemented as a CT strategy for future infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Baron
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Nora Hamdiui
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Yannick B Helms
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Rik Crutzen
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Hannelore M Götz
- Department of Public Health, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mart L Stein
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
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15
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Findling MG, Caporello HL, Stein RI, Wade CG, Lubell KM, Briseño L, SteelFisher GK. Communications for US Populations With Limited English Proficiency During Infectious Disease Outbreaks: A Scoping Review. Health Secur 2023; 21:489-499. [PMID: 37889614 PMCID: PMC11301523 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2023.0050] [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] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for research about communicating with populations who have limited English proficiency in the United States during infectious disease outbreaks. These populations have experienced significantly worse health outcomes during emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and evidence-based risk communications are critical to protecting their health. To support improved development of emergency communications for these communities, we conducted a scoping review that examined the extent of research available, with an intent to identify which communications topics are covered in the literature and where research gaps exist. Following the JBI framework, with reporting guided by the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, 6 electronic databases were systematically searched in October 2022. The inclusion criteria for articles selected were: data collected between 2009 and 2022, published in English, and focused on communications pertaining to emergency infectious disease outbreaks (eg, H1N1 influenza, Zika virus, COVID-19) for populations with limited English proficiency. Of 2,049 articles identified through the search, 31 met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review. We identified major limitations in the evidence base: a majority of studies were conducted only among Spanish speakers or during the COVID-19 pandemic, and most used qualitative or nonrandom samples. Most studies documented basic language barriers in communications, but there was little exploration of more nuanced barriers, such as cultural relevance or social context. Ahead of future outbreaks, more research is urgently needed to examine the information landscapes of populations with limited English proficiency, to inform the development of more effective communications strategies from public health institutions and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary G Findling
- Mary G. Findling, PhD, ScM, is Assistant Director, in the Harvard Opinion Research Program, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Hannah L Caporello
- Hannah L. Caporello is Senior Research Projects Manager, in the Harvard Opinion Research Program, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Rebekah I Stein
- Rebekah I. Stein is a Research Assistant, in the Harvard Opinion Research Program, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Carrie G Wade
- Carrie G. Wade, MLIS, is a Research and Instruction Librarian, Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Keri M Lubell
- Keri M. Lubell, PhD, is a Behavioral Scientist, at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lisa Briseño
- Lisa Briseño, MS, is a Senior Health Communication Specialist, at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Gillian K SteelFisher
- Gillian K. SteelFisher, PhD, MSc, is Principal Research Scientist and Director of Global Polling, in the Harvard Opinion Research Program, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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16
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Sheth P, Thompson C, Bhavsar A, Smith A, Rozier M. Neither Words nor Images: Health Departments' and Hospitals' Use of Twitter During COVID-19 Had Limited Racial Representation and Content on Disparities Decreased Over Time. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:892-901. [PMID: 37536368 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the degree to which hospitals and state health departments used written content or visual representation on social media to draw attention to racial disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective analysis, using Twitter content (words and images) between May-June 2020 and May-June 2021 from organizations in the 5 states with the largest documented racial disparities in COVID-19-related mortality. MAIN OUTCOMES All tweets and retweets (n = 6790) were coded along several lines. For May-June 2020 and May-June 2021, posts were coded as pandemic related (yes/no) and disparities related (yes/no). Open-coding methods categorized pandemic-related content into content areas, including COVID-19 education, hospital or public policy, and addressing misinformation. After self-identifying their own race/ethnicity, survey respondents (n = 100) coded pandemic-related Twitter images (n = 198) as including individuals of a similar race/ethnicity (yes/no). RESULTS In May-June 2020, health departments posted more pandemic-related content than hospitals (μ = 204 and 71 tweets, respectively; P = .03), including more about health disparities (μ = 14.3% and 2.11% of tweets, respectively; P = .03). Between May-June 2020 and May-June 2021, content addressing health disparities decreased for both groups (47% decrease for health departments and 69% decrease for hospitals). Black respondents were more likely to feel represented in images from health departments than in those from hospitals (44.3% and 23.7% of images, respectively; P = .05). Both hospitals and health departments were more likely to use images where White respondents felt represented (hospitals = 76.1% of images; health departments = 59.7%) than images where respondents from racial/ethnic minorities felt represented (hospitals = 19.3% of images; health departments = 21.4%) ( P ≤ .001 for hospitals; P = .004 for health departments). CONCLUSIONS Health education ideally comes in a variety of ways. Hospitals used social media for this purpose less than health departments, and neither group increased such content during the COVID-19 pandemic even as evidence of racial disparities grew.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poorva Sheth
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri (Ms Sheth); Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice, St Louis, Missouri (Mss Thompson, Bhavsar, and Smith and Dr Rozier) and Emory Health, Atlanta, Georgia (Ms Thompson)
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17
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Llaneza AJ, Holt A, Stephens L, Seward J. Native American Community Perspectives on Oral Health Access: Understanding the Impact of Rurality. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2788. [PMID: 37893863 PMCID: PMC10606298 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202788] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oral health disparities related to access persist for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities compared to the general population, especially in rural areas of the United States. The objective of this study was to better understand community perspectives of oral health, how rurality impacts access to care, and attitudes towards the implementation of dental therapists in Oklahoma, particularly among the AI/AN population. METHODS A descriptive, observational study design was utilized. An exploratory survey was conducted online and comprised of qualitative and quantitative data. The total frequencies and percentages were evaluated for the quantitative questions. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Utilizing descriptive and qualitative research methods, the focus was to describe the experiences of the respondents and their characteristics related to oral health in Oklahoma. RESULTS A total of 201 responses were obtained, where 65% (n = 131) identified as an enrolled member or employee of a tribe represented in Oklahoma. Key qualitative themes included community access to care, community concerns, and community motivated solutions. CONCLUSIONS AI/AN communities are an underserved group in healthcare. Although communities in rural areas face major barriers to oral health services, evidence-based solutions can be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Llaneza
- Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, Oklahoma City, OK 73114, USA; (A.J.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Alex Holt
- Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, Oklahoma City, OK 73114, USA; (A.J.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Lancer Stephens
- Health Promotion Sciences, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Julie Seward
- Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, Oklahoma City, OK 73114, USA; (A.J.L.); (A.H.)
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18
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Holleyman RJ, Barnard S, Bauer-Staeb C, Hughes A, Dunn S, Fox S, Newton JN, Fitzpatrick J, Waller Z, Deehan DJ, Charlett A, Gregson CL, Wilson R, Fryers P, Goldblatt P, Burton P. Adjusting expected deaths for mortality displacement during the COVID-19 pandemic: a model based counterfactual approach at the level of individuals. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:241. [PMID: 37853353 PMCID: PMC10585864 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01984-8] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Near-real time surveillance of excess mortality has been an essential tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains critical for monitoring mortality as the pandemic wanes, to detect fluctuations in the death rate associated both with the longer-term impact of the pandemic (e.g. infection, containment measures and reduced service provision by the health and other systems) and the responses that followed (e.g. curtailment of containment measures, vaccination and the response of health and other systems to backlogs). Following the relaxing of social distancing regimes and reduction in the availability of testing, across many countries, it becomes critical to measure the impact of COVID-19 infection. However, prolonged periods of mortality in excess of the expected across entire populations has raised doubts over the validity of using unadjusted historic estimates of mortality to calculate the expected numbers of deaths that form the baseline for computing numbers of excess deaths because many individuals died earlier than they would otherwise have done: i.e. their mortality was displaced earlier in time to occur during the pandemic rather than when historic rates predicted. This is also often termed "harvesting" in the literature. METHODS We present a novel Cox-regression-based methodology using time-dependent covariates to estimate the profile of the increased risk of death across time in individuals who contracted COVID-19 among a population of hip fracture patients in England (N = 98,365). We use these hazards to simulate a distribution of survival times, in the presence of a COVID-19 positive test, and then calculate survival times based on hazard rates without a positive test and use the difference between the medians of these distributions to estimate the number of days a death has been displaced. This methodology is applied at the individual level, rather than the population level to provide a better understanding of the impact of a positive COVID-19 test on the mortality of groups with different vulnerabilities conferred by sociodemographic and health characteristics. Finally, we apply the mortality displacement estimates to adjust estimates of excess mortality using a "ball and urn" model. RESULTS Among the exemplar population we present an end-to-end application of our methodology to estimate the extent of mortality displacement. A greater proportion of older, male and frailer individuals were subject to significant displacement while the magnitude of displacement was higher in younger females and in individuals with lower frailty: groups who, in the absence of COVID-19, should have had a substantial life expectancy. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that calculating the expected number of deaths following the first wave of the pandemic in England based solely on historical trends results in an overestimate, and excess mortality will therefore be underestimated. Our findings, using this exemplar dataset are conditional on having experienced a hip fracture, which is not generalisable to the general population. Fractures that impede mobility in the weeks that follow the accident/surgery considerably shorten life expectancy and are in themselves markers of significant frailty. It is therefore important to apply these novel methods to the general population, among whom we anticipate strong patterns in mortality displacement - both in its length and prevalence - by age, sex, frailty and types of comorbidities. This counterfactual method may also be used to investigate a wider range of disruptive population health events. This has important implications for public health monitoring and the interpretation of public health data in England and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard James Holleyman
- UK Health Security Agency, Wellington House; 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK.
