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Minami M, Miyauchi M, Eitoku M, Morizane A, Kawauchi A, Kidokoro K, Suganuma N, Nishiyama K. Comparison of emergency transport for acute alcohol intoxication before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A retrospective observational study. Alcohol 2024; 116:21-27. [PMID: 37739324 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a broad effect on social, economic, educational, and political systems. We investigated the effect of COVID-19 on emergency transportation due to acute alcohol intoxication in the Kochi Prefecture in Japan, a region with high alcohol consumption. This retrospective observational study was conducted using the data of 62,138 patients from the Kochi-Iryo-Net database, Kochi Prefecture's emergency medical and wide-area disaster information system. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between emergency transportation and alcohol intoxication. This analysis compared the monthly number of transportations during 2019 (as reference) with that throughout 2020 and 2021. Approximately 1.5 % of all emergency transportation cases were related to acute alcohol intoxication. The number of emergency transportation cases due to acute alcohol intoxication declined by 0.5 % in 2020 and 0.7 % in 2021 compared with that in 2019. Moreover, compared with that in 2019, the number of cases of emergency transportation due to acute alcohol intoxication significantly decreased in 2020 (incidence rate ratio: 0.78; 95 % confidence interval: 0.67-0.91) and 2021 (incidence rate ratio: 0.73; 95 % confidence interval: 0.63-0.86). Lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the number of emergency transports due to acute alcohol intoxication in 2020 and 2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) compared to that in 2019 (before the pandemic).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Minami
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan; Integrated Center for Advanced Medical Technologies (ICAM-Tech), Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan.
| | - Masato Miyauchi
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan.
| | - Masamitsu Eitoku
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Morizane
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Kochi Health Sciences Center, Kochi City, Kochi 781-8555, Japan.
| | - Atsufumi Kawauchi
- Department of Health Policy, Kochi Prefectural Government, Kochi City, Kochi 780-8570, Japan.
| | - Kazumoto Kidokoro
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan.
| | - Narufumi Suganuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan.
| | - Kingo Nishiyama
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan.
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Zhang Y, Kong Y, Quan J, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Scenario analysis of energy consumption and related emissions in the transportation industry-a case study of Shaanxi Province. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:26052-26075. [PMID: 38491239 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32857-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
In the context of pursuing carbon neutrality and balancing the use of fossil fuels with renewable energy, the transportation industry faces the challenge of accurately predicting energy demand, related emissions, and assessing the effectiveness of energy technologies and policies. This is crucial for formulating energy management plans and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and atmospheric pollutant emissions. Currently, research on energy consumption and emission forecasting primarily relies on energy consumption quantities and emission factors, which lack precision. This study employs the low emissions analysis platform (LEAP) model, utilizing a "bottom-up" modeling approach combined with scenario analysis to predict and analyze the energy demand and related emissions in the transportation industry. Compared to previous studies, the methodological framework proposed in this research offers higher precision and can explore energy-saving and emission-reduction pathways for different modes of transport, providing a valuable energy forecasting tool for transport policy formulation in other regions. The forecast results indicate that under the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, by 2049, the energy consumption and related emissions in Shaanxi Province's transportation industry are expected to increase by 1.15 to 1.85 times compared to the baseline year. In the comprehensive (CP) scenario, the industry is projected to reach a carbon peak around 2033. The study also finds that energy consumption and emissions predominantly originate from private passenger vehicles, highway freight, and civil aviation passenger, which have the greatest potential for emission reduction under the transport structure optimized (TSO) scenario. Therefore, policymakers should consider regional development characteristics, combine different transportation modes, and specifically analyze the emission reduction potential of the transportation industry in various regions, formulating corresponding reduction policies accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqian Kong
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Quan
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjian Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710021, People's Republic of China
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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:fdae025. [PMID: 38426578 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 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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Maneejuk P, Sukinta P, Chinkarn J, Yamaka W. Does the resumption of international tourism heighten COVID-19 transmission? PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295249. [PMID: 38324532 PMCID: PMC10849229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295249] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Reopening countries also carries the risk of another wave of infections in many parts of the world, raising the question of whether we are ready to reopen our countries. This study examines the impact of reopening countries to receive foreign tourists on the spread of COVID-19 in 2022, encompassing 83 countries worldwide. We employ spatial quantile models capable of analyzing the spatial impact of tourism on the spread of the virus at different quantile levels. The research categorizes countries into three groups: low infection rate (10th-30th quantiles), moderate infection rate (40th-60th quantiles), and high infection rate (70th-90th quantiles). This allows for a more comprehensive and detailed comparison of the impacts. Additionally, considering the spatial dimension enables the explanation of both the direct and indirect effects of tourists on the country itself and neighboring countries. The findings reveal that the number of international tourists has a significant effect on the COVID-19 infection rate, particularly in countries with high initial infection rates. However, countries that effectively controlled their infection rates at a low level could maintain a low infection rate even after reopening to foreign tourists. It is also observed that reopening a country's borders negatively impacts the infection rate of neighboring countries. These important findings imply that governments of highly infected countries should shift their focus towards bolstering their economy by promoting domestic tourism and should delay reopening until the number of infections decreases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paravee Maneejuk
