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Mullard J, Mir G, Herbert C, Evans S. 'You're just a Guinea pig': Exploring the barriers and impacts of living with long COVID-19: A view from the undiagnosed. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2024. [PMID: 38850204 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact on ethnically minoritised and other marginalised communities, yet little is known about the impacts of long COVID-19 (LC) on this group. Living with LC takes its toll both physically, emotionally and financially and even more so when a diagnosis is hard to come by. By using qualitative interviews centring the view of undiagnosed and marginalised communities already classed as 'underserved' in the medical literature, we show the range of barriers and impacts faced by these groups in the UK, and the strategies of resilience they use. Whether trapped on a 'diagnostic odyssey' at the level of primary care, struggling to maintain employment and businesses, or managing family commitments, we argue many minoritised communities are caught in a liminal space of misrecognition, invalidation and ambiguity. We show how these impacts are generated by tensions and challenges in the process and categorisation of diagnosis, and how this effects the daily lives of many individuals already on the receiving end of health inequity. We also offer some examples and suggestions for best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Mullard
- Newcastle University & Department of Sociology, Population Health Sciences Institute, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Ghazala Mir
- Leeds Institute for Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Chantal Herbert
- LOCOMOTION Study Participant and Contributor, Sister Shack CIC, Newcastle, UK
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Banerjee A. Disparities by Social Determinants of Health: Links Between Long COVID and Cardiovascular Disease. Can J Cardiol 2024; 40:1123-1134. [PMID: 38428523 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID has been defined by the World Health Organisation as "continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation." Cardiovascular disease is implicated as a risk factor, concomitant condition, and consequence of long COVID. As well as heterogeneity in definition, presentation, and likely underlying pathophysiology of long COVID, disparities by social determinants of health, extensively studied and described in cardiovascular disease, have been observed in 3 ways. First, underlying long-term conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, are associated with incidence and severity of long COVID, and previously described socioeconomic disparities in these factors are important in exacerbating disparities in long COVID. Second, socioeconomic disparities in management of COVID-19 may themselves lead to distal disparities in long COVID. Third, there are socioeconomic disparities in the way that long COVID is diagnosed, managed, and prevented. Together, factors such as age, sex, deprivation, and ethnicity have far-reaching implications in this new postviral syndrome across its management spectrum. There are similarities and differences compared with disparities for cardiovascular disease. Some of these disparities are in fact, inequalities, that is, rather than simply observed variations, they represent injustices with costs to individuals, communities, and economies. This review of current literature considers opportunities to prevent or at least attenuate these socioeconomic disparities in long COVID and cardiovascular disease, with special challenges for research, clinical practice, public health, and policy in a new disease which is evolving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitava Banerjee
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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Gillibrand S, Kapadia D, Watkinson R, Issa B, Kwaku-Odoi C, Sanders C. Marginalisation and distrust in the context of the COVID-19 vaccination programme: experiences of communities in a northern UK city region. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:853. [PMID: 38504230 PMCID: PMC10953068 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18308-0] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are clear inequalities in COVID - 19 vaccination rates amongst marginalised groups, with lower rates for some minoritised ethnic and religious groups, younger people, those living in more deprived areas, and with lower socio-economic status. Existing research focuses on psychological and socio-economic factors that influence vaccine uptake and does not explore broader social and historical contexts. Understanding inequalities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake requires a critical examination of the drivers of, and barriers to, vaccination. METHODS We present findings from a co-designed qualitative research study undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus groups and interviews were used to examine the context underpinning responses to the COVID-19 vaccination in Greater Manchester, particularly focussing on experiences of marginalisation. Thematic framework analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS We found that the public's responses to the COVID-19 vaccination programme are intertwined with a longstanding history of institutional distrust and disenfranchisement, resulting from experiences of marginalisation and social inequalities. This was exacerbated further by the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on minoritised ethnic groups, younger people, and those with existing health conditions. CONCLUSIONS Histories of structural inequalities experienced by minoritised groups invoked feelings of suspicion and scepticism at the motivations of the agencies behind the vaccination rollout. This highlights the need for a contextualised analysis of attitudes to vaccines, considering pre-existing inequalities, which may be especially relevant for conceptualising public responses to the vaccination programme. Finally, our study shows the important ways in which public (dis)trust can impact public health policies. We recommend this should be incorporated into responses to future public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Gillibrand
- Centre for Primary Care & Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK.
