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Duval D, Evans B, Sanders A, Hill J, Simbo A, Kavoi T, Lyell I, Simmons Z, Qureshi M, Pearce-Smith N, Arevalo CR, Beck CR, Bindra R, Oliver I. Non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce COVID-19 transmission in the UK: a rapid mapping review and interactive evidence gap map. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:e279-e293. [PMID: 38426578 PMCID: PMC11141784 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae025] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were crucial in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, although uncertainties about their effectiveness remain. This work aimed to better understand the evidence generated during the pandemic on the effectiveness of NPIs implemented in the UK. METHODS We conducted a rapid mapping review (search date: 1 March 2023) to identify primary studies reporting on the effectiveness of NPIs to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Included studies were displayed in an interactive evidence gap map. RESULTS After removal of duplicates, 11 752 records were screened. Of these, 151 were included, including 100 modelling studies but only 2 randomized controlled trials and 10 longitudinal observational studies.Most studies reported on NPIs to identify and isolate those who are or may become infectious, and on NPIs to reduce the number of contacts. There was an evidence gap for hand and respiratory hygiene, ventilation and cleaning. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that despite the large number of studies published, there is still a lack of robust evaluations of the NPIs implemented in the UK. There is a need to build evaluation into the design and implementation of public health interventions and policies from the start of any future pandemic or other public health emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Duval
- Research, Evidence and Knowledge Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London E14 5EA, UK
| | - B Evans
- Research, Evidence and Knowledge Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London E14 5EA, UK
| | - A Sanders
- Research, Evidence and Knowledge Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London E14 5EA, UK
| | - J Hill
- Clinical and Public Health Response Division, UKHSA, London E14 5EA, UK
| | - A Simbo
- Evaluation and Epidemiological Science Division, UKHSA, Colindale NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - T Kavoi
- Cheshire and Merseyside Health Protection Team, UKHSA, Liverpool L3 1DS, UK
| | - I Lyell
- Greater Manchester Health Protection Team, UKHSA, Manchester M1 3BN, UK
| | - Z Simmons
- Research, Evidence and Knowledge Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London E14 5EA, UK
| | - M Qureshi
- Clinical and Public Health Response Division, UKHSA, London E14 5EA, UK
| | - N Pearce-Smith
- Research, Evidence and Knowledge Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London E14 5EA, UK
| | - C R Arevalo
- Research, Evidence and Knowledge Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London E14 5EA, UK
| | - C R Beck
- Evaluation and Epidemiological Science Division, UKHSA, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - R Bindra
- Clinical and Public Health Response Division, UKHSA, London E14 5EA, UK
| | - I Oliver
- Director General Science and Research and Chief Scientific Officer, UKHSA, London E14 5EA, UK
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Lieberthal B, Jackson S, de Urioste-Stone S. Risk perceptions and behaviors concerning rural tourism and economic-political drivers of COVID-19 policy in 2020. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299841. [PMID: 38593149 PMCID: PMC11003693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299841] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
When COVID-19 was first introduced to the United States, state and local governments enacted a variety of policies intended to mitigate the virulence of the epidemic. At the time, the most effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 included stay-at-home orders, closing of nonessential businesses, and mask mandates. Although it was well known that regions with high population density and cold climates were at the highest risk for disease spread, rural counties that are economically reliant on tourism were incentivized to enact fewer precautions against COVID-19. The uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the multiple policies to reduce transmission, and the changes in outdoor recreation behavior had a significant impact on rural tourism destinations and management of protected spaces. We utilize fine-scale incidence and demographic data to study the relationship between local economic and political concerns, COVID-19 mitigation measures, and the subsequent severity of outbreaks throughout the continental United States. We also present results from an online survey that measured travel behavior, health risk perceptions, knowledge and experience with COVID-19, and evaluation of destination attributes by 407 out-of-state visitors who traveled to Maine from 2020 to 2021. We synthesize this research to present a narrative on how perceptions of COVID-19 risk and public perceptions of rural tourism put certain communities at greater risk of illness throughout 2020. This research could inform future rural destination management and public health policies to help reduce negative socioeconomic, health and environmental impacts of pandemic-derived changes in travel and outdoor recreation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Lieberthal
- College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States of America
| | - Sarah Jackson
- College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States of America
| | - Sandra de Urioste-Stone
- College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States of America
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Aryal D, Pokharel PK, Ghimire A, Khanal VK, Gurung GN, Chalise BS, Neupane S, Basnet S. Predictors to Intensive Care Unit admission among patient with coronavirus disease in Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Nepal: A case-control study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002516. [PMID: 38512971 PMCID: PMC10957074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The clinical features of COVID-19 are vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic states or mild upper respiratory tract infections to severe pneumonia. Previous studies have shown that 20.0% of COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, out of which 10.0-20.0% are admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The present study aims to assess predictors associated with COVID-19 leading to Intensive Care Unit admission among reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive patients in Sukraraj Tropical and infectious disease hospital, Nepal. A case-control study was conducted from June 2022 to July 2022 among patients admitted to Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital. A hospital-based age (± 2 years) and sex-matched case-control study design were adopted in which ICU admitted (case group, n = 33) and general ward admitted (control group, n = 66) were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising of socio-demographic, clinical, and preventive predictors. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 11.5. The Chi-square test and conditional logistic regression to determine the predictors associated with ICU admission. High blood pressure, high C-reactive protein and poor application of preventive practices were found to be the predictors of ICU admission. Conditional logistics regression analyses revealed that independent risk factors associated with ICU admission were elevated blood pressure (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI 1.05-4.71, p = 0.015) and abnormal C-Reactive Protein (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI 1.24-6.84, p = 0.012) at the time of hospital admission were more likely to get admitted to ICU. Likewise, patients with poor preventive practice (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI 1.19-9.31, p = 0.02) more likely to get admitted to ICU than patient with good preventive practices.These research findings hold potential significance for facilitating early triage and risk assessment in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipsikha Aryal
- B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Paras Kumar Pokharel
- B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Anup Ghimire
- B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Vijay Kumar Khanal
- B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Gyanu Nepal Gurung
- B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Dharan, Nepal
| | | | - Sudikshya Neupane
- B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Shikha Basnet
- B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Dharan, Nepal
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Wan L, Li L, Zhang H, Liu C, Li R, Wu X, Chen J. The changing pattern of common respiratory viruses among children from 2018 to 2021 in Wuhan, China. Arch Virol 2023; 168:291. [PMID: 37962775 PMCID: PMC10645662 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05891-7] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute respiratory infections in children are a global public health challenge. Owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, non-pharmaceutical interventions, including patient isolation, social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing, have been widely implemented, impacting the transmission of common respiratory viruses. The aim of this study was to clarify the epidemiological features of respiratory viruses in children less than 14 years of age in Wuhan before and after COVID-19. METHODS Respiratory specimens were collected from patients aged < 14 years at two hospitals in Wuhan, China, from January 2018 to December 2021. Seven respiratory viruses were identified using an immunofluorescence assay. Pathogen profiles and seasonality were analysed. RESULTS The number of visits and virus detection rate decreased dramatically after February 2020. The respiratory virus detection rate peaked in January and December and decreased dramatically in February and August. The detection rate was lower in 2021 than in 2018 and 2019. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was identified as the leading pathogen in children aged < 1 year and 1-4 years before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In children aged 5-14 years, influenza virus was detected at the highest rate before, and RSV after, the COVID-19 pandemic. RSV was the most common virus in coinfections. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the epidemiological patterns of common respiratory viruses from 2018 to 2021. The spectrum of pathogens involved in paediatric respiratory infections had partly changed. Non-pharmaceutical interventions resulted in fewer opportunities for the spread of common viruses but also in an "immunity debt" that could have negative consequences when the pandemic is under control in Wuhan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Liangyu Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haiyue Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chan Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ruiyun Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Jianjun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Center for Biosafety Mega Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Ryan RE, Silke C, Parkhill A, Virgona A, Merner B, Hurley S, Walsh L, de Moel-Mandel C, Schonfeld L, Edwards AG, Kaufman J, Cooper A, Chung RKY, Solo K, Hellard M, Di Tanna GL, Pedrana A, Saich F, Hill S. Communication to promote and support physical distancing for COVID-19 prevention and control. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD015144. [PMID: 37811673 PMCID: PMC10561351 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review is an update of a rapid review undertaken in 2020 to identify relevant, feasible and effective communication approaches to promote acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention and control. The rapid review was published when little was known about transmission, treatment or future vaccination, and when physical distancing measures (isolation, quarantine, contact tracing, crowd avoidance, work and school measures) were the cornerstone of public health responses globally. This updated review includes more recent evidence to extend what we know about effective pandemic public health communication. This includes considerations of changes needed over time to maintain responsiveness to pandemic transmission waves, the (in)equities and variable needs of groups within communities due to the pandemic, and highlights again the critical role of effective communication as integral to the public health response. OBJECTIVES To update the evidence on the question 'What are relevant, feasible and effective communication approaches to promote acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention and control?', our primary focus was communication approaches to promote and support acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE to explore and identify key elements of effective communication for physical distancing measures for different (diverse) populations and groups. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from inception, with searches for this update including the period 1 January 2020 to 18 August 2021. Systematic review and study repositories and grey literature sources were searched in August 2021 and guidelines identified for the eCOVID19 Recommendations Map were screened (November 2021). SELECTION CRITERIA Guidelines or reviews focusing on communication (information, education, reminders, facilitating decision-making, skills acquisition, supporting behaviour change, support, involvement in decision-making) related to physical distancing measures for prevention and/or control of COVID-19 or selected other diseases (sudden acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), influenza, Ebola virus disease (EVD) or tuberculosis (TB)) were included. New evidence was added to guidelines, reviews and primary studies included in the 2020 review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Methods were based on the original rapid review, using methods developed by McMaster University and informed by Cochrane rapid review guidance. Screening, data extraction, quality assessment and synthesis were conducted by one author and checked by a second author. Synthesis of results was conducted using modified framework analysis, with themes from the original review used as an initial framework. MAIN RESULTS This review update includes 68 studies, with 17 guidelines and 20 reviews added to the original 31 studies. Synthesis identified six major themes, which can be used to inform policy and decision-making related to planning and implementing communication about a public health emergency and measures to protect the community. Theme 1: Strengthening public trust and countering misinformation: essential foundations for effective public health communication Recognising the key role of public trust is essential. Working to build and maintain trust over time underpins the success of public health communications and, therefore, the effectiveness of public health prevention measures. Theme 2: Two-way communication: involving communities to improve the dissemination, accessibility and acceptability of information Two-way communication (engagement) with the public is needed over the course of a public health emergency: at first, recognition of a health threat (despite uncertainties), and regularly as public health measures are introduced or adjusted. Engagement needs to be embedded at all stages of the response and inform tailoring of communications and implementation of public health measures over time. Theme 3: Development of and preparation for public communication: target audience, equity and tailoring Communication and information must be tailored to reach all groups within populations, and explicitly consider existing inequities and the needs of disadvantaged groups, including those who are underserved, vulnerable, from diverse cultural or language groups, or who have lower educational attainment. Awareness that implementing public health measures may magnify existing or emerging inequities is also needed in response planning, enactment and adjustment over time. Theme 4: Public communication features: content, timing and duration, delivery Public communication needs to be based on clear, consistent, actionable and timely (up-to-date) information about preventive measures, including the benefits (whether for individual, social groupings or wider society), harms (likewise) and rationale for use, and include information about supports available to help follow recommended measures. Communication needs to occur through multiple channels and/or formats to build public trust and reach more of the community. Theme 5: Supporting behaviour change at individual and population levels Supporting implementation of public health measures with practical supports and services (e.g. essential supplies, financial support) is critical. Information about available supports must be widely disseminated and well understood. Supports and communication related to them require flexibility and tailoring to explicitly consider community needs, including those of vulnerable groups. Proactively monitoring and countering stigma related to preventive measures (e.g. quarantine) is also necessary to support adherence. Theme 6: Fostering and sustaining receptiveness and responsiveness to public health communication Efforts to foster and sustain public receptiveness and responsiveness to public health communication are needed throughout a public health emergency. Trust, acceptance and behaviours change over time, and communication needs to be adaptive and responsive to these changing needs. Ongoing community engagement efforts should inform communication and public health response measures. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Implications for practice Evidence highlights the critical role of communication throughout a public health emergency. Like any intervention, communication can be done well or poorly, but the consequences of poor communication during a pandemic may mean the difference between life and death. The approaches to effective communication identified in this review can be used by policymakers and decision-makers, working closely with communication teams, to plan, implement and adjust public communications over the course of a public health emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for research Despite massive growth in research during the COVID-19 period, gaps in the evidence persist and require high-quality, meaningful research. This includes investigating the experiences of people at heightened COVID-19 risk, and identifying barriers to implementing public communication and protective health measures particular to lower- and middle-income countries, and how to overcome these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Ryan
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Charlotte Silke
- UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Anne Parkhill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Ariane Virgona
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Bronwen Merner
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Shauna Hurley
- Cochrane Australia, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louisa Walsh
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Lina Schonfeld
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Adrian Gk Edwards
- Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN , UK
- PRIME Centre Wales, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jessica Kaufman
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Vaccine Uptake Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute , The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alison Cooper
- Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN , UK
- PRIME Centre Wales, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | | | - Karla Solo
- GRADE McMaster & Cochrane Canada, Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University , Hamilton, Ontario , Canada
| | | | - Gian Luca Di Tanna
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Sophie Hill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
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Inoue Y, Nakata A, Tateishi S, Mafune K, Tsuji M, Ogami A, Odagami K, Matsugaki R, Fujino Y. Insufficient Workplace Infection Control and Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors Are Related to Poor Self-Rated Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:e668-e674. [PMID: 37590439 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated whether workers who practiced unhealthy lifestyles but worked under organizations with insufficient control against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) would pose a synergistic risk of poor self-rated health (SRH). METHODS A total of 22,637 workers (men, 48.5%) were extracted from an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan (December 2020). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate adjusted odds ratio (AOR) against poor (poor, fair) SRH. RESULTS Accumulation of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (AOR, 1.49 to 4.40; P < 0.05) and insufficient infection control (AOR, 1.80; P < 0.05) were independently related to poor SRH; however, when these factors were combined, SRH was additively worsened (AOR, 2.14 to 7.72; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that not only unhealthy lifestyle practices but also poor organizational management against infection would worsen workers' SRH during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Inoue
- From the Graduate School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan (Y.I., A.N.); Institutional Research Center, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan (Y.I.); Disaster Occupational Health Center, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan (S.T.); Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan (K.M.); Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan (M.T.); Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan (A.O.); Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan (K.O.); Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan (R.M.); and Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan (Y.F.)