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - Sharmani Barnard
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Clarissa Bauer-Staeb
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - Andrew Hughes
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - Samantha Dunn
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - Sebastian Fox
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - John N Newton
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - Justine Fitzpatrick
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - Zachary Waller
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - David John Deehan
- Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Road, High Heaton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK
| | - Andre Charlett
- UK Health Security Agency, Wellington House; 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Celia L Gregson
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Rebecca Wilson
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool Waterhouse Building, Block B, Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK
| | - Paul Fryers
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - Peter Goldblatt
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, UCL Institute of Health Equity, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Paul Burton
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
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19
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Andrews M, Gao H, Datta S, Katz J. Increased odds for COVID-19 infection among individuals with periodontal disease. Clin Oral Investig 2023; 27:5925-5933. [PMID: 37606722 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05204-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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Periodontal disease has been linked to multiple systemic conditions, but the relationship with COVID-19 still needs to be elucidated. We hypothesized that periodontal disease may be associated with COVID-19 infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study utilized cross-sectional data to establish the strength of the association between periodontal disease and COVID-19 infection. The University of Florida Health Center's i2b2 patient's registry was used to generate patient counts through ICD-10 diagnostic codes. Univariate descriptive statistics of the patient population and logistic regression to estimate odds ratios of associations between periodontal disease and COVID-19 infection were used for analysis. RESULTS Patients with periodontal disease were 4.4 times more likely to be positively diagnosed with COVID-19 than patients without PD. Associations remained similar and robust (P value < 0.0001) after adjustment for age (OR = 4.34; 95% CI, 3.68-5.09), gender (OR = 4.46; 95% CI, 3.79-5.23), and smoking status (OR = 4.77; 95% CI, 4.04-5.59). Associations were smaller but remained robust (P value < 0.0001) after adjusting for race (OR = 2.83; 95% CI, 2.40-3.32), obesity (OR = 2.53; 95% CI, 2.14-2.98), diabetes (OR = 3.32; 95% CI, 2.81-3.90), and cardiovascular disease (OR = 2.68; 95% CI, 2.27-3.14). CONCLUSIONS Periodontal disease is significantly associated with increased odds for COVID-19 infection. CLINICAL RELEVANCE With the caveat of a cross-sectional study design, these results suggest that periodontal disease may increase the odds for COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Andrews
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hanzhi Gao
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Santanu Datta
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Joseph Katz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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20
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Kaso AW, Mohammed E, Agero G, Churiso G, Kaso T, Ewune HA, Hailu A. Assessment of hospitalisation costs and their determinants among Covid-19 patients in South Central Ethiopia. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:948. [PMID: 37667355 PMCID: PMC10478187 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09988-2] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is a global public health problem. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the economy of developing countries, including Ethiopia.This study aimed to determine the hospitalisation costs of Covid-19 and the factors associated with the high cost of hospitalisation in South Central Ethiopia. METHODS A retrospective cost analysis of Covid-19 patients hospitalised between July 2020 and July 2021 at Bokoji Hospital Covid-19 Treatment Centre was conducted using both the micro-costing and top-down approaches from the health system perspective. This analysis used cost data obtained from administrative reports, the financial reports of the treatment centre, procurement invoices and the Covid-19 standard treatment guidelines. The Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test was employed to test the difference between sociodemographic and clinical factors when appropriate.To identify the determinants of cost drivers in the study population, a generalised linear model with gamma distribution and log link with a stepwise algorithm were used. RESULTS A total of 692 Covid-19 patients were included in the costing analysis. In this study, the mean cost of Covid-19-infected patients with no symptoms was US$1,073.86, with mild symptoms US$1,100.74, with moderate symptoms US$1,394.74 and in severe-critically ill condition US$1,708.05.The overall mean cost was US$1,382.50(95% CI: 1,360.60-1,404.40) per treated episode.The highest mean cost was observed for personnel, accounting for 64.0% of the overall cost. Older age, pre-existing diseases, advanced disease severity at admission, admission to the intensive care unit, prolonged stay on treatment and intranasal oxygen support were strongly associated with higher costs. CONCLUSIONS This study found that the clinical management of Covid-19 patients incurred significant expenses to the health system. Factors such as older age, disease severity, presence of comorbidities, use of inhalation oxygen therapy and prolonged hospital stay were associated with higher hospitalisation costs.Therefore, the government should give priority to the elderly and those with comorbidities in the provision of vaccination to reduce the financial burden on health facilities and health systems in terms of resource utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdene Weya Kaso
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Arsi University, Assela, Ethiopia.
| | - Esmael Mohammed
- Bokoji Primary Hospital, Oromia Health Bureau, Bokoji, Ethiopia
| | - Gebi Agero
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Arsi University, Assela, Ethiopia
| | - Gemechu Churiso
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dila, Ethiopia
| | - Taha Kaso
- Department of Surgery, College of Health Science, Arsi University, Assela, Ethiopia
| | - Helen Ali Ewune
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dila, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Hailu
- Faculty of Health and Social Science, Section for Global Health and Rehabilitation, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
- Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Woodward-Lopez G, Esaryk EE, Hewawitharana SC, Kao J, Talmage E, Rider CD. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education reductions during COVID-19 may have exacerbated health inequities. SSM Popul Health 2023; 23:101471. [PMID: 37560088 PMCID: PMC10407591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101471] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Describe, and assess disparities in, the changes in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) that occurred the year before vs. the year when COVID-19 restrictions were implemented. DESIGN Observational study comparing reach, intensity, and dose of California Local Health Department (LHD) SNAP-Ed interventions in Federal Fiscal years 2019 and 2020 (FFY19, FFY20). ANALYSIS Student t-tests determined significance of differences in the number of Direct Education (DE) programs, Policy, Systems and Environmental change (PSE) sites, people reached, and intervention intensity and dose between FFY19 and FFY20 using data reported online by LHDs. Linear regression assessed associations between census tract-level characteristics (urbanicity; percentages of population with income <185% of federal poverty level, under 18 years of age, and belonging to various racial/ethnic groups; and California Healthy Places Index) and changes in number of DE programs, PSE sites, people reached, and intervention dose between FFY19 and FFY20. RESULTS From FFY19 to FFY20, the number of DE programs, PSE sites, people reached, and census tract-level intervention intensity and dose decreased. Higher census tract poverty, higher proportions of Black and Latino residents, and less healthy neighborhood conditions were associated with greater decreases in some intervention characteristics including PSE sites, PSE reach, DE programs, and DE dose. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These reductions in LHD SNAP-Ed interventions indicate reduced access to education and environments that support healthy eating and obesity prevention during a time when this support was especially needed to reduce risk of COVID-19 infection and complications. Disproportionately reduced access, may have worsened health disparities in already-disadvantaged communities. Assuring maintenance of SNAP-Ed interventions, especially in disadvantaged communities, should be a priority during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Woodward-Lopez
- University of California, Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin Street, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA
| | - Erin E. Esaryk
- University of California, Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin Street, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA
| | - Sridharshi C. Hewawitharana
- University of California, Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin Street, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA
| | - Janice Kao
- University of California, Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin Street, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA
| | - Evan Talmage
- University of California, Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin Street, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA
| | - Carolyn D. Rider
- University of California, Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin Street, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA
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22
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Wauye VM, Ho FK, Lyall DM. Psychosocial predictors of COVID-19 infection in UK biobank (N = 104 201). J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:560-568. [PMID: 37144429 PMCID: PMC10470346 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad009] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the outbreak of COVID-19, data on its psychosocial predictors are limited. We therefore aimed to explore psychosocial predictors of COVID-19 infection at the UK Biobank (UKB). METHODS This was a prospective cohort study conducted among UKB participants. RESULTS The sample size was N = 104 201, out of which 14 852 (14.3%) had a positive COVID-19 test. The whole sample analysis showed significant interactions between sex and several predictor variables. Among females, absence of college/university degree [odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45-1.66] and socioeconomic deprivation (OR 1.16 95% CI 1.11-1.21) were associated with higher odds of COVID-19 infection, while history of psychiatric consultation (OR 0.85 95% CI 0.77-0.94) with lower odds. Among males, absence of college/university degree (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.45-1.68) and socioeconomic deprivation (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07-1.16) were associated with higher odds, while loneliness (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.97), irritability (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.99) and history of psychiatric consultation (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.97) were associated with lower odds. CONCLUSION Sociodemographic factors predicted the odds of COVID-19 infection equally among male and female participants, while psychological factors had differential impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M Wauye