- Center of Excellence in Econometrics, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Panuwat Sukinta
- Center of Excellence in Econometrics, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jiraphat Chinkarn
- Center of Excellence in Econometrics, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Woraphon Yamaka
- Center of Excellence in Econometrics, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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ADOM ATÈHÈZI, AFANVI KOSSIVIAGBÉLÉNKO, SADIO ARNOLDJUNIOR, ADOLI LATAMEKOMLA, TOGAN ROMÉOMEDESSÈ, TCHANKONI MARTINKOUAME, KONU YAORODION, GBEASOR-KOMLANVI FIFONSIADJIDOSSI, GNARO TAKPAYA, ADOM PANAVEYIMALOU, EKOUEVI DIDIERKOUMAVI. COVID-19 vaccination coverage among travellers at Lomé international airport (Togo), in 2022. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2597. [PMID: 38269107 PMCID: PMC10807365 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2024.2597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic management leads to new health policies including the requirement of a vaccination pass or a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for cross-border flights. The objective of this study was to estimate COVID-19 vaccination coverage among travellers, as well as factors associated with a full vaccination. A cross sectional study was conducted in July 2022 at the Gnassingbé Eyadema International Airport (LFW) in Lomé. Travellers met at LFW, aged 12 years or above, and who agreed to participate in the study have been submitted a questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with full vaccination defined as having received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine according to a validated vaccine schedule. A total of 847 travellers were included. 67% were men The median age was 40 years, Interquartile Range [31-48]. The main health document presented by travellers was the vaccination pass (69.1%). The majority (84.4%) of travellers had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 63.9% had received at least two doses. Being 40 years of age or above (aOR=1.42; P=0.046), and travelling from a country outside Africa (aOR=2.18, P=0.003), were positively associated with full vaccination. Vaccination coverage among travellers at the LFW was relatively high. Travellers from a region outside Africa and aged 40 years or above were more likely to be full vaccinated. Better communication and strengthening of the vaccination strategies in Africa could help reduce these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- ATÈHÈZI ADOM
- University of Lomé, Training and Research Centre in Public Health
| | | | | | - LATAME KOMLA ADOLI
- University of Lomé, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health
| | - ROMÉO MEDESSÈ TOGAN
- University of Lomé, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health
- African Research Center for Epidemiology and Public Health, Lomé, Togo
| | - MARTIN KOUAME TCHANKONI
- University of Lomé, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health
- African Research Center for Epidemiology and Public Health, Lomé, Togo
| | | | | | - TAKPAYA GNARO
- University of Lomé, Training and Research Centre in Public Health
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Chen C, Zhu J. Quantifying Health Policy Uncertainty in China Using Newspapers: Text Mining Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46589. [PMID: 37962937 PMCID: PMC10685290 DOI: 10.2196/46589] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, a series of health measures and policies have been introduced from the central to the local level in China. However, no study has constructed an uncertainty index that can reflect the volatility, risk, and policy characteristics of the health environment. OBJECTIVE We used text mining analysis on mainstream newspapers to quantify the volume of reports about health policy and the total number of news articles and to construct a series of indexes that could reflect the uncertainty of health policy in China. METHODS Using the Wisenews database, 11 of the most influential newspapers in mainland China were selected to obtain the sample articles. The health policy uncertainty (HPU) index for each month from 2003 to 2022 was constructed by searching articles containing the specified keywords and calculating their frequency. Robustness tests were conducted through correlation analysis. The HPU index was plotted using STATA (version 16.0), and a comparative analysis of the China and US HPU indexes was then performed. RESULTS We retrieved 6482 sample articles from 7.49 million news articles in 11 newspapers. The China HPU index was constructed, and the robustness test showed a correlation coefficient greater than 0.74, which indicates good robustness. Key health events can cause index fluctuations. At the beginning of COVID-19 (May 2020), the HPU index climbed to 502.0. In December 2022, China's HPU index reached its highest value of 613.8 after the release of the "New Ten Rules" pandemic prevention and control policy. There were significant differences in HPU index fluctuations between China and the United States during SARS and COVID-19, as well as during the Affordable Care Act period. CONCLUSIONS National health policy is a guide for health development, and uncertainty in health policy can affect not only the implementation of policy by managers but also the health-seeking behavior of the people. Here, we conclude that changes in critical health policies, major national or international events, and infectious diseases with widespread impact can create significant uncertainty in China's health policies. The uncertainty of health policies in China and the United States is quite different due to different political systems and news environments. What is the same is that COVID-19 has brought great policy volatility to both countries. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first systematic text mining study of HPU in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Capital Health Management and Policy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junli Zhu
