scholarly journals DO BLACK LIVE MATTER AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

10.31355/73 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 067-093
Keyword(s):  
Health Inequality ◽  
Social Transformation ◽  
Black People ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Systemic Racism ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Racial Inequalities ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Black Canadians ◽  
Increased Risk

Aim/Purpose: This article aims at exploring how systemic racism predisposes Canadian Blacks to COVID 19 infection, thereby raising the question as to whether Black Live Matters amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: Although many discourses about Blacks' vulnerability abound in the public media and academic literature, their vulnerabilities seem to have been overlooked amid the current COVID-19 global health crisis. Since COVID-19 was detected public health authorities deem older people, children, Indigenous people, and low-income Canadian families and those with weakened immune systems from underlying medical conditions as vulnerable to the pandemic. One group of people conspicuously missing from the vulnerable groups’ list is Black people. Drawing on evidence-based data from secondary sources, the article demonstrates that the gravities of the COVID-19 pandemic are deepening racial inequalities in Canada. The article also illustrates how many Black people and other racialized groups are at increased risk of COVID 19 infections and deaths due to a longstanding health inequality. Methodology: This study relies on evidence-based data drawn from various secondary sources, including academic papers, policy briefs, government reports, credible media sources, press notes and advisories, current newspapers, and online media reportage of the unfolding health crisis about COVID-19 to demonstrate that the gravities of the COVID-19 pandemic are deepening racial inequalities in Canada. Although research that articulates existing studies on Black people and the COVID-19 pandemic is very scanty, this paper is mostly exploratory as it emphasizes synthesizing secondary sources of literature review. Findings: The study finds that many Black people and other racialized groups are at increased risk of COVID 19 infections and deaths due to a longstanding health inequality. Further, the paper demonstrates that, historically, social determinants of health have prevented Black people from equal access to economic, social and healthcare opportunities. And thus, have exposed a longstanding systemic racism in employment, housing, education, and healthcare. Finally, the paper recommends two innovative strategies to achieve social transformation: 1) Black Canadians should shift from vulnerability to recognizing their vitalities/resiliencies and 2) building allyships with other oppressed groups to stop the spread of the two pandemics: anti-black racism and COVID-19. Impact on Society: This paper does not only contribute to our knowledge about the challenges Black people experience during the pandemic, but also enhances our understanding about the innovative strategy to defeat anti-black racism. This strategy implies that the time has come for Black Canadians to move beyond their vulnerabilities to discover their vitality and agency – moving from the discourse of victim hood to resilience, agency, vitality and creativity

Living with HIV in the Time of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-7
Author(s):  
Muhammad Naveed Noor
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Comorbid Conditions ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Associated Conditions ◽  
Living With Hiv

This commentary foregrounds the need to examine how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated conditions may be affecting the lives of people living with HIV (PLWH) in a developing country context like Pakistan. It raises some important questions on medical care and updated information regarding PLWH in the time of COVID-19. Since PLWH are at an increased risk of developing comorbid conditions – something that makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19 – it is critical that timely research and evidence-based actions are undertaken to protect their health.

scholarly journals Fidelity to an evidence-based model for crisis resolution teams: a cross-sectional multicentre study in Norway

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Hasselberg ◽  
K. H. Holgersen ◽  
G. M. Uverud ◽  
J. Siqveland ◽  
B. Lloyd-Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Crisis Resolution ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Core ◽  
Crisis Resolution Teams ◽  
Fidelity Scale ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Evidence Based Model

Abstract Background Crisis resolution teams (CRTs) are specialized multidisciplinary teams intended to provide assessment and short-term outpatient or home treatment as an alternative to hospital admission for people experiencing a mental health crisis. In Norway, CRTs have been established within mental health services throughout the country, but their fidelity to an evidence-based model for CRTs has been unknown. Methods We assessed fidelity to the evidence-based CRT model for 28 CRTs, using the CORE Crisis Resolution Team Fidelity Scale Version 2, a tool developed and first applied in the UK to measure adherence to a model of optimal CRT practice. The assessments were completed by evaluation teams based on written information, interviews, and review of patient records during a one-day visit with each CRT. Results The fidelity scale was applicable for assessing fidelity of Norwegian CRTs to the CRT model. On a scale 1 to 5, the mean fidelity score was low (2.75) and with a moderate variation of fidelity across the teams. The CRTs had highest scores on the content and delivery of care subscale, and lowest on the location and timing of care subscale. Scores were high on items measuring comprehensive assessment, psychological interventions, visit length, service users’ choice of location, and of type of support. However, scores were low on opening hours, gatekeeping acute psychiatric beds, facilitating early hospital discharge, intensity of contact, providing medication, and providing practical support. Conclusions The CORE CRT Fidelity Scale was applicable and relevant to assessment of Norwegian CRTs and may be used to guide further development in clinical practice and research. Lower fidelity and differences in fidelity patterns compared to the UK teams may indicate that Norwegian teams are more focused on early interventions to a broader patient group and less on avoiding acute inpatient admissions for patients with severe mental illness.

