scholarly journals Suicide reduction in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons informing national prevention strategies for suicide reduction

2021 ◽  
pp. 014107682110431
Author(s):  
Roger S McIntyre ◽  
Leanna MW Lui ◽  
Joshua D Rosenblat ◽  
Roger Ho ◽  
Hartej Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Absolute Difference ◽  
Suicide Mortality ◽  
National Database ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Statistics Canada ◽  
The Impact

Objective The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of federal, public health and social support programs on national suicide rates in Canada. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Canadian National Database (i.e., Statistics Canada) and Statista. Participants Population-level data, and economic and consumer market data. Main Outcome Measures Suicide mortality data, population data and unemployment data were obtained from available statistical databases (e.g. Statistics Canada). We quantified suicide rate by dividing the total number of suicide deaths by the national population expressed as a rate per 100,000 population. Results Overall suicide mortality rate decreased in Canada from 10.82 deaths per 100,000 in the March 2019 - February 2020 period to 7.34 per 100,000 (i.e. absolute difference of 1300 deaths) in the March 2020 - February 2021 period. The overall Canadian unemployment rate changed from an average monthly rate of 5.7% in 2019 to 9.5% in 2020. Conclusion Our results indicate that for the first post-pandemic interval evaluated (i.e., March 2020 - February 2021), suicide rates in Canada decreased against a background of extraordinary public health measures intended to mitigate community spread of COVID-19. An externality of public health measures was a significant rise in national unemployment rates in population measures of distress. Our results suggest that government interventions that broadly aim to reduce measures of insecurity (i.e., economic, housing, health), and timely psychiatric services, should be prioritised as part of a national suicide reduction strategy, not only during but after termination of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Quantifying contact patterns in response to COVID-19 public health measures in Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle Brankston ◽  
Eric Merkley ◽  
David N. Fisman ◽  
Ashleigh R. Tuite ◽  
Zvonimir Poljak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Skewed Distribution ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Contact Patterns ◽  
Region Of Residence ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Made In

Abstract Background A variety of public health measures have been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada to reduce contact between individuals. The objective of this study was to provide empirical contact pattern data to evaluate the impact of public health measures, the degree to which social contacts rebounded to normal levels, as well as direct public health efforts toward age- and location-specific settings. Methods Four population-based cross-sectional surveys were administered to members of a paid panel representative of Canadian adults by age, gender, official language, and region of residence during May (Survey 1), July (Survey 2), September (Survey 3), and December (Survey 4) 2020. A total of 4981 (Survey 1), 2493 (Survey 2), 2495 (Survey 3), and 2491 (Survey 4) respondents provided information about the age and setting for each direct contact made in a 24-h period. Contact matrices were constructed and contacts for those under the age of 18 years imputed. The next generation matrix approach was used to estimate the reproduction number (Rt) for each survey. Respondents with children under 18 years estimated the number of contacts their children made in school and extracurricular settings. Results Estimated Rt values were 0.49 (95% CI: 0.29–0.69) for May, 0.48 (95% CI: 0.29–0.68) for July, 1.06 (95% CI: 0.63–1.52) for September, and 0.81 (0.47–1.17) for December. The highest proportion of reported contacts occurred within the home (51.3% in May), in ‘other’ locations (49.2% in July) and at work (66.3 and 65.4% in September and December). Respondents with children reported an average of 22.7 (95% CI: 21.1–24.3) (September) and 19.0 (95% CI 17.7–20.4) (December) contacts at school per day per child in attendance. Conclusion The skewed distribution of reported contacts toward workplace settings in September and December combined with the number of reported school-related contacts suggest that these settings represent important opportunities for transmission emphasizing the need to support and ensure infection control procedures in both workplaces and schools.

