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Thompson N, Kyaw KWY, Singh L, Cikomola JC, Singh NS, Roberts B. The effect of COVID-19 on the non-COVID health outcomes of crisis-affected peoples: a systematic review. Confl Health 2024; 18:37. [PMID: 38664834 PMCID: PMC11044391 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-024-00592-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic posed considerable risks to populations affected by humanitarian crises in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there is limited understanding of how the pandemic may have affected non-COVID health outcomes among crisis-affected populations. Our aim was to examine the evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID-19 health outcomes for crisis-affected populations in LMICs. METHODS A systematic review methodology was applied following PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria were: crisis-affected populations in LMICS; COVID-19; and all health topics, except for sexual and reproductive health which was covered in a linked review. Five bibliographic databases and additional grey literature sources were searched. The search period was from 2019 to 31 July 2022. Eligible papers were extracted and analysed using a narrative synthesis approach based on the study objectives and relevant health access and systems frameworks. A quality appraisal was also conducted. FINDINGS 4320 articles were screened, and 15 eligible studies were identified and included in this review. Ten studies collected health outcomes data. Eight related to mental health, which generally showed worse mental health outcomes because of the pandemic, and pandemic-related stressors were identified. Two studies assessed physical health outcomes in children, while none addressed physical health outcomes among adults. Nine studies reported on access to healthcare, revealing worse access levels due to the pandemic and noting key barriers to care. Seven studies reported on the impact on health systems, with key challenges including reduced and distorted health care funding, reduced staff capacity, interrupted medicines and supplies, weak information and mixed-messaging, and weak leadership. All fifteen studies on the social determinants of health, particularly highlighting the effect of increasing poverty, the role of gender, and food insecurity on health outcomes. The quality of papers was limited overall. CONCLUSION This review found some limited evidence indicating negative mental health effects, increased barriers to accessing care, damage to health systems and magnified impacts on the social determinants of health for crisis-affected people during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the small number and limited quality of the studies make the overall strength of evidence quite weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Thompson
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - K W Y Kyaw
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - L Singh
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - J C Cikomola
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic
| | - N S Singh
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Bayard Roberts
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Ben Hassen T, El Bilali H. Three years into the pandemic: Insights of the COVID-19 impacts on food security and nutrition in low and middle-income countries. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28946. [PMID: 38596121 PMCID: PMC11002655 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28946] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a global crisis with unanticipated and diverse consequences. Moreover, the pandemic has considerably impacted food dynamics in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where food systems have already been challenged. These countries also have the highest share of the world's malnourished and food insecure. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the pandemic's impact on food security dimensions (availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability), with a special emphasis on LMICs. According to the results, the pandemic immediately impacted food security by limiting food production and availability. It also had an indirect impact when lockdowns and other confinement measures (e.g., social distancing, movement restrictions) made it more difficult for individuals to access food and maintain a healthy, balanced diet (cf. food utilization). Indeed, with rising unemployment and poverty, access to food has been the most critically undermined aspect of food security. At the utilization level, COVID-19 adversely influences the nutritional state of both individuals and countries, leading to an increase in all forms of malnutrition. Finally, the impact of COVID-19 on the stability dimension is dependent on the length of the pandemic as well as the effectiveness with which recovery plans are followed to ensure universal vaccine availability, among other factors. As a result, including agricultural and food systems in recovery strategies is crucial to mitigating the pandemic's long-term effects on food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Ben Hassen
- Department of International Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | - Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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Haq FU, Abduljaleel Y, Ahmad I. Effect of temperature on fast transmission of COVID-19 in low per capita GDP Asian countries. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21165. [PMID: 38036656 PMCID: PMC10689760 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48587-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
An abrupt outbreak of COVID-19 caused enormous global concerns. Although all countries around the world are severely affected, developing Asian countries faced more difficulties due to their low per capita GDP. The temperature was considered a leading variable in spreading viral diseases, including COVID-19. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between temperature and the spread of COVID-19, with a focus on developing Asian countries. In a few Asian countries, COVID-19 spread rapidly in the summer, while in some countries, there is an increase in winter. A linear correlation was developed between COVID-19 cases/deaths and temperature for the selected countries, which were very weak. A coefficient of determination of 0.334 and 0.365 was observed between cases and average monthly max/min temperatures. A correlation of R2 = 0.307 and 0.382 was found between deaths and average max/min monthly temperatures, respectively. There is no scientific reason to assume that COVID-19 is more dominant at low than high temperatures. Therefore, it is believed that the results may be helpful for the health department and decision-makers to understand the fast spread of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Ul Haq
- Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, 54890, Pakistan.