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Hanratty J, Keenan C, O'Connor SR, Leonard R, Chi Y, Ferguson J, Axiaq A, Miller S, Bradley D, Dempster M. Psychological and psychosocial determinants of COVID Health Related Behaviours (COHeRe): An evidence and gap map. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1336. [PMID: 37361553 PMCID: PMC10286725 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has resulted in illness, deaths and societal disruption on a global scale. Societies have implemented various control measures to reduce transmission of the virus and mitigate its impact. Individual behavioural changes are crucial to the successful implementation of these measures. Common recommended measures to limit risk of infection include frequent handwashing, reducing the frequency of social interactions and the use of face coverings. It is important to identify those factors that can predict the uptake and maintenance of these protective behaviours. Objectives We aimed to identify and map the existing evidence (published and unpublished) on psychological and psychosocial factors that determine uptake and adherence to behaviours aimed at reducing the risk of infection or transmission of COVID-19. Search Methods Our extensive search included electronic databases (n = 12), web searches, conference proceedings, government reports, other repositories including both published peer reviewed, pre-prints and grey literature. The search strategy was built around three concepts of interest including (1) context (terms relating to COVID-19), (2) behaviours of interest and (3) terms related to psychological and psychosocial determinants of COVID Health-Related Behaviours and adherence or compliance with recommended behaviours, to capture both malleable and non-malleable determinants (i.e. determinants that could be changed and those that could not). Selection Criteria This Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) includes all types of studies examining determinants of common recommended behaviours aimed at mitigating human-to-human spread of COVID-19. All potential malleable and non-malleable determinants of one or more behaviours are included in the map. As part of the mapping process, categories are used to group determinants. The mapping categories were based on a previous rapid review by Hanratty 2021. These include: 'behaviour', 'cognition', 'demographics', 'disease', 'emotions', 'health status', 'information', 'intervention', and 'knowledge'. Those not suitable for categorisation in any of these groups are included in the map as 'other' determinants. Data Collection and Analysis Results were imported to a bibliographic reference manager where duplications of identical studies gathered from multiple sources were removed. Data extraction procedures were managed in EPPI-Reviewer software. Information on study type, population, behaviours measured and determinants measured were extracted. We appraised the methodological quality of systematic reviews with AMSTAR-2. We did not appraise the quality of primary studies in this map. Main Results As of 1 June 2022 the EGM includes 1034 records reporting on 860 cross-sectional, 68 longitudinal, 78 qualitative, 25 reviews, 62 interventional, and 39 other studies (e.g., mixed-methods approaches). The map includes studies that measured social distancing (n = 487), masks and face coverings (n = 382), handwashing (n = 308), physical distancing (n = 177), isolation/quarantine (n = 157), respiratory hygiene/etiquette (n = 75), cleaning surfaces (n = 59), and avoiding touching the T-zone (n = 48). There were 333 studies that assessed composite measures of two or more behaviours. The largest cluster of determinants was 'demographics' (n = 730 studies), followed by 'cognition' (n = 496 studies) and determinants categorised as 'other' (n = 447). These included factors such as 'beliefs', 'culture' and 'access to resources'. Less evidence is available for some determinants such as 'interventions' (n = 99 studies), 'information' (n = 101 studies), and 'behaviour' (149 studies). Authors' Conclusions This EGM provides a valuable resource for researchers, policy-makers and the public to access the available evidence on the determinants of various COVID-19 health-related behaviours. The map can also be used to help guide research commissioning, by evidence synthesis teams and evidence intermediaries to inform policy during the ongoing pandemic and potential future outbreaks of COVID-19 or other respiratory infections. Evidence included in the map will be explored further through a series of systematic reviews examining the strength of the associations between malleable determinants and the uptake and maintenance of individual protective behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hanratty
- School of PsychologyQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
- Centre for Effective ServicesBelfastUK
| | | | | | | | - Yuan Chi
- Cochrane Global AgeingShanghaiChina
| | - Janet Ferguson
- School of PsychologyQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
- Applied Behaviour Research ClinicUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Ariana Axiaq
- School of PsychologyQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Sarah Miller
- School of Education, Social Sciences and Social WorkQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
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Zhou X, Zhang X, Santi P, Ratti C. Phase-wise evaluation and optimization of non-pharmaceutical interventions to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1198973. [PMID: 37601210 PMCID: PMC10434774 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1198973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Given that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and other therapies is greatly limited by the continuously emerging variants, non-pharmaceutical interventions have been adopted as primary control strategies in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, implementing strict interventions over extended periods of time is inevitably hurting the economy. Many countries are faced with the dilemma of how to take appropriate policy actions for socio-economic recovery while curbing the further spread of COVID-19. With an aim to solve this multi-objective decision-making problem, we investigate the underlying temporal dynamics and associations between policies, mobility patterns, and virus transmission through vector autoregressive models and the Toda-Yamamoto Granger causality test. Our findings reveal the presence of temporal lagged effects and Granger causality relationships among various transmission and human mobility variables. We further assess the effectiveness of existing COVID-19 control measures and explore potential optimal strategies that strike a balance between public health and socio-economic recovery for individual states in the U.S. by employing the Pareto optimality and genetic algorithms. The results highlight the joint power of the state of emergency declaration, wearing face masks, and the closure of bars, and emphasize the necessity of pursuing tailor-made strategies for different states and phases of epidemiological transmission. Our framework enables policymakers to create more refined designs of COVID-19 strategies and can be extended to other countries regarding best practices in pandemic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhou
- Gaoling School of Artificial Intelligence, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
- Senseable City Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Xiaohu Zhang
- Department of Urban Planning, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paolo Santi
- Senseable City Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Istituto di Informatica e Telematica del CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Ratti
- Senseable City Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Gearhart R, Michieka N, Anders A. The effectiveness of COVID deaths to COVID policies: A robust conditional approach. ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND POLICY 2023:S0313-5926(23)00147-9. [PMID: 37363405 PMCID: PMC10276656 DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2023.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the effectiveness of four major COVID-19 social distancing policies, (i) shelter-in-place orders (SIPO), (ii) non-essential business closures, (iii) mandatory quarantine for travelers, and (iv) bans on large gatherings, on both COVID cases and COVID deaths. Results indicate that states are highly ineffective in producing the fraction of the population that does not have COVID-19 or the fraction of the population that does not die from COVID-19. We find that having any form of social distancing policies increases the fraction of the population not considered a positive COVID-19 case by 23.5 percentage points. Results also show that having any of the four major social distancing policies reduces the fraction of the population who has died of COVID-19 by 1.3 percentage points between March 1, 2020 and September 1, 2020; during the first 100 days, effectiveness would improve by 2.1 percentage points. Evidence suggests that there is no effective uniform national COVID-19 social distancing policy. Furthermore, conditional efficiency regressions after 100 days suggest that behavioral noncompliance and premature expiration of social distancing policies both negatively impact effectiveness. Partial regression plots suggest that bans on large gatherings and the closure of non-essential businesses were the two most impactful COVID-19 social distancing policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Gearhart
- School of Business and Public Administration, Department of Economics, California State University, 20 BDC, 9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA
| | - Nyakundi Michieka
- School of Business and Public Administration, Department of Economics, California State University, 20 BDC, 9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA
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10
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Ledesma JR, Isaac CR, Dowell SF, Blazes DL, Essix GV, Budeski K, Bell J, Nuzzo JB. Evaluation of the Global Health Security Index as a predictor of COVID-19 excess mortality standardised for under-reporting and age structure. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012203. [PMID: 37414431 PMCID: PMC10335545 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have observed that countries with the strongest levels of pandemic preparedness capacities experience the greatest levels of COVID-19 burden. However, these analyses have been limited by cross-country differentials in surveillance system quality and demographics. Here, we address limitations of previous comparisons by exploring country-level relationships between pandemic preparedness measures and comparative mortality ratios (CMRs), a form of indirect age standardisation, of excess COVID-19 mortality. METHODS We indirectly age standardised excess COVID-19 mortality, from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation modelling database, by comparing observed total excess mortality to an expected age-specific COVID-19 mortality rate from a reference country to derive CMRs. We then linked CMRs with data on country-level measures of pandemic preparedness from the Global Health Security (GHS) Index. These data were used as input into multivariable linear regression analyses that included income as a covariate and adjusted for multiple comparisons. We conducted a sensitivity analysis using excess mortality estimates from WHO and The Economist. RESULTS The GHS Index was negatively associated with excess COVID-19 CMRs (table 2; β= -0.21, 95% CI= -0.35 to -0.08). Greater capacities related to prevention (β= -0.11, 95% CI= -0.22 to -0.00), detection (β= -0.09, 95% CI= -0.19 to -0.00), response (β = -0.19, 95% CI= -0.36 to -0.01), international commitments (β= -0.17, 95% CI= -0.33 to -0.01) and risk environments (β= -0.30, 95% CI= -0.46 to -0.15) were each associated with lower CMRs. Results were not replicated using excess mortality models that rely more heavily on reported COVID-19 deaths (eg, WHO and The Economist). CONCLUSION The first direct comparison of COVID-19 excess mortality rates across countries accounting for under-reporting and age structure confirms that greater levels of preparedness were associated with lower excess COVID-19 mortality. Additional research is needed to confirm these relationships as more robust national-level data on COVID-19 impact become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ricardo Ledesma