scholarly journals Covid-19 Estimating the burden of symptomatic disease in the community and the impact of public health measures on physical, mental and social wellbeing: a study protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
M. Isabela Troya ◽  
Ali Khashan ◽  
Patricia Kearney ◽  
Ella Arensman ◽  
Philipp Hoevel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Network Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Telephone Surveys ◽  
Symptomatic Disease ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Social Wellbeing ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
June July ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Covid-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020. Since then, governments have implemented unprecedented public health measures to contain the virus. This study will provide evidence to inform responses to the pandemic by: i) estimating population prevalence and trends of self-reported symptoms of Covid-19 and the proportions of symptomatic individuals and household contacts testing positive for Covid-19; ii) describing acceptance and compliance with physical-distancing measures, explore effects of public health measures on physical, mental and social wellbeing; iii) developing a mathematical network model to inform decisions on the optimal levels of physical distancing measures. Methods: Two cross-sectional nationally-representative telephone surveys will be conducted in Ireland using random digit-dialling, with response rates estimates based on proportion of non-operational and non-answering numbers. The first survey with four waves in May and June will address adherence to social distancing measures and whether the respondent or other household members are or have been unwell during the preceding two weeks with one or more symptoms of Covid-19. The second survey with three waves in June, July and September will address knowledge, attitudes, and compliance towards physical-distancing measures and physical, mental and social wellbeing. The mathematical network model will be developed for all-Ireland (on various levels of spatial granularity including the scale of counties and electoral divisions) based on outputs from both cross-sectional surveys and relevant publicly available data to inform decisions on optimal levels and duration of physical distancing measures. Discussion: This study will contribute to our understanding of the impact and sustainability of public health measures of the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings will have long-lasting benefits, informing decision-making on the best levels, and duration of physical-distancing measures, balancing a range of factors including capacity of the health service with the effects on individuals’ wellbeing and economic disruption. Findings will be shared with key policy-makers.

scholarly journals Covid-19 Estimating the burden of symptomatic disease in the community and the impact of public health measures on physical, mental and social wellbeing: a study protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
M. Isabela Troya ◽  
Ali Khashan ◽  
Patricia Kearney ◽  
Ella Arensman ◽  
Philipp Hoevel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Network Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Telephone Surveys ◽  
Symptomatic Disease ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Social Wellbeing ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
June July ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Covid-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020. Since then, governments have implemented unprecedented public health measures to contain the virus. This study will provide evidence to inform responses to the pandemic by: i) estimating population prevalence and trends of self-reported symptoms of Covid-19 and the proportions of symptomatic individuals and household contacts testing positive for Covid-19; ii) describing acceptance and compliance with physical-distancing measures, explore effects of public health measures on physical, mental and social wellbeing; iii) developing a mathematical network model to inform decisions on the optimal levels of physical distancing measures. Methods: Two cross-sectional nationally-representative telephone surveys will be conducted in Ireland using random digit-dialling, with response rates estimates based on proportion of non-operational and non-answering numbers. The first survey with four waves in May and June will address adherence to social distancing measures and whether the respondent or other household members are or have been unwell during the preceding two weeks with one or more symptoms of Covid-19. The second survey with three waves in June, July and September will address knowledge, attitudes, and compliance towards physical-distancing measures and physical, mental and social wellbeing. The mathematical network model will be developed for all-Ireland (on various levels of spatial granularity including the scale of counties and electoral divisions) based on outputs from both cross-sectional surveys and relevant publicly available data to inform decisions on optimal levels and duration of physical distancing measures. Discussion: This study will contribute to our understanding of the impact and sustainability of public health measures of the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings will have long-lasting benefits, informing decision-making on the best levels, and duration of physical-distancing measures, balancing a range of factors including capacity of the health service with the effects on individuals’ wellbeing and economic disruption. Findings will be shared with key policy-makers.

scholarly journals The Impact of Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Purchasing, Eating Behavior, and Perception of Food Safety in Kuwait

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 8987
Author(s):  
Dana AlTarrah ◽  
Entisar AlShami ◽  
Nawal AlHamad ◽  
Fatemah AlBesher ◽  
Sriraman Devarajan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Food Delivery ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Purchasing ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government in Kuwait implemented public health measures to control the spread of the virus. However, despite the importance of these restrictions, normal activities related to purchasing of groceries, concerns related to food safety, and overall uncertainty may have influenced food behaviors and food consumption. Hence, the study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on food purchasing behaviors, eating behaviors, and the perception of food safety and security among residents in Kuwait. A cross-sectional study was carried out using self-administered questionnaires between 28 July 2020 and 31 August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait. A total of 841 respondents participated in the study. The study identified several changes in food purchasing behaviors, eating behaviors, food consumption, and consumers perceptions on food safety during the pandemic. The closures, restrictions, and changes in food purchasing evidently influenced individual’s eating behaviors. Largely, participants were found to (i) change their food purchasing behavior (74%); (ii) opt for online food delivery services (42.8%); (iii) purchase long-shelf-life foods (e.g., canned food and dry staples) (76%); (iv) consume more meals at home (76%); and (v) follow public health measures to reduce the spread of the virus and ensure their safety (98%). This study indicates that individuals during times of uncertainty and stress change their food purchasing behaviors, food consumption habits, and follow guidelines and recommendations. These findings may help public health initiatives to focus on raising awareness about the importance of health, wellbeing, and nutrition during times of crises.