| | - Dharmi Kapadia
- School of Social Sciences, University of Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Ruth Watkinson
- Centre for Primary Care & Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Basma Issa
- Independent public contributor, Greater Manchester, UK
| | | | - Caroline Sanders
- Centre for Primary Care & Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
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Mahmood B, Adu P, McKee G, Bharmal A, Wilton J, Janjua NZ. Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccine Mistrust and Receipt in British Columbia, Canada: Population Survey. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e48466. [PMID: 38363596 PMCID: PMC10896316 DOI: 10.2196/48466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racialized populations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Higher vaccine hesitancy has been reported among racial and ethnic minorities in some of these countries. In the United Kingdom, for example, higher vaccine hesitancy has been observed among the South Asian population and Black compared with the White population, and this has been attributed to lack of trust in government due to historical and ongoing racism and discrimination. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess vaccine receipt by ethnicity and its relationship with mistrust among ethnic groups in British Columbia (BC), Canada. METHODS We included adults ≥18 years of age who participated in the BC COVID-19 Population Mixing Patterns Survey (BC-Mix) from March 8, 2021, to August 8, 2022. The survey included questions about vaccine receipt and beliefs based on a behavioral framework. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between mistrust in vaccines and vaccine receipt among ethnic groups. RESULTS The analysis included 25,640 adults. Overall, 76.7% (22,010/28,696) of respondents reported having received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccines (Chinese=86.1%, South Asian=79.6%, White=75.5%, and other ethnicity=73.2%). Overall, 13.7% (3513/25,640) of respondents reported mistrust of COVID-19 vaccines (Chinese=7.1%, South Asian=8.2%, White=15.4%, and other ethnicity=15.2%). In the multivariable model (adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, educational attainment, and household size), mistrust was associated with a 93% reduced odds of vaccine receipt (adjusted odds ratio 0.07, 95% CI 0.06-0.08). In the models stratified by ethnicity, mistrust was associated with 81%, 92%, 94%, and 95% reduced odds of vaccine receipt among South Asian, Chinese, White, and other ethnicities, respectively. Indecision, whether to trust the vaccine or not, was significantly associated with a 70% and 78% reduced odds of vaccine receipt among those who identified as White and of other ethnic groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Vaccine receipt among those who identified as South Asian and Chinese in BC was higher than that among the White population. Vaccine mistrust was associated with a lower odds of vaccine receipt in all ethnicities, but it had a lower effect on vaccine receipt among the South Asian and Chinese populations. Future research needs to focus on sources of mistrust to better understand its potential influence on vaccine receipt among visible minorities in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Mahmood
- Division of Endocrinology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Prince Adu
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Social Medicine, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Dublin, OH, United States
| | - Geoffrey McKee
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aamir Bharmal
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James Wilton
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Naveed Zafar Janjua
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Cénat JM, Farahi SMMM, Dalexis RD, Yaya S, Caulley L, Chomienne MH. COVID-19 vaccine uptake, conspiracy theories, and health literacy among Black individuals in Canada: Racial discrimination, confidence in health, and COVID-19 stress as mediators. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29467. [PMID: 38348886 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29467] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Factors influencing vaccine uptake in Black individuals remain insufficiently documented. Understanding the role of COVID-19 related stress, conspiracy theories, health literacy, racial discrimination experiences, and confidence in health authorities can inform programs to increase vaccination coverage. We sought to analyze these factors and vaccine uptake among Black individuals in Canada. A representative sample of 2002 Black individuals from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Manitoba, aged 14 years or older completed questionnaires assessing vaccine uptake, health literacy, conspiracy theories, racial discrimination experiences, COVID-19-related stress, and confidence in health authorities. Mediation analyses were conducted to assess (1) the effect of health literacy on COVID-19 vaccination uptake through confidence and need, COVID-19 related traumatic stress, and racial discrimination, and (2) the effect of conspiracy beliefs on COVID-19 vaccination uptake through the same factors. Overall, 69.57% (95% confidence interval, 67.55%-71.59%) of the participants were vaccinated and 83.48% of them received two or more doses. Those aged 55 years and older were less likely to be vaccinated, as well as those residing in British Columbia and Manitoba. Mediation models showed that the association between health literacy and COVID-19 vaccine uptake was mediated by confidence in health authorities (B = 0.02, p < 0.001), COVID-19-related stress (B = -0.02, p < 0.001), and racial discrimination (B = -0.01, p = 0.032), but both direct and total effects were nonsignificant. Lastly, conspiracy beliefs were found to have a partial mediation effect through the same mediators (B = 0.02, p < 0.001, B = -0.02, p < 0.001, B = -0.01, p = 0.011, respectively). These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address vaccine hesitancy and inform approaches to improve access to vaccinations among Black communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude Mary Cénat