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Scott F Dowell
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David L Blazes
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer B Nuzzo
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Pandemic Center, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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11
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Taiwo O, Addie O, Seun-Addie K. A local government area based Covid-19 vulnerability analysis in Nigeria. GEOJOURNAL 2023; 88:1-15. [PMID: 38625113 PMCID: PMC10018617 DOI: 10.1007/s10708-023-10857-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Vulnerability to COVID-19 has been widely studied from varying perspectives, but susceptibility at the grassroots has not been adequately considered. The vulnerability of the 774 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria to COVID-19 and its predictors were determined using road distances from the two major entry airports in the country to each of the LGAs, socio-economic indices, quality of hygiene, and the level of exposure to mass media. LGA population data were obtained from the National Population Commission of Nigeria, while socio-economic and socio-demographic data were extracted from the 2018 NDHS report. Distances were determined with the aid of an online distance calculator, distantias. The single most important predictor was female non-exposure to mass media. Distances from the COVID-19 epicentres of Lagos and Abuja did not contribute much to the model. Thus, the result highlighted the strategic position of women in the African community and the potential of the mass media in disease control. The suppression of the established effect of distance suggests that vulnerability to COVID-19 in developing countries may not follow the path assumed in developed countries. Thus, the way to contain the disease in developing countries might be the active enlightenment of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan Taiwo
- Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaseun Addie
- Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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12
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Deng X, Zhang H. Mental health status among non-medical college students returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zhanjiang city: A cross-sectional study. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1035458. [PMID: 36710795 PMCID: PMC9874120 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1035458] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought huge and continuous damage to mental health. The mental health of non-medical college students after returning to school remains largely unknown and the influencing factors were awaited to be deciphered. This cross-sectional study was launched among 1,083 non-medical students in Zhanjiang city by means of online survey (WeChat App) from August 1st, 2022 to August 7th, 2022. Knowledge about COVID-19 and attitude toward COVID-19 were assessed by using 7-items and 5-items questionnaires, respectively. Sleep quality, anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Hamilton depression rating scale-17 (HDRS-17) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), respectively. The results showed that more than half of the participants were knowledgeable about COVID-19. The majority of the participants held positive attitude toward COVID-19. The data demonstrated that 6.8% students had poor sleep quality, and 1.86, 0.37 and 0.37% students had mild, moderate and severe anxiety, respectively. About 26.7, 4.7 and 1.7% students had minimal, mild-moderate and severe depression. Female students showed higher proportions of anxiety (p = 0.02) and depression (p < 0.0001) than male students. Students with monthly household income below 3,000 RMB were more vulnerable to anxiety (p = 0.017) and depression (p = 0.004). Correlation analysis and Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that lower grade was positively related with anxiety and depression. Female students, income lower than 3,000 RMB/month, poor knowledge about COVID-19 and negative attitude toward COVID-19 were associated with insomnia, anxiety and depression. This study indicated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of non-medical students returning to school remained good sleep quality and a small number of students suffered from depression and anxiety. To our knowledge, this is a novel study revealing the mental health of non-medical college students concerning COVID-19 in Zhanjiang.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Deng
- Department of Preschool Education, Zhanjiang Preschool Education College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Huiting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China,*Correspondence: Huiting Zhang,
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13
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Shakya AK, Ramola A, Singh S, Vidyarthi A. Optimum supervised classification algorithm identification by investigating PlanetScope and Skysat multispectral satellite data of Covid lockdown. GEOSYSTEMS AND GEOENVIRONMENT 2022:100163. [PMCID: PMC9756603 DOI: 10.1016/j.geogeo.2022.100163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This research identifies the optimum supervised classification algorithm based on modeling Covid 19 lockdown situations all around the World. As the deadly Covid 19 viruses suddenly stopped the fast-moving World. All the commercial and noncommercial activities suddenly stop for an uncertain period during 2020-2021. In this work, object-based image classification approaches have been used to compare pre-Covid and post-Covid (at the time lockdown) images of the study area. These study areas are Washington DC, USA, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Cairo, Egypt, Afghanistan/Iran border, and Beijing, China. All the study areas possess different geographical conditions but have a similar situation of Covid 19 lockdowns. Six supervised image classification techniques are known as Parallelepiped classification (PPC), Minimum distance classification (MDC), Mahalanobis distance classification (MaDC), Maximum likelihood classification (MLC), Spectral angle mapper classification (SAMC) and Spectral information divergence classification (SIDC) are used to classify the satellite data of the study area. Thus based on classification results and statistical features, it has been observed that PPChas obtained the least significant results. In contrast, the most reliable results and highest classification accuracies are obtained through MDC, MaDC, and MLCclassification algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Shakya
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal 148106 Sangrur, India,Corresponding author
| | - Ayushman Ramola
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal 148106 Sangrur, India
| | - Surinder Singh
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal 148106 Sangrur, India
| | - Anurag Vidyarthi
- Department of Electronics and Communication, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India
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14
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González-Herrera A, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Romay-Barja M, Falcon-Romero M, Ayala A, Forjaz MJ. Age differences in knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20863. [PMID: 36460702 PMCID: PMC9718463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims at describing the evolution of Spanish population preventive practices during the COVID-19 pandemic of the between January and June 2021, and differences by age group. Data was drawn from the COSMO-Spain online survey, rounds (R) 4, 5 and 6. Multiple linear regression models with preventive practices as dependent variable were performed. Preventive practices (p = 0.001) and concern about coronavirus (p = 0.003) decreased throughout the three rounds, knowledge decreased from R4 to R6 (p = 0.002) and health literacy had a higher value in R6 (p < 0.001). Older the age was associated with higher the frequency of preventive practices, and levels of health literacy and concern about coronavirus (p < 0.001). The regression model showed that, in the 18-29 year group, a greater frequency of preventive practices was associated with being female (β = 0.20; p < 0.001), greater concern about coronavirus (β = 0.16; p < 0.018) and frequency of information seeking (β = 0.24; p < 0.001). For 61 years old and older, a higher frequency of preventive practices was associated with greater concern about coronavirus (β = 0.21; p < 0.002) and lower pandemic fatigue (β = - 0.13; p < 0.037). These findings point to the need for effective public health interventions tailored to the characteristics of age population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio González-Herrera
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427National School of Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427National Epidemiology Centre, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romay-Barja
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Falcon-Romero
- grid.10586.3a0000 0001 2287 8496Legal Medicine, Department of Sociosanitary Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alba Ayala
- grid.7840.b0000 0001 2168 9183Department of Statistics, Carlos III University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María João Forjaz