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA.
| | - Yasir Abduljaleel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State University, Richland, WA, 99354, USA
| | - Ijaz Ahmad
- Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, 54890, Pakistan
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Leal Filho W, Fedoruk M, Paulino Pires Eustachio JH, Barbir J, Lisovska T, Lingos A, Baars C. How the War in Ukraine Affects Food Security. Foods 2023; 12:3996. [PMID: 37959115 PMCID: PMC10648107 DOI: 10.3390/foods12213996] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The war in Ukraine has caused severe disruption to national and worldwide food supplies. Ukraine is a major exporter of wheat, maize, and oilseeds, staples that are now suffering a war-triggered supply risk. This paper describes the background of the problem and illustrates current trends by outlining some of the measures that may be deployed to mitigate the conflict's impacts on achieving SDG 2 (Zero hunger), especially focusing on ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. In order to understand the main research strands in the literature that are related to food security in the context of wars, the authors adopted a bibliometric literature review based on the co-occurrence of terms technique, conducted with 631 peer-reviewed documents extracted from the Scopus database. To complement the bibliometric assessment, ten case studies were selected to narrow down the food insecurity aspects caused by the war in Ukraine. The co-occurrence analysis indicated four different thematic clusters. In the next stage, an assessment of the current situation on how war affects food security was carried out for each one of the clusters, and the reasons and possible solutions to food security were identified. Policy recommendations and theoretical implications for food security in the conflict context in Ukraine were also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Leal Filho
- European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR), Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany;
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
- Research and Transfer Centre Sustainability & Climate Change Management (FTZ-NK), Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany (T.L.)
| | - Mariia Fedoruk
- Research and Transfer Centre Sustainability & Climate Change Management (FTZ-NK), Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany (T.L.)
| | - João Henrique Paulino Pires Eustachio
- Research and Transfer Centre Sustainability & Climate Change Management (FTZ-NK), Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany (T.L.)
| | - Jelena Barbir
- Research and Transfer Centre Sustainability & Climate Change Management (FTZ-NK), Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany (T.L.)
| | - Tetiana Lisovska
- Research and Transfer Centre Sustainability & Climate Change Management (FTZ-NK), Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany (T.L.)
| | - Alexandros Lingos
- Research and Transfer Centre Sustainability & Climate Change Management (FTZ-NK), Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany (T.L.)
| | - Caterina Baars
- Research and Transfer Centre Sustainability & Climate Change Management (FTZ-NK), Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany (T.L.)