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Capital Health Management and Policy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Grépin KA, Aston J, Burns J. Effectiveness of international border control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative synthesis of published systematic reviews. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2023; 381:20230134. [PMID: 37611627 PMCID: PMC10446907 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2023.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of international border control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic is not well understood. Using a narrative synthesis approach to published systematic reviews, we synthesized the evidence from both modelling and observational studies on the effects of border control measures on domestic transmission of the virus. We find that symptomatic screening measures were not particularly effective, but that diagnostic-based screening methods were more effective at identifying infected travellers. Targeted travel restrictions levied against travellers from Wuhan were likely temporarily effective but insufficient to stop the exportation of the virus to the rest of the world. Quarantine of inbound travellers was also likely effective at reducing transmission, but only with relatively long quarantine periods, and came with important economic and social effects. There is little evidence that most travel restrictions, including border closure and those implemented to stop the introduction of new variants of concern, were particularly effective. Border control measures played an important role in former elimination locations but only when coupled with strong domestic public health measures. In future outbreaks, if border control measures are to be adopted, they should be seen as part of a broader strategy that includes other non-pharmaceutical interventions. This article is part of the theme issue 'The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic: the evidence'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Ann Grépin
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - John Aston
- Statistical Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0WB, UK
| | - Jacob Burns
- Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, 81377, Germany
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Xu J, Wang Z, Moghadas SM. Modelling the effect of travel-related policies on disease control in a meta-population structure. J Math Biol 2023; 87:55. [PMID: 37688625 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-023-01990-w] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Travel restrictions, while delaying the spread of an emerging disease from the source, could inflict substantial socioeconomic burden. Travel-related policies, such as quarantine and testing of travelers, may be considered as alternative strategies to mitigate the negative impact of travel bans. We developed a meta-population, delay-differential model to evaluate a strategy that combines testing of travelers prior to departure from the source of infection with quarantine and testing at exit from quarantine in the destination population. Our results, based on early parameter estimates of SARS-CoV-2 infection, indicate that testing travelers at exit from quarantine is more effective in delaying case importation than testing them before departure or upon arrival. We show that a 1-day quarantine with an exit test could outperform a longer, 3-day quarantine without testing in delaying the outbreak peak. Rapid, large-scale testing capacities with short turnaround times provide important means of detecting infectious cases and reducing case importation, while shortening quarantine duration for travelers at destination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Xu
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Zhen Wang
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Seyed M Moghadas
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
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Paulo MS, Peyroteo M, Maia MR, Pries C, Habl C, Lapão LV. Impacts of public health and social measures on COVID-19 in Europe: a review and modified Delphi technique. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1226922. [PMID: 37719729 PMCID: PMC10501783 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1226922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 led countries to implement a set of public health and social measures (PHSMs) attempting to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study aims to review the existing literature regarding key results of the PHSMs that were implemented, and to identify the PHSMs considered to have most impacted the epidemiological curve of COVID-19 over the last years during different stages of the pandemic. Methods The PHSM under study were selected from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), supplemented by topics presented during the Rapid Exchange Forum (REF) meetings in the scope of the Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI) project (H2020). The evidence- based review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify which reviews have already been published about each PHSMs and their results. In addition, two modified Delphi panel surveys were conducted among subject matter experts from 30 European countries to uphold the results found. Results There were 3,212 studies retrieved from PubMed, 162 full texts assessed for eligibility and 35 included in this PHSMs summary. The measures with clearest evidence on their positive impact from the evidence-based review include social distancing, hygiene measures, mask measures and testing policies. From the modified Delphi panel, the PHSMs considered most significant in the four periods analyzed were case isolation at home, face coverings, testing policy, and social distancing, respectively. Discussion The evidence found has significant implications for both researchers and policymakers. The study of PHSMs' impact on COVID-19 illustrates lessons learned for future pan- and epidemics, serving as a contribution to the health systems resilience discussion. These lessons, drawn from both the available scientific evidence and the perspectives of relevant subject matter experts, should also be considered in educational and preparedness programs and activities in the public health space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Silva Paulo
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mariana Peyroteo
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- UNIDEMI, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- LASI, Laboratório Associado de Sistemas Inteligentes, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Mélanie R. Maia
