Social stigma during COVID-19: A systematic review

Objectives

Stigmatization was reported throughout the COVID pandemic for COVID-19 patients and close contacts. The aim of this systematic review was to comprehensively examine the prevalence and impact of stigmatization during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

English articles were searched using online databases that included PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science up to 24 August 2022. A two-step screening and selection process was followed utilizing an inclusion and exclusion criteria and then data was extracted from eligible articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist was followed, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

Seventy-six studies were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-two studies reported the prevalence of social stigma due to COVID-19 infection with social isolation being the most commonly reported stigma. There were 20 studies that reported the majority of participants experienced stigma due to COVID-19 infection, which was as high as 100% of participants in two studies. Participants in 16 studies reported blaming from others as the second most common type of stigma, with various other types reported such as psychological pressure, verbal violence, avoidance, and labeling. The most common effect of the stigma was anxiety followed by depression, and then reduction of socialization.

Conclusion

Findings from the present review have identified that COVID-19-related stigma studies have generally focused on its prevalence, type, and outcome. Greater awareness of this topic may assist with improving public education during pandemics such as COVID-19 as well as access to support services for individuals impacted by stigmatization.

The relationship of hip fracture and thyroid disorders: a systematic review

Introduction

Bone density regulation is considered one of the systems affected by thyroid hormones, leading to low bone density that can result in pathologic fractures, including hip fractures. This review aimed to update clinicians and researchers about the current data regarding the relationship between hip fractures and thyroid disorders.

Methods

English papers were thoroughly searched in four main online databases of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase. Data extraction was done following two steps of screening/selection using distinct inclusion/exclusion criteria. This study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) as bias assessment.

Results

In total, 19 articles were included in the research. The risk of hip fractures in women with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is higher than hip fractures caused by osteoporosis. Men with hyperthyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism are at higher risk for hip fracture. Also, a decrease in serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) may be associated with an increased risk of hip fracture.

Conclusion

Reaching a consensus conclusion regarding the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and hip fracture is not feasible due to the heterogenicity of evidence; however, there may be a higher risk of fracture in individuals with subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Late Complications of COVID-19; An Umbrella Review on Current Systematic Reviews

Introduction

Several clinical manifestations have been discovered for COVID-19 since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, which can be classified into early, medium, and long-term complications. However, late complications can be present after recovery from acute COVID-19 illness. The present study aims to comprehensively review the available evidence of late complications related to COVID-19.

Method

A search was conducted, using keywords, through electronic databases, which included Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase up to August 29, 2022. Study selection was performed according to a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was followed, and studies were appraised using the National Institute of Health (NIH) quality assessment and risk of bias tool.

Results

In total, 50 studies were included, and nine distinct COVID-19 late complication categories were identified. A review of these studies revealed that neurologic and psychiatric (n=41), respiratory (n=27), musculoskeletal and rheumatologic (n=22), cardiovascular (n=9), and hepatic and gastrointestinal (n=6) complications were the most prevalent complications of long COVID-19.

Conclusion

Almost all human body systems are affected by late complications of COVID-19 with different severity and prevalence. Fatigue and some other neuropsychiatric symptoms are the most common late complications among long COVID-19 patients. Respiratory symptoms including dyspnea (during exercise), cough, and chest tightness were the next most prevalent long-term complications of COVID-19. Since these complications are persistent and late, being aware of the signs and symptoms is essential for the healthcare providers and patients.