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Yeganeh S, Motamed N, Najafpour Boushehri S, Bagherzadeh R, Ravanipour M. Evaluation of maternal performance about food security in dietary diversity for children aged 12-24 months and its relationship with anthropometric measurements. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:256. [PMID: 37221484 PMCID: PMC10204253 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04070-6] [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] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing awareness of the problem of food security, some areas of Iran continue to experience food insecurity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate maternal performance about food security in dietary diversity for children aged between 12-24 months and its relationship with anthropometric measurements in Bushehr. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out using 400 mothers of children aged from 12 to 24 months in Bushehr selected via quota sampling. Data were collected using a reliable localized version of a 32-item food frequency questionnaire, consisting of six subscales, with a Cronbach's α: 0.81. The anthropometric measurements of height and weight were also calculated. Data analysis was performed using median, Mean±SD and multinomial logistic regression test, and odds ratio in SPSS, version 18. RESULTS According to standard servings, only 24% of the mothers fed their infants cereals, whereas 54.8%, 36.3%, 39.8%, and 20.3% of the mothers used meat, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, respectively. The strongest associations were between attendance at educational classes and vegetable consumption (OR=2.09, CI=1.03-4.21), age at the onset of complementary feeding and the consumption of meat (OR=1.30, CI=1.02-1.66) and fruits (OR=1.44, CI=1.03-2.03), and the mothers' level of education and use of dairy products (OR=0.29, CI=0.09-0.90). No evidence of a significant association was found between consumption of any food groups and the anthropometric measurements. CONCLUSIONS Mothers in Bushehr performed poorly in providing their infants with the required nutrition with regard to dietary diversity and amount of food. However, their performance can be improved by enhancing their basic nutrition knowledge, holding practical classes on food preparation for them, and focusing on mothers with infants in high-risk groups, e.g. infants suffering from excessive weight gain, obesity, and malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Yeganeh
- School of Nursing, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Niloofar Motamed
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Saeid Najafpour Boushehri
- Department of Nutrition, School of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Razieh Bagherzadeh
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Bushehr university of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Maryam Ravanipour
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr university of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Yazew T, Daba A, Hordofa L, Garedew G, Negash A, Merga G, Bakala T. Covid-19 related factors to food security and dietary diversity among urban households in western Oromia, Ethiopia. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14476. [PMID: 36942244 PMCID: PMC10008806 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14476] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims to assess factors associated with food security and dietary diversity among poor urban households of western Oromia, Ethiopia, after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Method A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted in May to June 2021 with 361 poor urban households in the Horo Guduru Wollega zone, western Oromia, Ethiopia. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Twenty-four hour reminder points were used to assess household dietary diversity, and household food security was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale tool. Data were evaluated using the statistical software SPSS version 25.0. Results This study showed a prevalence of food insecurity in households of 59.6%. The mean and standard deviation of household dietary diversity values were 4.19 ± 1.844. Family size (AOR = 8.5; 95% CI:3.295-21.92), monthly income (AOR = 3.52; 95% CI; 1.771-6.986), dietary diversity (AOR = 8.5; 95% CI; 3.92-18.59), knowledge (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.08-)8.347), attitude (AOR = 8.35, 95% CI:3.112-22.39) and practices against Covid-19 (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI:1.299-11.4) were factors significantly associated with food insecurity. Variables like educational status (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI:1.44-8.312), increased family size after the Covid-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI:1.02-5.04), food security (AOR = 6.7; 95% CI:4.01-19.01), knowledge (AOR = 3.96; 95% CI:1.57-10.0), attitude (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI:1.75-8.82) and practices toward coronavirus (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI:2.18-23.95) were predictors significantly associated with dietary diversity. Conclusion This study concluded that family size, monthly income, and dietary diversity were factors contributed to household food security. On the other hand, variables such as educational status, family size, and food security were highly relevant factors for dietary diversity after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices were also variables related to both household food security and dietary diversity. Therefore, immediate interventions such as nutrition-specific interventions can be suggested to address food insecurity and problems of inadequate food intake in poor urban households. In addition, governmental and non-governmental organizations should raise awareness and policies to support those at higher risk by developing affordable, sustainable and targeted social protection systems that ensure food security and adequate dietary intake at the household level.