- UNIDEMI, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- LASI, Laboratório Associado de Sistemas Inteligentes, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cara Pries
- Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (Austrian National Public Health Institute), Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Habl
- Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (Austrian National Public Health Institute), Vienna, Austria
| | - Luís Velez Lapão
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- UNIDEMI, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- LASI, Laboratório Associado de Sistemas Inteligentes, Guimarães, Portugal
- WHO Collaborating Center for Health Workforce Policy and Planning, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Sammut-Powell C, Williams R, Sperrin M, Thomas O, Peek N, Grant SW. Healthcare utilisation in patients with long-term conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based observational study of all patients across Greater Manchester, UK. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066873. [PMID: 37419643 PMCID: PMC10335594 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Data on population healthcare utilisation (HCU) across both primary and secondary care during the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking. We describe primary and secondary HCU stratified by long-term conditions (LTCs) and deprivation, during the first 19 months of COVID-19 pandemic across a large urban area in the UK. DESIGN A retrospective, observational study. SETTING All primary and secondary care organisations that contributed to the Greater Manchester Care Record throughout 30 December 2019 to 1 August 2021. PARTICIPANTS 3 225 169 patients who were registered with or attended a National Health Service primary or secondary care service during the study period. PRIMARY OUTCOMES Primary care HCU (incident prescribing and recording of healthcare information) and secondary care HCU (planned and unplanned admissions) were assessed. RESULTS The first national lockdown was associated with reductions in all primary HCU measures, ranging from 24.7% (24.0% to 25.5%) for incident prescribing to 84.9% (84.2% to 85.5%) for cholesterol monitoring. Secondary HCU also dropped significantly for planned (47.4% (42.9% to 51.5%)) and unplanned admissions (35.3% (28.3% to 41.6%)). Only secondary care had significant reductions in HCU during the second national lockdown. Primary HCU measures had not recovered to prepandemic levels by the end of the study. The secondary admission rate ratio between multi-morbid patients and those without LTCs increased during the first lockdown by a factor of 2.40 (2.05 to 2.82; p<0.001) for planned admissions and 1.25 (1.07 to 1.47; p=0.006) for unplanned admissions. No significant changes in this ratio were observed in primary HCU. CONCLUSION Major changes in primary and secondary HCU were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary HCU reduced more in those without LTCs and the ratio of utilisation between patients from the most and least deprived areas increased for the majority of HCU measures. Overall primary and secondary care HCU for some LTC groups had not returned to prepandemic levels by the end of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Sammut-Powell
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard Williams
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Sperrin
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - N Peek
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stuart W Grant
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Mekonen YK, Adarkwah MA. Exploring homesickness among international students in China during border closure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTERCULTURAL RELATIONS : IJIR 2023; 94:101800. [PMID: 36968191 PMCID: PMC10029356 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2023.101800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
It is nearly three years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 crisis as a pandemic. Since its inception, border closures have been subscribed to by many countries as an extreme policy tool to curb the rate of infection amid emerging variants. China, one of the earliest countries to implement this measure just opened its borders to international students for inbound and outbound travel with several preconditions. Homesickness, a grave discomfort because of its cognitive hallmark of destabilizing the affective states and routine activities of individuals has been underexplored in many studies on the COVID-19 impact on education. This phenomenological study is the first to explore the level of border-closure-induced homesickness among international students in an Asian context (China). International students (n = 20) sampled from five universities in China were interviewed on how the COVID-19-engineered border closures have prompted homesickness among them and their development of coping skills. The thirteen (13) themes that emerged from the study suggest that the students suffered from somatic and psychological symptoms of homesickness. The social and academic life of students were negatively affected. Participants in the study relied on frequent phone calls, entertainment, and indoor and outdoor activities such as exercise and campus excursions as coping strategies against homesickness. It is advocated that higher education leaders in China put in measures to hasten the acculturation of international students to minimize their homesickness. Further research areas such as taking a keen focus on maladaptive symptoms of homesickness are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohana Kifle Mekonen
- Faculty of Education, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, PR China
- Department of Educational Psychology and Administration, Asmara College of Education, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Michael Agyemang Adarkwah
- Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University, 12F, Block A, Jingshi Technology Building, No. 12 Xueyuan South Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100082, PR China
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12
