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2. Counterpoint: Preprints and the Future of Scientific Publishing—In Favor of Relevance.
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Glymour, M Maria, Charpignon, Marie-Laure, Chen, Yea-Hung, and Kiang, Mathew V
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PUBLISHING ,PROFESSIONAL peer review ,SERIAL publications ,PREPRINTS ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
Peer-reviewed journals provide an invaluable but inadequate vehicle for scientific communication. Preprints are now an essential complement to peer-reviewed publications. Eschewing preprints will slow scientific progress and reduce the public health impact of epidemiologic research. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted long-standing limitations of the peer-review process. Preprint servers, such as bioRxiv and medRxiv, served as crucial venues to rapidly disseminate research and provide detailed backup to sound-bite science that is often communicated through the popular press or social media. The major criticisms of preprints arise from an unjustified optimism about peer review. Peer review provides highly imperfect sorting and curation of research and only modest improvements in research conduct or presentation for most individual papers. The advantages of peer review come at the expense of months to years of delay in sharing research methods or results. For time-sensitive evidence, these delays can lead to important missteps and ill-advised policies. Even with research that is not intrinsically urgent, preprints expedite debate, expand engagement, and accelerate progress. The risk that poor-quality papers will have undue influence because they are posted on a preprint server is low. If epidemiology aims to deliver evidence relevant for public health, we need to embrace strategic uses of preprint servers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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3. How to help countries improve resilience during a pandemic: an example of a Rapid Exchange Forum.
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Habl, Claudia, Weiss, Johannes, Gottlob, Anita, Saso, Miriam, Schutte, Nienke, Bogaert, Petronille, Paulo, Marília Silva, and Lapão, Luís Velez
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PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience ,MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems ,IMMUNIZATION ,HEALTH ,HEALTH policy ,PANDEMIC preparedness ,INFORMATION resources ,INTERNATIONAL relations ,WORLD health ,PUBLIC health ,MANAGEMENT of medical records ,HEALTH promotion ,EVIDENCE-based medicine ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic demanded quick exchanges between experts and institutions supporting governments to provide evidence-based information in response to the crisis. Initially, there was no regular cross-country forum in the field of population health. This paper describes the set-up and benefits of implementing such a forum. Methods A group of public health practitioners from academia, national public health institutes and ministries of health decided in April 2020 to meet bi-monthly to discuss a vast array of population health topics in a structured format called a Rapid Exchange Forum (REF). An ad-hoc mailing group was established to collect responses to questions brought forward in the forum from at least five countries within 24 h. This endeavour, which evolved as network of networks was awarded an EU grant in autumn 2020 and was called PHIRI (Population Health Information Research Infrastructure). Results Responses from up to 31 countries were compiled and shared immediately via the European Health Information Portal. This exchange was complemented by special REFs that focused on the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination, for example. By July 2023, 54 REFs had taken place with topics going beyond COVID-19. Conclusion The REF demonstrated its value for quick yet evidence-based cross-country exchange in times of crisis and was highly appreciated by countries and European Commission. It demonstrated its sustainability even after the acute crisis by expanding the topics covered and managing to continue exchange with the aim of capacity building and mutual learning, making it a true EU response and coordination mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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4. COVID-19 and Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health.
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Nunn, Charles L
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COVID-19 pandemic ,PUBLIC health - Published
- 2023
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5. Covid-19 corruption in the public health sector—emerging evidence from Bangladesh.
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Hossain, Md Moazzem, Rahaman, Md Mustafizur, and Rahman, Md Jahidur
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POLITICAL corruption ,PUBLIC sector ,COVID-19 ,COVID-19 pandemic ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
This paper explores Covid-19-related corruption in Bangladesh. Specifically, we analyse the issue of Covid-19-related corruption in the health sector of Bangladesh. We also explore how denial strategies adapted by government officials have worsened the problem. Using Cohen's notion of denial strategies (Cohen 2001. States of Denial. Cambridge: Polity), we analyse media reports during the pandemic that highlighted Covid-19-related corruption occurring in the Bangladeshi health sector. Our analyses reveal that the Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to a new wave of corruption, particularly in the procurement of testing kits and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as the issuance of false Covid-19 certificates. We call for an in-depth investigation of Covid-19-related corruption in Bangladesh and other developing countries that follows similar social, contextual and cultural values via interviews with policymakers and health professionals. Our paper extends the ongoing debate on Covid-19-related corruption and its impacts on public health sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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6. COVID-19 diplomacy: analysis of Serbia COVID-19 vaccine strategy in the western Balkans.
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Barovic, Alek and Cardenas, Nicky C
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HEALTH policy ,IMMUNIZATION ,STRATEGIC planning ,COVID-19 vaccines ,PUBLIC health ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,VACCINE hesitancy ,COVID-19 pandemic ,HEALTH promotion - Abstract
Serbia's regional influence in the western Balkans enhanced strategic geopolitical partnership with Russia and China during COVID-19 pandemic. This paper critically analyzes Serbia COVID-19 vaccine strategy to the public health in the western Balkans. Importantly, this paper proposes strategic policy by enhancing 'joint coordinated EU–US-western Balkans COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing production' to accelerate inoculation, address gaps on vaccine hesitancy and promote long-term post-pandemic recovery plan to build back together and achieve herd immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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7. Design and Implementation of the All of Us Research Program COVID-19 Participant Experience (COPE) Survey.
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Schulkey, Claire E, Litwin, Tamara R, Ellsworth, Genevieve, Sansbury, Heather, Ahmedani, Brian K, Choi, Karmel W, Cronin, Robert M, Kloth, Yasmin, Ashbeck, Alan W, Sutherland, Scott, Mapes, Brandy M, Begale, Mark, Bhat, Geeta, King, Paula, Marginean, Kayla, Wolfe, Keri Ann, Kouame, Aymone, Raquel, Carmina, Ratsimbazafy, Francis, and Bornemeier, Zach
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COVID-19 ,SOCIAL determinants of health ,SUBSTANCE abuse ,COVID-19 vaccines ,MENTAL health ,PUBLIC health ,CULTURAL pluralism ,EXPERIENCE ,SURVEYS ,PHYSICAL activity ,HUMAN services programs ,LONELINESS ,COVID-19 testing ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
In response to the rapidly evolving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the All of Us Research Program longitudinal cohort study developed the COVID-19 Participant Experience (COPE) survey to better understand the pandemic experiences and health impacts of COVID-19 on diverse populations within the United States. Six survey versions were deployed between May 2020 and March 2021, covering mental health, loneliness, activity, substance use, and discrimination, as well as COVID-19 symptoms, testing, treatment, and vaccination. A total of 104,910 All of Us Research Program participants, of whom over 73% were from communities traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research, completed 275,201 surveys; 9,693 completed all 6 surveys. Response rates varied widely among demographic groups and were lower among participants from certain racial and ethnic minority populations, participants with low income or educational attainment, and participants with a Spanish language preference. Survey modifications improved participant response rates between the first and last surveys (13.9% to 16.1%, P < 0.001). This paper describes a data set with longitudinal COVID-19 survey data in a large, diverse population that will enable researchers to address important questions related to the pandemic, a data set that is of additional scientific value when combined with the program's other data sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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8. Health innovations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: perspectives from the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
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Elden, N M K, Mandil, A M A, Hegazy, A A, Nagy, N, Mabry, R M, and Khairy, W A
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SYSTEMATIC reviews ,MOBILE apps ,PUBLIC health ,DIGITAL health ,MEDICAL care ,SMARTPHONES ,HUMAN services programs ,MEDICAL protocols ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,LITERATURE reviews ,MEDICAL informatics ,DATA analysis software ,DIFFUSION of innovations ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
Background This paper aims to document the numerous health innovations developed in response to the COVID-19 crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) using a scoping review approach. Methods A literature search was conducted using PubMed, the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, the Index Medicus for EMR to identify peer-reviewed articles between December 2019 and November 2020 and WHO and ministries of health websites for grey literature. Following an initial review, full-text screening identified studies reporting on health innovations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. Results This review describes 82 health innovations reported from 20 countries across the region: 80% (n = 66) were digital and technology-based products and services including health care delivery (n = 25), public health informatics (n = 24) and prevention (n = 17); 20% (n = 16) were innovative processes including health care delivery (n = 8), educational programmes (n = 6) and community engagement (n = 2). Conclusion The speed with which these technologies were deployed in different contexts demonstrates their ease of adoption and manageability and thus can be considered as the most scalable. Strengthened frameworks to protect users' privacy, documentation and evaluation of impact of innovations, and training of health care professionals are fundamental for promoting health innovations in the EMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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9. 'new normal' in time of COVID-19: a response to Cordero.