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ottawa Research Chair on Black Health, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Rose Darly Dalexis
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Caulley
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie-Hélène Chomienne
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Gengiah TN, Naidoo DC, Maduma N, Govender S, Dhindayal S, Lewis L. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A survey of unvaccinated adults. Health SA 2024; 29:2468. [PMID: 38445041 PMCID: PMC10913108 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2468] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Concerns and misconceptions surrounding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines may account for vaccine hesitancy and low uptake. Aim To determine prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, vaccine-related misconceptions, and predictors of vaccine hesitancy among South Africans. Setting Community setting in five districts in KwaZulu- Natal province. Methods Between August 20, 2021, and September 27, 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey, interviewing 300 unvaccinated adults amid the national vaccination campaign. Predictors of hesitancy were identified through multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Participants had a median age of 29 years (IQR: 23-39), 86.7% were Black African, 63.2% were male, 53.3% resided in rural communities, and 59.3% (95% CI: 53.8% - 64.9%) were classified as vaccine hesitant. The primary reason for not vaccinating was a lack of trust in the vaccine (62.1%). Factors associated with reduced vaccine hesitancy included age (participants aged 35-49 years: OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.18-0.64, p = 0.003; participants over 50 years: OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.07-0.47, p = 0.0004), previous COVID-19 infection (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11-0.87, p = 0.03), and receiving vaccine information from healthcare workers (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.10-1.0, p = 0.05). Unemployed (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.1-4.2, p = 0.03) and self-employed individuals (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.27-7.02, p = 0.01) were more likely to be vaccine hesitant. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rates are high in KwaZulu-Natal. Uptake could be enhanced by healthcare workers leading information campaigns with messages targeting younger individuals, the unemployed, and the self-employed. Contribution This survey provides evidence to improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanuja N Gengiah
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Donavan C Naidoo
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nomcebo Maduma
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Saien Govender
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Sherishka Dhindayal
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Lara Lewis
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
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Fuller H, King-Okoye M. Improving Pathways to Care for Ethnic Minority Communities. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1458:157-173. [PMID: 39102196 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-61943-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
It is well established that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on ethnic minority communities and has worsened existing health inequalities experienced by these populations globally. Individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds have not only been more likely to become infected with COVID-19 throughout the pandemic, but they have also higher risk of adverse symptoms and death following infection. Factors responsible for these discrepancies are wide reaching and encompass all aspects of the social determinants of health (SDoH). Although always an area of concern among healthcare professionals, barriers to health care experienced by ethnic minority populations became a more pertinent issue during the COVID-19 pandemic when all individuals required sufficient and sustained access to a healthcare system (whether this be for COVID-19 testing, vaccination or treatment). These healthcare barriers exacerbated the increased COVID-19 burden experienced by minority populations and will continue to detrimentally impact the health of these populations during future COVID-19 waves or indeed, future novel pandemics. This chapter aims to summarise the major healthcare barriers experienced by minority populations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including COVID-19 prevention, vaccine rollout, care during hospitalisation and post-COVID care for long COVID patients. To end, this chapter will summarise lessons learned and future directions that need to be taken to improve health disparities and healthcare access for minority populations in relation to the COVID pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriett Fuller
- The Ethnicity and Covid-19 Research Consortium, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michelle King-Okoye
- University of Edinburgh, The Ethnicity and Covid-19 Research Consortium, Edinburgh, UK.