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Farkas K, Williams R, Alex-Sanders N, Grimsley JMS, Pântea I, Wade MJ, Woodhall N, Jones DL. Wastewater-based monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 at UK airports and its potential role in international public health surveillance. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001346. [PMID: 36963000 PMCID: PMC10021541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that air travel plays a key role in the global spread of many enteric and respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Even with travel restrictions (e.g. mask wearing, negative COVID-19 test prior to departure), SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted by asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals carrying the virus. Due to the limitation of current clinical surveillance approaches, complementary methods need to be developed to allow estimation of the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 entry across international borders. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) represents one such approach, allowing the unbiased sampling of SARS-CoV-2 carriage by passenger cohorts entering via airports. In this study, we monitored sewage in samples from terminals (n = 150) and aircraft (n = 32) at three major international airports in the UK for 1-3 weeks in March 2022. As the raw samples were more turbid than typical municipal wastewater, we used beef extract treatment followed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation to concentrate viruses, followed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and a faecal indicator virus, crAssphage. All samples taken from sewers at the arrival terminals of Heathrow and Bristol airports, and 85% of samples taken from sites at Edinburgh airport, were positive for SARS-CoV-2. This suggests a high COVID-19 prevalence among passengers and/or airport staff members. Samples derived from aircraft also showed 93% SARS-CoV-2 positivity. No difference in viral prevalence was found before and after COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted. Our results suggest that WBE is a useful tool for monitoring the global transfer rate of human pathogens and other disease-causing agents across international borders and should form part of wider international efforts to monitor and contain the spread of future disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kata Farkas
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Williams
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha Alex-Sanders
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmine M S Grimsley
- Data, Analytics, and Surveillance Group, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
- The London Data Company, London, United Kingdom
| | - Igor Pântea
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Wade
- Data, Analytics, and Surveillance Group, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Woodhall
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Davey L Jones
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
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13
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Liddelow C, Hitchcock CS, Mullan BA. Exploring quality of life in Australian adults during a pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-13. [PMID: 36406856 PMCID: PMC9647751 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03831-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Many aspects of society changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many individuals experienced the introduction of travel bans and restrictions, COVID-19 related anxiety, greater risk to their health and an increased need for adaptive coping. Research has shown health-related quality of life was negatively affected during the time. However, the influence that these restrictions and experiences had on other various quality of life domains (physical, psychological, environmental, and social) is not yet known. Therefore, we aimed to examine the relationships between COVID-19-related variables, health variables, psychological variables and five domains of quality of life in Australian adults. Data was collected via cross-sectional online surveys from 264 Australian participants (M age = 29.76 years, SD = 12.40). Five hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. The findings showed better adaptive coping, decreased COVID-19 anxiety, and lower perceived health risk were all associated with better quality of life during this time. Neither having travel plans during 2020-2021 nor engaging in compensatory behaviours were associated with quality of life. During times of uncertainty, such as pandemics, natural disasters or war, providing anxiety-reducing coping strategies may be beneficial for reducing the negative impacts on quality of life. In line with these findings and similar research, we have provided several directions and recommendations for governments and media organisations for when future events, similar to COVID-19, occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Liddelow
- Global Alliance for Mental Health and Sport, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, 2500 AUS Wollongong, NSW Australia
| | | | - Barbara A Mullan
- EnAble Institute, Curtin University, 6102 AUS Perth, WA Australia
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14
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Elgersma IH, Svarstad E, Kløvstad H, Nygård KM, Kristoffersen AB. No evidence for added value of introducing mandatory COVID-19 testing for international travellers entering Norway with a valid EU digital COVID certificate. Infect Dis (Lond) 2022; 54:934-939. [PMID: 36238994 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2022.2131899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a response to the emergence of the new Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant, on December 3, 2021, mandatory testing after entry to Norway was extended to include international travellers with a valid COVID-19 certificate. We aim to validate if mandatory testing upon arrival increased the proportion of travellers confirmed with a positive COVID-19 test after entry. METHODS We used individual level data on registered travellers linked with data on COVID-19 testing and confirmed COVID-19 cases. The proportions of confirmed cases among international travellers before and after the requirement were introduced was analysed with an interrupted times series design. RESULTS The proportion of travellers with an EU COVID-19 certificate tested at an official test station increased from 3% to 43% after mandatory testing was introduced. However, the proportion of all travellers confirmed with COVID-19 rose only marginally with 0.14 percentage point directly after the intervention (p-value .06). The results are limited by the absence of data on antigen tests taken by the traveller at home and missing data from travellers without a valid Norwegian ID. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the benefit of mandatory testing of all international travellers to Norway was marginal in the period directly after the emergence of the omicron variant. This result must be understood in the context of free of charge testing at official test centres, a government recommendation on a low threshold to test when experiencing symptoms in addition to limited surveillance of the compliance of the test after arrival requirement.