HUBUNGAN PEMBERIAN ASI EKSKLUSIF DENGAN KEJADIAN STUNTING PADA BALITA USIA 1-5 TAHUN DIPUSKESMAS SUKAHENING KECAMATAN SUKAHENING KABUPATEN TASIKMALAYA

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Yuyun Sarinengsih
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Growth Failure ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Not Given ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Center ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRAKStunting yaitu keadaan gagal tumbuh akibat dari kekurangan gizi kronis. Prevalensi stunting di Kabupaten Tasikmalaya menempati urutan keempat, dimana kecamatan Sukahening menempati urutan pertama tertinggi dengan jumlah 155 balita mengalami stunting. Faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi kejadian stunting yaitu pengasuhan anak yang kurang baik dimana tidak diberikannya ASI secara Ekslusif. Pencegahan stunting yaitu pada 1000 hari kehidupan dimana salah satunya pemberian ASI secara Ekslusif.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara pemberian ASI Ekslusif dengan kejadian stunting pada balita 1-5 tahun di Puskesmas Sukahening Kecamatan Sukahening Kabupaten Tasikmalaya.Jenis Penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif korelasional dengan pendekatan cross-sectional. Populasi total sampling sebanyak 95 responden menggunakan teknik purposive sampling.Hasil Penelitian diperoleh lebih dari setengah responden 51,6% tidak diberikan ASI secara Ekslusif, dan sebagian besar 65,3% balita mengalami stunting. Hasil perhitungan chi-square diperoleh ρ.value (0,000<0,05) maka H0 ditolak sehingga terdapat hubungan antara Pemberian ASI Ekslusif dengan kejadian stunting pada balita 1-5 tahun di Puskesmas Sukahening Kecamatan Sukahening Kabupaten Tasikmalaya.Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberi informasi yang bermanfaat dan perlu dilakukan pendidikan kesehatan ulang yang terjadwal terkait nutrisi yang terjangkau dan sehat sehingga dapat meningkatkan cakupan ASI Ekslusif dan dapat menurunkan angka stunting.Kata Kunci : ASI Ekslusif, StuntingDaftar Pustaka : 25 buku (2010-2018)9 jurnal (2013-2019)2 Website (2010-2017) ABSTRACTStunting is a condition of growth failure due to chronic malnutrition. The stunting prevalence in Tasikmalaya Regency was at the fourth place where Sukahening sub-district was at the highest with 155 stunting. Factor that can influence the occurrence of stunting is a poor parenting where exclusive breastfeeding is not given. The best prevention of stunting is on 1000 days of life where exclusive breastfeeding is given. The impact, if the baby is not given exclusive breastfeeding, they will lack of nutrition and also will have an impact on the growth or inappropriate height. This aims of the research is to determine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the incidence of stunting on toddler under 5 years of at Sukahening Public Health Center, Sukahening Sub district, Tasikmalaya Regency. The type of research used is descriptive correlation with a cross-sectional approach. The total samplings were 95 respondents which used purposive sampling technique. The results of the research were obtained more than half of the respondents 51.6% were given exclusive breastfeeding, and most 65.3% of children under five had stunting. The chi-square calculation results obtained that ρ.value (0,000 <0,05) then H0 is rejected so that there is a relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the incidence of stunting on toddlers under 5 years in Sukahening Public Health Center, Sukahening Sub district, Tasikmalaya Regency. Performed the health education related to affordable and healthy nutrition so that it can increase the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding and can reduce stunting rates. Keywords : Exclusive breastfeeding, Stunting Bibliography : 25 books (2010-2018) 9 journals (2013-2019) 2 Websites (2010-2017) 

scholarly journals Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Following COVID-19 Public Health Measures on People Living With Dementia and Carers

2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872199681
Author(s):  
Kerry Hanna ◽  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Hilary Tetlow ◽  
Kym Ward ◽  
Justine Shenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Social Support Services ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: To date, there appears to be no evidence on the longer-term impacts caused by COVID-19 and its related public health restrictions on some of the most vulnerable in our societies. The aim of this research was to explore the change in impact of COVID-19 public health measures on the mental wellbeing of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers. Method: Semi-structured, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with PLWD and unpaid carers between June and July 2020. Participants were asked about their experiences of accessing social support services during the pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on their daily lives. Results: 20 interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed, which produced 3 primary themes concerning emotional responses and impact to mental health and wellbeing during the course of the pandemic: 1) Impact on mental health during lockdown, 2) Changes to mental health following easing of public health, and 3) The long-term effect of public health measures. Conclusions: The findings from this research shed light on the longer-term psychological impacts of the UK Government’s public health measures on PLWD and their carers. The loss of social support services was key in impacting this cohort mentally and emotionally, displaying a need for better psychological support, for both carers and PLWD.