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Corpuz, Jeff Clyde G
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MEDICAL masks ,PUBLIC health ,LEARNING strategies ,SOCIAL isolation ,STAY-at-home orders ,COVID-19 pandemic - Published
- 2022
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10. Blockchain and population health.
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Gaynor, Mark, BeLue, Rhonda, Tuttle-Newhall, J E, Martin, Maxwell, Patejdl, Frank, and Vogt, Clare
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POPULATION health management ,PUBLIC health surveillance ,DATA science ,BLOCKCHAINS ,DIGITAL technology ,PUBLIC health ,DATABASE management ,CONCEPTUAL structures ,DATA security ,QUALITY assurance ,TECHNOLOGY ,CONTACT tracing ,COVID-19 pandemic ,TELEMEDICINE - Abstract
Background Blockchain technology has made great strides in many industries but has yet to impact the world of public health. Population health issues such as outbreak surveillance and controlled substance tracking during emergencies all require a secure, easily accessible database. While the healthcare industry is typically slow to adapt to change, blockchain technology lends itself well to many healthcare issues. Methods We utilized a 3D framework using difficulty, novelty and necessity to examine the adoption of blockchain technology in population health, based on the 2D framework of difficulty and novelty as driving factors for the development of foundational technologies in the world of business by Iansiti and Lakhani in The Harvard Business Review. Results We find that by implementing the third dimension of necessity into an evaluation framework, we can better predict the adoption of technology. We found how different areas of population health fit into the evaluation framework and how necessity can eliminate barriers from implementing novel technologies. Conclusion The byproduct of this paper will be the extension of the Iansiti and Lakhani framework. We will show that blockchain, in all of these domains, shows promise to improve population health as we move past COVID-19 and into the future of healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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11. ASEAN way on COVID-19 emergency vaccine strategy.
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Cardenas, Nicky C
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PATIENCE ,IMMUNIZATION ,STRATEGIC planning ,COVID-19 vaccines ,PUBLIC health ,MEDICAL protocols ,PREVENTIVE health services ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
The article presents the discussion on Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) centrality playing a significant role addressing COVID-19 relief. Topics include public health security among vulnerable communities in Southeast Asia through cross-border, inter-regional and joint multilateral cooperation; and COVID-19 emergency vaccine task addressing the gaps in global COVID-19 vaccine equity.
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- 2022
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12. Darwin's 'struggle for life', suffering and incompetence recognition: a philoscientific perspective on COVID-19 crisis.
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Pacaol, Niñoval F
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BIOLOGICAL evolution ,SOCIAL theory ,CRITICISM ,PRACTICAL politics ,PUBLIC health ,PUBLIC administration ,PHILOSOPHY of medicine ,GOVERNMENT policy ,SUFFERING ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
Many of the academic papers that discussed the COVID-19 pandemic sought to present a reasonable analysis of the crisis and its underlying implications in government policies (for social and environmental reformations) and individual actions either in the present context or future. This paper attempted to contextualize the COVID-19 crisis through the lens of the Darwinian struggle for life and the philosophical notion of suffering while stressing the importance of defects admission. Generally, the author argues that these concepts are the primary roots of other dimensions of COVID-19-related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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13. Beyond death and afterlife: the complicated process of grief in the time of COVID-19.
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Corpuz, Jeff Clyde G
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GRIEF ,EXTENDED families ,PUBLIC health ,PSYCHOSOCIAL factors ,INTERMENT ,DEATH ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
COVID-19 has already killed more than one million people around the world. The pandemic had a profound impact on the emotional, social and spiritual life of the public. Due to self-isolation, prohibition of mass-gatherings and quarantine protocols, hospitals and healthcare facilities are closed to visitors. Clergy members are unable to be physically present with sick in their final moments. Many families cannot say goodbye to their loved ones, many people cannot attend funeral rites and many people cannot perform their final mourning rituals. These complicated situations have not only distressed some family members but also someone who is close to death. In this time of crisis, it is important to implore the global community to reflect on the unique and unusual process of grieving. This paper is a response to the recent correspondence published in this journal where the author noted the changing landscapes of death and burial practices in the context of COVID-19. This paper further adds to the emerging and complicated process of death, dying and grief and ways of coping with loss in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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14. Vaccination of individuals lacking decision-making capacity during a public health emergency.
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Schaefer, G Owen, Johnson, Tess, Friets, Ryan, Menon, Sumytra, and Savulescu, Julian
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PUBLIC health ,VACCINATION ,CAPACITY (Law) ,DECISION making ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
This paper explores the ethical challenges in deciding whether to vaccinate individuals lacking the decision-making capacity needed to provide informed consent during a public health emergency like COVID-19. The best interests standard ordinarily governs such decisions, which under the law in jurisdictions like England, Wales and Singapore takes into account the individual's past wishes and present preferences. However, in a public health emergency, the interests of third parties become more salient: those whom the unvaccinated individual might expose to infection have an interest in the individual's being vaccinated. While current mental capacity law has not been interpreted to take such public health considerations into account, we argue that such considerations are nevertheless ethically relevant, and can legitimately be weighed up alongside other considerations such as the preferences of the individual and impacts on their health. This is most relevant for individuals lacking decision-making capacity who have previously declined or presently resist vaccination. The public health impact of vaccination may in some instances be enough to outweigh preferences of the individual and justify providing vaccination against their past or present wishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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15. Bayesian Spatiotemporal Nowcasting Model for Public Health Decision-Making and Surveillance.
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Kline, David, Hyder, Ayaz, Liu, Enhao, Rayo, Michael, Malloy, Samuel, and Root, Elisabeth
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PUBLIC health surveillance ,COVID-19 ,PUBLIC health ,UNCERTAINTY ,DECISION making ,TIME series analysis ,PREDICTION models ,POLICY sciences ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread through the United States in 2020, states began to set up alert systems to inform policy decisions and serve as risk communication tools for the general public. Many of these systems included indicators based on an assessment of trends in numbers of reported cases. However, when cases are indexed by date of disease onset, reporting delays complicate the interpretation of trends. Despite a foundation of statistical literature with which to address this problem, these methods have not been widely applied in practice. In this paper, we develop a Bayesian spatiotemporal nowcasting model for assessing trends in county-level COVID-19 cases in Ohio. We compare the performance of our model with the approach used in Ohio and the approach included in decision support materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We demonstrate gains in performance while still retaining interpretability using our model. In addition, we are able to fully account for uncertainty in both the time series of cases and the reporting process. While we cannot eliminate all of the uncertainty in public health surveillance and subsequent decision-making, we must use approaches that embrace these challenges and deliver more accurate and honest assessments to policy-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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16. Redefining public health and sustainable economy: Covid-19 from pandemic to endemic.
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Deguma, Jabin J, Capuno, Reylan G, Manguilimotan, Ramil P, Padillo, Gengen G, and Deguma, Melona C
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PUBLIC health ,EPIDEMICS ,SUSTAINABLE development ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
With the recent claim that the maintenance of population immunity will not depend on continued vaccinations but on the endemic presence of the virus, the proper understanding of the value of public health allows us to configure human living conditions as it thrives in a world where the novel Corona Virus Disease in 2019 (Covid-19) becomes endemic. World leaders and economic managers need to redefine public health not just as a means that enables economic productivity but as a substantially primordial goal—an end that every functional society must achieve via living an economically sustainable lifestyle. This paper argues that economic and societal sustainability thus must be framed and delimited within the human ecological boundary—a crucial viewpoint that could sustain public health amid a Covid-19 endemic world while preventing another viral pandemic from occurring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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17. Self-actualization towards positive well-being: combating despair during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Castillo, Fides A del
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WELL-being ,SOCIAL determinants of health ,MENTAL depression ,COVID-19 pandemic ,MENTAL illness ,SPIRITUAL care (Medical care) - Abstract
The pandemic has brought great distress to the majority of the population in the world. Some adverse effects of the pandemic are depression and other mental illnesses. To attain positive well-being, self-actualization in the social determinants of health plays a crucial role. This paper hopes to contribute to the fight against despair during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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18. An alliance with public health in pursuit of COVID-19 evidence.