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15
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Roelofs B, Ballas D, Haisma H, Edzes A. Spatial mobility patterns and COVID‐19 incidence: A regional analysis of the second wave in the Netherlands. REGIONAL SCIENCE POLICY & PRACTICE 2022. [PMCID: PMC9539347 DOI: 10.1111/rsp3.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A key policy measure introduced by governments worldwide at the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic was to restrict travel, highlighting the importance of people's mobility as one of the key contributors to spreading severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). However, there was little consistency regarding the geographical scale or the severity of these measures. Little use was made of commuting and travel data to inform decisions on when, where and at what level restrictions should be applied. We aim to contribute to regional policy by providing evidence that could be used to inform future policy debates on the most effective travel restrictions to impose during a pandemic. We present an analysis of the impact of mobility between municipalities on COVID‐19 incidence in the Netherlands. We used multiple linear regression models and geographical information systems to gain insight into the association between mobility‐related factors and demographic, socio‐economic and geographical factors with COVID‐19 incidence in municipalities. Our results indicate that spatial mobility patterns, when combined with COVID‐19 incidence in municipalities of origin, were associated with increased COVID‐19 incidence in municipalities of destination. In addition, various regional characteristics were associated with municipal incidence. By conducting our analyses over three different periods, we highlight the importance of time for COVID‐19 incidence. In the light of ongoing mitigation measures (and possible future events), spatial mobility patterns should be a key factor in exploring regional mobility restrictions as an alternative for national lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Roelofs
- Department of Economic Geography, Faculty of Spatial Sciences University of Groningen the Netherlands
| | - Dimitris Ballas
- Department of Economic Geography, Faculty of Spatial Sciences University of Groningen the Netherlands
| | - Hinke Haisma
- Population Research Centre, Faculty of Spatial Sciences University of Groningen the Netherlands
| | - Arjen Edzes
- Department of Economic Geography, Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, and School of Law Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen the Netherlands
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Kiani P, Iversen JM, Scholey A, Verster JC. The Efficacy of the Combination of Naproxen and Fexofenadine (SJP-003) to Prevent or Reduce Side Effects of Receiving Multiple Travel Vaccines: A Case Report. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071128. [PMID: 35891292 PMCID: PMC9319617 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A considerable number of travelers receive multiple travel vaccinations before going on holiday. Here, we present a case report of a 56-year-old male traveler. On day 1, he received vaccinations against influenza, Tdab (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), yellow fever, and cholera. On days 1,3, 5, and 7, he self-administered an oral vaccine against typhoid. Treatment comprised the combination of 220 mg naproxen and 180 mg fexofenadine (SJP-003), to be taken 4h before and 6h after the vaccinations on day 1, and every 12 h thereafter until the end of day 7. Side effects were noted daily, and their severity was scored on a scale ranging from 0 (absent) to 10 (severe). These reports revealed that, except from a slight bruising at the injection site, no side effects were experienced from day 1 to day 4. After the second dose on day 3, treatment was discontinued. Two hours after taking the typhoid vaccine on Day 5, various flu-like symptoms were reported of moderate to high severity, including fever, muscle aches (both with severity score of 8), headache (severity score 7), and nausea (severity score 6). Therefore, at 2 h after typhoid vaccination on day 5, naproxen and fexofenadine were self-administered. At 4 h thereafter, all symptoms were resolved. Treatment was continued at the 12 h schedule. On day 6 and 7, no side effects were reported. Taken together, this case study suggests that the combination of naproxen and fexofenadine was effective in preventing or reducing vaccination side effects. Therefore, more research is warranted to further evaluate the efficacy of SJP-003.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantea Kiani
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (P.K.); (J.C.V.)
| | - Jacqueline M. Iversen
- Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical, 223 Wall St., #130, Huntington, NY 11743, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Nutrition Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia;
| | - Joris C. Verster
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (P.K.); (J.C.V.)