- School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- Department of Internal Medicine, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Frederick K Ho
- School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Donald M Lyall
- School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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23
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Wang H, Yuan Y, Wu B, Xiao M, Wang Z, Diao T, Zeng R, Chen L, Lei Y, Long P, Guo Y, Lai X, Wen Y, Li W, Cai H, Song L, Ni W, Zhao Y, Ouyang K, Wang J, Wang Q, Liu L, Wang C, Pan A, Li X, Gong R, Wu T. Neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 Delta/Omicron variants and B cell response after inactivated vaccination among COVID-19 convalescents. Front Med 2023; 17:747-757. [PMID: 36738428 PMCID: PMC9898702 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-022-0954-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: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants have made COVID-19 convalescents susceptible to re-infection and have raised concern about the efficacy of inactivated vaccination in neutralization against emerging variants and antigen-specific B cell response. To this end, a study on a long-term cohort of 208 participants who have recovered from COVID-19 was conducted, and the participants were followed up at 3.3 (Visit 1), 9.2 (Visit 2), and 18.5 (Visit 3) months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. They were classified into three groups (no-vaccination (n = 54), one-dose (n = 62), and two-dose (n = 92) groups) on the basis of the administration of inactivated vaccination. The neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers against the wild-type virus continued to decrease in the no-vaccination group, but they rose significantly in the one-dose and two-dose groups, with the highest NAb titers being observed in the two-dose group at Visit 3. The NAb titers against the Delta variant for the no-vaccination, one-dose, and two-dose groups decreased by 3.3, 1.9, and 2.3 folds relative to the wild-type virus, respectively, and those against the Omicron variant decreased by 7.0, 4.0, and 3.8 folds, respectively. Similarly, the responses of SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific B cells and memory B cells were boosted by the second vaccine dose. Results showed that the convalescents benefited from the administration of the inactivated vaccine (one or two doses), which enhanced neutralization against highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants and memory B cell responses. Two doses of inactivated vaccine among COVID-19 convalescents are therefore recommended for the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic, and vaccination guidelines and policies need to be updated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Yuan
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bihao Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mingzhong Xiao
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Tingyue Diao
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Rui Zeng
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Li Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yanshou Lei
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Pinpin Long
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xuefeng Lai
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuying Wen
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao Cai
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lulu Song
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Ni
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Youyun Zhao
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Kani Ouyang
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Jingzhi Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Li Liu
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chaolong Wang
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - An Pan
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China.
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China.
| | - Rui Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Tangchun Wu
- Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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24
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Aujla UI, Syed IA, Khalid A, Hanif MF, Malik AK. Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Pakistan. Cureus 2023; 15:e44405. [PMID: 37791149 PMCID: PMC10542652 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic of severe upper respiratory tract infections known as COVID-19. This single-center study aimed to investigate the demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, and disease severity of COVID-19 patients in Pakistan. METHODS A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center from April 2020 to August 2020. A total of 430 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients were categorized into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. The symptomatic group was further classified into severe and non-severe subgroups. Patients' demographics, comorbid conditions, presenting symptoms, laboratory parameters, and clinical outcomes were assessed in these two subgroups. Statistical tests were applied to determine significant differences. RESULTS A total of 430 patients with COVID-19 presented in our center, of whom 334 (78%) were symptomatic and included in the study. Severe disease was observed in 83 (24.8%) symptomatic patients, with a male predominance (75.9%) and higher mean age (61.7 ± 13.2). Travel to high-risk destinations (p < 0.002) and close contact with COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001) were significant risk factors. Major comorbid conditions included diabetes mellitus (30.5%) and hypertension (39.8%). Frequent symptoms included fever (71.8%), cough (68.8%), dyspnea (53.8%), and myalgias (35.9%). Higher C-reactive protein (median = 12.76 vs. 1.45, p = 0.001), ferritin (median = 996.70 vs. 628, p = 0.004), and D-dimers (median = 1121 vs. 439.50, p = 0.009) were noted in severe vs non-severe disease. Lymphopenia was more prevalent in severe vs. non-severe disease (83.1% vs. 14.3% p-value = 0.033). More deaths (28.9%) and ICU admissions (53%) with a prolonged hospital stay (median = 25 days, IQR = 16.0-31.0) were noted in the severe group. CONCLUSION This retrospective study provides insights into the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Age, male gender, comorbidities, and specific symptoms were associated with disease severity. Inflammatory markers, including D-dimers, ferritin, and CRP, were elevated in severe cases. These findings contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19 and may aid in clinical management and decision-making for patients affected by the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman I Aujla
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, Lahore, PAK
| | - Imran A Syed
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, Lahore, PAK
| | - Abdullah Khalid
- Surgery, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, Lahore, PAK
| | - Muhammad Farooq Hanif
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, Lahore, PAK
| | - Ahmad K Malik
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, Lahore, PAK
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25
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Walters SM, Kerr J, Cano M, Earnshaw V, Link B. Intersectional Stigma as a Fundamental Cause of Health Disparities: A case study of how drug use stigma intersecting with racism and xenophobia creates health inequities for Black and Hispanic persons who use drugs over time. STIGMA AND HEALTH 2023; 8:325-343. [PMID: 37744082 PMCID: PMC10516303 DOI: 10.1037/sah0000426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence points to racial and ethnic disparities in drug-related deaths and health conditions. Informed by stigma, intersectionality, intersectional stigma, and fundamental cause theories, we aimed to explore whether intersectional stigma was a fundamental cause of health. We document key events and policies over time and find that when progress is made new mechanisms emerge that negatively affect health outcomes for Black and Hispanic persons. We then focus on intersectional stigma targeting Black and Hispanic persons who use drugs. We document that when a person, or group of people, occupy multiple stigmatized identities the processes of stigmatization and scapegoating are particularly persistent and pernicious since people and groups can be stigmatized and scapegoated on varying intersections. We propose that an intersectional stigma framework allows for a better understanding of observed patterns over time, thereby providing a better guide for policies and interventions designed to reduce disparities. As a framework, intersectional stigma aims to recognize that when different sources of stigma collide, a new set of circumstances is created for those who reside in the intersection. We conclude that intersectional stigma is a fundamental cause of health inequities and provide policy recommendations aimed at dismantling intersectional stigma processes and mitigating the effects of intersectional stigmas to ultimately promote better health outcomes for Black and Hispanic persons who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY
| | - Jelani Kerr
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Manuel Cano
- Department of Social Work, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Valerie Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Bruce Link
- Department of Sociology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA
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26
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Harris M, Hart J, Bhattacharya O, Russell FM. Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic literature review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1178167. [PMID: 37583888 PMCID: PMC10424847 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1178167] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Identifying SARS-CoV-2 infection risk factors allows targeted public health and social measures (PHSM). As new, more transmissible variants of concern (VoC) emerge, vaccination rates increase and PHSM are eased, it is important to understand any potential change to infection risk factors. The aim of this systematic literature review is to describe the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection by VoC. Methods A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase databases on 5 May 2022. Eligibility included: observational studies published in English after 1 January 2020; any age group; the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection; and any potential risk factors investigated in the study. Results were synthesized into a narrative summary with respect to measures of association, by VoC. ROBINS-E tool was utilized for risk of bias assessment. Results Of 6,197 studies retrieved, 43 studies were included after screening. Common risk factors included older age, minority ethnic group, low socioeconomic status, male gender, increased household size, occupation/lower income level, inability to work from home, public transport use, and lower education level. Most studies were undertaken when the ancestral strain was predominant. Many studies had some selection bias due to testing criteria and limited laboratory capacity. Conclusion Understanding who is at risk enables the development of strategies that target priority groups at each of the different stages of a pandemic and helps inform vaccination strategies and other interventions which may also inform public health responses to future respiratory infection outbreaks. While it was not possible to determine changes to infection risk by recent VoC in this review, the risk factors identified will add to the overall understanding of the groups who are at greatest risk of infection in the early stages of a respiratory virus outbreak. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022330706, PROSPERO [CRD42022330706].