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Spire A, Sireyjol A, Bajos N. From intentions to practices: what drove people to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Findings from the French longitudinal socioepidemiological cohort survey. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073465. [PMID: 38135305 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In many countries, before COVID-19 vaccines became available, reluctance to get vaccinated was particularly prevalent among women, the most disadvantaged social groups and ethnoracial minorities, known to be at higher risk for the virus. Using a longitudinal perspective, we analyse the social determinants that are associated with the transition from attitudes towards vaccination to actual vaccination practices. DESIGN Representative population-based prospective cohort. SETTINGS From November 2020 to July 2021. PARTICIPANTS Adults included in the Epidemiology and Living Conditions (EpiCoV) cohort (n=86 701). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Attitudes towards vaccination in November 2020 before COVID-19 vaccines were available in France (in January 2021) and vaccination practices in July 2021. RESULTS Among those who were initially reluctant in November 2020, the youngest, the poorest 10% (OR=0.68, 0.59-0.77), non-European immigrants (OR=0.72, 0.59-0.88) and descendants of non-European immigrants (OR=0.72, 0.61-0.86) were less likely to be vaccinated in July 2021, irrespective of trust in government and scientists. The same social factors were associated with non-vaccination among those who initially were undecided or who favoured vaccination. CONCLUSION Despite the fact that COVID-19 vaccines were relatively available and free of charge in France in July 2021, social inequalities in vaccination against the virus remained the same than those observed in vaccination reluctance in November 2020, before vaccines were available. While adjusting for trust, migration background, younger age and lower income were associated with lower vaccination uptake irrespective of initial intention. By neglecting to genuinely target specific groups that were initially reluctant to be vaccinated, vaccination policies contributed to strengthening pre-existing social inequalities around COVID-19 burden.
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Macnaughton J. Does medical humanities matter? The challenge of COVID-19. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2023; 49:545-552. [PMID: 37268405 PMCID: PMC10803965 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2022-012602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Medical humanities has tended first and foremost to be associated with the ways in which the arts and humanities help us to understand health. However, this is not the only or necessarily the primary aim of our field. What the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed above all is what the field of critical medical humanities has insisted on: the deep entanglement of social, cultural, historical life with the biomedical. The pandemic has been a time for reinstating the power of expertise of a particular kind, focusing on epidemiology, scientific modelling of potential outcomes and vaccine development. All of this delivered by science at speed.It has been challenging for medical humanities researchers to find purchase in these debates with insights from our more contemplative, 'slow research' approaches. However, as the height of the crisis passes, our field might now be coming into its own. The pandemic, as well as being productive of scientific expertise, also demonstrated clearly the meaning of culture: that it is not a static entity, but is produced and evolves through interaction and relationship. Taking a longer view, we can see the emergence of a certain 'COVID-19 culture' characterised by entanglements between expert knowledge, social media, the economy, educational progress, risk to health services and people in their socio-economic, political ethnic and religious/spiritual contexts. It is the role of medical humanities to pay attention to those interactions and to examine how they play out in the human experience and potential impact of the pandemic. However, to survive and grow in significance within the field of healthcare research, we need to engage not just to comment. There is a need for medical humanities scholars to assert our expertise in interdisciplinary research, fully engaged with experts by experience, and to work proactively with funders to demonstrate our value.