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Walker, Inna, Powers, Cassandra, Fortescue-Webb, Duncan, Montague, Chloe, Skidmore, Angela, Walker-Bone, Karen, and Fraser, Simon
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COVID-19 ,MEDICAL personnel ,PUBLIC health ,MEDICAL sciences ,COVID-19 pandemic - Published
- 2020
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19. 1170Investigation of COVID-19 outbreak in a South West State of Nigeria: Preliminary findings.
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Adejugbagbe, Adewale Moses, Isere, Elvis Efe, Fagbemi, Aderonke Tolulope, Fagbemi, Stephen, Famokun, Adekunle Gboyega, Omoju, Temitope Olajumoke, and Adegbenro, Wahab
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MEDICAL personnel ,COVID-19 pandemic ,COVID-19 ,COUGH ,SYMPTOMS ,PUBLIC health ,RESPIRATORY diseases - Abstract
Background The COVID-19 outbreak is increasing and spreading rapidly globally, with over 20 million cases and 800, 000 thousand deaths reported in 216 countries as of 28
th August 2020. Since the report of the index case in Nigeria in February 2020 by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), daily records of confirmed cases have been reported in all states in the country. On 3rd April 2020, an outbreak of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria. Field investigations were conducted by the State Ministry of Health (MoH) to identify and confirm additional cases. This paper provides the outcome of the epidemiological investigation of the outbreak to further guide outbreak response activities. Methods Outbreak settings Ondo State is in the South-West Zone of Nigeria with her capital at Akure. The State is situated between longitudes 40 151E and 60 001E of the Greenwich median and latitudes 50 451N and 70 451 N, which are to the North of the equator in the Southwestern geopolitical zones of the country. Field Investigation The investigation was conducted as part of outbreak control and response measures hence permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Ondo State Ministry of Health (OSMoH). Following an alert from clinicians at a government-owned Hospital, Akure, Ondo State on 30 March 2020, the index case of COVID-19, a 34-year-old male with recent travel history to India was investigated. He arrived at Ondo State on 21st March 2020 and presented at the hospital with cough, sore throat and running nose with the onset of symptoms on 23rd March 2020. The State public health emergency Rapid Response Team (RRT) comprising of Commissioner for Health, State Epidemiologist, State and LGA surveillance officers, and health development partners in the state visited the hospital to investigate and implement public health response. Nasopharygeal and oropharyngeal samples were collected and tested for COVID-19, and returned positive from the national reference laboratory on the 3rd of April 2020. Operational definitions During the onset of the outbreak, three categories of case definitions for COVID-19 were used to guide the outbreak investigations according to the Nigeria Center for Diseases Control (NCDC) guidelines. Suspect case: (1) This is a patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/ symptom of respiratory disease (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) and a history of travel to or residence in a country/area or territory reporting local transmission of COVID-19 disease during the 14 days prior to symptom onset; (2) or a patient/health care worker with any acute respiratory illness and has been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms; (3) or a patient with a severe acute respiratory infection (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) and requiring hospitalization and with no other aetiology that fully explains the clinical presentation; (4) or a case for whom testing for COVID-19 is inconclusive. Confirmed case: A person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms. Probable case: Any suspected case for whom testing for COVID-19 is indeterminate test result or for whom testing was positive on a pan-coronavirus assay Data analysis The State COVID-19 line-list and case investigation forms of all COVID-19 cases from 19th March to 9th August 2020 were retrieved from the state disease surveillance unit, information on key variables were extracted and exported into SPSS version 20 and analyzed. Descriptive statistics such as frequency table, mean (standard deviation) and charts were used to describe key variables including LGA, age, sex, occupation and education and clinical conditions of cases. The week of report of cases and outcomes were used to generate the epidemic curve. The Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables including the socio-demographic characteristics, clinical condition and outcome of cases. Two-sided P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Socio-demographic characteristics of cases A total of 4353 suspected cases were reported and tested for COVID-19, of which 1316 COVID-19 cases were confirmed, with a case fatality rate of 2.2% recorded in 7 of the 17 Local Government Areas that reported at least a confirmed case (Figure 1). Most of the confirmed cases (1169; 88.8%), resides in urban areas (LGAs) (Table 1). Majority [1110 (84.3%)] were within the age group 20 to 59 years, with a mean age of 37.8 ±14.8 years. Males (713; 54.2%) were more affected compare to females (603; 45.8). More than three quarters (1009; 76.7%) of the cases had a tertiary level of education. Health care workers (404; 30.7%) were most affected compared to other professionals as shown in Table 1. 1170 Figure 1: Open in new tab Download slide Distribution of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ondo state, March to August 2020 1170 Figure 1: Open in new tab Download slide Distribution of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ondo state, March to August 2020 1170 Table 1: Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents N = 1316 Variable. Frequency. Percentage. Age in years <5 18 1.4 5-19 84 6.4 20-39 666 50.6 40-59 444 33.7 60-79 96 7.3 ≥80 8 0.6 Gender Male 713 54.2 Female 603 45.8 Location of cases Rural 147 11.2 Urban 1169 88.8 Type of Education None 15 1.1 Nursery 8 0.6 Primary 80 6.1 Secondary 204 15.5 Tertiary 1009 76.7 Occupation Health workers 404 30.7 Businessman and woman 225 17.1 Civil servant 168 12.8 Others 182 13.8 Pupil/Student 129 9.8 Political office Holders 77 5.9 Engineer 48 3.6 Religious/traditional leader 24 1.8 Banker 24 1.8 Security officer 35 2.7 Variable. Frequency. Percentage. Age in years <5 18 1.4 5-19 84 6.4 20-39 666 50.6 40-59 444 33.7 60-79 96 7.3 ≥80 8 0.6 Gender Male 713 54.2 Female 603 45.8 Location of cases Rural 147 11.2 Urban 1169 88.8 Type of Education None 15 1.1 Nursery 8 0.6 Primary 80 6.1 Secondary 204 15.5 Tertiary 1009 76.7 Occupation Health workers 404 30.7 Businessman and woman 225 17.1 Civil servant 168 12.8 Others 182 13.8 Pupil/Student 129 9.8 Political office Holders 77 5.9 Engineer 48 3.6 Religious/traditional leader 24 1.8 Banker 24 1.8 Security officer 35 2.7 Open in new tab 1170 Table 1: Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents N = 1316 Variable. Frequency. Percentage. Age in years <5 18 1.4 5-19 84 6.4 20-39 666 50.6 40-59 444 33.7 60-79 96 7.3 ≥80 8 0.6 Gender Male 713 54.2 Female 603 45.8 Location of cases Rural 147 11.2 Urban 1169 88.8 Type of Education None 15 1.1 Nursery 