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Harris
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Asia-Pacific Health Group, Infection, Immunity and Global Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - John Hart
- Asia-Pacific Health Group, Infection, Immunity and Global Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Oashe Bhattacharya
- Asia-Pacific Health Group, Infection, Immunity and Global Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Fiona M. Russell
- Asia-Pacific Health Group, Infection, Immunity and Global Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for International Child Health, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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27
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da Silva MF, Dos Santos UR, Ferreira FB, Albuquerque GR, Mariano APM, Fehlberg HF, Santos de Santana ÍT, Dos Santos PR, Santos LC, Silva de Jesus LL, Piton KA, Costa BS, Gomes BSM, Porto VM, Oliveira EDS, Oliveira CL, Fontana R, Maciel BM, Silva MDM, Marin LJ, Gadelha SR. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Cities from the Southern Region of Bahia State, Brazil: Analysis of Variables Associated in Both Individual and Community Level. Viruses 2023; 15:1583. [PMID: 37515269 PMCID: PMC10383252 DOI: 10.3390/v15071583] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), challenged public health systems worldwide. Individuals in low-income countries/regions are still at individual and community risk concerning inequality, sanitation, and economic conditions. Besides, during the pandemic, the transmission in municipalities and communities in the countryside and less developed regions kept viral spread and required structured and strengthened clinical and laboratory surveillance. Here, we present an observational, analytic, cross-sectional study conducted using secondary data from the Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular (LAFEM)-Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), to evaluate individual and community factors associated to SARS-CoV-2 infection in outpatients from different cities from Southern Region of Bahia State, in Brazil. The data were collected between June 2021 and May 2022. The SARS-CoV-2 positivity by RT-qPCR was correlated with low socio-economic indicators, including the Human development index (HDIc) and Average worker salary (AWSc). Besides, in general, females were less likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 0.752; CI 95% 0.663-0.853; p < 0.0001), while brown individuals had more positivity for infection (p < 0.0001). In addition, those who had clinical symptoms were more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 6.000; CI 95% 4.932-7.299; p < 0.0001). Although dry cough, headache, and fever were the most frequent, loss of taste (OR = 5.574; CI 95% 4.334-7.186) and loss of smell (OR = 6.327; CI 95% 4.899-8.144) presented higher odds ratio to be positive to SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. Nonetheless, the distribution of these characteristics was not homogenous among the different cities, especially for age and gender. The dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 positivity differed between cities and the total population and reinforces the hypothesis that control strategies for prevention needed to be developed based on both individual and community risk levels to mitigate harm to individuals and the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murillo Ferreira da Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | | | - Fabrício Barbosa Ferreira
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - George Rego Albuquerque
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Melo Mariano
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Hllytchaikra Ferraz Fehlberg
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | | | - Pérola Rodrigues Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Luciano Cardoso Santos
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Laine Lopes Silva de Jesus
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Karoline Almeida Piton
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Santos Costa
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Sena Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Moreira Porto
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Emanuelly da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Cibele Luz Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Renato Fontana
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Bianca Mendes Maciel
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Mylene de Melo Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Lauro Juliano Marin
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Sandra Rocha Gadelha
- Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
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Huang Q. Age-based spatial disparities of COVID-19 incidence rates in the United States counties. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286881. [PMID: 37289782 PMCID: PMC10249835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286881] [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: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 incidence disparities have been documented in the literature, but the different driving factors among age groups have yet to be explicitly explained. This study proposes a community-based COVID-19 spatial disparity model, considering different levels of geographic units (individual and community), various contextual variables, multiple COVID-19 outcomes, and different geographic contextual elements. The model assumes the existence of age nonstationarity effects on health determinants, suggesting that health effects of contextual variables vary among place and age groups. Based on this conceptual model and theory, the study selected 62 county-level variables for 1,748 U.S. counties during the pandemic, and created an Adjustable COVID-19 Potential Exposure Index (ACOVIDPEI) using principal component analysis (PCA). The validation was done with 71,521,009 COVID-19 patients in the U.S. from January 2020 through June 2022, with high incidence rates shifting from the Midwest, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arizona, and Tennessee to the West and East coasts. This study corroborates the age nonstationarity effect of health determinants on COVID-19 exposures. These results empirically identify the geographic disparities of COVID-19 incidence rates among age groups and provide the evidentiary guide for targeting pandemic recovery, mitigation, and preparedness in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Center for Rural Health Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States of America
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Light SW, Opsasnick L, Bailey SC, Yoshino Benavente J, Eifler M, Lovett RM, Russell A, Yoon E, McCaffery K, Wolf MS. Early COVID-19 Attitudes and Behaviors and Their Associations With Later Infection: A Local Perspective From One U.S. City. Med Care 2023; 61:409-414. [PMID: 37068043 PMCID: PMC10167936 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001855] [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] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the onset of the pandemic, there was poor public awareness and inaction in response to COVID-19; it is less known whether this translated to subsequent infections. OBJECTIVES To explore whether adults who perceived COVID-19 as less of a threat and who were not taking early actions were more likely to become infected over the following year. RESEARCH DESIGN Survey data from the ongoing (COVID-19 & Chronic Conditions (C3) anonymized for review) cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Six hundred forty-two adults with a mean age of 63 and ≥1 chronic condition. MEASURES Self-reported attitudes and behaviors regarding COVID-19 were assessed from March 13 to April 3, 2020, and COVID-19 infection status was captured between May 2020 and January 2021. Bivariate and multivariable analyses examined associations between early perceptions and behaviors with later infection. RESULTS Approximately 7% reported infection with COVID-19 (N = 46). Adults who perceived the threat of COVID-19 less seriously at the initial outbreak were more likely to test positive over the following year [odds ratio (OR): 0.81, CI: 0.70-0.94; P = 0.006]. Those who were less likely to believe their actions would affect whether they would become infected were more likely to test positive (OR: 0.87, CI: 0.77-0.99; P = 0.03), as were adults who reported not changing their routines (OR: 0.45; CI: 0.24-0.85; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Adults with delayed responses in acknowledging the threat of COVID-19 and in changing behaviors were more likely to contract the virus. This investigation provides insight into the consequences of inadequate public understanding and response to COVID-19, and it highlights the importance of promoting early awareness among high-risk groups during public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia W. Light
- Center for Applied Health Research on Aging (CAHRA), Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Lauren Opsasnick
- Center for Applied Health Research on Aging (CAHRA), Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Stacy C. Bailey
- Center for Applied Health Research on Aging (CAHRA), Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Julia Yoshino Benavente
- Center for Applied Health Research on Aging (CAHRA), Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Morgan Eifler
- Center for Applied Health Research on Aging (CAHRA), Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Rebecca M. Lovett
- Center for Applied Health Research on Aging (CAHRA), Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Andrea Russell
- Center for Applied Health Research on Aging (CAHRA), Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Esther Yoon
- Center for Applied Health Research on Aging (CAHRA), Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael S. Wolf
