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Kelly A, Guest K, Chamroeun U, Sinat D, Saroeun Y, Rowland AG. The Impact of COVID-19 on Children, Young People, and Families in Sihanoukville, Cambodia: The Mitigating Work of M'Lop Tapang. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 2024; 47:115-130. [PMID: 38922696 DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2024.2354329] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Globally, children have been adversely affected by the wide variety of impacts of SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus | COVID-19). Vulnerable children who depend on the support of education and health and social care systems were left unprotected as these systems were weakened by the pandemic. COVID-19 has exposed the already fragile situations in which many children and young people live and that thousands of children and young people would need ongoing support but remained invisible to statutory authorities. COVID-19 has also been a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals and societies and it has exposed deep divisions, inequalities, and injustices between different countries and groups of people. M'Lop Tapang is a local nonprofit organization registered with the Royal Government of Cambodia. This report discusses the efforts of M'Lop Tapang following the declaration of the COVID-19 global pandemic in early 2020, to address the local community needs; to ensure the voices of children remained heard; and to promote children's rights remaining a priority throughout the remainder of the pandemic.What is already known on this topicVulnerable children are dependent on remaining visible to education and health and social care systems to ensure they are safeguarded and protected.Poor safety, financial instability, unemployment, challenges to children's rights and displacement all have the potential to increase vulnerabilities and intensify inequalities.The COVID-19 global pandemic has widened the global lens for the nursing profession and to effect change, children's nurses need to think globally and act locally.What this study addsThis study provides insights into the challenges faced by children and families in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, during the early part of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) pandemic in 2020-2021.The economic impact of COVID-19 on children and families living in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, between 2020 and 2021 is reviewed.The learning from the pragmatic and rapid interventions of M'Lop Tapang, Sihanoukville during the early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, are of use in other countries around the world in future epidemic or pandemic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kelly
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Keeley Guest
- Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Dom Sinat
- M'Lop Tapang, Sihanoukville, Cambodia
| | | | - Andrew Graeme Rowland
- M'Lop Tapang, Sihanoukville, Cambodia
- School of health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, UK
- Department of Community Paediatrics, Manchester Local Care Organisation, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Mbuthia G, Machaki D, Shaibu S, Kimani RW. Surviving Covid-19 Diagnosis Among Registered Nurses: Reactions, Consequences, and Coping Mechanisms. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:467-475. [PMID: 38187200 PMCID: PMC10770275 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.10.013] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To mitigate the spread of Covid-19, nurses infected with the virus were required to isolate themselves from their families and community. Isolated patients were reported to have experienced mental distress, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and suicide. Though studies have reported the psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, less is known about the lived experiences of nurses who survived Covid-19 infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to study the lived experiences of registered nurses who survived Covid-19 disease. In-depth interviews were conducted among nurses diagnosed with Covid-19 from two hospitals in Kenya between March and May, 2021. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit registered nurses. Data were analyzed using Giorgi's steps of analysis. Results The study included ten nurses between 29 and 45 years of age. Nurses' experiences encompassed three themes: diagnosis reaction, consequences, and coping. Reactions to the diagnosis included fear, anxiety, and sadness. The consequence of the diagnosis and isolation was stigma, isolation, and loneliness. Nurses coping mechanisms included acceptance, creating routines, support, and spirituality. Conclusion Our findings aid in understanding how nurses experienced Covid-19 infection as patients and will provide evidence-based content for supporting nurses in future pandemics. Moreover, as we acknowledge the heroic contribution of frontline healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is prudent to recognize the considerable occupational risk as they balance their duty to care, and the risk of infection to themselves and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys Mbuthia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Doris Machaki
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sheila Shaibu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rachel W. Kimani