8 0.6 Primary 80 6.1 Secondary 204 15.5 Tertiary 1009 76.7 Occupation Health workers 404 30.7 Businessman and woman 225 17.1 Civil servant 168 12.8 Others 182 13.8 Pupil/Student 129 9.8 Political office Holders 77 5.9 Engineer 48 3.6 Religious/traditional leader 24 1.8 Banker 24 1.8 Security officer 35 2.7 Variable. Frequency. Percentage. Age in years <5 18 1.4 5-19 84 6.4 20-39 666 50.6 40-59 444 33.7 60-79 96 7.3 ≥80 8 0.6 Gender Male 713 54.2 Female 603 45.8 Location of cases Rural 147 11.2 Urban 1169 88.8 Type of Education None 15 1.1 Nursery 8 0.6 Primary 80 6.1 Secondary 204 15.5 Tertiary 1009 76.7 Occupation Health workers 404 30.7 Businessman and woman 225 17.1 Civil servant 168 12.8 Others 182 13.8 Pupil/Student 129 9.8 Political office Holders 77 5.9 Engineer 48 3.6 Religious/traditional leader 24 1.8 Banker 24 1.8 Security officer 35 2.7 Open in new tab Admission and clinical conditions of confirmed cases From Table 2 , 88 (6.7%) of the confirmed cases were admitted as inpatient during investigation, while 325 (24.7%) were symptomatic. The first symptom reported by cases were as follows; cough (98; 30.2%), fever (74; 22.8%), headache (30; 9.2%), runny nose (39; 12.0%), sore throat (24; 7.4%) and difficulty in breathing (15; 4.6%). 1170 Table 2: Admission and clinical conditions of confirmed cases. Frequency. Percentage. Admitted as inpatient before lab testing Yes 88 6.7 No 1228 93.3 Symptomatic Yes 325 24.7 No 991 75.3 First symptom reported by respondents (n = 325) Cough 98 30.2 Fever 74 22.8 Headache 30 9.2 Runny nose 39 12.0 Sore throat/pharyngitis 24 7.4 Difficulty breathing 15 4.6 New loss of taste 9 2.7 New loss of smell 8 2.5 Chest pain 7 2.2 General Body weakness 6 1.8 Others 15 4.6 Outcome Alive 1287 97.8 Dead 29 2.2 . Frequency. Percentage. Admitted as inpatient before lab testing Yes 88 6.7 No 1228 93.3 Symptomatic Yes 325 24.7 No 991 75.3 First symptom reported by respondents (n = 325) Cough 98 30.2 Fever 74 22.8 Headache 30 9.2 Runny nose 39 12.0 Sore throat/pharyngitis 24 7.4 Difficulty breathing 15 4.6 New loss of taste 9 2.7 New loss of smell 8 2.5 Chest pain 7 2.2 General Body weakness 6 1.8 Others 15 4.6 Outcome Alive 1287 97.8 Dead 29 2.2 Others= abdominal pain; chills/sweats; joint pain; inability to walk; Nausea Open in new tab 1170 Table 2: Admission and clinical conditions of confirmed cases. Frequency. Percentage. Admitted as inpatient before lab testing Yes 88 6.7 No 1228 93.3 Symptomatic Yes 325 24.7 No 991 75.3 First symptom reported by respondents (n = 325) Cough 98 30.2 Fever 74 22.8 Headache 30 9.2 Runny nose 39 12.0 Sore throat/pharyngitis 24 7.4 Difficulty breathing 15 4.6 New loss of taste 9 2.7 New loss of smell 8 2.5 Chest pain 7 2.2 General Body weakness 6 1.8 Others 15 4.6 Outcome Alive 1287 97.8 Dead 29 2.2 . Frequency. Percentage. Admitted as inpatient before lab testing Yes 88 6.7 No 1228 93.3 Symptomatic Yes 325 24.7 No 991 75.3 First symptom reported by respondents (n = 325) Cough 98 30.2 Fever 74 22.8 Headache 30 9.2 Runny nose 39 12.0 Sore throat/pharyngitis 24 7.4 Difficulty breathing 15 4.6 New loss of taste 9 2.7 New loss of smell 8 2.5 Chest pain 7 2.2 General Body weakness 6 1.8 Others 15 4.6 Outcome Alive 1287 97.8 Dead 29 2.2 Others= abdominal pain; chills/sweats; joint pain; inability to walk; Nausea Open in new tab Figure 2 described the epidemic curve of the outbreak from March to August 2020. The index case was confirmed on April 4, 2020. Thereafter, there was a surge in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases with the outbreak reaching its peak on July 2, 2020. Afterwards, fluctuations in the number of cases were observed before a steady decline was recorded between August 3, 2020 and August 9, 2020. 1170 Figure 2 Open in new tab Download slide Epi-Curve of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ondo State, March to August 2020 1170 Figure 2 Open in new tab Download slide Epi-Curve of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ondo State, March to August 2020 Association between socio-demographic characteristics, clinical conditions and outcomes of cases In Table 3 , significant proportion of death occurred among cases within the age group 60 years and above (14; 13.5%) compared to other age groups (p < 0.001). Death occurred more among males (26; 3.6%) compared to the females (3; 0.5%) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, symptomatic cases had higher proportion (27; 8.3%) of deaths compared to asymptomatic cases (2; 0.2%) (P < 0.001). Among the symptomatic cases, a high proportion of death was found among those with difficulty in breathing (3; 20%), fever (11; 14.9%), new loss of taste (1; 11.1%), cough (9; 9.2%) and sore throat (2; 8.3%) (P < 0.001) 1170 Table 3: Association between socio-demographic characteristics and outcomes of cases Variable. Outcome. . Total. P-value. Dead. Alive. Age in years <5 0 (0.0) 18 (100.0) 18 <0.001 5-19 0 (0.0) 84 (100.0) 84 20-39 2 (0.3) 664 (99.7) 666 40-59 13 (2.9) 431 (97.1) 444 ≥60 14 (13.5) 90 (86.5) 104 Gender Male 26 (3.6) 687 (96.4) 713 <0.001 Female 3 (0.5) 600 (99.5) 603 Location of cases Rural 5 (3.4) 142 (96.6) 147 0.294 Urban 24 (2.1) 1145 (97.9) 1169 Type of Education None 1 (6.7) 14 (93.3) 15 0.630 Nursery 0 (0.0) 8 (100.0) 8 Primary 3 (3.8) 77 (96.2) 80 Secondary 4 (2.0) 200 (98.0) 204 Tertiary 21 (2.1) 988 (97.9) 1009 Occupation Health workers 2 (0.5) 402 (99.5) 24 Businessman and woman 14 (6.2) 211 (93.8) 225 Civil servant 1 (0.6) 167 (99.4) 168 <0.001 Others 10 (5.5) 172 (94.5) 182 Pupil/Student 0 (0.0) 129 (100.0) 129 Politician 0 (0.0) 77 (100.0) 77 Engineer 0 (0.0) 48 (100.0) 48 Religious/traditional ruler 2 (8.3) 22 (91.7) 24 Banker 0 (0.0) 24 (100.0) 24 Security officer 0 (0.0) 35 (100.0) 35 Symptomatic Yes 27 (8.3) 298 (91.7) 325 <0.001 No 2 (0.2) 989 (99.8) 991 First symptom N = 325 Cough 9 (9.2) 89 (90.8) 98 Fever 11 (14.9) 63 (85.1) 74 <0.001 Headache 1 (3.3) 29 (96.7) 30 Running nose 0 (0.0) 39 (100.0) 39 Sore throat 2 (8.3) 22 (91.7) 24 New loss of taste 1 (11.1) 8 (88.9) 9 Difficulty in breathing 3 (20.0) 12 (80.0) 15 New loss of smell 0 (0.0) 5 (100.0) 5 Others 0 (0.0) 31 (100.0) 31 Variable. Outcome. . Total. P-value. Dead. Alive. Age in years <5 0 (0.0) 18 (100.0) 18 <0.001 5-19 0 (0.0) 84 (100.0) 84 20-39 2 (0.3) 664 (99.7) 666 40-59 13 (2.9) 431 (97.1) 444 ≥60 14 (13.5) 90 (86.5) 104 Gender Male 26 (3.6) 687 (96.4) 713 <0.001 Female 3 (0.5) 600 (99.5) 603 Location of cases Rural 5 (3.4) 142 (96.6) 147 0.294 Urban 24 (2.1) 1145 (97.9) 1169 Type of Education None 1 (6.7) 14 (93.3) 15 0.630 Nursery 0 (0.0) 8 (100.0) 8 Primary 3 (3.8) 77 (96.2) 80 Secondary 4 (2.0) 200 (98.0) 204 Tertiary 21 (2.1) 988 (97.9) 1009 Occupation Health workers 2 (0.5) 402 (99.5) 24 Businessman and woman 14 (6.2) 211 (93.8) 225 Civil servant 1 (0.6) 167 (99.4) 168 <0.001 Others 10 (5.5) 172 (94.5) 182 Pupil/Student 0 (0.0) 129 (100.0) 129 Politician 0 (0.0) 77 (100.0) 77 Engineer 0 (0.0) 48 (100.0) 48 Religious/traditional ruler 2 (8.3) 22 (91.7) 24 Banker 0 (0.0) 24 (100.0) 24 Security officer 0 (0.0) 35 (100.0) 35 Symptomatic Yes 27 (8.3) 298 (91.7) 325 <0.001 No 2 (0.2) 989 (99.8) 991 First symptom N = 325 Cough 9 (9.2) 89 (90.8) 98 Fever 11 (14.9) 63 (85.1) 74 <0.001 Headache 1 (3.3) 29 (96.7) 30 Running nose 0 (0.0) 39 (100.0) 39 Sore throat 2 (8.3) 22 (91.7) 24 New loss of taste 1 (11.1) 8 (88.9) 9 Difficulty in breathing 3 (20.0) 12 (80.0) 15 New loss of smell 0 (0.0) 5 (100.0) 