scholarly journals Young Adult Cancer Survivorship: Recommendations for Patient Follow-up, Exercise Therapy, and Research

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott C Adams ◽  
Jennifer Herman ◽  
Iliana C Lega ◽  
Laura Mitchell ◽  
David Hodgson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Late Effects ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Pediatric Cancer Survivors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Care Guidelines ◽  
Young Adult Cancer ◽  
Evidence Based Guidelines

Abstract Survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers (AYAs) often live 50 to 60 years beyond their diagnosis. This rapidly growing cohort is at increased risk for cancer- and treatment-related late effects that persist for decades into survivorship. Recognition of similar issues in pediatric cancer survivors has prompted the development of evidence-based guidelines for late effects screening and care. However, corresponding evidence-based guidelines for AYAs have not been developed. We hosted an AYA survivorship symposium for a large group of multidisciplinary AYA stakeholders (approximately 200 were in attendance) at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, ON) to begin addressing this disparity. The following overview briefly summarizes and discusses the symposium’s stakeholder-identified high-priority targets for late effects screening and care, and highlights knowledge gaps to direct future research in the field of AYA survivorship. This overview, while not exhaustive, is intended to stimulate clinicians to consider these high-priority screening and care targets when seeing survivors in clinical settings and, ultimately, support the development of evidence-based ‘late effects’ screening and care guidelines for AYAs.

Participation in Two Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs by Adults Aging With a Long-Term Disability: Case-Control Study of Reach and Effectiveness

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (10_suppl) ◽  
pp. 39S-67S ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Eagen ◽  
Salom M. Teshale ◽  
Angelica P. Herrera-Venson ◽  
Anne Ordway ◽  
Joe Caldwell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Activity Restriction ◽  
Increased Risk

Objective: Adults aging with a long-term disability (LTD) are at an increased risk for falls. The Older Americans Act Title III-D and Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF) support several organizations to deliver falls prevention evidence-based programs designed to reduce risk factors; however, little is understood about the reach and effectiveness of these fall prevention programs for those with LTD compared to those without LTD. This study compared the reach and effectiveness of two evidence-based falls prevention programs between older adults with and without LTD. Method: Using a matched case-control design, 105 LTD older adults enrolled in A Matter of Balance (AMOB) or Stepping On were matched to 315 non-LTD older adults on age, sex, race, and education. Results: On average, LTD older adults attended a higher number of class sessions and were significantly more likely to complete the program compared with the matched-sample of non-LTD older adults. LTD older adults were equally likely as non-LTD older adults to report significant reductions in self-reported fear of falling, falls-related activity restriction, and improvement in falls self-efficacy following completion of the programs. Discussion: These findings provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of these evidence-based falls prevention programs for LTD older adults; however, more research is needed to extend these findings.

scholarly journals The New Reality of Bangladesh: A Critical Analysis of New Normal Challenges and Opportunities

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-146
Author(s):  
Umme Sayeda
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Human Life ◽  
International Health ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Governance System ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Grounded Theory Method ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