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Key Words
- AOR, Adjusted Odd Ratio
- Associated factors
- CI, Confidence Level
- COR, Crude Odd Ratio
- Covid-19
- Dietary diversity
- EU, European Union
- Ethiopia
- Food security
- HFIAS, Household Food Insecurity Access Scale
- NPC, National Planning Commission
- SPSS, Statistical Package for Social Sciences
- UN, United Nations
- USD, United states Dollar
- USDA, United States Department of Agriculture
- Urban
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamiru Yazew
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fitche, 245, Ethiopia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Agama Daba
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Wollega University, Nekemte, 395, Ethiopia
| | - Lelisa Hordofa
- Department of Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Resource Management and Economics, Wollega University, Nekemte, 395, Ethiopia
| | - Girma Garedew
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fitche, 245, Ethiopia
| | - Abdi Negash
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fitche, 245, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Merga
- Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Salale University, Fitche, 245, Ethiopia
| | - Tasama Bakala
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Wollega University, Nekemte, 395, Ethiopia
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Silva MVR, de Castro MV, Passos-Bueno MR, Otto PA, Naslavsky MS, Zatz M. Men are the main COVID-19 transmitters: behavior or biology? DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 2:1. [PMID: 35174362 PMCID: PMC8785017 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-022-00004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 has affected millions of people worldwide. Clinical manifestations range from severe cases with lethal outcome to mild or asymptomatic cases. Although the proportion of infected individuals does not differ between sexes, men are more susceptible to severe COVID-19, with a higher risk of death than women. Also, men are pointed out as more lax regarding protective measures, mask wearing and vaccination. Thus, we questioned whether sex-bias may be explained by biological pathways and/or behavioral aspects or both. Methods Between July 2020 and July 2021, we performed an epidemiological survey including 1744 unvaccinated adult Brazilian couples, with there was at least one infected symptomatic member, who were living together during the COVID-19 infection without protective measures. Presence or absence of infection was confirmed by RT-PCR and/or serology results. Couples were divided into two groups: (1) both partners were infected (concordant couples) and (2) one partner was infected and the spouse remained asymptomatic despite the close contact with the COVID-19 symptomatic partner (discordant couples). Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed aiming to verify a differential transmission potential between genders in couples keeping contact without protective measures. Results The combination of our collected data showed that the man is the first (or the only) affected member in most cases when compared to women and that this difference may be explained by biological and behavioral factors. Conclusions The present study confirmed the existence of gender differences not only for susceptibility to infection and resistance to COVID-19 but also in its transmission rate. There are sex differences in COVID-19 susceptibility and transmission between couples highly exposed to SARS-Cov-2 without protective measures; Men are more efficient virus transmitters than women; Sex-bias in COVID-19 transmission can be explained by differences in viral load in saliva, immune response and also behavioral protective differences between genders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monize V. R. Silva
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center (HUG-CELL), Biosciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Mateus V. de Castro
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center (HUG-CELL), Biosciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center (HUG-CELL), Biosciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Paulo A. Otto
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Michel S. Naslavsky
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Mayana Zatz
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center (HUG-CELL), Biosciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
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Essar MY, Nemat A, Islam Z, Ahmad S, Shah J. Devastating earthquake in Afghanistan amid a humanitarian crisis: a call for action. THE LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2022; 10:e1244-e1245. [DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00318-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Shah J, Shah A, Tokhi AF, Shedrow J, Hernandez N, Varney J, Qaderi P, Masoumi SJ, Qaderi S. Afghan Health Related Concerns Following the US Withdrawal: Results of a Survey Given via Social Media. Front Public Health 2022; 10:905481. [PMID: 35910864 PMCID: PMC9332619 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.905481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The United States Armed Forces completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 30th, 2021, ending 20 years of war in Afghanistan. This rapid timeline from announcement to withdrawal and subsequent power transfer had profound consequences on the Afghan people, particularly in the domains of health and healthcare. Methods On 15 September 2021, we posted an anonymous online cross-sectional survey on social media (Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp groups) to collect data about respondents from Afghanistan. Questions focused on COVID-19 symptoms, concerns, and individual care with a focus on changes related to the United States (US) withdrawal from Afghanistan. The form was composed of 17 questions which included multiple choice, single choice, and numeric options. All questions were optional including demographic data. Results Our survey yielded 1,074 responses from the Farsi version and 572 responses from the Pashto version for a total of 1,646 responses. 