- Center for Applied Health Research on Aging (CAHRA), Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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Wasnik RN, Vincze F, Földvári A, Pálinkás A, Sándor J. Effectiveness of and Inequalities in COVID-19 Epidemic Control Strategies in Hungary: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091220. [PMID: 37174762 PMCID: PMC10178097 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091220] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Before the mass vaccination, epidemiological control measures were the only means of containing the COVID-19 epidemic. Their effectiveness determined the consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic. Our study evaluated the impact of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors on patient-reported epidemiological control measures. METHODS A nationwide representative sample of 1008 randomly selected adults were interviewed in person between 15 March and 30 May 2021. The prevalence of test-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was 12.1%, of testing was 33.7%, and of contact tracing among test-confirmed infected subjects was 67.9%. The vaccination coverage was 52.4%. RESULTS According to the multivariable logistic regression models, the occurrence of infection was not influenced by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors or by the presence of chronic disease. Testing was more frequent among middle-aged adults (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.10-2.13) and employed adults (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.42-3.00), and was more frequent among adults with a higher education (aORsecondary = 1.93, 95% CI 1.20-3.13; aORtertiary = 3.19, 95% CI 1.81-5.63). Contact tracing was more frequently implemented among middle-aged (aOR41-7y = 3.33, 95% CI 1.17-9.45) and employed (aOR = 4.58, 95% CI 1.38-15.22), and those with chronic diseases (aOR = 5.92, 95% CI 1.56-22.47). Positive correlation was observed between age groups and vaccination frequency (aOR41-70y = 2.94, 95% CI 2.09-4.15; aOR71+y = 14.52, 95% CI 7.33-28.77). Higher than primary education (aORsecondary = 1.69, 95% CI 1.08-2.63; aORtertiary = 4.36, 95% CI 2.46-7.73) and the presence of a chronic disease (aOR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.75-3.80) positively impacted vaccination. Regular smoking was inversely correlated with vaccination (aOR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.44-0.83). CONCLUSIONS The survey indicated that testing, contact tracing, and vaccination were seriously influenced by socioeconomic position; less so by chronic disease prevalence and very minimally by lifestyle. The etiological role of socioeconomic inequalities in epidemic measure implementation likely generated socioeconomic inequality in COVID-19-related complication and death rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Naresh Wasnik
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4002 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, H-4002 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Vincze
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4002 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anett Földvári
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, H-4002 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anita Pálinkás
- ELKH-DE Public Health Research Group, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4002 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - János Sándor
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4002 Debrecen, Hungary
- ELKH-DE Public Health Research Group, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4002 Debrecen, Hungary
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Munir MZ, Khan AH, Khan TM. Clinical Disease Characteristics and Treatment Trajectories Associated with Mortality among COVID-19 Patients in Punjab, Pakistan. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081192. [PMID: 37108026 PMCID: PMC10138068 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081192] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on Pakistani COVID-19 patient mortality predictors is limited. It is essential to comprehend the relationship between disease characteristics, medications used, and mortality for better patient outcomes. METHODS The medical records of confirmed cases in the Lahore and Sargodha districts were examined using a two-stage cluster sampling from March 2021 to March 2022. Demographics, signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, and pharmacological medications as mortality indicators were noted and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 288 deaths occurred out of the 1000 cases. Death rates were higher for males and people over 40. Most of those who were mechanically ventilated perished (OR: 124.2). Dyspnea, fever, and cough were common symptoms, with a significant association amid SpO2 < 95% (OR: 3.2), RR > 20 breaths/min (OR: 2.5), and mortality. Patients with renal (OR: 2.3) or liver failure (OR: 1.5) were at risk. Raised C-reactive protein (OR: 2.9) and D-dimer levels were the indicators of mortality (OR: 1.6). The most prescribed drugs were antibiotics, (77.9%), corticosteroids (54.8%), anticoagulants (34%), tocilizumab (20.3%), and ivermectin (9.2%). CONCLUSIONS Older males having breathing difficulties or signs of organ failure with raised C-reactive protein or D-dimer levels had high mortality. Antivirals, corticosteroids, tocilizumab, and ivermectin had better outcomes; antivirals were associated with lower mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zeeshan Munir
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Syed Abdul Qadir Jillani (Out Fall) Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Amer Hayat Khan
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Tahir Mehmood Khan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Syed Abdul Qadir Jillani (Out Fall) Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Banday Sunway, Subang Jaya 45700, Selangor, Malaysia
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Bhaskar A, Chandra J, Hashemi H, Butler K, Bennett L, Cellini J, Braun D, Dominici F. A Literature Review of the Effects of Air Pollution on COVID-19 Health Outcomes Worldwide: Statistical Challenges and Data Visualization. Annu Rev Public Health 2023; 44:1-20. [PMID: 36542771 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-071521-120424] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Several peer-reviewed papers and reviews have examined the relationship between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 spread and severity. However, many of the existing reviews on this topic do not extensively present the statistical challenges associated with this field, do not provide comprehensive guidelines for future researchers, and review only the results of a relatively small number of papers. We reviewed 139 papers, 127 of which reported a statistically significant positive association between air pollution and adverse COVID-19 health outcomes. Here, we summarize the evidence, describe the statistical challenges, and make recommendations for future research. To summarize the 139 papers with data from geographical locations around the world, we also present anopen-source data visualization tool that summarizes these studies and allows the research community to contribute evidence as new research papers are published.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bhaskar
- Department of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Chandra
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - H Hashemi
- Environmental Systems Research Institute, Redlands, California, USA
| | - K Butler
- Environmental Systems Research Institute, Redlands, California, USA
| | - L Bennett
- Environmental Systems Research Institute, Redlands, California, USA
| | - Jacqueline Cellini
- Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danielle Braun
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Francesca Dominici
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
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Scott JL, Lee-Johnson NM, Danos D. Place, Race, and Case: Examining Racialized Economic Segregation and COVID-19 in Louisiana. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:775-787. [PMID: 35239176 PMCID: PMC8893059 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Early COVID-19 pandemic data suggested racial/ethnic minority and low-income earning people bore the greatest burden of infection. Structural racism, the reinforcement of racial and ethnic discrimination via policy, provides a framework for understanding disparities in health outcomes like COVID-19 infection. Residential racial and economic segregation is one indicator of structural racism. Little attention has been paid to the relationship of infection to relative overall concentrations of risk (i.e., segregation of the most privileged from the most disadvantaged). We used ordinary least squares and geographically weighted regression models to evaluate the relationship between racial and economic segregation, measured by the Index of Concentration at the Extremes, and COVID-19 cases in Louisiana. We found a significant global association between racial segregation and cumulative COVID-19 case rate in Louisiana and variation across the state during the study period. The northwest and central regions exhibited a strong negative relationship indicating greater risk in areas with high concentrations of Black residents. On the other hand, the southeastern part of the state exhibited more neutral or positive relationships indicating greater risk in areas with high concentrations of White residents. Our findings that the relationship between racial segregation and COVID-19 cases varied within a state further support evidence that social and political determinants, not biological, drive racial disparities. Small area measures and measures of polarization provide localized information better suited to tailoring public health policy according to the dynamics of communities at the census tract level, which may lead to better health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Scott
- School of Social Work, Louisiana State University, 2167 Pleasant Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
| | - Natasha M Lee-Johnson
- School of Social Work, Louisiana State University, 2167 Pleasant Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Denise Danos
- School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
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34