The post-COVID-19 new normal will arise as a game-changer in the policy-making of the world states. Accordingly, this article highlights the post-pandemic Bangladesh that should integrate biology affirmatively in the policy development procedures to reshape the new normal challenges as opportunities. The grounded theory method is adopted as a quantitative analysis tool relying on the secondary sources of data to portray the significance of biopolitics as political rationality in new norm Bangladesh. The researcher has used the neo-realism approach to develop the ‘Biopolitical Rationale Theory’, which uncovers how evolving neo-realist security demands the prioritization of biopolitics in every sphere of decision making for governing the post-pandemic new standard of existence. The 2020 corona outbreak proved that human life and the environment are the ultimate means of survival rather than the traditional security arrangements and extreme economic growth which are inhumane (rationality of death and militarization), unhygienic, and destructive to the environment (exploitation of nature is profitable). The article recommends some alternative new normal policies such as non-discriminative health policy, bordering in line with International Health Regulations (IHR), digitalization with better cybersecurity, virtualization of the tourist industry (application of Extended Reality), application of Career Resilience (CR), and Strategic Flexibility Analysis tools in the re-employment and career development, greening the economy, special arrangements for emergency health crisis and undertaking actions considering the environment as a remedy rather than a crisis. The review research concludes that the inclusion of biopolitics in the Bangladesh governance system can redesign the challenges of new normal as new opportunities. But the reshaping of such a new reality will itself prevail as a considerable challenge for Bangladesh.

scholarly journals Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Perceived Stress Scale Measures

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-388
Author(s):  
Nuha Alwaqdani ◽  
Hala A. Amer ◽  
Reem Alwaqdani ◽  
Fahad AlMansour ◽  
Hind A. Alzoman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Perceived Stress Scale ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Stress Levels

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and of considerable concern among health care workers (HCWs). Being particularly at increased risk for exposure, HCWs worry about becoming infected as well as infecting co-workers, patients and family members. Such distress and panic may have destructive effects on individuals and may last long after the pandemic situation leading to depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to measure and investigate the prevalence of the factors affecting psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs. Methods A self-administered online survey—including perceived stress scale (PSS) questions—was disseminated among HCWs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA) between1st June and 30th July 2020. Results A total of 469 HCWs responded to the survey for a high response rate (93.8%). The PSS revealed that 15.8% of the respondents were suffering from high stress levels, 77.2% were suffering from moderate stress levels and 7% with low stress levels. Females and junior frontline staff reported more severe stress levels. Participation on the pandemic team shows significant impact on stress levels. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels among HCWs and affects their psychological wellbeing. Designing programs promoting HCWs mental health are crucial and emotional and psychological support strategies should be part of every public health crisis management plan.

scholarly journals Mental health and COVID-19 pandemic: The literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 78-86
Author(s):  
Nađa Marić
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Factor ◽  
Biological Factor ◽  
Multidimensional Space ◽  
Entire Area ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Emotional Suffering ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Emotional Deprivation ◽  
New Onset

Mental health (MH) and illness reflect bio-psycho-social balance/imbalance and extend into multidimensional space. In the current pandemic, the entire area of MH/illness is at increased risk of contamination not only by infection, but also by numerous other aspects of this complex public health crisis. There are at least three mechanisms by which the COVID-19 pandemic can create new-onset mental conditions: 1) Psychological factor - increased degree of emotional suffering after extremely severe traumatic events or long-term life-threatening exposures; 2) Social factor - risks related to interaction with the environment: a) emotional deprivation; b) cognitive disintegration related to infodemia and c) existential, primarily economic fears that destabilize relationships (within the family and beyond); and 3) Biological factor - neuropsychiatric effects of the virus itself. In addition to the new-onset conditions, the pandemic also has an impact on people who already have a history of mental disorders. This review paper will present the most important information from relevant sources related to mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic related to the first year of exposure. Emphasis will be on research that has attracted attention with sample size and representativeness, as well as a reliable methodology, with the aim of not losing sight of the heterogeneity of the pandemic effects on mental health.

scholarly journals The major worldwide stress of healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic – the international COVISTRESS survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257840
Author(s):  
Sébastien Couarraze ◽  
Louis Delamarre ◽  
Fouad Marhar ◽  
Binh Quach ◽  
Jiao Jiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Paramedical Staff ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Very High