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Namata C, Hatzidimitriadou E. Strategies for improving access to primary care services for homeless immigrants in England: a Delphi study. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2023; 24:e70. [PMID: 38093561 PMCID: PMC10790723 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423623000646] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to identify the most prioritized strategies in improving access to primary care services (PCS) for homeless immigrants. BACKGROUND The issue of improving access to PCS for homeless immigrants is a complex and multifaceted one, and yet there is limited research on the strategies aimed at improving these services. Hence, the need for more studies that directly engage homeless immigrants and service providers in understanding their barriers to accessing PCS and their preferences for improving access to these services. METHODS The study used a two round Delphi method to elicit the views of stakeholders. The Delphi process utilized a web-based questionnaire. The stakeholders included healthcare providers and voluntary sector providers. The first round had a total of 58 items belonging to 14 categories. The second round comprised a total of 25 items belonging to 12 categories which were preselected based on participants' ranking of their importance in the first round. Participants were required to rank the relative importance of all the items on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using the STATA-15 software package. FINDINGS A total of 12 stakeholders participated in both rounds of the Delphi survey. The top three strategies encompassed fighting against discrimination and prejudice, improving and promoting mental health services, and empowering homeless immigrants. These evidence-based strategies hold the potential to support the implementation of healthcare interventions aimed at improving access to PCS and healthcare outcomes for homeless immigrants. However, it is crucial to conduct further research that includes homeless immigrants in the Delphi study to gain insights into the strategies that are most important to them in enhancing access to PCS, as they are the primary target users. Such research will contribute to the development of comprehensive and effective interventions tailored to the specific needs of homeless.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Namata
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, England
| | - Eleni Hatzidimitriadou
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, England
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Urdiales T, Dernie F, Català M, Prats-Uribe A, Prats C, Prieto-Alhambra D. Association between ethnic background and COVID-19 morbidity, mortality and vaccination in England: a multistate cohort analysis using the UK Biobank. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074367. [PMID: 37734898 PMCID: PMC10514643 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074367] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite growing evidence suggesting increased COVID-19 mortality among people from ethnic minorities, little is known about milder forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We sought to explore the association between ethnic background and the probability of testing, testing positive, hospitalisation, COVID-19 mortality and vaccination uptake. DESIGN A multistate cohort analysis. Participants were followed between 8 April 2020 and 30 September 2021. SETTING The UK Biobank, which stores medical data on around half a million people who were recruited between 2006 and 2010. PARTICIPANTS 405 541 subjects were eligible for analysis, limited to UK Biobank participants living in England. 23 891 (6%) of participants were non-white. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The associations between ethnic background and testing, testing positive, hospitalisation and COVID-19 mortality were studied using multistate survival analyses. The association with single and double-dose vaccination was also modelled. Multistate models adjusted for age, sex and socioeconomic deprivation were fitted to estimate adjusted HRs (aHR) for each of the multistate transitions. RESULTS 18 172 (4.5%) individuals tested positive, 3285 (0.8%) tested negative and then positive, 1490 (6.9% of those tested positive) were hospitalised, and 129 (0.6%) tested positive at the moment of hospital admission (ie, direct hospitalisation). Finally, 662 (17.4%) died after admission. Compared with white participants, Asian participants had an increased risk of negative to positive transition (aHR 1.24 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.52)), testing positive (95% CI 1.44 (1.33 to 1.55)) and direct hospitalisation (1.61 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.03)). Black participants had an increased risk of hospitalisation following a positive test (1.71 (95% CI 1.29 to 2.27)) and direct hospitalisation (1.90 (95% CI 1.51 to 2.39)). Although not the case for Asians (aHR 1.00 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.02)), black participants had a reduced vaccination probability (0.63 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.65)). In contrast, Chinese participants had a reduced risk of testing negative (aHR 0.64 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.73)), of testing positive (0.40 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.57)) and of vaccination (0.78 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.83)). CONCLUSIONS We identified inequities in testing, vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes according to ethnicity in England. Compared with whites, Asian participants had increased risks of infection and admission, and black participants had almost double hospitalisation risk, and a 40% lower vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Urdiales
- Department of Physics, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Energy Technology, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francesco Dernie
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martí Català
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Albert Prats-Uribe
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Clara Prats
- Department of Physics, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Prieto-Alhambra