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427National Epidemiology Centre, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Bates BR, Villegas-Botero A, Costales JA, Moncayo AL, Tami A, Carvajal A, Grijalva MJ. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Three Latin American Countries: Reasons Given for Not Becoming Vaccinated in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:1465-1475. [PMID: 35164624 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2035943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although vaccines have been developed to prevent COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy is a significant barrier for vaccination programs. Most research on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has blamed misinformation and misstated concerns about effectiveness, safety, and side effects of these vaccines. The preponderance of these studies has been performed in the Global North. Although Latin American has been substantially and negatively impacted by COVID-19, few studies have examined COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy there. We explored reasons volunteered for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy from a sample of 1,173 Colombians, Ecuadorians, and Venezuelans. Overall, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in these three countries is higher than desirable, but most people who are COVID-19 vaccine hesitant offered one reason or fewer. The reasons offered are diverse, including myths and exaggerations, but also individual-level contraindications for vaccination and structural barriers. Because of the diversity of reasons, single-issue mass campaigns are unlikely to bring about large shifts in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Our data suggest that interpersonal communication, particularly in Ecuador, and addressing structural concerns, particularly in Venezuela, are likely to have the greatest impact on vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Bates
- School of Communication Studies, Scripps College of Communication, Ohio University
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University
| | | | - Jaime A Costales
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
| | - Ana L Moncayo
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
| | - Adriana Tami
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo
| | - Ana Carvajal
- Postgrado de Infectología del Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Universidad Central de Venezuela (Jubilada)
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela
| | - Mario J Grijalva
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
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16
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Ullah S, Khan FU, Trifan VA, Spinu AE, Sanda G. Modeling Key Strategies for Reducing Socio-Economic and Health Crisis: Perspective from COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14127. [PMID: 36361010 PMCID: PMC9658111 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic outbreak has dramatically changed every sector and walk of life. Specifically, the developing countries with scarce resources are facing unprecedented crises that further jeopardize efforts to achieve sustainable life. Considering the case of a developing country, Pakistan, this study empirically identifies the most important strategies to reduce the socio-economic and health challenges during COVID-19. Initially, the study identified 14 key strategies from the prior literature. Later, these strategies were determined with the help of the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach through expert suggestions. The ISM model represents seven levels of pandemic containment strategies based on their significance level. The strategies existing at the top level of ISM model are the least important, while the strategies at the bottom of hierarchy levels are highly significant. Therefore, the study results demonstrated that "strong leadership and control" and "awareness on social media" play significant roles in reducing pandemic challenges, while "promoting online purchase behavior" and "online education" are the least important strategies in tackling pandemic crisis. This study will benefit government authorities and policymakers, enabling them to focus more on significant measures in battling this ongoing crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Ullah
- School of Economics and Management, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China
| | - Farman Ullah Khan
- School of Management, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Vanina Adoriana Trifan
- Department of Economic Disciplines, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, 310130 Arad, Romania
| | - Adina Eleonora Spinu
- Department of Economic Disciplines, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, 310130 Arad, Romania
| | - Grigorie Sanda
- Department of Economic Disciplines, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, 310130 Arad, Romania
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17
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Faiões VDS, Póvoa HCC, Thurler BA, Chianca GC, Assaf AV, Iorio NLPP. Two years of COVID-19 pandemic: Framework of health interventions in a Brazilian city. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1025410. [PMID: 36388316 PMCID: PMC9650536 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1025410] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on public health have urgently demanded effective health policies to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Thus, public administrators have implemented non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions to mitigate the pandemic's impacts and strengthen health services. The aim of this ecological study is to describe the scenario of COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian city, during 2 years. This ecological study was carried out in Nova Friburgo, a Brazilian city, for 105 weeks (two years), from March 29, 2020 (week 1) to April 02, 2022 (week 105). Data on COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths, occupation of COVID-19 exclusive beds in hospitals, community mobility, vaccination, government regulation on the opening of city establishments and city risk assessment were collected from public datasets. Four waves of COVID-19 cases and deaths were observed during this period. The first case occurred in week 1 and first death in week 3 of this study. The highest peaks of cases and deaths were observed during the third wave with 1,131 cases (week 54) and 47 deaths (week 55) and where the highest occupation of COVID-19 exclusive beds in local hospitals occurred. Interventions from more restrictive to more flexible, were implemented throughout this study, including lockdown and gradual return in economic and social strata levels. Vaccination began on week 43 and at the end of this study 89.91% of the total population was vaccinated with at least one dose, being 83.22% fully vaccinated. A deep description of several interventions used to avoid COVID-19 spread in a Brazilian city during 2 years of this pandemic can help promote better decision-making in the future while it exposes the challenges of conducting public health policies in a pandemic scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa dos Santos Faiões
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Department of Basic Science, Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helvécio Cardoso Corrêa Póvoa
- Department of Basic Science, Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna Alves Thurler
- Department of Basic Science, Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Ceccon Chianca
- School of Pharmacy, Universidade Estácio de Sá (UNESA), Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andréa Videira Assaf
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Department of Specific Formation, Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Natalia Lopes Pontes Póvoa Iorio
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Department of Basic Science, Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,*Correspondence: Natalia Lopes Pontes Póvoa Iorio
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18
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Sachs JD, Karim SSA, Aknin L, Allen J, Brosbøl K, Colombo F, Barron GC, Espinosa MF, Gaspar V, Gaviria A, Haines A, Hotez PJ, Koundouri P, Bascuñán FL, Lee JK, Pate MA, Ramos G, Reddy KS, Serageldin I, Thwaites J, Vike-Freiberga V, Wang C, Were MK, Xue L, Bahadur C, Bottazzi ME, Bullen C, Laryea-Adjei G, Ben Amor Y, Karadag O, Lafortune G, Torres E, Barredo L, Bartels JGE, Joshi N, Hellard M, Huynh UK, Khandelwal S, Lazarus JV, Michie S. The Lancet Commission on lessons for the future from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lancet 2022; 400:1224-1280. [PMID: 36115368 PMCID: PMC9539542 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01585-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 119.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Sachs
- Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lara Aknin
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Joseph Allen
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Francesca Colombo
- Health Division, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Vitor Gaspar
- Fiscal Affairs Department, International Monetary Fund, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Andy Haines
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter J Hotez
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Phoebe Koundouri
- Department of International and European Economic Studies, Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens, Greece; Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, Athens, Greece
| | - Felipe Larraín Bascuñán
- Department of Economics and Administration, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jong-Koo Lee
- National Academy of Medicine of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad Ali Pate
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | | | - John Thwaites
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Chen Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Lan Xue
- Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chandrika Bahadur
- The Lancet COVID-19 Commission Regional Task Force: India, New Delhi, India
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chris Bullen
- National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Yanis Ben Amor
- Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ozge Karadag
- Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Emma Torres
- United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lauren Barredo
- United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, New York, NY, United States
| | - Juliana G E Bartels
- Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Neena Joshi
- United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susan Michie
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
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19
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Balogh A, Harman A, Kreuter F. Real-Time Analysis of Predictors of COVID-19 Infection Spread in Countries in the European Union Through a New Tool. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604974. [PMID: 36275432 PMCID: PMC9582119 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Real-time data analysis during a pandemic is crucial. This paper aims to introduce a novel interactive tool called Covid-Predictor-Tracker using several sources of COVID-19 data, which allows examining developments over time and across countries. Exemplified here by investigating relative effects of vaccination to non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 spread. Methods: We combine >100 indicators from the Global COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey, Johns Hopkins University, Our World in Data, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, National Centers for Environmental Information, and Eurostat using random forests, hierarchical clustering, and rank correlation to predict COVID-19 cases. Results: Between 2/2020 and 1/2022, we found among the non-pharmaceutical interventions “mask usage” to have strong effects after the percentage of people vaccinated at least once, followed by country-specific measures such as lock-downs. Countries with similar characteristics share ranks of infection predictors. Gender and age distribution, healthcare expenditures and cultural participation interact with restriction measures. Conclusion: Including time-aware machine learning models in COVID-19 infection dashboards allows to disentangle and rank predictors of COVID-19 cases per country to support policy evaluation. Our open-source tool can be updated daily with continuous data streams, and expanded as the pandemic evolves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniko Balogh