scholarly journals Quality of life and perceived health status in surviving adults with univentricular heart

Heart ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-73
Author(s):  
Z Saliba ◽  
G Butera ◽  
D Bonnet ◽  
P Bonhoeffer ◽  
E Villain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Psychosocial Problems ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Univentricular Heart ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Variables ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the quality of life in patients with univentricular heart and to determine the impact of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.DESIGN AND SETTINGRetrospective, cross sectional study conducted in a regional paediatric cardiology centre.PATIENTSThe health records of 89 survivors with univentricular heart (median age 21 years; range 17–49 years) were reviewed. Sixty seven answered the Duke questionnaire. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were similar in the responders and non-responders. The impact of sociodemographic and clinical variables on individual Duke's measures was assessed.RESULTSThe Duke scores of adults with univentricular heart were similar to the normal population. Cyanosis predicted a worse score for physical (p = 0.05) and perceived health measures (p = 0.02). A higher educational level predicted a better score for physical (p = 0.004), mental (p = 0.01), and general health measures (p = 0.02). Orthopaedic problems worsened the social score (p = 0.05). Psychosocial problems worsened the pain score (p = 0.04). In comparison with the other anatomical types, mitral atresia worsened the perceived health score (p = 0.02). Patients younger than 23 years scored better for almost all health and dysfunction measures.CONCLUSIONSDespite repeated interventions and other disease related everyday stresses, a selected group of adults with univentricular heart had a satisfying quality of life.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on the care of people living with noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: an online survey of physicians and pharmacists in nine countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Bullen ◽  
Jessica McCormack ◽  
Amanda Calder ◽  
Varsha Parag ◽  
Kannan Subramaniam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where people may have limited access to affordable quality care, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have a particularly adverse impact on the health and healthcare of individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A World Health Organization survey found that disruption of delivery of healthcare for NCDs was more significant in LMICs than in high-income countries. However, the study did not elicit insights into the day-to-day impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare by front-line healthcare workers (FLHCWs). Aim: To gain insights directly from FLHCWs working in countries with a high NCD burden, and thereby identify opportunities to improve the provision of healthcare during the current pandemic and in future healthcare emergencies. Methods: We recruited selected frontline healthcare workers (general practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical specialists) from nine countries to complete an online survey (n = 1347). Survey questions focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice and NCDs; barriers to clinical care during the pandemic; and innovative responses to the many challenges presented by the pandemic. Findings: The majority of FLHCWs responding to our survey reported that their care of patients had been impacted both adversely and positively by the public health measures imposed. Most FLHCs (95%) reported a deterioration in the mental health of their patients. Conclusions: Continuity of care for NCDs as part of pandemic preparedness is needed so that chronic conditions are not exacerbated by public health measures and the direct impacts of the pandemic.

scholarly journals The effect of average temperature on suicide rates in five urban California counties, 1999–⁠2019: an ecological time series analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sierra Cheng ◽  
Rebecca Plouffe ◽  
Stephanie M. Nanos ◽  
Mavra Qamar ◽  
David N. Fisman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Minimum Temperature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Average Temperature ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Average Maximum

Abstract Background Suicide is among the top 10 leading causes of premature morality in the United States and its rates continue to increase. Thus, its prevention has become a salient public health responsibility. Risk factors of suicide transcend the individual and societal level as risk can increase based on climatic variables. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the association between average temperature and suicide rates in the five most populous counties in California using mortality data from 1999 to 2019. Methods Monthly counts of death by suicide for the five counties of interest were obtained from CDC WONDER. Monthly average, maximum, and minimum temperature were obtained from nCLIMDIV for the same time period. We modelled the association of each temperature variable with suicide rate using negative binomial generalized additive models accounting for the county-specific annual trend and monthly seasonality. Results There were over 38,000 deaths by suicide in California’s five most populous counties between 1999 and 2019. An increase in average temperature of 1 °C corresponded to a 0.82% increase in suicide rate (IRR = 1.0082 per °C; 95% CI = 1.0025–1.0140). Estimated coefficients for maximum temperature (IRR = 1.0069 per °C; 95% CI = 1.0021–1.0117) and minimum temperature (IRR = 1.0088 per °C; 95% CI = 1.0023–1.0153) were similar. Conclusion This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting a causal effect of elevated temperature on suicide. Further investigation into environmental causes of suicide, as well as the biological and societal contexts mediating these relationships, is critical for the development and implementation of new public health interventions to reduce the incidence of suicide, particularly in the face increasing temperatures due to climate change.

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