1,286 (80%) of respondents were in Afghanistan at the time of survey submission. Concerning the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, 26% (412) respondents were extremely concerned and 12% (181) were moderately concerned. A majority of respondents report concerns regarding mental health due to the US withdrawal. 27% (418) report extreme concern, 12% (186) report moderate concern, and 15% (229) report a little concern. There is a significant difference in the proportions of concern (for US withdrawal generally, as well as physical and mental health) across gender. 49% of Female respondents report extreme concern regarding the US withdrawal compared to 22% of Male respondents (P < 0.001). With respect to physical health concerns 36% of Females report extreme concern compared to 16% of Males (P < 0.001). Finally on the mental health concerns, 54% of Females report extreme concern compared to 22% of Males (P < 0.001). Conclusion The results from this survey are susceptible to the possibility of internal validity and/or external validity. However, we are accepting of those possibilities considering this survey wasn't designed to be bulletproof, but rather serve as a voice for those who can't be heard and to inform the public of the hardships occurring across the globe due to a steadfast retraction of the US footprint from their soil. Our findings indicate salient changes and public health concerns among Afghans following the US withdrawal from the region. These concerns varied across gender and ethnic groups. Our findings may serve as the first step in addressing the health concerns of Afghans following two decades of US military presence. The results should be understood through the limitations associated with a survey study design. Future research and policy aimed at tackling short and long-term health and social concerns in Afghanistan should consider the role of US withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffer Shah
- Medical Research Center, Kateb University, Kabul, Afghanistan
- Afghanistan National Charity Organization for Special Diseases, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Asghar Shah
- Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Ahmad Fahim Tokhi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Eskiseir Osmangazi University, Eskiseir, Turkey
| | - Jordan Shedrow
- American University of the Caribbean Medial School, Cupe Coy, Sint Maarten
| | - Nicolas Hernandez
- American University of the Caribbean Medial School, Cupe Coy, Sint Maarten
| | - Joseph Varney
- American University of the Caribbean Medial School, Cupe Coy, Sint Maarten
| | - Pashton Qaderi
- Psychology and Educational Science Department, Balkh University, Balkh, Afghanistan
| | - Seyed Javad Masoumi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohra Qaderi
- Afghanistan National Charity Organization for Special Diseases, Kabul, Afghanistan
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Shohra Qaderi
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Trad F, El Falou S. Testing Different COVID-19 Vaccination Strategies Using an Agent-Based Modeling Approach. SN COMPUTER SCIENCE 2022; 3:307. [PMID: 35637643 PMCID: PMC9131986 DOI: 10.1007/s42979-022-01199-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination has been the long-awaited solution ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started. But the problem is that vaccine shots cannot be delivered at the same time to all populations, because of their limited quantity from one side, and their high demand from the other side. Therefore, countries need a way to test the effect of different distribution strategies before applying them. But how can they do this? To assist countries with this task, we built an agent-based model that runs on top of the Monte Carlo algorithm. This model simulates the spread of COVID-19 in a country where we can apply different NPIs at different times, and we can supply different kinds of vaccines using different strategies. In this study, we tested the outcomes of four vaccination strategies: older first, younger first, a mixed strategy, and a random strategy. We simulated these strategies in two different countries: France and Colombia. Then, we performed a comparative analysis to find which strategy might be the best for each country. Our results show that what is good for a country is not necessarily the best for the other one. Therefore, we proved that a vaccination strategy should be adapted to the structure of the population we are vaccinating. The system we built helps countries in this direction by allowing them to test the outcomes of their strategies before applying them in real life to select the one that minimizes human losses (deaths and infections).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Trad
- Faculty of Engineering, Lebanese University, Ras Maska, Al Koura, Lebanon
| | - Salah El Falou
- Faculty of Engineering, Lebanese University, Ras Maska, Al Koura, Lebanon
- Faculty of Science, Lebanese University, Ras Maska, Al Koura, Lebanon
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11
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Schwarzendahl FJ, Grauer J, Liebchen B, Löwen H. Mutation induced infection waves in diseases like COVID-19. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9641. [PMID: 35688998 PMCID: PMC9186490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13137-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