- School of Social Sciences and Mannheim Business School, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- TÁRKI Social Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Aniko Balogh,
| | - Anna Harman
- School of Social Sciences and Mannheim Business School, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frauke Kreuter
- Joint Program in Survey Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
- Statistics and Data Science in Social Sciences and the Humanities at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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20
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Liang W, Duan Y, Li F, Rhodes RE, Wang X, Peiris DLIHK, Zhou L, Shang B, Yang Y, Baker JS, Jiao J, Han W. Psychosocial Determinants of Hand Hygiene, Facemask Wearing, and Physical Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Behav Med 2022; 56:1174-1187. [PMID: 36074717 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaac049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand hygiene, facemask wearing, and physical distancing play a crucial role in the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying the key psychosocial determinants of these precautionary behaviors contributes to effective intervention and policymaking for COVID-19 and future pandemics. PURPOSE This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze available evidence on psychosocial determinants of the general population's practice of three precautionary behaviors, based on the Risk, Attitudes, Norms, Abilities, and Self-regulation (RANAS) framework. METHODS Literature was identified by searching seven databases and relevant review papers. Observational and experimental studies targeting the general population (≥18 years) published between January 2020 to September 2021 were included. Pooled effect sizes were calculated with the inverse-variance method using random-effects models. RESULTS A total of 51 studies (64 samples) were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which 30 studies (42 samples) were included in the meta-analysis. RANAS-based constructs including knowledge, pros attitudes, and perceived norms were identified as significant determinants of all three behaviors in the meta-analysis. Perceived susceptibility and cons attitudes showed no significant associations with any behaviors. Perceived severity, perceived control, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention were significantly associated with one or two behaviors. Country (western vs. eastern hemispheres) significantly moderated the effects of certain risk and ability factors. CONCLUSIONS More research is needed with respect to the intention-behavior relationship, self-regulatory and reflexive factors of precautionary behaviors, as well as the exploration of the potential moderating effect of sociodemographic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liang
- School of Competitive Sport, Shandong Sport University, Shandong, China.,Center for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanping Duan
- Center for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feifei Li
- Center for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ryan E Rhodes
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Lin Zhou
- Lab of Measurement and Evaluation in Health Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei, China
| | - Borui Shang
- Department of Social Sciences, Hebei Sport University, Hebei, China
| | - Yide Yang
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Hunan, China
| | - Julien S Baker
- Center for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiao Jiao
- Center for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Han
- School of Competitive Sport, Shandong Sport University, Shandong, China
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21
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Kniesburges S, Schlegel P, Peters G, Westphalen C, Jakubaß B, Veltrup R, Kist AM, Döllinger M, Gantner S, Kuranova L, Benthaus T, Semmler M, Echternach M. Effects of surgical masks on aerosol dispersion in professional singing. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:727-734. [PMID: 34611302 PMCID: PMC8491963 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00385-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the CoVID-19 pandemic, singing came into focus as a high-risk activity for the infection with airborne viruses and was therefore forbidden by many governmental administrations. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of surgical masks regarding the spatial and temporal dispersion of aerosol and droplets during professional singing. METHODS Ten professional singers performed a passage of the Ludwig van Beethoven's "Ode of Joy" in two experimental setups-each with and without surgical masks. First, they sang with previously inhaled vapor of e-cigarettes. The emitted cloud was recorded by three cameras to measure its dispersion dynamics. Secondly, the naturally expelled larger droplets were illuminated by a laser light sheet and recorded by a high-speed camera. RESULTS The exhaled vapor aerosols were decelerated and deflected by the mask and stayed in the singer's near-field around and above their heads. In contrast, without mask, the aerosols spread widely reaching distances up to 1.3 m. The larger droplets were reduced by up to 86% with a surgical mask worn. SIGNIFICANCE The study shows that surgical masks display an effective tool to reduce the range of aerosol dispersion during singing. In combination with an appropriate aeration strategy for aerosol removal, choir singers could be positioned in a more compact assembly without contaminating neighboring singers all singers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kniesburges
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Patrick Schlegel
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gregor Peters
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Caroline Westphalen
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Jakubaß
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Veltrup
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas M Kist
- Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Döllinger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sophia Gantner
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Liudmila Kuranova
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Benthaus
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marion Semmler
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Echternach
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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22
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Milazzo A, Giles L, Parent N, McCarthy S, Laurence C. The impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 cases in South Australia and Victoria. Aust N Z J Public Health 2022; 46:482-487. [PMID: 35557482 PMCID: PMC9348509 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of different non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on COVID-19 cases across Victoria and South Australia. METHODS Poisson regression models were fit to examine the effect of NPIs on weekly COVID-19 case numbers. RESULTS Mask-wearing in Victoria had a pronounced lag effect of two weeks with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.27 (95%CI 0.26-0.29). Similarly, the effect of border closure (IRR 0.18; 95%CI 0.14-0.22) in South Australia and lockdown (IRR 0.88; 95%CI 0.86-0.91) in Victoria showed a decrease in incidence two weeks after the introduction of these interventions. CONCLUSIONS With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, varying levels of vaccination coverage rates and threats from variants of concern, NPIs are likely to remain in place. It is thus important to validate the effectiveness and timing of different interventions for disease control, as those that are more restrictive such as border control and lockdown can have an enormous impact on society. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Low case numbers and deaths in Australia's first wave of COVID-19 are thought to be due to the timely use of interventions. The observed two-week lag effect associated with a decrease in incidence provides justification for early implementation of NPIs for COVID-19 management and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Milazzo
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia,Correspondence to: Dr Adriana Milazzo, School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Level 4, 50 Rundle Mall Plaza, Rundle Mall, Adelaide 5005, SA
| | - Lynne Giles
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia,Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Natalie Parent
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Sophie McCarthy
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Caroline Laurence
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
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23
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Cross-Sectional Analysis of Taiwanese Pharmacy Students’ Experiences and Perceptions of Transitioning from In-Hospital Internships to Distance Learning Due to COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081369. [PMID: 35893191 PMCID: PMC9332082 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPE) in Taiwan, which are traditionally conducted in physical hospital settings, incorporated up to 30% distance learning from May 2021 due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). A web-based cross-sectional survey was adopted to investigate pharmacy students’ experiences and perceptions of transitioning from in-hospital internships to distance learning due to COVID-19 in the pharmacy department of a university in Southern Taiwan. We analyzed the results to discover factors that significantly affected students’ perceptions of transitioning from in-hospital internships to distance learning. In total, 81 interns from the university’s pharmacy department responded to the questionnaire. Approximately half of the participants felt happy when they learned, before the internship began, that the internship would be partially replaced with distance learning. The overall satisfaction rate was 67.9%, and no significant differences was observed in students’ satisfaction between hospital size or distance-learning time. However, more students in the medical center felt they had insufficient time to finish assignments compared to those in the regional hospitals, and the students who had 11–15 days of distance learning felt that they interacted more smoothly with their peers compared to those who had other durations. Program designers should make distance internship courses more student-centered, with a focus on increasing interactions between students, teachers, and peers to compensate for the lack of physical presence.