5 Others 0 (0.0) 31 (100.0) 31 Others = chest pain, diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, malaise, nausea, vomiting Open in new tab 1170 Table 3: Association between socio-demographic characteristics and outcomes of cases Variable. Outcome. . Total. P-value. Dead. Alive. Age in years <5 0 (0.0) 18 (100.0) 18 <0.001 5-19 0 (0.0) 84 (100.0) 84 20-39 2 (0.3) 664 (99.7) 666 40-59 13 (2.9) 431 (97.1) 444 ≥60 14 (13.5) 90 (86.5) 104 Gender Male 26 (3.6) 687 (96.4) 713 <0.001 Female 3 (0.5) 600 (99.5) 603 Location of cases Rural 5 (3.4) 142 (96.6) 147 0.294 Urban 24 (2.1) 1145 (97.9) 1169 Type of Education None 1 (6.7) 14 (93.3) 15 0.630 Nursery 0 (0.0) 8 (100.0) 8 Primary 3 (3.8) 77 (96.2) 80 Secondary 4 (2.0) 200 (98.0) 204 Tertiary 21 (2.1) 988 (97.9) 1009 Occupation Health workers 2 (0.5) 402 (99.5) 24 Businessman and woman 14 (6.2) 211 (93.8) 225 Civil servant 1 (0.6) 167 (99.4) 168 <0.001 Others 10 (5.5) 172 (94.5) 182 Pupil/Student 0 (0.0) 129 (100.0) 129 Politician 0 (0.0) 77 (100.0) 77 Engineer 0 (0.0) 48 (100.0) 48 Religious/traditional ruler 2 (8.3) 22 (91.7) 24 Banker 0 (0.0) 24 (100.0) 24 Security officer 0 (0.0) 35 (100.0) 35 Symptomatic Yes 27 (8.3) 298 (91.7) 325 <0.001 No 2 (0.2) 989 (99.8) 991 First symptom N = 325 Cough 9 (9.2) 89 (90.8) 98 Fever 11 (14.9) 63 (85.1) 74 <0.001 Headache 1 (3.3) 29 (96.7) 30 Running nose 0 (0.0) 39 (100.0) 39 Sore throat 2 (8.3) 22 (91.7) 24 New loss of taste 1 (11.1) 8 (88.9) 9 Difficulty in breathing 3 (20.0) 12 (80.0) 15 New loss of smell 0 (0.0) 5 (100.0) 5 Others 0 (0.0) 31 (100.0) 31 Variable. Outcome. . Total. P-value. Dead. Alive. Age in years <5 0 (0.0) 18 (100.0) 18 <0.001 5-19 0 (0.0) 84 (100.0) 84 20-39 2 (0.3) 664 (99.7) 666 40-59 13 (2.9) 431 (97.1) 444 ≥60 14 (13.5) 90 (86.5) 104 Gender Male 26 (3.6) 687 (96.4) 713 <0.001 Female 3 (0.5) 600 (99.5) 603 Location of cases Rural 5 (3.4) 142 (96.6) 147 0.294 Urban 24 (2.1) 1145 (97.9) 1169 Type of Education None 1 (6.7) 14 (93.3) 15 0.630 Nursery 0 (0.0) 8 (100.0) 8 Primary 3 (3.8) 77 (96.2) 80 Secondary 4 (2.0) 200 (98.0) 204 Tertiary 21 (2.1) 988 (97.9) 1009 Occupation Health workers 2 (0.5) 402 (99.5) 24 Businessman and woman 14 (6.2) 211 (93.8) 225 Civil servant 1 (0.6) 167 (99.4) 168 <0.001 Others 10 (5.5) 172 (94.5) 182 Pupil/Student 0 (0.0) 129 (100.0) 129 Politician 0 (0.0) 77 (100.0) 77 Engineer 0 (0.0) 48 (100.0) 48 Religious/traditional ruler 2 (8.3) 22 (91.7) 24 Banker 0 (0.0) 24 (100.0) 24 Security officer 0 (0.0) 35 (100.0) 35 Symptomatic Yes 27 (8.3) 298 (91.7) 325 <0.001 No 2 (0.2) 989 (99.8) 991 First symptom N = 325 Cough 9 (9.2) 89 (90.8) 98 Fever 11 (14.9) 63 (85.1) 74 <0.001 Headache 1 (3.3) 29 (96.7) 30 Running nose 0 (0.0) 39 (100.0) 39 Sore throat 2 (8.3) 22 (91.7) 24 New loss of taste 1 (11.1) 8 (88.9) 9 Difficulty in breathing 3 (20.0) 12 (80.0) 15 New loss of smell 0 (0.0) 5 (100.0) 5 Others 0 (0.0) 31 (100.0) 31 Others = chest pain, diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, malaise, nausea, vomiting Open in new tab Conclusions The outcome of this investigation indicating high transmission among urban residence and health care workers are key public health concerns in the response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Ondo State, Nigeria. Furthermore, high case mortality among the older age groups requires public health intervention. Thus, we recommend intensified risk communication, enhanced surveillance activities, and use of community structures such as community and religious leaders, market and commercial vehicles associations, Ward Development Committee (WDC) and Village Development Committee (VDC) to ensure compliance with public health COVID-19 preventive measures particularly in the urban areas and among those facing a high risk of death. Furthermore, there is a need to prioritize public health interventions including training and vaccination among the vulnerable groups including health care workers who serve as front liners during case investigation, testing and case management. Key messages Enforcement of public health preventive measures particularly in urban settings, and supporting government to strengthen and monitor Infection Prevention and Control practices in hospital settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
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20. role of 'Alay Kapwa Spirituality' amid COVID-19 pandemic.
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Rosales, Renniel Jayson Jacinto and Agena, Kristel Eunice Geroleo
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WELL-being ,SPIRITUALITY ,CHARITIES ,PUBLIC health ,COVID-19 pandemic ,SOCIAL responsibility - Abstract
The importance of spiritual nourishment has become the hope of the people in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This spiritual side of the people must be in tandem with the social responsibility for those in need. Dealing with both spiritual and social responsibilities points out the 'Alay Kapwa Spirituality'. Thus, in both spiritual and social aspects, this paper highlights that practicing 'Alay Kapwa Spirituality' in the time of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic is highly useful response in satisfying one's spiritual thirst and social responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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21. The role of 'Alay Kapwa Spirituality' amid COVID-19 pandemic.
- Author
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Rosales, Renniel Jayson Jacinto and Agena, Kristel Eunice Geroleo
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WELL-being ,SPIRITUALITY ,CHARITY ,PUBLIC health ,COVID-19 pandemic ,SOCIAL responsibility - Abstract
The importance of spiritual nourishment has become the hope of the people in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This spiritual side of the people must be in tandem with the social responsibility for those in need. Dealing with both spiritual and social responsibilities points out the 'Alay Kapwa Spirituality'. Thus, in both spiritual and social aspects, this paper highlights that practicing 'Alay Kapwa Spirituality' in the time of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic is highly useful response in satisfying one's spiritual thirst and social responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. No-jab, no-job clause: ethical issues and legal impediments.
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Corpuz, Jeff Clyde G
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COVID-19 vaccines ,PUBLIC health ,EMPLOYMENT ,LABOR market ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
Vaccination is considered to be one of the greatest public health achievements in the 20th century. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has triggered a worldwide debate and legal exemption of vaccination and its possible consequences. Now that COVID-19 vaccination programme has started, there is immense pressure from the general public. Following the recent correspondence where the authors have rightly stated the need to take seriously the ethical issues under the COVID-19 vaccination, this paper highlights the ethical and legal impediments of 'no-jab, no-job clause' arising in many countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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23. Cautious and gradual reopening of limited face-to-face classes in Philippine tertiary schools.