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Duncan DT, Park SH, Chen YT, Dolotina B, Worrall WR, Hanson H, Durrell M, Franco GA, Morse SS, Schneider JA. HIV Care Engagement Is Not Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy during the Initial Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Black Cisgender Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women in the N2 COVID Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040787. [PMID: 37112699 PMCID: PMC10146179 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although there is limited literature on medication adherence (including HIV care engagement) and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in general populations (i.e., non-sexual or gender minority populations), even less is known about whether HIV care engagement correlates with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among sexual and gender minorities, especially those from intersectional backgrounds. The objective of the current study was to examine if an association exists between HIV status neutral care (i.e., current pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP] or antiretroviral therapy [ART] use) and COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among Black cisgender sexual minority men and transgender women at the initial peak of the pandemic. Methods: We conducted the N2 COVID Study in Chicago from 20 April 2020 to 31 July 2020 (analytic n = 222), including Black cisgender sexual minority men and transgender women who were vulnerable to HIV as well as those who were living with HIV. The survey included questions regarding HIV care engagement, COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and COVID-19 related socio-economic hardships. Multivariable associations estimated adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) using modified Poisson regressions for COVID vaccine hesitancy adjusting for baseline socio-demographic characteristics and survey assessment time period. Results: Approximately 45% of participants reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. PrEP and ART use were not associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy when examined separately or combined (p > 0.05). There were no significant multiplicative effects of COVID-19 related socio-economic hardships and HIV care engagement on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: Findings suggest no association between HIV care engagement and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black cisgender sexual minority men and transgender women at the initial peak of the pandemic. It is therefore essential that COVID-19 vaccine promotion interventions focus on all Black sexual and gender minorities regardless of HIV care engagement and COVID-19 vaccine uptake is likely related to factors other than engagement in HIV status neutral care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin T. Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Su Hyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Yen-Tyng Chen
- Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Brett Dolotina
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wilder R. Worrall
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hillary Hanson
- Survey Lab, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mainza Durrell
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Stephen S. Morse
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - John A. Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Stefanovska-Petkovska M, Alarcão V. Editorial: Health (in)equity - examinations of the role of culture and trust. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1078967. [PMID: 36505002 PMCID: PMC9727406 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1078967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Miodraga Stefanovska-Petkovska
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal,*Correspondence: Miodraga Stefanovska-Petkovska
| | - Violeta Alarcão
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal,Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (Iscte), Lisbon, Portugal
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Abbasi K. Solutions for a struggling service. J R Soc Med 2022; 115:419. [PMID: 36455621 PMCID: PMC9723815 DOI: 10.1177/01410768221142707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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Bajos N, Spire A, Silberzan L, Sireyjol A, Jusot F, Meyer L, Franck JE, Warszawski J. When Lack of Trust in the Government and in Scientists Reinforces Social Inequalities in Vaccination Against COVID-19. Front Public Health 2022; 10:908152. [PMID: 35937246 PMCID: PMC9346080 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.908152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess whether lack of trust in the government and scientists reinforces social and racial inequalities in vaccination practices. Design A follow-up of the EpiCov random population-based cohort survey. Setting In July 2021, in France. Participants Eighty-thousand nine hundred and seventy-one participants aged 18 years and more. Main Outcome Measures Adjusted odds ratios of COVID-19 vaccination status (received at least one dose/ intends to get vaccinated/ does not know whether to get vaccinated/refuses vaccination) were assessed using multinomial regressions to test associations with social and trust factors and to study how these two factors interacted with each other. Results In all, 72.2% were vaccinated at the time of the survey. The population of unvaccinated people was younger, less educated, had lower incomes, and more often belonged to racially minoritized groups, as compared to vaccinated people. Lack of trust in the government and scientists to curb the spread of the epidemic were the factors most associated with refusing to be vaccinated: OR = 8.86 (7.13 to 11.00) for the government and OR = 9.07 (7.71 to 10.07) for scientists, compared to vaccinated people. Lack of trust was more prevalent among the poorest which consequently reinforced social inequalities in vaccination. The poorest 10% who did not trust the government reached an OR of 16.2 (11.9 to 22.0) for refusing to be vaccinated compared to the richest 10% who did. Conclusion There is a need to develop depoliticised outreach programmes targeted at the most socially disadvantaged groups, and to design vaccination strategies conceived with people from different social and racial backgrounds to enable them to make fully informed choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Bajos
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur les Enjeux Sociaux (IRIS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)/École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), Aubervilliers, France
| | - Alexis Spire
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur les Enjeux Sociaux (IRIS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aubervilliers, France
| | - Léna Silberzan
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur les Enjeux Sociaux (IRIS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Aubervilliers, France
| | - Antoine Sireyjol
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur les Enjeux Sociaux (IRIS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Aubervilliers, France
| | - Florence Jusot
- Laboratoire d'Économie et Gestion des Organisations de Santé, Université Paris Dauphine, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Meyer
- Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Population, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jeanna-Eve Franck
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur les Enjeux Sociaux (IRIS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Aubervilliers, France
| | - Josiane Warszawski
- Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Population, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Seven days in medicine: 4-10 May 2022. BMJ 2022; 377:o1163. [PMID: 35551097 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.o1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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