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated an upheaval in society and has been the cause of considerable stress during this period. Healthcare professionals have been on the front line during this health crisis, particularly paramedical staff. The aim of this study was to assess the high level of stress of healthcare workers during the first wave of the pandemic. Materials and methods The COVISTRESS international study is a questionnaire disseminated online collecting demographic and stress-related data over the globe, during the pandemic. Stress levels were evaluated using non-calibrated visual analog scale, from 0 (no stress) to 100 (maximal stress). Results Among the 13,537 individuals from 44 countries who completed the survey from January to June 2020, we included 10,051 workers (including 1379 healthcare workers, 631 medical doctors and 748 paramedical staff). The stress levels during the first wave of the pandemic were 57.8 ± 33 in the whole cohort, 65.3 ± 29.1 in medical doctors, and 73.6 ± 27.7 in paramedical staff. Healthcare professionals and especially paramedical staff had the highest levels of stress (p < 0.001 vs non-healthcare workers). Across all occupational categories, women had systematically significantly higher levels of work-related stress than men (p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between age and stress level (r = -0.098, p < 0.001). Healthcare professionals demonstrated an increased risk of very-high stress levels (>80) compared to other workers (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.87–2.41). Paramedical staff risk for very-high levels of stress was higher than doctors’ (1.88, 1.50–2.34). The risk of high levels of stress also increased in women (1.83, 1.61–2.09; p < 0.001 vs. men) and in people aged <50 (1.45, 1.26–1.66; p < 0.001 vs. aged >50). Conclusions The first wave of the pandemic was a major stressful event for healthcare workers, especially paramedical staff. Among individuals, women were the most at risk while age was a protective factor.

scholarly journals Electronic Record Linkage cohort study of evidence-based management and outcomes in patients with ischaemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Edward Daniel Harris
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Ischaemic Heart Disease ◽  
Evidence Based Medicine ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Lipid Levels ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Based Medicine

BACKGROUND Implementation of evidence-based medicine is often suboptimal. The objectives of this thesis are to explore the delivery of evidence-based medicine and outcomes in patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS Retrospective observational cohort studies were conducted using linked anonymised data from the secure anonymised information linkage (SAIL) databank. Patients included (i) those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, (ii) patients prescribed vitamin K antagonist (VKA) for AF, and (iii) patients with AF who had undergone successful PCI. RESULTS Amongst patients directed to take clopidogrel for one-year post-PCI, discontinuation was far lower (~6%) than in previous studies where the treatment duration was not known. Despite this, early discontinuation and/or bleeding was associated with an increased risk of adverse events. In a national cohort of PCI patients, we observed a low rate of achievement of international guideline target lipid levels (<25%) and low prescribing of intensive lipid lowering therapy amongst those not at target. Females and patients who had undergone elective PCI were least likely to have their lipid levels documented and be at target. In patients prescribed VKA for AF guideline defined poor anticoagulation control was common and associated with significantly higher bleeding event rates, independent of common comorbidities that are recognised as risk factors for stroke and bleeding. In patients with AF who had undergone PCI outcomes were poor: approximately 1 in 5 had either a stroke, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or died in the year follow-up. Bleeding events were also common and associated with a five, three and four-fold increased risk of stroke, ACS, and death. CONCLUSION This thesis has characterised the nature of multiple therapeutic gaps and associated adverse outcomes with common clinical conditions. Thus, identifying opportunities to improve outcomes in individual patients and at population level.

scholarly journals Fighting for America’s Paradise—the Struggle against Structural Racism

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel R. Hardeman ◽  
Simone L. Hardeman-Jones ◽  
Eduardo M. Medina
Keyword(s):  
Black People ◽  
The United States ◽  
Direct Result ◽  
Structural Racism ◽  
Systemic Racism ◽  
Communities Of Color ◽  
Policy Suggestions ◽  
Fundamental Cause ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Many

Abstract Structural racism is a fundamental cause of racial inequities in health in the United States. Structural racism is manifested in inequality in the criminal justice system; de facto segregation in education, health care, and housing; and ineffective and disproportionately violent policing and economic disenfranchisement in communities of color. The inequality that Black people and communities of color face is the direct result of centuries of public policy that made Black and Brown skin a liability. We are now in an unprecedented moment in our history as we usher in a new administration which explicitly states: “The moment has come for our nation to deal with systemic racism. . .And to deal with the denial of the promise of this nation—to so many.” The opportunities to create innovative and bold policy must reflect the urgency of the moment and seek to dismantle the systems of oppression that have for far too long left the American promise unfulfilled. The policy suggestions we make in this commentary speak to the structural targets needed to dismantle some of the many manifestations of structural racism to achieve health equity.

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