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Gopez, Jose Ma W
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SAFETY ,STUDENT health ,SCHOOL environment ,UNIVERSITY & college administration ,TEACHING methods ,RE-entry students ,MEDICAL protocols ,HIGH school administration ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
In a recent correspondence, the authors suggested that secondary schools must adhere to health protocols and national and international guidelines so that the delivery of face-to-face classes will not risk students' and educators' health. With this, this paper proposes that even in higher education, a well-planned execution of face-to-face classes must be done. Thus, the gradual reopening of face-to-face classes becomes a necessity in order to gain a sense of normalcy in the middle of a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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24. Culture as a contributory factor in combatting the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Author
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Lagman, James Darwin N, Vergara, Raymond John D, and Sarmiento, Philip Joseph D
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CULTURE ,HEALTH policy ,COVID-19 ,PUBLIC administration ,WORLD health ,COVID-19 pandemic ,CULTURAL values - Abstract
In a recent correspondence, the racial disparity was discussed regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices related to COVID-19. This paper highlights culture as a contributory factor in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic that is to be considered by each government around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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25. Anticipatory grieving and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Yap, John Federick C, Garcia, Louiegi L, Alfaro, Ramilyn A, and Sarmiento, Philip Joseph D
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FAMILIES & psychology ,INTERMENT laws ,COVID-19 ,GOVERNMENT regulation ,PUBLIC health ,ANTICIPATORY grief ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,PHILOSOPHY ,BEREAVEMENT ,COVID-19 pandemic ,ATTITUDES toward death - Abstract
Recent correspondence shows that death and burial practices deem significant in understanding the meaning and acceptance of the untimely and unexpected death of a family member afflicted with the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. These, in turn, raise the need to address the anticipatory grieving process of the family. This paper examines the importance of anticipatory grieving that ultimately affects the lives of the family of the bereaved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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26. Health, spirituality and Covid-19: Themes and insights.
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Castillo, Fides A del
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WELL-being ,SPIRITUALITY ,SERIAL publications ,PUBLIC health ,SPIRITUAL healing ,HOLISTIC medicine ,HOPE ,HEALTH ,AT-risk people ,THEMATIC analysis ,COVID-19 pandemic ,SPIRITUAL care (Medical care) - Abstract
Current researches reveal the intimate link between health and spirituality. Among vulnerable populations, spirituality serves a critical purpose in a person's well-being. One of the many established values of spirituality is that it helps people to deal with major life stressors. This has become more pronounced as the world grapples with the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. This paper explores the themes and insights from recent scholarly articles on health and spirituality as well as highlights the importance of spiritual care to human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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27. Population health information research infrastructure—from data to public health actions.
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Schutte, Nienke, Bogaert, Petronille, Saso, Miriam, and Oyen, Herman Van
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DIFFUSION of innovations ,POPULATION health ,HEALTH policy ,ELECTRONIC data interchange ,RESEARCH ,HEALTH information systems ,PUBLIC health ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
The authors introduce the issue, themed From Data to Public Health Actions, which features work conducted by the Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI). Topics discussed include an overview of PHIRI, essential pillars covered by PHIRI to support strong and resilient HIS and research for evidence-based policy making across Europe, and role of PHIRI in the implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS).
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- 2024
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28. dignified death: management of dead bodies during COVID-19.
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Corpuz, Jeff Clyde G
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DISASTERS & psychology ,GRIEF ,PUBLIC health ,FUNERAL industry ,DEATH ,INTERMENT ,RESPECT ,MASS casualties ,COVID-19 pandemic ,SPIRITUAL care (Medical care) - Abstract
The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has caused unprecedented challenge to manage the bodies of the dead. The disposal of the dead becomes a challenge as there is a shortage of coffins, and crematoriums are overwhelmed. A recent correspondence published in the Journal of Public Health highlighted the importance of performing the last rites in a time of COVID-19 pandemic. This paper argues that the bodies of those who have died because of COVID-19 should be treated with respect and dignity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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29. US-European and ASEAN strategic plan on COVID-19: a proposed multilateral diplomacy.
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Cardenas, Nicky C
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STRATEGIC planning ,LEADERSHIP ,PUBLIC health ,PUBLIC administration ,HUMAN services programs ,COVID-19 pandemic - Published
- 2022
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30. The legal and medical necessity of abortion care amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Donley, Greer, Chen, Beatrice A, and Borrero, Sonya
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COVID-19 pandemic ,ABORTION ,CIVIL rights ,PUBLIC health ,EMERGENCY medical services - Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, states have ordered the cessation of non-essential healthcare. Unfortunately, many conservative states have sought to capitalize on those orders to halt abortion care. In this short paper, we argue that abortion should not fall under any state's non-essential healthcare order. Major medical organizations recognize that abortion is essential healthcare that must be provided even in a pandemic, and the law recognizes abortion as a time-sensitive constitutional right. Finally, we examine the constitutional arguments as to why enforcing these orders against abortion providers should not stand constitutional scrutiny. We conclude that no public health purpose can be served by this application because abortion uses less scarce resources and involves fewer contacts with healthcare professionals than prenatal care and delivery assistance, which is continuing to be provided in this public health emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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31. Unamuno on suffering and Frankl's 'will to meaning': a philo-logotherapeutic advice to humankind here and beyond and the role of social relations towards mental fitness.
- Author
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Pacaol, Niñoval F
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HAPPINESS ,MENTAL health ,PUBLIC health ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,SUFFERING ,PHILOSOPHY ,SOCIAL skills ,COVID-19 pandemic ,PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience - Abstract
Humankind is both historically and existentially exposed to various traumatic and disastrous experiences including the COVID-19 pandemic. The Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno argued that part of humans' consciousness is the awareness of death and suffering. He argued that the latter is an essential feature of existence. Whereas Viktor Frankl's logotherapy stresses that humans' primary motivational force is to find meaning in life particularly in the midst of suffering. This paper attempts to enrich Unamuno and Frankl's contentions on persons' nature to suffer and discover meaning. Through this construction, the author believes it could help individuals to properly embrace and adapt to the inevitable sufferings of the world and bolsters mental health like in the current pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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32. From leisure to isolation: a call to explore hotel sectors' role during COVID-19 pandemic.
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Aquino, Jay A, Banal, Jeffrey T, Pablo, Felipe B, David, Joy D, and Sarmiento, Philip Joseph D
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LEISURE ,SOCIAL role ,QUARANTINE ,SOCIAL isolation ,EMPLOYEE assistance programs ,HOTELS ,GOVERNMENT agencies ,CORPORATIONS ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,TOURISM ,ISOLATION (Hospital care) ,COVID-19 pandemic ,SOCIAL responsibility - Abstract
In a recent correspondence, authors discussed the role of private companies in fulfilling their corporate social responsibility (CSR) by coming up with their own vaccination program for their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper supports the invitation for companies to act in accordance with their CSR and by emphasizing the various roles of companies just like what selected hotels do as isolation and quarantine facilities during the pandemic. However, certain considerations and issues must also be addressed by hotel sectors in accomplishing their CSR especially in time of public health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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33. COVID-19 health information system assessments in eight European countries: identified gaps, best practices and recommendations.
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Saso, Miriam, Schutte, Nienke, Borg, Marika, Calleja, Neville, Schmidt, Andrea E, Peyroteo, Mariana, Lapão, Luís Velez, Fehr, Angela, Thißen, Martin, Courtney, Michael, and Bogaert, Petronille
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MEDICAL protocols ,RESEARCH funding ,PANDEMIC preparedness ,THEMATIC analysis ,HEALTH information systems ,PUBLIC health ,COVID-19 pandemic ,HEALTH care rationing - Abstract
Background Global threats, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, have highlighted the critical importance of robust and well-functioning health information systems (HIS) in effectively addressing public health emergencies. To enhance the understanding and the functioning of such systems, it is crucial to perform HIS assessments. This article explores key gaps and identifies best practices in the COVID-19 HIS of eight European countries. Furthermore, it provides recommendations to strengthen European systems for better pandemic preparedness. Methods Assessments were carried out in eight European countries using an adapted version of the WHO support tool to strengthen HIS and the Joint Action on Health Information assessment tool. The assessments took place between January 2022 and April 2023. Results Four main themes emerged regarding the gaps and best practices identified in the various HIS: organizational, technical, legal and resources. The results of these assessments show different approaches implemented by countries to improve their HIS and respond to the demands of the pandemic. Conclusions It is imperative for countries to draw valuable insights from the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen their HIS. This involves the adaptation or development of pandemic preparedness plans, strengthening legislative framework for data sharing and privacy protection, promotion of data standards and international definitions and implementation of a unique person identifier. Additionally, countries will have to act in this post-pandemic era and integrate the newly developed systems and innovations into existing structures, maintain and develop trust by citizens through transparent communication and engage in infodemic management and address resource gaps in the workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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34. European Health Information Training Programme: a sustainable strategy for strengthening capacity in health information.