After more than 6 million deaths worldwide, the ongoing vaccination to conquer the COVID-19 disease is now competing with the emergence of increasingly contagious mutations, repeatedly supplanting earlier strains. Following the near-absence of historical examples of the long-time evolution of infectious diseases under similar circumstances, models are crucial to exemplify possible scenarios. Accordingly, in the present work we systematically generalize the popular susceptible-infected-recovered model to account for mutations leading to repeatedly occurring new strains, which we coarse grain based on tools from statistical mechanics to derive a model predicting the most likely outcomes. The model predicts that mutations can induce a super-exponential growth of infection numbers at early times, which self-amplify to giant infection waves which are caused by a positive feedback loop between infection numbers and mutations and lead to a simultaneous infection of the majority of the population. At later stages-if vaccination progresses too slowly-mutations can interrupt an ongoing decrease of infection numbers and can cause infection revivals which occur as single waves or even as whole wave trains featuring alternative periods of decreasing and increasing infection numbers. This panorama of possible mutation-induced scenarios should be tested in more detailed models to explore their concrete significance for specific infectious diseases. Further, our results might be useful for discussions regarding the importance of a release of vaccine-patents to reduce the risk of mutation-induced infection revivals but also to coordinate the release of measures following a downwards trend of infection numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Jan Schwarzendahl
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II: Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Jens Grauer
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II: Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Benno Liebchen
- Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Hartmut Löwen
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II: Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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12
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Essar MY, Islam Z, Vohra LI, Kumar P. Poor healthcare capacity in Afghanistan amidst a surge in COVID-19 cases and a humanitarian crisis. Med Confl Surviv 2022; 38:213-218. [PMID: 35618475 DOI: 10.1080/13623699.2022.2079480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laiba Imran Vohra
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin University Faculty of Medicine, Pakistan
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13
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Itani R, Karout S, Khojah HMJ, Rabah M, Kassab MB, Welty FK, AlBaghdadi M, Khraishah H, El-Dahiyat F, Alzayani S, Khader YS, Alyahya MS, Alsane D, Abu-Farha R, Mukattash TL, Soukarieh T, Awad MF, Awad R, Wehbi A, Abbas F, El Mais H, El Mais H, Karout L. Diverging levels of COVID-19 governmental response satisfaction across middle eastern Arab countries: a multinational study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:893. [PMID: 35513805 PMCID: PMC9069218 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13292-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public acceptance of governmental measures are key to controlling the spread of infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a significant burden on healthcare systems for high-income countries as well as low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The ability of LMICs to respond to the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic has been limited and may have affected the impact of governmental strategies to control the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate and compare public opinion on the governmental COVID-19 response of high and LMICs in the Middle East and benchmark it to international countries. METHODS An online, self-administered questionnaire was distributed among different Middle Eastern Arab countries. Participants' demographics and level of satisfaction with governmental responses to COVID-19 were analyzed and reported. Scores were benchmarked against 19 international values. RESULTS A total of 7395 responses were included. Bahrain scored highest for satisfaction with the governmental response with 38.29 ± 2.93 on a scale of 40, followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (37.13 ± 3.27), United Arab Emirates (36.56 ± 3.44), Kuwait (35.74 ± 4.85), Jordan (23.08 ± 6.41), and Lebanon (15.39 ± 5.28). Participants' country of residence was a significant predictor of the satisfaction score (P < 0.001), and participants who suffered income reduction due to the pandemic, had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and held higher educational degrees had significantly lower satisfaction scores (P < 0.001). When benchmarked with other international publics, countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council had the highest satisfaction level, Jordan had an average score, and Lebanon had one of the lowest satisfaction scores. CONCLUSION The political crisis in Lebanon merged with the existing corruption were associated with the lowest public satisfaction score whereas the economical instability of Jordan placed the country just before the lowest position. On the other hand, the solid economy plus good planning and public trust in the government placed the other countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council on top of the scale. Further investigation is necessary to find out how the governments of other low-income countries may have handled the situation wisely and gained the trust of their publics. This may help convey a clearer picture to Arab governments that have suffered during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Itani
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samar Karout
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hani M. J. Khojah
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Makram Rabah
- Department of History and Archeology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad B. Kassab
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Francine K. Welty
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Mazen AlBaghdadi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Haitham Khraishah
- Division of Cardiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Faris El-Dahiyat
- Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salman Alzayani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Yousef S. Khader
- Epidemiology, Medical Education and Biostatistics, Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohammad S. Alyahya
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Danah Alsane
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Rana Abu-Farha
- Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tareq L. Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Tarek Soukarieh