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Nielsen L, Albertsen A. Pandemic justice: fairness, social inequality and COVID-19 healthcare priority-setting. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023; 49:283-287. [PMID: 36600629 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2022-108384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the ethics of the COVID-19 pandemic priorities must be sensitive to the influence of social inequality. We distinguish between ex-ante and ex-post relevance of social inequality for COVID-19 disadvantage. Ex-ante relevance refers to the distribution of risks of exposure. Ex-post relevance refers to the effect of inequality on how patients respond to infection. In the case of COVID-19, both ex-ante and ex-post effects suggest a distribution which is sensitive to the prevalence social inequality. On this basis, we provide a generic fairness argument for the claim that welfare states ought to favour a healthcare priority scheme that gives particular weight to protecting the socially disadvantaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Nielsen
- Philosophy, Department for the Study of Culture, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Centre for the Experimental-Philosophical Study of Discrimination, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Albertsen
- Centre for the Experimental-Philosophical Study of Discrimination, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Political Science, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Ashta JK, Weingart R, Gazmararian JA. The Impact of COVID-19 on Education Experiences of High School Students in Semi-Rural Georgia. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023; 93:257-265. [PMID: 36414540 PMCID: PMC10006293 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on academic and career concerns of high school students; relationship between attendance and grades with educational concerns; and association between student perception of the pandemic and decision to attend school virtually or in-person. METHODS Diverse students in grades 9-12 from two public high schools in semi-rural Georgia (n = 666) completed a survey shortly after school closures. Survey results were linked to academic and demographic data. Analyses were examined for differences by demographic and education measures. RESULTS Overall, 60% expressed academic worry and reported obstacles to virtual learning. Hispanic students expressed more worry and less confidence while black students reported less worry than peers. Females indicated more worry than males. Grade 12 students reported greater academic and career worry than younger students. Students eligible for free and reduced lunch expressed more worry and obstacles than peers. Non-honors and low-attendance students reported more worry about grades and graduation than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Results can inform targeted multi-level interventions to reduce the pandemic's effects on learning and ensure healthy trajectories for development across demographics. Stakeholders must take proactive measures to recover from academic loss to ensure our youth's healthy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasleen K Ashta
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, GA, Atlanta, USA
| | - Rachel Weingart
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, GA, Atlanta, USA
| | - Julie A Gazmararian
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, GA, Atlanta, USA
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Häfliger C, Diviani N, Rubinelli S. Communication inequalities and health disparities among vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic - a scoping review of qualitative and quantitative evidence. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:428. [PMID: 36879229 PMCID: PMC9986675 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15295-6] [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: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health disparities in vulnerable groups (e.g., increased infection, hospitalization, and mortality rates in people with lower income, lower education, or ethnic minorities). Communication inequalities can act as mediating factors in this relationship. Understanding this link is vital to prevent communication inequalities and health disparities in public health crises. This study aims to map and summarize the current literature on communication inequalities linked with health disparities (CIHD) in vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify research gaps. METHODS A scoping review of quantitative and qualitative evidence was conducted. The literature search followed the guidelines of PRISMA extension for scoping reviews and was performed on PubMed and PsycInfo. Findings were summarized using a conceptual framework based on the Structural Influence Model by Viswanath et al. RESULTS: The search yielded 92 studies, mainly assessing low education as a social determinant and knowledge as an indicator for communication inequalities. CIHD in vulnerable groups were identified in 45 studies. The association of low education with insufficient knowledge and inadequate preventive behavior was the most frequently observed. Other studies only found part of the link: communication inequalities (n = 25) or health disparities (n = 5). In 17 studies, neither inequalities nor disparities were found. CONCLUSIONS This review supports the findings of studies on past public health crises. Public health institutions should specifically target their communication to people with low education to reduce communication inequalities. More research about CIHD is needed on groups with migrant status, financial hardship, not speaking the language in the country of residence, sexual minorities, and living in deprived neighborhoods. Future research should also assess communication input factors to derive specific communication strategies for public health institutions to overcome CIHD in public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Häfliger
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, Nottwil, Lucerne, 6207, Switzerland. .,Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Lucerne, 6002, Switzerland.
| | - Nicola Diviani
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, Nottwil, Lucerne, 6207, Switzerland.,Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Lucerne, 6002, Switzerland
| | - Sara Rubinelli
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, Nottwil, Lucerne, 6207, Switzerland.,Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Lucerne, 6002, Switzerland
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Jones EJ, Ayling K, Wiley CR, Geraghty AW, Greer AL, Holt-Lunstad J, Prather AA, Schreier HM, Silver RC, Sneed RS, Marsland AL, Pressman SD, Vedhara K. Psychology Meets Biology in COVID-19: What We Know and Why It Matters for Public Health. POLICY INSIGHTS FROM THE BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES 2023; 10:33-40. [PMID: 36942265 PMCID: PMC10018248 DOI: 10.1177/23727322221145308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Psychosocial factors are related to immune, viral, and vaccination outcomes. Yet, this knowledge has been poorly represented in public health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an overview of biopsychosocial links relevant to COVID-19 outcomes by describing seminal evidence about these associations known prepandemic as well as contemporary research conducted during the pandemic. This focuses on the negative impact of the pandemic on psychosocial health and how this in turn has likely consequences for critically relevant viral and vaccination outcomes. We end by looking forward, highlighting the potential of psychosocial interventions that could be leveraged to support all people in navigating a postpandemic world and how a biopsychosocial approach to health could be incorporated into public health responses to future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kieran Ayling
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cameron R. Wiley
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Adam W.A. Geraghty
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Amy L. Greer
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Aric A. Prather
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hannah M.C. Schreier
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Roxane Cohen Silver
- Department of Psychological Science, Department of Medicine, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Rodlescia S. Sneed
- Institute of Gerontology and Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Anna L. Marsland
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah D. Pressman
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Kavita Vedhara
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Xiao Y, Junus A, Li T, Yip P. Temporal and spatial trends in suicide-related visits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, 2018-2021. J Affect Disord 2023; 324:24-35. [PMID: 36566936 PMCID: PMC9773784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 disproportionately impacted mental health in disadvantaged populations and areas. However, disparities in long-term changes in suicide-related visits across the US are unclear. This retrospective study aims to characterize temporal and spatial changes in suicide-related visits in healthcare settings from 2018 to 2021 in the U.S. METHODS We use electronic health records for 21,860,370 patients from Healthjump through the COVID-19 Research Database Consortium. Healthjump harmonizes EHR data from over 55 national databases across the US. Suicide ideation and suicide attempts between January 1, 2018 and December 12, 2021 were identified by the diagnosis codes in 6 periods in 2021 compared with the same periods in 2018-2020. RESULTS There was 30,019 suicidal ideation, and 7392 suicide attempt visits from January 2018 to November 2021. 15-20-year-olds were the most represented age group at 6302 suicide ideation visits (21.0 % of suicide ideation visits) and 1326 suicide attempt visits (17.9 % of suicide attempt visits), followed by suicide-related visits among 60+ years old. Compared with pre-pandemic periods, youth aged 15-20, females, White, non-Hispanic, and English speakers had increased suicide-related visits, especially suicidal ideation (P < 0.05). Suicide attempts with non-medical substances increased to 28.0 % in the first 6 months of the pandemic in 2020, compared with the prior year (21.5 %). COVID-19 patients had increased suicidal ideation in 2020. LIMITATIONS The EHR data is not nationally representative. CONCLUSIONS This study found significant and disproportionate increases in suicide related visits over the COVID-19 stages. To prevent the next storms of suicides, future interventions shall accommodate needs among vulnerable groups during and after periods of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyu Xiao
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian, New York, United States.