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Peyroteo, Mariana, Maia, Mélanie R, Paulo, Marília Silva, Saso, Miriam, Schutte, Nienke, Bogaert, Petronille, Habl, Claudia, Lapão, Luís Velez, and Infrastructure, Population Health Information Research
- Subjects
HEALTH literacy ,HEALTH services accessibility ,RESEARCH funding ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,HEALTH policy ,EVALUATION of human services programs ,SCHOOLS ,POPULATION health ,WORLD health ,ELECTRONIC data interchange ,ADULT education workshops ,ABILITY ,ELECTRONIC health records ,PUBLIC health ,HEALTH promotion ,HEALTH equity ,LABOR supply ,COVID-19 pandemic ,WEBINARS ,TRAINING - Abstract
Background Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a need for a uniform approach to health information (HI) knowledge in population health analysis across Europe was evident. The Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI) emerged as a proactive initiative to strengthen European HI capacities. This article describes the achievements of PHIRI, highlighting its capacity-building activities and their contribution towards a sustainable strategy for the implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS). Methods PHIRI collaboration established a work package for skill-building activities in population health in partnership with other organizations. Activities included webinars, workshops, sessions, training schools and courses for researchers and public administration workers from Europe and beyond. The primary goal of the activities was to examine the impact of COVID-19 on European health systems at both local and national levels, including healthcare facilities and policymaking entities. Results Twelve activities were organized between October 2020 and the summer of 2023. In March 2023, the Spring School on Health Information was organized to share the knowledge achieved from PHIRI and other European Union-related projects. This event also validated the European Health Information Training Programme. Conclusions PHIRI's findings emphasized the importance of equipping the workforce with core HI skills to improve health systems' preparedness and resilience. Through this research, it is possible to propose a strategy for building capacity that emphasizes the importance of providing training in human-machine dynamics. This approach will contribute to the sustainable implementation of the EHDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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35. Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed existing patterns of non-COVID-19 health care utilization? A retrospective analysis of six regions in Europe.
- Author
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Aldridge, Sarah J, Schmidt, Andrea E, Thißen, Martin, Bernal-Delgado, Enrique, Estupiñán-Romero, Francisco, González-Galindo, Javier, Dolanski-Aghamanoukjan, Lorenz, Mathis-Edenhofer, Stefan, Buble, Tamara, Križ, Klea, Vuković, Jakov, Palmieri, Luigi, Unim, Brigid, Meulman, Iris, Owen, Rhiannon K, and Lyons, Ronan A
- Subjects
MEDICAL care use ,HEALTH services accessibility ,WOUNDS & injuries ,MYOCARDIAL infarction ,PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience ,BEHAVIOR modification ,PREDICTION models ,RESEARCH funding ,MAJOR adverse cardiovascular events ,HEALTH ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,AGE distribution ,INFORMATION resources ,CRISIS intervention (Mental health services) ,HEALTH behavior ,MEDICAL records ,ACQUISITION of data ,MEDICAL research ,ELECTIVE surgery ,PUBLIC health ,COMPARATIVE studies ,HEALTH promotion ,POSTOPERATIVE period ,COVID-19 pandemic ,REGRESSION analysis ,EMERGENCY management - Abstract
Background Resilience of national health systems in Europe remains a major concern in times of multiple crises and as more evidence is emerging relating to the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care utilization (HCU), resulting from de-prioritization of regular, non-pandemic healthcare services. Most extant studies focus on regional, disease specific or early pandemic HCU creating difficulties in comparing across multiple countries. We provide a comparatively broad definition of HCU across multiple countries, with potential to expand across regions and timeframes. Methods Using a cross-country federated research infrastructure (FRI), we examined HCU for acute cardiovascular events, elective surgeries and serious trauma. Aggregated data were used in forecast modelling to identify changes from predicted European age-standardized counts via fitted regressions (2017–19), compared against post-pandemic data. Results We found that elective surgeries were most affected, universally falling below predicted levels in 2020. For cardiovascular HCU, we found lower-than-expected cases in every region for heart attacks and displayed large sex differences. Serious trauma was the least impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion The strength of this study comes from the use of the European Population Health Information Research Infrastructure's (PHIRI) FRI, allowing for rapid analysis of regional differences to assess indirect impacts of events such as pandemics. There are marked differences in the capacity of services to return to normal in terms of elective surgery; additionally, we found considerable differences between men and women which requires further research on potential sex or gender patterns of HCU during crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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36. Vaccine nationalism: a predicament in ending the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Author
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Lagman, James Darwin N
- Subjects
VACCINATION ,IMMUNIZATION ,COVID-19 vaccines ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,PUBLIC health ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
In a recent correspondence, vaccine hesitancy and its pressing issue in possible delaying of being triumphant in the pandemic was discussed. This paper highlights vaccine nationalism as a predicament that would not just delay but worsen the present situation of the pandemic. This study suggests a global response among countries that people must see the world as a global village and as one community it must save collectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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37. No indigenous peoples left behind on the rolling out of COVID-19 vaccines: considerations and predicaments.
- Author
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Sarmiento, Philip Joseph D, Serrano, Jose P, Ignacio, Ria P, Cruz, Arlan E dela, and Leon, Jonald C De
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COVID-19 ,HEALTH services accessibility ,IMMUNIZATION ,COVID-19 vaccines ,PUBLIC health ,MEDICAL care ,MEDICAL protocols ,INDIGENOUS peoples ,HEALTH equity ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
In recent correspondences, authors emphasized the need to consider vulnerable groups such as migrants, refugees, prisoners, and persons with disabilities in the interventions and plans of government and health authorities in combatting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This paper discusses the urgent call for government and health authorities to ensure that indigenous peoples, being distinct ethnic communities, are included in the rolling out of COVID-19 vaccines with considerations to their unique culture, beliefs and traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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38. Prevention and planning as important factors in ensuring public health in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Author
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Vero, Mark Kelvin B De, Gozum, Ivan Efreaim A, and Melad, Aristothel M
- Subjects
PREVENTION of infectious disease transmission ,COVID-19 ,PUBLIC health ,EMERGENCY management ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
A recent correspondence discussed that in trying times, technology can help be applied toward epidemiology to benefit communities by building a basic surveillance system. This suggested development in Honduras can be utilized in the Philippines to improve the State's handling of health emergencies. With this, this paper accentuates the importance of prevention and planning to ensure public health in the Philippines, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Face-to-face classes during COVID-19: a call for deliberate and well-planned school health protocols in the Philippine context.
- Author
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Sarmiento, Philip Joseph D, Sarmiento, Cora Lyn T, and Tolentino, Rina Lyn B
- Subjects
STUDENT health ,TEACHING methods ,MEDICAL protocols ,LEARNING strategies ,SOCIAL distancing ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
Schooling is one of the most affected aspects of human life due to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In a recent correspondence published, the authors reminded every country of their responsibility to come up with strategies to reopen schools safely. This paper reiterates the adherence of school health protocols as significant in the delivery of face-to-face classes following national and international guidelines in mitigating the effects of COVID-19 pandemic as a public health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. The truth must prevail: citizens' rights to know the truth during the era of COVID-19.