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Hughes RC, Muendo R, Bhopal SS, Onyango S, Kimani-Murage E, Kirkwood BR, Hill Z, Kitsao-Wekulo P. Parental experiences of the impacts of Covid-19 on the care of young children; qualitative interview findings from the Nairobi Early Childcare in Slums (NECS) project. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001127. [PMID: 37647351 PMCID: PMC10468034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Covid-19 pandemic, and societal attempts to control it, have touched almost every aspect of people's lives around the world, albeit in unequal ways. In particular, there is considerable concern about the way that stringent 'lockdowns', as implemented in Kenya and many other countries, affected young children, especially those living in informal settlements. However, to date, there has been little research attempting to unpack and understand how the pandemic has impacted on the care of young children. METHODS In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 21 parents/carers of children aged under five years living in three Nairobi slums between May and September 2021 exploring the ways in which Covid-19, and policies to control the pandemic, impacted on their household and the care of their child/children. RESULTS The impacts of Covid-19 control measures on the care of children have been widely felt, deep and multiple. The impact of economic hardship has been significant, reportedly undermining food security and access to services including healthcare and childcare. Respondents reported an associated increase in domestic and community violence. Many people relied on help from others; this was most commonly reported to be in the form of variable levels of flexibility from landlords and help from other community members. No direct harms from Covid-19 disease were reported by respondents. CONCLUSION The impacts of Covid-19 control measures on the care of young children in informal settlements have been indirect but dramatic. Given the breadth and depth of these reported impacts, and the particular vulnerability of young children, deeper consideration ought to inform decisions about approaches to implementation of stringent disease control measures in future. In addition, these findings imply a need for both short- and long-term policy responses to ameliorate the impacts described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Hughes
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Muendo
- Maternal and Child Wellbeing Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sunil S. Bhopal
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Silas Onyango
- Maternal and Child Wellbeing Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Kimani-Murage
- Maternal and Child Wellbeing Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Betty R. Kirkwood
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zelee Hill
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Kitsao-Wekulo
- Maternal and Child Wellbeing Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Wafula ST, Ninsiima LL, Mendoza H, Ssempebwa JC, Walter F, Musoke D. Association between recent COVID-19 diagnosis, depression and anxiety symptoms among slum residents in Kampala, Uganda. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280338. [PMID: 37141298 PMCID: PMC10159354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the known link between poor living conditions and mental health, there has been little research on the mental health of slum dwellers worldwide. Although the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an increase in mental health issues, little focus has been given to the impact on slum dwellers. The study aimed to investigate the association between recent COVID-19 diagnosis and the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms among people living in an urban slum in Uganda. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 284 adults (at least 18 years of age) in a slum settlement in Kampala, Uganda between April and May 2022. We assessed depression symptoms and anxiety using validated Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder assessment tool (GAD-7) questionnaires respectively. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, and self-reported recent COVID-19 diagnosis (in the previous 30 days). Using a modified Poisson regression, adjusted for age, sex, gender and household income, we separately provided prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations between recent COVID-19 diagnosis and depressive and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS Overall, 33.8% and 13.4% of the participants met the depression and generalized anxiety screening criteria respectively and 11.3% were reportedly diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 30 days. People with recent COVID-19 diagnosis were more likely to be depressed (53.1%) than those with no recent diagnosis (31.4%) (p<0.001). Participants who were recently diagnosed with COVID-19 reported higher prevalence of anxiety (34.4%) compared to those with no recent diagnosis of COVID-19 (10.7%) (p = 0.014). After adjusting for confounding, recent diagnosis with COVID-19 was associated with depression (PR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.09-2.34) and anxiety (PR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.50-5.31). CONCLUSION This study suggests an increased risk of depressive symptoms and GAD in adults following a COVID-19 diagnosis. We recommend additional mental health support for recently diagnosed persons. The long-term of COVID-19 on mental health effects also need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon T. Wafula
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lesley L. Ninsiima
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hilbert Mendoza
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Social Epidemiology and Health Policy, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - John C. Ssempebwa
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Florian Walter
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David Musoke
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Melaku T, Assefa D, Gashe F, Getachew M, Kabeta T, Mekonnen Z. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the availability of maternal and child health products and childhood vaccines. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:35. [PMID: 36864509 PMCID: PMC9979878 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00541-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many low- and middle-income countries, the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has challenged efforts to ensure access to and availability of quality maternal, newborn, and child health (MCH) services and essential MCH commodities. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the availability of maternal and child health products and childhood vaccines at selected health facilities in Ethiopia. METHODS We have prospectively assessed 28 maternal-child health products and 14 childhood vaccines and accessories, which are listed in the Ethiopian national essential medicines list. Data were collected from 5 hospitals located in the Jimma zone of Oromia regional state in the southwestern part of Ethiopia. We extracted data on drug availability, and order fill rates for these pharmaceutical products between May 2019 and August 2020. RESULTS The overall mean availability of selected maternal and child health products was 43.2%. It was 52.9% (range 21.0-63.6%) prior COVID-19 and 42.6% (range 19-56.4) during COVID-19 time. The average monthly orders fill rates of hospitals for the selected products ranged from 39 to 79%. Before COVID-19 the average order fill rate was near 70% of total orders placed by the hospitals. However, immediately after the COVID-19 case notification in Ethiopia, the percentage of order filled correctly in items and quantities began decreasing. CONCLUSION This study illustrates that the availability of key essential medicines for maternal and child health in the study area was low. The overall stock-out situation of MCH products has worsened during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic. None of the surveyed MCH products met the ideal availability benchmark of 80% in the public hospitals. To allow governments to guarantee these products are constantly available and affordable, a variety of policy frameworks and choices addressing inevitable epidemics should exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegaye Melaku
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Desta Assefa
- grid.411903.e0000 0001 2034 9160School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Fanta Gashe
- grid.411903.e0000 0001 2034 9160School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mestawet Getachew
- grid.411903.e0000 0001 2034 9160School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Kabeta
- grid.411903.e0000 0001 2034 9160Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- grid.411903.e0000 0001 2034 9160School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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El Salih I, Njuguna FM, Widjajanto PH, Kaspers G, Bailey A, Mostert S. Impact of COVID-19 measures on the health and healthcare of children in East-Africa: Scoping review. Int J Health Plann Manage 2023; 38:579-598. [PMID: 36691260 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is of grave concern. As scientific data is being collected about the nature of COVID-19, government leaders and policy makers are challenged. They might feel pressured to take strong measures to stop virus spread. However, decisions could cause more harm than do good. This study maps all existing literature regarding the impact of COVID-19 containment measures on the health and healthcare of children in East-Africa. METHODS This scoping review follows Population Concept Context guidelines of Arksey and O'Malley and PRISMA 2020 checklist. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched. All peer-reviewed literature published in English between January 2020 and October 2022 was considered. Initial screening of titles and abstracts was undertaken independently by two reviewers, with a third available in case of doubt. This was followed by full-text screening involving two independent reviewers. RESULTS In total, 70 studies were included. Eight containment measures affecting children's health and healthcare were distinguished: lockdowns, school closures, physical distancing, travel restrictions, business closures, stay-at-home orders, curfews, quarantine measures with contact tracing. The consensus in the studies is that containment measures could minimise COVID-19 spread but have adverse indirect effects on children in East-Africa. Seven indirect effects were distinguished: economic damage, limited education access, food insecurity, child abuse, limited healthcare access, disrupted health-programs, and mental health challenges. CONCLUSION Government leaders and policy makers should take adverse indirect effects of COVID-19 measures into account, particularly in resource-limited regions such as East-Africa, apply a holistic approach, and strengthen socioeconomic and health-systems to protect the most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim El Salih
- International Development Studies, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Festus Muigai Njuguna
- Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Pudjo Hagung Widjajanto
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Gertjan Kaspers
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ajay Bailey
- International Development Studies, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Mostert
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Yamoah O, Balser S, Ogland-Hand C, Doernberg E, Lewis-Miller C, Freedman DA. "A win-win for all of us": COVID-19 sheds light on the essentialness of child care as key infrastructure. EARLY CHILDHOOD RESEARCH QUARTERLY 2022; 63:113-120. [PMID: 36505942 PMCID: PMC9721280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecresq.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Child care centers in the United States allow many parents and caregivers to work in and outside of the home and support the growth and development of children. Child care closures and COVID-19 mitigation measures at the onset of the pandemic heightened the need for and awareness of the role of child care as core infrastructure. The purpose of our study was to examine the perceived role and benefits of child care based on the lived experiences of parents/caregivers and staff navigating child care during the pandemic. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with parents/caregivers (n = 20) of children who attended child care and staff (n = 12) who were working at child care programs in Ohio from September to November 2020. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed through the lens of four frameworks (i.e., capabilities, developmental, economics, and mutualism) related to child well-being. Our results highlight the perceived value of child care (a) for fostering capabilities and developmental growth in children; (b) for providing economic benefits for children, parents, and staff of child care programs; and (c) as an essential infrastructure that mutually benefits children, parents, families, staff, and the community. Findings support existing evidence regarding the broader impacts of child care and further investigation into the role of child care. We highlight the potential need for further investments in policies, resources, and supports for child care that reflects its essentialness and generative role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owusua Yamoah
- Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sarah Balser
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Callie Ogland-Hand
- Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ellen Doernberg
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Carlos Lewis-Miller
- Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Darcy A Freedman
- Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Zhu PH, Mhango SN, Vinnakota A, Mansour M, Coss-Bu JA. Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutritional Status, Feeding Practices, and Access to Food Among Infants and Children in Lower and Middle-Income Countries: a Narrative Review. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:197-206. [PMID: 36249489 PMCID: PMC9549037 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00271-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The COVID-19 pandemic has affected children across the planet and the consequences on their health, nutritional status, and social structure have been more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review will focus on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on infant growth and feeding practices and access to food and obesity prevalence among children in LMICs. An electronic search was performed on MEDLINE and Embase to identify relevant articles in the English language. Recent Findings A higher prevalence of infections by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and a lower mortality rate were found in children in LMICs compared to western countries. In 2020, 22% and 52% of the wasting and deaths in children under 5 years of age in LMICS came from the sub-Saharan Africa region, respectively. Despite the decrease in stunting from 40% in 1990 to 24.2% in 2019, the prevalence remains above 30% in LMICs. Regarding breastfeeding practices in LMICs, many organizations recommend breastfeeding for infants and children born to infected mothers with SARS-CoV-2. This pandemic has resulted in higher food insecurity and disruption to access to health care and nutrition-related programs from schools; this situation has been more detrimental for younger children from LMICs. Summary Given the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional status, higher food insecurity, and lack of access to health care for infants and children in LMICs, efforts from government, world organizations, and non-for-profit institutions should be implemented to ameliorate the effects of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Hong Zhu
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Susan Nita Mhango
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Anirudh Vinnakota
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Marwa Mansour
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jorge A. Coss-Bu
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
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de Andrade GN, Matoso LF, da Silva TMR, Beinner MA, Romano MCC, Vieira EWR. Covid-19 pandemic impacts on follow-up of child growth and development. Rev Saude Publica 2022; 56:56. [PMID: 35766785 PMCID: PMC9239421 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2022056004279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the use of primary health care services to follow-up the child growth and development in Brazil. METHOD A total of 7.9 million consultations of children (0-2 years old) across Brazil between March 2017 and May 2020 were studied. Differences between medians were analyzed using non-parametric tests, the Global Moran Index (IGM) and the Local Indicators of Spatial Association. RESULTS During the initial period of the pandemic, the median number of consultations was significantly lower than the same period in previous years, reducing more than 50%. The drop in 2020, compared to 2019, ranged from 49% to 62.2% across all regions of the country, except the South. The percentage reduction registered in 2019-2020 showed significant spatial autocorrelation (IGM = 0.20; p = 0.04), with the presence of low-low (states with reduction between 29% and 51%) and high-high (states with reduction between 55% and 69%) spatial clusters. CONCLUSION The covid-19 pandemic impacted the follow-up of child growth and development in primary health care services in Brazil, with a geographically uneven reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Nepomuceno de Andrade
- Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisEscola de EnfermagemPrograma de Pós-Graduação em EnfermagemBelo HorizonteMGBrasil Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Enfermagem. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Leonardo Ferreira Matoso
- Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisEscola de EnfermagemPrograma de Pós-Graduação em EnfermagemBelo HorizonteMGBrasil Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Enfermagem. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Tércia Moreira Ribeiro da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisEscola de EnfermagemDepartamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde PúblicaBelo HorizonteMGBrasil Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Enfermagem. Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública.Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Mark Anthony Beinner
- Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisEscola de EnfermagemDepartamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde PúblicaBelo HorizonteMGBrasil Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Enfermagem. Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública.Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Márcia Christina Caetano Romano
- Universidade Federal de São João Del-ReiPrograma de Pós-Graduação Mestrado Acadêmico EnfermagemDivinópolisMGBrasil Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei. Programa de Pós-Graduação Mestrado Acadêmico Enfermagem. Divinópolis, MG, Brasil
| | - Ed Wilson Rodrigues Vieira
- Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisEscola de EnfermagemDepartamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde PúblicaBelo HorizonteMGBrasil Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Enfermagem. Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública.Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Neuman MJ, Powers S. Political prioritization of early childhood education during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comparative policy analysis of low- and middle-income countries. EARLY CHILDHOOD RESEARCH QUARTERLY 2022; 60:287-297. [PMID: 35125642 PMCID: PMC8802157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecresq.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite strong evidence of its importance to the welfare of children and societies, early childhood education has been comparatively neglected as a policy priority both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper seeks to understand what factors have contributed to the relative lack of priority for early childhood education in distance learning and school reopening plans by applying a political prioritization framework to the pandemic context in 4 low- and middle-income countries: Ethiopia, Jamaica, Liberia, and Pakistan (Punjab Province). Some aspects of the pre-COVID-19 status quo which disfavored early childhood education have continued, including a lack of cohesive support from civil society and a greater focus by international partners on norm promotion and technical assistance than financing. In other respects, the pandemic put early childhood education at an even greater disadvantage. These include perceptions that early childhood education is less suited to distance delivery than other levels of education, concerns about young children's ability to comply with health protocols, and competition with high-stakes examinations for education ministries' attention. Previous country experience with pandemics (in Liberia) and a strong coordinating entity (in Jamaica) were mitigating factors. These results point to an urgent need to elevate priority for early childhood education in more normal times and to capture the lessons of COVID-19 to improve the resilience of early childhood education in future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Neuman
- Results for Development, 1111 19th Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036
- Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Shawn Powers
- The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433
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Carneiro LL, Vieira EWR, Duarte ED, da Rocha NB, Velasquez-Melendez G, Caminhas W. COVID-19 pandemic impact on follow-up of child growth and development in Brazil. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:947493. [PMID: 36405844 PMCID: PMC9669785 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.947493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the primary health care (PHC) services to follow-up the child growth and development (CGD) in Brazil. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data related visits to assess the growth and development of children up to five years between Apr-2017 to Mar-2021. Differences between monthly rate of visits (per thousand inhabitants up to five) during the pandemic (Apr-2020 to Mar-2021) and before (Apr-2017 to Mar-2020) were analyzed using paired t test and control diagrams (averages ± 1.96 standard deviation). RESULTS A total of 39,599,313 visits for monitoring CGD was studied. The average monthly rate of visits dropped from 61.34 (per thousand) before the pandemic to 39.70 in the first 12 months of the pandemic (p < 0.001). In all states, except Rio Grande do Sul, there was a significant reduction, with differences ranging from -14.21% in São Paulo to -59.66% in Ceará. The Northeast region was the most impacted, being lower than expected in all 12 first months of pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The number of visits to follow-up the CGD in PHC in Brazil decreased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, varying over the months and between states and regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lima Carneiro
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ed Wilson Rodrigues Vieira
- Department of Maternal and Child Nursing and Public Health, School of Nursing, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Elysângela Dittz Duarte
- Department of Maternal and Child Nursing and Public Health, School of Nursing, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Najara Barbosa da Rocha
- Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Velasquez-Melendez
- Department of Maternal and Child Nursing and Public Health, School of Nursing, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Walmir Caminhas
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Maina R, Kimani RW, Orwa J, Mutwiri BD, Nyariki CK, Shaibu S, Fleming V. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preparedness for Managing Pregnant and Postpartum Women with COVID-19 Among Nurse-Midwives in Kenya. SAGE Open Nurs 2022; 8:23779608221106445. [PMID: 35769610 PMCID: PMC9234919 DOI: 10.1177/23779608221106445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Globally, maternal morbidity and mortality have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the high burden of maternal and neonatal mortality in Kenya prior to COVID-19, front line health workers, including nurse-midwives, must be competent to ensure continued quality maternal services. Knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 transmission influence nurse-midwives risk perception and ability to implement prevention strategies. Objective We examined nurse-midwives' knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness in managing pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 in Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 118 nurse-midwives between July 2020 and November 2020. A 31-item survey comprising 15 knowledge, 11 attitude, and five preparedness questions was administered using SurveyMonkey. A link to the survey was distributed among nurse-midwives via email. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between the variables. A p-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Eighty-five participants were included in the final analysis (response rate 72%). Most participants were female (n = 69, 81.2%), 52.9% (n = 45) worked in labor wards, and 57.6% (n = 49) worked in rural hospitals. Overall, 71% (n = 57) of participants had sufficient knowledge about managing COVID-19 in pregnant and postpartum women. However, only 63% were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Nurse-midwives working in urban areas were 3.7 times more likely to have positive attitudes than those in rural areas (odds ratio 3.724, 95% confidence interval 1.042-13.31; p = .043). Conclusion Nurse-midwives' responses to the Kenyan government's COVID-19 guidelines for managing and caring for pregnant women were inconsistent. Continued professional development for nurse-midwives is important to ensure they stay abreast of evolving COVID-19 guidelines for maternal health. Our findings also suggest vaccine hesitancy may be a hurdle for ongoing COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Maina