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24
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Pérez de la Lastra JM, Anand U, González-Acosta S, López MR, Dey A, Bontempi E, Morales delaNuez A. Antimicrobial Resistance in the COVID-19 Landscape: Is There an Opportunity for Anti-Infective Antibodies and Antimicrobial Peptides? Front Immunol 2022; 13:921483. [PMID: 35720330 PMCID: PMC9205220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although COVID-19 has captured most of the public health attention, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has not disappeared. To prevent the escape of resistant microorganisms in animals or environmental reservoirs a "one health approach" is desirable. In this context of COVID-19, AMR has probably been affected by the inappropriate or over-use of antibiotics. The increased use of antimicrobials and biocides for disinfection may have enhanced the prevalence of AMR. Antibiotics have been used empirically in patients with COVID-19 to avoid or prevent bacterial coinfection or superinfections. On the other hand, the measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 could have reduced the risk of the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Since we do not currently have a sterilizing vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus may still multiply in the organism and new mutations may occur. As a consequence, there is a risk of the appearance of new variants. Nature-derived anti-infective agents, such as antibodies and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), are very promising in the fight against infectious diseases, because they are less likely to develop resistance, even though further investigation is still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Pérez de la Lastra
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, IPNA (CSIC), San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
| | - Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sergio González-Acosta
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, IPNA (CSIC), San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
| | - Manuel R. López
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, IPNA (CSIC), San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - Elza Bontempi
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM) and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Morales delaNuez
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, IPNA (CSIC), San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
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25
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Choosing between Homologous or Heterologous COVID-19 Vaccination Regimens: A Cross-Sectional Study among the General Population in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052944. [PMID: 35270636 PMCID: PMC8910024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A shortage of COVID-19 vaccines and reports of side-effects led several countries to recommend a heterologous regimen for second vaccine doses. This study aimed to describe the reasons behind individuals’ choices of a homologous or a heterologous second vaccination. This cross-sectional study enrolled individuals under 60 who had received a first dose of Vaxzevria and could choose between a homologous or heterologous regimen for their second dose. Quantitative (socio-demographic, clinical characteristics) and qualitative data were collected and analysed through a generalized linear model and thematic analysis, respectively. Of the 1437 individuals included in the analysis, the majority (76.1%) chose a heterologous second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. More females chose a heterologous vaccination regimen (p = 0.003). Younger individuals also tended to choose heterologous vaccination (p < 0.001). The main motivation in favour of heterologous vaccination was to follow the Italian Ministry of Health recommendations (n = 118; 53.9%). This study showed that most individuals, mainly younger people and females, chose a heterologous dose of COVID-19 vaccination after their first viral vector vaccine. Heterologous vaccinations could be an effective public health measure to control the pandemic as they are a safe and efficient alternative to homologous regimens.
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Jiao J, Shi L, Zhang Y, Chen H, Wang X, Yang M, Yang J, Liu M, Sun G. Core policies disparity response to COVID-19 among BRICS countries. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:9. [PMID: 35057810 PMCID: PMC8771192 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01614-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To provide experience for formulating prevention and control policies, this study analyzed the effectiveness of the Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) prevention and control policies, and evaluated health equity and epidemic cooperation among BRICS countries. Methods This study summarized the pandemic prevention and control policies in BRICS countries and evaluated the effectiveness of those policies by extracting COVID-19 related data from official websites. Result As of May 4, 2021, responding to COVID-19. China adopted containment strategies. China’s total confirmed cases (102,560) were stable, without a second pandemic peak, and the total deaths per million (3.37) were much lower than others. India and South Africa who adopted intermediate strategies have similar pandemic curves, total confirmed cases in India (20,664,979) surpassed South Africa (1,586,148) as the highest in five countries, but total deaths per million (163.90) lower than South Africa (919.11). Brazil and Russia adopted mitigation strategies. Total confirmed cases in Brazil (14,856,888) and Russia (4,784,497) continued to increase, and Brazil’s total deaths per million (1,936.34) is higher than Russia (751.50) and other countries. Conclusion This study shows BRICS countries implemented different epidemic interventions. Containment strategy is more effective than intermediate strategy and mitigation strategy in limiting the spread of COVID-19. Especially when a strict containment strategy is implemented in an early stage, but premature relaxation of restrictions may lead to rebounding. It is a good choice to combat COVID-19 by improving the inclusiveness of intervention policies, deepening BRICS epidemic cooperation, and increasing health equities.
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The effect of different COVID-19 public health restrictions on mobility: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260919. [PMID: 34879083 PMCID: PMC8654173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have introduced non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as stay-at-home orders, to reduce person-to-person contact and break trains of transmission. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of different public health restrictions on mobility across different countries and cultures. The University of Bern COVID-19 Living Evidence database of COVID-19 and SARS-COV-2 publications was searched for retrospective or prospective studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19 public health restrictions on Google Mobility. Titles and abstracts were independently screened by two authors. Information from included studies was extracted by one researcher and double checked by another. Risk of bias of included articles was assessed using the Newcastle Ottowa Scale. Given the heterogeneous nature of the designs used, a narrative synthesis was undertaken. From the search, 1672 references were identified, of which 14 were included in the narrative synthesis. All studies reported data from the first wave of the pandemic, with Google Mobility Scores included from January to August 2020, with most studies analysing data during the first two months of the pandemic. Seven studies were assessed as having a moderate risk of bias and seven as a low risk of bias. Countries that introduced more stringent public health restrictions experienced greater reductions in mobility, through increased time at home and reductions in visits to shops, workplaces and use of public transport. Stay-at-home orders were the most effective of the individual strategies, whereas mask mandates had little effect of mobility. Conclusions Public health restrictions, particularly stay-at-home orders have significantly impacted on transmission prevention behaviours. Further research is required to understand how to effectively address pandemic fatigue and to support the safe return back to normal day-to-day behaviours.
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Patwary MM, Bardhan M, Disha AS, Hasan M, Haque MZ, Sultana R, Hossain MR, Browning MHEM, Alam MA, Sallam M. Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among the Adult Population of Bangladesh Using the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1393. [PMID: 34960138 PMCID: PMC8707510 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is undoubtedly one of the most effective strategies to halt the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to investigate the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and its associated factors using two health behavior change frameworks: the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A total of 639 Bangladeshi adults (mean age: 24 years) participated in a cross-sectional online study between July and August 2021. The questionnaire covered questions regarding vaccine intentions, sociodemographic features, health status, perceived trust in/satisfaction with health authorities, reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and factors related to the health behavior change frameworks. Hierarchical logistic regression was employed to determine associations between these predictors and vaccine acceptance. The intention to get a COVID-19 vaccination was expressed among 85% of the participants. In fully adjusted models, students and respondents with more normal body weights reported higher intentions to get vaccinated. Respondents were also more likely to seek vaccination if they reported greater levels of perceived susceptibility, benefits, and cues to action, as well as lower levels of barriers and self-efficacy. Fear of future vaccine side effects was the most common reason for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and was expressed by 94% of the vaccine-hesitant respondents. These factors should be considered by health authorities in Bangladesh and perhaps other countries when addressing the plateauing COVID-19 vaccination rates in many populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh; (M.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.S.D.); (M.Z.H.)
- Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh;
| | - Mondira Bardhan
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh; (M.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.S.D.); (M.Z.H.)
- Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh;
| | - Asma Safia Disha
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh; (M.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.S.D.); (M.Z.H.)
- Environmental Technology and Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh;
| | - Md. Zahidul Haque
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh; (M.M.P.); (M.B.); (A.S.D.); (M.Z.H.)
- Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh;
| | - Rabeya Sultana
- Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh;
| | - Md. Riad Hossain
- Institute of Disaster Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh;
| | | | - Md. Ashraful Alam
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
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Quraishi N, Ray M, Srivastava R, Ray J, Quraishi MS. A multicentre retrospective cohort study on COVID-19-related physical interventions and adult hospital admissions for ENT infections. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 279:2671-2678. [PMID: 34807284 PMCID: PMC8607061 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-07180-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To report changes in adult hospital admission rates for acute ENT infections following the introduction of COVID-19-related physical interventions such as hand washing, use of face masks and social distancing of 2-m in the United Kingdom. Methods Retrospective cohort study comparing adult admissions with acute tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, epiglottitis, glandular fever, peri-orbital cellulitis, acute otitis media, acute mastoiditis, retropharyngeal abscess and parapharyngeal abscess in the 1-year period after the introduction of COVID-related physical interventions (2020–2021) with a 1-year period before this (2019–2020) in three UK secondary care ENT departments. Results In total, there were significantly fewer admissions for ENT infections (n = 1073, 57.56%, p < 0.001; RR 2.36, 95% CI [2.17, 2.56]) in the 2020–2021 period than in the 2019–2020 period. There were significant reductions in admissions for tonsillitis (64.4%; p < 0.001), peritonsillar abscess (60.68%; p < 0.001), epiglottitis (66.67%; p < 0.001), glandular fever (38.79%; p = 0.001), acute otitis media (26.85%; p = 0.01) and retropharyngeal and/or parapharyngeal abscesses (45.45%; p = 0.04). Conclusion Our study demonstrates a sizeable reduction in adult admissions for ENT infections since the introduction of COVID-19-related physical interventions. There is evidence to support the use of physical interventions in the prevention of viral transmission of respiratory disease. Preventing ENT infections requiring admission through simple physical interventions could be of great benefit to the quality of life of patients and economical benefit to healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jaydip Ray
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK
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30
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Talic S, Shah S, Wild H, Gasevic D, Maharaj A, Ademi Z, Li X, Xu W, Mesa-Eguiagaray I, Rostron J, Theodoratou E, Zhang X, Motee A, Liew D, Ilic D. Effectiveness of public health measures in reducing the incidence of covid-19, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and covid-19 mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2021; 375:e068302. [PMID: 34789505 PMCID: PMC9423125 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-068302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the evidence on the effectiveness of public health measures in reducing the incidence of covid-19, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and covid-19 mortality. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Biosis, Joanna Briggs, Global Health, and World Health Organization COVID-19 database (preprints). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION Observational and interventional studies that assessed the effectiveness of public health measures in reducing the incidence of covid-19, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and covid-19 mortality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measure was incidence of covid-19. Secondary outcomes included SARS-CoV-2 transmission and covid-19 mortality. DATA SYNTHESIS DerSimonian Laird random effects meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effect of mask wearing, handwashing, and physical distancing measures on incidence of covid-19. Pooled effect estimates with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed, and heterogeneity among studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I2 metrics, with two tailed P values. RESULTS 72 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 35 evaluated individual public health measures and 37 assessed multiple public health measures as a "package of interventions." Eight of 35 studies were included in the meta-analysis, which indicated a reduction in incidence of covid-19 associated with handwashing (relative risk 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.19 to 1.12, I2=12%), mask wearing (0.47, 0.29 to 0.75, I2=84%), and physical distancing (0.75, 0.59 to 0.95, I2=87%). Owing to heterogeneity of the studies, meta-analysis was not possible for the outcomes of quarantine and isolation, universal lockdowns, and closures of borders, schools, and workplaces. The effects of these interventions were synthesised descriptively. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that several personal protective and social measures, including handwashing, mask wearing, and physical distancing are associated with reductions in the incidence covid-19. Public health efforts to implement public health measures should consider community health and sociocultural needs, and future research is needed to better understand the effectiveness of public health measures in the context of covid-19 vaccination. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020178692.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Talic
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 VIC, Australia
- Monash Outcomes Research and health Economics (MORE) Unit, Monash University, VIC, Australia
| | - Shivangi Shah
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 VIC, Australia
| | - Holly Wild
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 VIC, Australia
- Torrens University, VIC, Australia
| | - Danijela Gasevic
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 VIC, Australia
- Centre for Global Health, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ashika Maharaj
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 VIC, Australia
| | - Zanfina Ademi
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 VIC, Australia
- Monash Outcomes Research and health Economics (MORE) Unit, Monash University, VIC, Australia
| | - Xue Li
- Centre for Global Health, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Public Health and The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Centre for Global Health, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ines Mesa-Eguiagaray
- Centre for Global Health, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jasmin Rostron
- Centre for Global Health, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Evropi Theodoratou
- Centre for Global Health, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Centre for Global Health, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ashmika Motee
- Centre for Global Health, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Danny Liew
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 VIC, Australia
- Monash Outcomes Research and health Economics (MORE) Unit, Monash University, VIC, Australia
| | - Dragan Ilic
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 VIC, Australia
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Sexual Exposure to HIV Infection during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): A Multicentric Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189584. [PMID: 34574508 PMCID: PMC8470798 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The practice of sex with casual partners without the use of adequate prevention in the period of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) can expose them to the risk of infection by the HIV virus. To assess this, we conducted an online survey in April and May 2020 in the entire national territory of Brazil and Portugal. We used the snowball technique for sampling, associated with circulation in social networks, totaling 2934 participants. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to produce the adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR). Eight-hundred-and-forty-two (28.7%) MSM presented at-risk sexual exposure in this period. In general, the types of sexual practices that most increased the chances of sexual exposure were having multiple partners (aOR:14.045); having practiced chemsex (aOR:2.246) and group sex (aOR:2.431), as well as presenting a history of at-risk sexual exposure (aOR:5.136). When we consider each country separately, the chances are increased in Brazil since the probability of the outcome was increased in those who practiced group sex (aOR:5.928), had multiple partners (aOR:19.132), and reported a sexual history of at-risk exposure (aOR:8.861). Our findings indicate that practices that are classically associated with greater chances of engaging in risky sexual exposure to HIV infection were the factors that most increased the chances of acquiring the virus in the pandemic context.
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He N. Rapid evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic calls for a unified public health response. Biosci Trends 2021; 15:196-200. [PMID: 34193749 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2021.01261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The globe has witnessed the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and emerging variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) that have broadly impacted the transmissibility, antigenicity, morbidity, and mortality of the virus. Although around 2.5 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide, vaccine coverage remains far behind the minimum threshold needed to achieve herd immunity overall and it varies substantially by country. Many countries, and especially low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are struggling with access to COVID-19 vaccines and a lack of personnel to perform mass vaccination. Effective nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are also not unanimously accepted and strictly complied with by the public and local communities. Moreover, the global fight against COVID-19 is and continues to face geopolitical, social, economic, and human rights concerns. Taken together, these circumstances call for a unified public health response with well-organized individual, local, national, and global efforts and actions to achieve success in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and achieving sustainable health and development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Fudan University; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety; Shanghai, China
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Muñoz-Cancino R, Rios SA, Goic M, Graña M. Non-Intrusive Assessment of COVID-19 Lockdown Follow-Up and Impact Using Credit Card Information: Case Study in Chile. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5507. [PMID: 34063860 PMCID: PMC8196566 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose and validate with data extracted from the city of Santiago, capital of Chile, a methodology to assess the actual impact of lockdown measures based on the anonymized and geolocated data from credit card transactions. Using unsupervised Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) semantic topic discovery, we identify temporal patterns in the use of credit cards that allow us to quantitatively assess the changes in the behavior of the people under the lockdown measures because of the COVID-19 pandemic. An unsupervised latent topic analysis uncovers the main patterns of credit card transaction activity that explain the behavior of the inhabitants of Santiago City. The approach is non-intrusive because it does not require the collaboration of people for providing the anonymous data. It does not interfere with the actual behavior of the people in the city; hence, it does not introduce any bias. We identify a strong downturn of the economic activity as measured by credit card transactions (down to 70%), and thus of the economic activity, in city sections (communes) that were subjected to lockdown versus communes without lockdown. This change in behavior is confirmed by independent data from mobile phone connectivity. The reduction of activity emerges before the actual lockdowns were enforced, suggesting that the population was spontaneously implementing the required measures for slowing virus propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Muñoz-Cancino
- Business Intelligence Research Center (CEINE), Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Chile, Beauchef 851, Santiago 8370456, Chile;
| | - Sebastian A. Rios
- Business Intelligence Research Center (CEINE), Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Chile, Beauchef 851, Santiago 8370456, Chile;
| | - Marcel Goic
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Chile, Beauchef 851, Santiago 8370456, Chile;
| | - Manuel Graña
- Computational Intelligence Group, University of Basque Country, 20018 San Sebastian, Spain;
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