| | - Alvin Junus
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tianzi Li
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian, New York, United States
| | - Paul Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Udoh II, Mpofu E, Prybutok G. Dementia and COVID-19 among Older African American Adults: A Scoping Review of Healthcare Access and Resources. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3494. [PMID: 36834189 PMCID: PMC9967955 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
African American/Black communities comprise 12.2% of the U.S. population, with a COVID-19 infection rate of more than 18% and marginal access to healthcare services. This scoping review synthesizes the emerging evidence on healthcare accessibility among older African American adult communities with dementia and COVID-19, as well as the resource requirements for this population during the pandemic. Searches of different databases for empirical studies and other sources on dementia and COVID-19 among older African American adults yielded 13 studies that met the following inclusion criteria: (a) focus on dementia and COVID-19, (b) sampled older African American adults, (c) investigated healthcare accessibility and resources, and (d) published between 2019 and 2022. Following the initial selection of the studies, eight were selected for relevance based on the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thematic analysis indicated that older African Americans with dementia and COVID-19 experienced longer delays in accessing timely healthcare, including transportation, intensive care units (ICUs), and mechanical ventilation. They also had reduced healthcare resources associated with a lack of health insurance, low financial resources, and an increased length of hospital stay, which further aggravated the negative effects of comorbid dementia and COVID-19 infections. Evidence showed that racial and age disparities affected older African American adults with dementia and COVID-19, resulting in lower healthcare access and marginal resources. This is consistent with historical and systemic inequities in meeting the healthcare needs of people of color in the United States, which was compounded for older African Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idorenyin Imoh Udoh
- Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Chilton Hall, 410 Avenue C, Suite 289, Denton, TX 76201, USA
| | - Elias Mpofu
- Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Chilton Hall, 410 Avenue C, Suite 289, Denton, TX 76201, USA
- School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Educational Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Gayle Prybutok
- Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Chilton Hall, 410 Avenue C, Suite 289, Denton, TX 76201, USA
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Duchen D, Vergara C, Thio CL, Kundu P, Chatterjee N, Thomas DL, Wojcik GL, Duggal P. Pathogen exposure misclassification can bias association signals in GWAS of infectious diseases when using population-based common control subjects. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:336-348. [PMID: 36649706 PMCID: PMC9943744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.12.013] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have been performed to identify host genetic factors for a range of phenotypes, including for infectious diseases. The use of population-based common control subjects from biobanks and extensive consortia is a valuable resource to increase sample sizes in the identification of associated loci with minimal additional expense. Non-differential misclassification of the outcome has been reported when the control subjects are not well characterized, which often attenuates the true effect size. However, for infectious diseases the comparison of affected subjects to population-based common control subjects regardless of pathogen exposure can also result in selection bias. Through simulated comparisons of pathogen-exposed cases and population-based common control subjects, we demonstrate that not accounting for pathogen exposure can result in biased effect estimates and spurious genome-wide significant signals. Further, the observed association can be distorted depending upon strength of the association between a locus and pathogen exposure and the prevalence of pathogen exposure. We also used a real data example from the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genetic consortium comparing HCV spontaneous clearance to persistent infection with both well-characterized control subjects and population-based common control subjects from the UK Biobank. We find biased effect estimates for known HCV clearance-associated loci and potentially spurious HCV clearance associations. These findings suggest that the choice of control subjects is especially important for infectious diseases or outcomes that are conditional upon environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Duchen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Candelaria Vergara
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chloe L Thio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Prosenjit Kundu
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nilanjan Chatterjee
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - David L Thomas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Genevieve L Wojcik
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Priya Duggal
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Liu Y, Qian Y, Comert G, Begashaw N. Mobility support for disadvantaged and disabled travelers during pandemic or similar situations. EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS 2023; 212:118786. [PMID: 36118937 PMCID: PMC9472522 DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2022.118786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown has reduced public transportation service to the disadvantaged and disabled people who urgently need adequate mobility to obtain essential suppliers. This paper aims to improve the life quality of people with disabilities and elderly people by addressing social exclusion, accessibility, and mobility issues. Demand responsive transport services are frequently offered in the context of door-to-door transportation of the elderly and persons with disabilities. We study and compare two frameworks. We apply both Sample average approximation (SAA) and Rolling Horizon (RH) to optimize a car sharing system for the total cost, including initiation cost and operation cost after fleet size is determined. The model is implemented with given geographic conditions and other local information to be tailored for specific applications for local communities. Given that no historical data is available, random sample data is generated to simulate expected demands. We consider three types of probability distributions for daily demand data, and the results generated using three different distributions are being examined and compared. The research shows that the demand data following a normal distribution results in the minimum total cost. Additionally, we study the impact of several factors on total cost, including demand fulfillment rates and operation hours. Our results suggest that the impact of fulfillment rate on fleet size is exponential after a threshold under all three types of daily demand data, and extended operation hours can significantly reduce the total cost. Finally, the paper provides applicable frameworks for city planners, NPOs, and policymakers to better allocate limited resources to implement the carsharing system when little to no historical travel information is available for low-density population areas. It is anticipated that the outcome from this research would benefit disadvantaged and disabled travelers during COVID-19 or similar difficult situations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina, 300 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Yu Qian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina, 300 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Gurcan Comert
- Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering Department, Benedict College, 1600 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204, USA
| | - Negash Begashaw
- Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering Department, Benedict College, 1600 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204, USA
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Kim J, Yoo D, Hong K, Chun BC. Health behaviors and the risk of COVID-19 incidence: A Bayesian hierarchical spatial analysis. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:190-195. [PMID: 36580692 PMCID: PMC9773785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Effective infection control measures, based on a sound understanding of geographical community-specific health behavioral characteristics, should be implemented from the early stage of disease transmission. However, few studies have explored health behaviors as a possible contributor to COVID-19 infection in the spatial context. We investigated health behaviors as potential factors of COVID-19 incidence in the early phase of transmission in the spatial context. METHODS We extracted COVID-19 cumulative case data as of February 25, 2021-one day prior to nationwide COVID-19 vaccination commencement-regarding health behaviors and covariates, including health condition and socio-economic factors, at the municipal level from publicly available datasets. The spatial autocorrelation of incidence was analyzed using Global Moran's I statistics. The associations between health behaviors and COVID-19 incidence were examined using Besag-York-Mollie models to deal with spatial autocorrelation of residuals. RESULTS The COVID-19 incidence had positive spatial autocorrelation across South Korea (I = 0.584, p = 0.001). The results suggest that individuals vaccinated against influenza in the preceding year had a negative association with COVID-19 incidence (relative risk=0.913, 95 % Credible Interval=0.838-0.997), even after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS Our ecological study suggests an association between COVID-19 infection and health behaviors, especially influenza vaccination, in the early stage of COVID-19 transmission at the municipal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeehyun Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Healthcare Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Daesung Yoo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea
| | - Kwan Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byung Chul Chun
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Healthcare Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea,Correspondence to: Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea
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The COVID-19 Mortality Rate Is Associated with Illiteracy, Age, and Air Pollution in Urban Neighborhoods: A Spatiotemporal Cross-Sectional Analysis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020085. [PMID: 36828501 PMCID: PMC9962969 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020085] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There are different area-based factors affecting the COVID-19 mortality rate in urban areas. This research aims to examine COVID-19 mortality rates and their geographical association with various socioeconomic and ecological determinants in 350 of Tehran's neighborhoods as a big city. All deaths related to COVID-19 are included from December 2019 to July 2021. Spatial techniques, such as Kulldorff's SatScan, geographically weighted regression (GWR), and multi-scale GWR (MGWR), were used to investigate the spatially varying correlations between COVID-19 mortality rates and predictors, including air pollutant factors, socioeconomic status, built environment factors, and public transportation infrastructure. The city's downtown and northern areas were found to be significantly clustered in terms of spatial and temporal high-risk areas for COVID-19 mortality. The MGWR regression model outperformed the OLS and GWR regression models with an adjusted R2 of 0.67. Furthermore, the mortality rate was found to be associated with air quality (e.g., NO2, PM10, and O3); as air pollution increased, so did mortality. Additionally, the aging and illiteracy rates of urban neighborhoods were positively associated with COVID-19 mortality rates. Our approach in this study could be implemented to study potential associations of area-based factors with other emerging infectious diseases worldwide.
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Development of Innovative Vitamin D Enrichment Designs for Two Typical Italian Fresh Cheeses: Burrata and Giuncata. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031049. [PMID: 36770714 PMCID: PMC9919879 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031049] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to develop innovative cheeses fortified with vitamin D3 (VD3). Formulation studies and analyses of textural properties and chemicals were carried out for these developments. Two traditional Italian varieties of cheese (giuncata and burrata) were studied. For giuncata, the fortification of milk for cheese production provided a VD3 retention level of 43.9 ± 0.6% in the food matrix. For burrata, the VD3 ingredient was incorporated into the creamy inner part after mixing, maintaining the textural quality of the product (adhesiveness 4.3 ± 0.4 J × 10-3; firmness 0.7 ± 0.0 N; and cohesiveness 0.8 ± 0.2). The optimized enrichment designs allowed to obtain homogenous contents of VD3 during the production of giuncata (0.48 ± 0.01 µg/g) and burrata cheeses (0.32 ± 0.02 µg/g). Moreover, analyses revealed the high stability of VD3 during the storage of the two fortified cheese types (2 weeks, 4 °C). These fortification designs could be implemented at an industrial scale to obtain new cheese types enriched in VD3 and thus contribute to the reduction in VD deficiency prevalence.