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - James Orwa
- Department of Population Health, Aga Khan University-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Sheila Shaibu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Valerie Fleming
- Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores
University, Liverpool, UK
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Angwenyi V, Kabue M, Chongwo E, Mabrouk A, Too EK, Odhiambo R, Nasambu C, Marangu J, Ssewanyana D, Njoroge E, Ombech E, Mokaya MM, Obulemire EK, Khamis A, Abubakar A. Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic among Caregivers of Young Children in Kenya's Urban Informal Settlements. A Cross-Sectional Telephone Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10092. [PMID: 34639394 PMCID: PMC8508326 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 has profoundly affected mental health, especially among highly vulnerable populations. This study describes mental health issues among caregivers of young children and pregnant women in three urban informal settlements in Kenya during the first pandemic year, and factors associated with poor mental health. A cross-sectional telephone survey was administered to 845 participants. Survey instruments included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, and questions on the perceived COVID-19 effects on caregiver wellbeing and livelihood. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and univariate and multivariate analysis. Caregivers perceived COVID-19 as a threatening condition (94.54%), affecting employment and income activities (>80%). Caregivers experienced discrimination (15.27%) and violence (12.6%) during the pandemic. Levels of depression (34%), general anxiety (20%), and COVID-19 related anxiety (14%) were highly prevalent. There were significant associations between mental health outcomes and economic and socio-demographic factors, violence and discrimination experiences, residency, and perceptions of COVID-19 as a threatening condition. Caregivers high burden of mental health problems highlights the urgent need to provide accessible mental health support. Innovative and multi-sectoral approaches will be required to maximize reach to underserved communities in informal settlements and tackle the root causes of mental health problems in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibian Angwenyi
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Margaret Kabue
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Esther Chongwo
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Adam Mabrouk
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Ezra Kipngetich Too
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Rachel Odhiambo
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Carophine Nasambu
- Neurosciences Group, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi P.O. Box 230-80108, Kenya;
| | - Joyce Marangu
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Derrick Ssewanyana
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
- Alliance for Human Development, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5T 3L9, Canada
| | - Eunice Njoroge
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Eunice Ombech
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Mercy Moraa Mokaya
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Emmanuel Kepha Obulemire
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Anil Khamis
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
- Institute of Education, University College London, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AL, UK
| | - Amina Abubakar
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (E.C.); (A.M.); (E.K.T.); (R.O.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (E.N.); (E.O.); (M.M.M.); (E.K.O.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
- Neurosciences Group, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi P.O. Box 230-80108, Kenya;
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Kim JH, Araya M, Hailu BH, Rose PM, Woldehanna T. The Implications of COVID-19 for Early Childhood Education in Ethiopia: Perspectives from Parents and Caregivers. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL 2021; 49:855-867. [PMID: 34092994 PMCID: PMC8166364 DOI: 10.1007/s10643-021-01214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent research on the effects of COVID-19 on school closures has mainly focused on primary and secondary education, with extremely limited attention to early childhood education (ECE). To address this gap, we identify the extent to which parents and caregivers with pre-primary school-aged children were engaged in their children's learning during school closures in Ethiopia. Our focus on Ethiopia is of particular relevance given that ECE provision has expanded dramatically in recent years, aimed at ensuring children are prepared for primary school. Using data collected through a phone survey with 480 parents and caregivers, the results revealed that learning disruption due to COVID-19 school closures is likely to be substantial and will probably widen existing inequalities further. Many poorer households and those where parents or caregivers are not literate, are less likely to have child-oriented learning resources, and home learning activities between parents and children in these households are limited. The study highlights that greater attention needs to be paid to mitigate the threats of COVID-19 on Ethiopia's recent gains in ECE, to prevent the pandemic from further reinforcing inequalities between children from advantaged and disadvantaged households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice H. Kim
- Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, 184 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PQ UK
| | - Mesele Araya
- Department of Economics, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Belay Hagos Hailu
- Institute of Educational Research, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Pauline M. Rose
- Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, 184 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PQ UK
| | - Tassew Woldehanna
- Department of Economics, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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