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Reem Awad
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abir Wehbi
- Health Department, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fatima Abbas
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hadi El Mais
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Huda El Mais
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lina Karout
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with Neurological Pathology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020473. [PMID: 35204564 PMCID: PMC8871037 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 disease, caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2, rapidly transformed into a pandemic following its emergence, and it continues to affect the population at a global level. This disease is associated with high mortality rates and mainly affects the pulmonary spectrum, with signs of interstitial pneumonia or other pathological modifications. Signs indicative of SARS-CoV-2 infection can be observed using pulmonary radiography or computed tomography scans and are closely linked to acute respiratory distress; however, there is accumulating evidence that the virus affects the central nervous system. Several symptoms, such as headaches, cough, fatigue, myalgia, ageusia, and anosmia, have also been reported along with neurological syndromes such as stroke, encephalopathy, Guillain–Barre syndrome, convulsions, and coma; the most frequent associated complication is ischemic stroke. Diagnosis of infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus is based on a positive RT-PCR test. Imaging investigations, such as thoracic computed tomography scans, are not used to diagnose COVID-19, monitor for pulmonary disease, or follow dynamic disease evolution, but they may be used in the case of a negative RT-PCR test. This paper presents the research performed on a group of 150 cases of patients affected by neurological disorders and that were subsequently confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, which was carried out over a period of 10 months within the Neurology Department and Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of “Sf. Andrei” Emergency Hospital in Constanta. The collected data are observational and provide perspectives on the neurological pathology associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and on the frequently associated risk factors, associated comorbidities, and the ages of patients who were affected by the virus, as well as the clinical and paraclinical manifestations of the patients admitted to the hospital’s neurology department.
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15
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Mental health implications on Afghan children: an impending catastrophe. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2022; 9:397-400. [PMID: 36618720 PMCID: PMC9806975 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2022.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Afghan children have suffered for decades because of chronic socioeconomic health crises. The current state of Afghanistan has deprived the basic human needs of children. The lack of freedom leaves their voices unheard, causing detrimental effects on their mental health. Mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression are prevalent in Afghanistan, causing severe negative outcomes among children. Promotion of mental health services, psychological training, awareness campaigns, acceptance of Afghan refugees, and initiatives to support re-connecting with loved ones, are among the many recommended measures needed to manage this alarming situation. This requires an immediate action plan from government and public health officials to mitigate this impending catastrophe.
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Mbah MF, Shingruf A, Molthan-Hill P. Policies and practices of climate change education in South Asia: towards a support framework for an impactful climate change adaptation. CLIMATE ACTION 2022. [PMCID: PMC9761622 DOI: 10.1007/s44168-022-00028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
South Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change. While it has contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, the people in the region face imminent threats to their health and well-being due to extreme weather events and a range of other climate-induced challenges, such as biodiversity loss and monsoon floods. Climate change education (CCE), if properly implemented, can prove to be vital in addressing such challenges and in helping people make informed decisions on adaptation strategies. To this end, this paper explores how CCE is addressed in the climate policies of South Asian countries. The paper also explores the implementation and operationalization of these policies within the respective countries. A content analysis of the climate policies of member states was conducted for the period 2007–2021. The findings revealed that climate change education has been highlighted within individual policies pertaining to formal and informal education, research and development, and public awareness initiatives. However, a gap analysis between policies and practices reveals that significant work is still needed for the effective implementation of policies supporting CCE at local levels. The current study seeks to contextualize these gaps by situating them within the relevant theoretical backdrops. In doing so, the research aims to make a meaningful contribution to the understanding of how CCE can be effectively deployed and delivered towards an impactful climate change adaptation, building on a support framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcellus F. Mbah
- Manchester Institute of Education, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - Ayesha Shingruf
- Nottingham Institute of Education (NIE), School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS UK
| | - Petra Molthan-Hill
- Sustainable Management and Education for Sustainable Development, Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ UK
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