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
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17
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Zhang Z, Liu C, Nunkoo R, Sunnassee VA, Chen X. Rethinking Lockdown Policies in the Pre-Vaccine Era of COVID-19: A Configurational Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127142. [PMID: 35742409 PMCID: PMC9223109 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The significance of lockdown policies for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic is widely recognized. However, most studies have focused on individual lockdown measures. The effectiveness of lockdown policy combinations has not been examined from a configurational perspective. This research applies fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine different lockdown policy combinations associated with high-epidemic situations in 84 countries. A high-epidemic situation can occur through three different “weak-confined” patterns of lockdown policy combinations. The findings demonstrate that a combination of lockdown policies is more successful than any single lockdown policy, whereas the absence of several key measures in policy combinations can lead to a high-epidemic situation. The importance of international travel controls can become obscured when they are the only measures adopted, and a high-epidemic situation can still arise where restrictions are placed on international travel but not on public transport or when workplaces are closed but schools remain open.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziang Zhang
- School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China;
| | - Chao Liu
- Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Robin Nunkoo
- Department of Management, University of Mauritius, Reduit MU 80837, Mauritius;
- School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
- Griffith Institute for Tourism, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
- Copenhagen Business School, Porcelaenshaven 18A, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Vivek A. Sunnassee
- Westminster Business School, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS, UK;
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- School of Humanities, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou 213001, China;
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18
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Uthman OA, Adetokunboh OO, Wiysonge CS, Al-Awlaqi S, Hanefeld J, El Bcheraoui C. Classification Schemes of COVID-19 High Risk Areas and Resulting Policies: A Rapid Review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:769174. [PMID: 35284361 PMCID: PMC8916531 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.769174] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant global health threat since January 2020. Policies to reduce human mobility have been recognized to effectively control the spread of COVID-19; although the relationship between mobility, policy implementation, and virus spread remains contentious, with no clear pattern for how countries classify each other, and determine the destinations to- and from which to restrict travel. In this rapid review, we identified country classification schemes for high-risk COVID-19 areas and associated policies which mirrored the dynamic situation in 2020, with the aim of identifying any patterns that could indicate the effectiveness of such policies. We searched academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, medRxiv, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. We also consulted web pages of the relevant government institutions in all countries. This rapid review's searches were conducted between October 2020 and December 2021. Web scraping of policy documents yielded additional 43 country reports on high-risk area classification schemes. In 43 countries from which relevant reports were identified, six issued domestic classification schemes. International classification schemes were issued by the remaining 38 countries, and these mainly used case incidence per 100,000 inhabitants as key indicator. The case incidence cut-off also varied across the countries, ranging from 20 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the past 7 days to more than 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the past 28 days. The criteria used for defining high-risk areas varied across countries, including case count, positivity rate, composite risk scores, community transmission and satisfactory laboratory testing. Countries either used case incidence in the past 7, 14 or 28 days. The resulting policies included restrictions on internal movement and international travel. The quarantine policies can be summarized into three categories: (1) 14 days self-isolation, (2) 10 days self-isolation and (3) 14 days compulsory isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan A. Uthman
- Warwick Centre for Global Health Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Olatunji O. Adetokunboh
- South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Charles Shey Wiysonge
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sameh Al-Awlaqi
- Evidence-Based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Hanefeld
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Charbel El Bcheraoui
- Evidence-Based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Charbel El Bcheraoui
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Abstract
Despite the economic, social, and humanitarian costs of border closures, more than 1000 new international border closures were introduced in response to the 2020-2021 pandemic by nearly every country in the world. The objective of this study was to examine whether these border closures reduced the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Prior to 2020, the impacts of border closures on disease spread were largely unknown, and their use as a pandemic policy was advised against by international organizations. We tested whether they were helpful in reducing spread by using matching techniques on our hand-coded COVID Border Accountability Project (COBAP) Team database of international closures, converted to a time-series cross-sectional data format. We controlled for national-level internal movement restrictions (domestic lockdowns) using the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) time-series data. We found no evidence in favor of international border closures, whereas we found a strong association between national-level lockdowns and a reduced spread of SARS-CoV-2 cases. More research must be done to evaluate the byproduct effects of closures versus lockdowns as well as the efficacy of other preventative measures introduced at international borders.