- Author
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Sarmiento, Philip Joseph D, Yap, John Federick C, Espinosa, Kevin Aldrin G, Ignacio, Ria P, and Caro, Carisma A
- Subjects
DISCLOSURE ,PUBLIC health ,CIVIL rights ,SOFTWARE analytics ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
In a recent short report, the necessity of sophisticated practices in gathering records that would facilitate data sharing yields data-driven analysis in time of COVID-19. Consequently, there is a need to present the truth in data analytics in the era of COVID-19. This paper discusses the urgent call for people handling the COVID-19 data to be ethically responsible in their handling, processing, and reporting that impacts the lives of ordinary people especially in this time of pandemic as public health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Wounded healers: a call for spiritual care towards healthcare professionals in time of COVID-19 pandemic.
- Author
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Sarmiento, Philip Joseph D
- Subjects
WELL-being ,COVID-19 ,PUBLIC health ,OCCUPATIONAL exposure ,INDUSTRIAL hygiene ,SPIRITUAL care (Medical care) ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
In recent correspondences and articles published, the role of religious and spiritual interventions has been discussed for the attention of the medical community in the time of COVID-19 pandemic and part of these interventions is to provide spiritual care. Attention has been given to provide spiritual care among COVID-19 patients. However, there is also a dire need to offer spiritual care towards healthcare professionals because they, too, are 'wounded healers'. This paper discusses the urgent call for the medical and spiritual communities to come up with comprehensive spiritual care programme for healthcare professionals so that they may attain spiritual well-being as they serve in the frontlines, risking their lives and providing spiritual care to patients especially in this trying times of the pandemic as a public health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Changing landscapes of death and burial practices: public health response in time of COVID-19 pandemic.
- Author
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Sarmiento, Philip Joseph D
- Subjects
SPIRITUALITY ,PUBLIC health ,INTERMENT ,COVID-19 pandemic ,ATTITUDES toward death ,RELIGION - Abstract
In a recent correspondence published in this journal, the author calls for spiritual interventions for the living and the dead that be considered by the medical community especially in the time of COVID-19. This paper further elaborates on the need to consider the death and burial practices of bereaved families of patients who died of COVID-19 with strict observance of health protocols. Death and burial practices are significant moments in finding meaning for bereaved families in accepting the demise of their loved ones during this pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. 'cost of living crisis'.
- Author
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Webster, Premila
- Subjects
COST of living ,SOCIAL theory ,FOOD security ,PUBLIC health ,ECONOMICS ,POLICY sciences ,HEALTH equity ,SUSTAINABLE development ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
An editorial is presented on individuals at risk of homelessness. Topics include a situation where the cost of everyday essentials like groceries and bills rising faster than average household incomes; and United Nations Secretary-General at a press conference launching the report on the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on food security, energy, and financing.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Business sectors' initiatives on health and safety protocols and vaccination program among employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Author
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Yutuc, Alma V, Olazo, Danzen B, and Sarmiento, Philip Joseph D
- Subjects
WORK environment ,IMMUNIZATION ,INDUSTRIAL safety ,COVID-19 vaccines ,PUBLIC health ,MEDICAL protocols ,EMPLOYEES ,BUSINESS ,INDUSTRIAL hygiene ,INDUSTRIAL relations ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
In a recent correspondence, the author discussed the issues of 'no-jab, no job' policy, which is planned to be implemented by governments and companies in many countries. This paper highlights the business sectors' initiatives in ensuring the implementation of health and safety protocols and vaccination program among employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. COVID-19 pediatric vaccine authorization, FDA authority, and individual misperception of risk.
- Author
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Sax, Joanna K and Doran, Neal
- Subjects
COVID-19 vaccines ,VACCINE hesitancy ,VACCINATION of children ,RISK perception ,COVID-19 pandemic ,AGE groups - Abstract
Vaccines are one component to the public health strategies to alleviate the COVID-19 pandemic. Hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccines in the United States has been problematic, which is not surprising given increasing overall vaccine hesitancy in recent decades. Most vaccines are administered during childhood years. Consequently, understanding hesitancy toward administration of vaccines in this age group may provide insight into possible interventions to reduce vaccine hesitancy. The present study analyzed a subset of over 130,000 public comments posted in response to a notice of meeting of the vaccine advisory group to the Food and Drug Administration. The meeting addressed whether to recommend Emergency Use Authorization ('EUA') of the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5–11. The results of the study demonstrate that most comments opposed EUA and these comments were associated with statements that indicated misperceptions of risk. Findings provide interesting insights regarding the role of public comments generally but also suggest that the public participation process in notice and comment can be modified to serve as an intervention to align individual perceptions of risk more closely with evidence-based assessment of risk. In addition, the findings provide opportunities to consider strategies for public health messaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Alcohol, drug and tobacco prevention in Swedish municipalities — impact from the COVID-19 pandemic considering socio-demographic context.
- Author
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Owen, Ulrika, Månsdotter, Anna, Guldbrandsson, Karin, and Lindström, Emma
- Subjects
SUBSTANCE abuse prevention ,SMOKING prevention ,HEALTH policy ,PUBLIC health administration ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,PUBLIC health ,ALCOHOL drinking ,HEALTH behavior ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,METROPOLITAN areas ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,ODDS ratio ,COVID-19 pandemic ,BEHAVIOR modification - Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and measures to prevent the spread of the virus challenged public health practice at the local level in Sweden. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of the pandemic on the prevention of alcohol, drugs and tobacco (ADT) in Sweden during 2020–21 considering socio-demographic context. Methods Data were collected through the Public Health Agency's survey on ADT prevention in Swedish municipalities (N = 290). This study used data from 2020 and 2021, with a response rate of 90% and 88%, respectively. Survey data were analyzed in logistic regression models (odds ratios, P < 0.05, 95% confidence intervals) against variables of education level, income level and population size from national registers. Results A majority (n = 198, 76%) of the municipalities reported a decrease in ADT prevention during the pandemic. No correlation between the decrease in ADT prevention and socio-demographic conditions was detected. A majority (2020: n = 165, 63%; 2021: n = 174, 68%) of the municipalities also reported that ADT prevention was adapted, however less common in smaller municipalities and municipalities where residents had lower levels of education and lower incomes. Conclusion ADT prevention carried out by municipalities in Sweden was initially (2020) deeply affected by the preventive strategies against COVID-19. Adaptation of activities was less common in municipalities with more vulnerable socio-demographic situation. In policy, practice and research, the findings are important not only for continued progress on the national goal of equity in health but also for preparedness for future crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. COVID-19 impact on learners: challenges and responses.
- Author
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Castillo, Fides A del
- Subjects
WELL-being ,ONLINE education ,MENTAL health ,LEARNING strategies ,INTERNET access ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among the learners are shown in the rising cases of mental health issues. Young people are forced to stay at home and limit their physical and social interaction with peers. This paper contributes to address the well-being of the young learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Celebrating holy week practices at home during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines.
- Author
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Gozum, Ivan Efreaim A, Nucum, John Lu Allan M, and Noriega, Patrick Joseph D
- Subjects
PRAYER ,RITES & ceremonies ,PUBLIC health ,SPECIAL days ,COVID-19 pandemic ,RELIGION ,CHURCH buildings - Abstract
A recent correspondence suggested that taking home ashes and launching digital Lenten ashes filters are non-traditional yet creative ways for the Catholic Church to perform the ritual practice in celebrating Ash Wednesday. These creative practices are deemed as necessary so that the Catholic community can celebrate the liturgical celebration while ensuring public health. With this, we propose in this paper practices that can be done during the holy week so that the spread of the coronavirus will be mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Pakikipagkapwa (Fellowship) toward positive collective health behavior.
- Author
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Castillo, Fides A del and Eder, Carl John
- Subjects
MEDICAL masks ,COVID-19 ,PUBLIC health ,HEALTH behavior ,COVID-19 pandemic - Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Will Metaverse become a more exciting place to listen to music streaming for mental health?
- Author
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Situmorang, Dominikus David Biondi
- Subjects
INDUSTRIAL safety ,AUGMENTED reality ,TEACHING methods ,VIRTUAL reality therapy ,EXPOSURE therapy ,PUBLIC health ,TREATMENT effectiveness ,TELECOMMUTING ,INFORMATION technology ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
In this article, the author provides several points of view regarding some of the advantages of the existence of Metaverse on music streaming, especially as a healing medicine for mental health. It is hoped that it can provide another viewpoint from the five key themes, or a series of criticisms that have been discussed in the previous article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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