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45
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Silva GDMD, Souza AAD, Castro MSMD, Miranda WDD, Jardim LL, Sousa RPD. Influence of socioeconomic inequality on the distribution of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in Brazilian municipalities, 2020: an ecological study. EPIDEMIOLOGIA E SERVIÇOS DE SAÚDE 2023; 32:e2022303. [PMID: 36790266 PMCID: PMC9926519 DOI: 10.1590/s2237-96222023000100021] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to analyze the influence of socioeconomic inequality on COVID-19 distribution in larger Brazilian municipalities, controlling for effect of hospital infrastructure, comorbidities and other variables. METHODS this was an ecological study of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in 2020; outcome data were obtained from the Ministry of Health; incidence ratios were estimated using a generalized linear model. RESULTS we identified 291,073 hospitalizations and 139,953 deaths; we found higher mortality rates in municipalities with a higher proportion of non-White people (95%CI 1.01;1.16) and with more households with more than two people per room (95%CI 1.01;1.13); presence of sewerage systems was protective for both outcomes (hospitalizations: 95%CI 0.87;0.99 - deaths: 95%CI 0.90;0.99), while a higher proportion of the population in subnormal housing clusters was a risk factor (hospitalizations: 95%CI 1.01;1.16 - deaths: 95%CI 1.09;1.21), with this variable interacting with the proportion of people receiving Emergency Aid (hospitalizations: 95%CI 0.88;1.00 - deaths: 95%CI 0.89;0.98). CONCLUSION socioeconomic conditions affected illness and death due to COVID-19 in Brazil.
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de Crescenzo CM, Chen YW, Chang DC, Yeh H. The Effect of Language on Access to Timely COVID-19 Vaccination of Solid Abdominal Organ Transplant Recipients. Transpl Int 2023; 36:10888. [PMID: 36865665 PMCID: PMC9970985 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.10888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
In dynamic healthcare environments including the COVID-19 pandemic, it is paramount to communicate health recommendations expediently and clearly. Research has shown social determinants of health affect the impact of COVID-19 on abdominal transplant recipients, but there has been less research on the effect of language proficiency. This is a cohort study of time to first COVID-19 vaccination among abdominal organ transplant recipients in an academic medical center in Boston, MA between 18 December 2020, and 15 February 2021. Cox proportional hazards analysis of time to vaccination by preferred language were adjusted for race, age group, insurance, and transplanted organ. Among 3001 patients, 53% were vaccinated during the study period. Language preference other than English was independently associated with delay to vaccination (0.64, p = 0.001), on adjusted analysis. In addition, Black, Hispanic and other race patients were less likely to be vaccinated than white patients (0.58, 0.67, 0.68 vs. reference, all p < 0.03). Language preference other than English is an independent barrier to solid abdominal organ transplant recipients' access to timely COVID-19 vaccination. Equity in care should be improved by providing targeted services to minority language speakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M de Crescenzo
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ya-Wen Chen
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David C Chang
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Heidi Yeh
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Marquardt CA, Chu C, Hill JE, Venables NC, Kuzenski L, Davenport ND, Disner SG, Finn JA, Gilmore CS, Erbes CR, Urošević S. Evaluating resilience in response to COVID-19 pandemic stressors among veteran mental health outpatients. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND CLINICAL SCIENCE 2023; 132:26-37. [PMID: 36455008 PMCID: PMC9870973 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
There is a public health need to understand mental health vulnerabilities to COVID-19 pandemic-related stressors and promote resilience among high-risk populations with preexisting psychiatric conditions. Recent cross-sectional studies suggest increases in mental health distress (e.g., depression and anxiety) during the pandemic. The present study expands upon these emerging findings using longitudinal latent modeling and hierarchical linear regressions. Consistent with the developmental psychopathology literature on resilience, we distinguished between promotive or risk (i.e., main effect), and protective or vulnerability (i.e., moderation) effects on mental health during the pandemic. At a large medical center, 398 veterans receiving outpatient mental health care provided prepandemic (Time 1) and during pandemic (Time 2) assessments of mental and physical health-related distress. Additional Time 2 questionnaires assessed pandemic-related stressors and positive behavioral adaptations in the summer of 2020. As expected, total stressor scores predicted longitudinal worsening of self-reported mental (β = -.205) and physical health (β = -.217). Positive behavioral adaptations enacted during the pandemic moderated and protected against stressor effects on mental health (β = .160). In addition, the presence of substance use disorders moderated and conferred vulnerability to stressor effects on physical health (β = -.158). Thus, higher COVID-19 pandemic stressor exposure may have exacerbated mental and physical health distress among veterans with common forms of psychopathology. Nevertheless, behavioral activation, purposeful maintenance of social connections, and focused treatment for substance misuse may be important intervention targets for reducing the longitudinal impact of pandemic stressors and enhancing resilience among people with mental illness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A. Marquardt
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| | - Carol Chu
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| | - Jessica E. Hill
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| | - Noah C. Venables
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| | - Laci Kuzenski
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| | - Nicholas D. Davenport
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| | - Seth G. Disner
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| | - Jacob A. Finn
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| | - Casey S. Gilmore
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| | - Christopher R. Erbes
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| | - Snežana Urošević
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
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Borsa A, Calleo M, Faires J, Kaplan G, Sharif S, Zhang D, Meadow T. Love in the Time of COVID-19: The Social Dimensions of Intimate Life under Lockdown. SOCIUS : SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH FOR A DYNAMIC WORLD 2023; 9:23780231231161046. [PMID: 37065214 PMCID: PMC10083692 DOI: 10.1177/23780231231161046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Although popular media across the United States reported that the coronavirus disease 2019 COVID pandemic incited dramatic transformations in personal relationships, identities, and practices, little sociological research examines these developments. What exists elaborates the "how" and "how much" of sex, the frequency of sexual conduct, and changes in the patterning of sexual behavior. In this study of the intimate trajectories of 46 young adults, conducted during the height of U.S. quarantine restrictions in 2020 and early 2021, the authors explore the "whys" of sex. They find that the exogenous force of the pandemic profoundly altered individual relationship trajectories, prompted sexual introspection projects, shifted understandings of sexual risk, and promoted new modes of intimacy. These findings suggest that pandemic life reached deep into subjective self-understandings and ways of relating to others. They also reveal the benefits of foregrounding cultural meanings over behaviors, changes in thoughts over actions, and social processes over individual outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tey Meadow
- Columbia University, New York, NY,
USA
- Tey Meadow, Columbia University, Department
of Sociology, 606 West 122nd Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Jenks JD, Aneke CI, Al-Obaidi MM, Egger M, Garcia L, Gaines T, Hoenigl M, Thompson GR. Race and ethnicity: Risk factors for fungal infections? PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011025. [PMID: 36602962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Racial and ethnic identities, largely understood as social rather than biologic constructs, may impact risk for acquiring infectious diseases, including fungal infections. Risk factors may include genetic and immunologic differences such as aberrations in host immune response, host polymorphisms, and epigenomic factors stemming from environmental exposures and underlying social determinants of health. In addition, certain racial and ethnic groups may be predisposed to diseases that increase risk for fungal infections, as well as disparities in healthcare access and health insurance. In this review, we analyzed racial and ethnic identities as risk factors for acquiring fungal infections, as well as race and ethnicity as they relate to risk for severe disease from fungal infections. Risk factors for invasive mold infections such as aspergillosis largely appear related to environmental differences and underlying social determinants of health, although immunologic aberrations and genetic polymorphisms may contribute in some circumstances. Although black and African American individuals appear to be at high risk for superficial and invasive Candida infections and cryptococcosis, the reasons for this are unclear and may be related to underling social determinants of health, disparities in access to healthcare, and other socioeconomic disparities. Risk factors for all the endemic fungi are likely largely related to underlying social determinants of health, socioeconomic, and health disparities, although immunologic mechanisms likely play a role as well, particularly in disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Jenks
- Durham County Department of Public Health, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Chioma Inyang Aneke
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Mohanad M Al-Obaidi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Matthias Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lorena Garcia
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Tommi Gaines
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - George R Thompson
- University of California Davis Center for Valley Fever, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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Alcindor ML. Guidelines for diagnosing 'long Covid' in patients living with postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Evid Based Nurs 2023; 26:20. [PMID: 36150751 DOI: 10.1136/ebnurs-2022-103538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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