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The Effects of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions on COVID-19 Epidemic Growth Rate during Pre- and Post-Vaccination Period in Asian Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031139. [PMID: 35162157 PMCID: PMC8834794 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is little knowledge about how the influence of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) reduces the COVID-19 infection rate during the period of vaccine rollout. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of NPIs on decreasing the epidemic growth of COVID-19 between before and after the vaccine rollout period among Asian countries. Our ecological study included observations from 30 Asian countries over the 20 weeks of the pre- and post-vaccination period. Data were extracted from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker and other open databases. Longitudinal analysis was utilized to evaluate the impacts of public health responses and vaccines. The facial covering policy was the most effective intervention in the pre-vaccination period, followed by border control and testing policies. In the post-vaccination period, restrictions on gatherings and public transport closure both play a key role in reducing the epidemic growth rate. Vaccine coverage of 1-5%, 5-10%, 10-30%, and over 30% of the population was linked with an average reduction of 0.12%, 0.32%, 0.31%, and 0.59%, respectively. Our findings support the evidence that besides the vaccine increasingly contributing to pandemic control, the implementation of NPIs also plays a key role.
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21
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Effects of COVID-19 on Variations of Taxpayers in Tourism-Reliant Regions: The Case of the Mexican Caribbean. JOURNAL OF RISK AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jrfm14120578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Given the tourism industry’s risk and vulnerability to pandemics and the need to better understand the impacts on tourism destinations, this research assesses the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on the variation of taxpayer units in the Mexican Caribbean region, which includes some of the major sun-and-sand beach destinations in Latin America. Using monthly data of registered taxpayer entities at the state and national levels as the analysis variable, probability distributions and definite integrals are employed to determine variations of the year following the lockdown, compared with previous years’ data. Results indicate that despite the government’s measures to restrict businesses’ operations and a reduction in tourism activities, registered taxpayers at the regional level did not decrease for most of 2020. Further, as business activities and tourism recovered, taxpayer units increased at the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021. Surprisingly, such a pattern was not observed at the national level, which yielded no statistically significant variations. A discussion of factors influencing the resilience of the tourism region in the study (e.g., outbound markets’ geographic proximity, absence of travel restrictions, closure of competing destinations) and implications for public finances are presented.
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22
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Li X, Chen H, Lu L, Chen LL, Chan BPC, Wong SC, Cheng VCC, Yuen KY, Chan KH, To KKW. High compliance to infection control measures prevented guest-to-staff transmission in COVID-19 quarantine hotels. J Infect 2021; 84:418-467. [PMID: 34715237 PMCID: PMC8548840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Hong Chen
- The Department of Health, Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Lu Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Lin-Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Brian Pui-Chun Chan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Shuk-Ching Wong
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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23
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Minami M, Kidokoro K, Eitoku M, Kawauchi A, Miyauchi M, Suganuma N, Nishiyama K. Acute effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency transportation due to acute alcoholic intoxication: a retrospective observational study. Environ Health Prev Med 2021; 26:98. [PMID: 34592932 PMCID: PMC8483170 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-021-01020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in people’s drinking habits and the emergency management system for various diseases. However, no studies have investigated the pandemic’s impact on emergency transportation for acute alcoholic intoxication. This study examines the effect of the pandemic on emergency transportation due to acute alcoholic intoxication in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, a region with high alcohol consumption. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted using data of 180,747 patients from the Kochi-Iryo-Net database, Kochi Prefecture’s emergency medical and wide-area disaster information system. Chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. The association between emergency transportation and alcoholic intoxication was examined. The differences between the number of transportations during the voluntary isolation period in Japan (March and April 2020) and the same period for 2016–2019 were measured. Results In 2020, emergency transportations due to acute alcoholic intoxication declined by 0.2%, compared with previous years. Emergency transportation due to acute alcoholic intoxication decreased significantly between March and April 2020, compared with the same period in 2016–2019, even after adjusting for confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio 0.67; 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.96). Conclusions This study showed that lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the number of emergency transportations; in particular, those due to acute alcoholic intoxication decreased significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Minami
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Kidokoro
- Medical Course, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Eitoku
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
| | - Atsufumi Kawauchi
- Department of Health Policy, Kochi Prefectural Government, Kochi, Kochi, 780-8570, Japan
| | - Masato Miyauchi
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan.
| | - Narufumi Suganuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
| | - Kingo Nishiyama
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
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