scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on the Care of Patients With Noncommunicable Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: An Online Survey of Patient Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352110340
Author(s):  
Ratna Devi ◽  
Felicity Goodyear-Smith ◽  
Kannan Subramaniam ◽  
Jessica McCormack ◽  
Amanda Calder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Low And Middle Income

We sought to gain insights into the impacts of COVID-19 and associated control measures on health and health care of patients from low- and middle-income countries with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health conditions, using an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common concern for the 1487 patients who took part was contracting COVID-19 when they accessed health care. Of those infected with COVID-19, half said that their health had been worse since being infected. Collectively, most people reported an increase in feelings of stress and loneliness. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a range of health care impacts on patients with noncommunicable diseases, including constraints on access to care and health effects, particularly mental well-being.

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 Older People, Mobility and Transport in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of the Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (21) ◽  
pp. 6157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Gorman ◽  
Sion Jones ◽  
Jeffrey Turner
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The State ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Older populations are rising globally, which in high-income countries has helped to generate a growing literature on the impact of ageing on travel requirements and transport policy. This article aims to provide an initial assessment of the state of knowledge on the impact on transportation policy and usage of the increasing numbers of older people in low- and middle-income countries (LAMICs), through a review of the literature relating to older people and transportation. As both the academic and policy/practice-related literature specifically addressing ageing and transport in LAMICs is limited, the study looks beyond transportation to assess the state of knowledge regarding the ways in which older people’s mobility is affected by issues, such as health, well-being, social (dis)engagement and gender. We find significant knowledge gaps, resulting in an evidence base to support the implementation of policy is lacking. Most research in low-income countries (LICs) is either broad quantitative analysis based on national survey data or small-scale qualitative studies. We conclude that, although study of the differing contexts of ageing in LAMICs as they relate to older people’s mobilities and transport use has barely begun, institutions which both make and influence policymaking recognise the existence of significant knowledge gaps. This should provide the context in which research agendas can be established.

scholarly journals 407 - Living through the pandemic as an older person: Long-term psychological impacts in low- and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 33-33
Author(s):  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Bwire Ivan ◽  
Maria Isabel Zuluaga ◽  
Suresh Kumar ◽  
Mark Gabbay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background:The pandemic has put a huge strain on people’s mental health, with varying restrictions affecting people’s lives. Little is known how the pandemic affects older adults’ mental health, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where restrictions are affecting people’s access to basic necessities. Thus, the aim of this 3-country study was to understand the long- term impacts of the pandemic on the mental well-being of older adults with and without dementia in LMICs.Methods:We are collecting 30 baseline and 15 follow-up interviews with older adults (aged 60+), people with dementia, and family carers in Colombia, India, and Uganda, as well as a baseline and follow-up focus group with health and social are professionals in each country. Interviews are conducted remotely over the phone due to pandemic restrictions, with data collection taking place between March and July 2021. Transcripts are translated into English before being analysed using thematic analysis.Results:To date, we have completed close to 90 baseline interviews and 3 focus groups with health and social care professionals. Analysis is ongoing, but findings are capturing the detrimental second wave in India and follow-up interviews will capture the longitudinal impacts on mental health.Conclusions:Whilst vaccines are starting to be rolled out in LMICs, albeit at different rates, the virus will likely take much longer to be somewhat managed in LMICs. This leaves more room for people’s physical as well as mental health to be impacted by the restrictions, and with often limited mental health service coverage, it is all the more important o understand the impact of the pandemic on older people’s mental health.

scholarly journals Predicting the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Low- and Middle-Income Countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiwei Ding ◽  
Feng Sha ◽  
Bingyu Li ◽  
Jing Kong ◽  
Yi Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Central African Republic ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Care Burden ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Care Burden ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

This study predicts the maximum hospital demand and number of infections for the LMICs in the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. The epidemic is estimated to impose health care burden excessively exceeding the current capacity of hospitals in many LMICs, especially in Honduras, Central African Republic and Colombia.

scholarly journals Mental Health in low-and middle income countries (LMICs): Going beyond the need for funding

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Folashade T Alloh ◽  
Pramod Regmi ◽  
Igoche Onche ◽  
Edwin Van Teijlingen ◽  
Steven Trenoweth
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Despite being globally recognised as an important public health issue, mental health is still less prioritised as a disease burden in many Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). More than 70% of the global mental health burden occurs in these countries. We discussed mental health issues in LMICs under themes such as abuse and mental illness, cultural influence on mental health, need for dignity in care, meeting financial and workforce gaps and the need for national health policy for the mental health sector. We highlighted that although mental health education and health care services in most LMICs are poorly resourced; there is an urgent need to address issues beyond funding that contribute to poor mental health. In order to meet the increasing challenge of mental health illness in LMICs, there is a need for effort to address cultural and professional challenges that contribute to poor mental health among individuals. We have a notion that mental health should be integrated into primary health care in LMICs. Creating awareness on the impact of some cultural attitudes/practices will encourage better uptake of mental health services and increase the ease when discussing mental health issues in these countries which can contribute to reducing the poor mental health in LMICs.

scholarly journals Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis and HIV services: a cross-sectional survey of 669 health professionals in 64 low and middle-income countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mishal S. Khan ◽  
Sonia Rego ◽  
Joaquín Benítez Rajal ◽  
Virginia Bond ◽  
Razia Kaneez Fatima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Food Supplementation ◽  
Medical Support ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractObjectiveThe experiences of frontline healthcare professionals are essential in identifying strategies to mitigate the disruption to healthcare services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of TB and HIV professionals in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Between May 12 and August 6 2020, we collected qualitative and quantitative data using an online survey in 11 languages. We used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to analyse responses.Findings669 respondents from 64 countries completed the survey. Over 40% stated that it was either impossible or much harder for TB and HIV patients to reach healthcare facilities since COVID-19. The most common barriers reported to affect patients were: fear of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2, transport disruptions and movement restrictions. 37% and 28% of responses about TB and HIV stated that healthcare provider access to facilities was also severely impacted. Strategies to address reduced transport needs and costs – including proactive coordination between the health and transport sector and cards that facilitate lower cost or easier travel - were presented in qualitative responses. Access to non-medical support for patients, such as food supplementation or counselling, was severely disrupted according to 36% and 31% of HIV and TB respondents respectively; qualitative data suggested that the need for such services was exacerbated.ConclusionPatients and healthcare providers across numerous LMIC faced substantial challenges in accessing healthcare facilities, and non-medical support for patients was particularly impacted. Synthesising recommendations of frontline professionals should be prioritised for informing policymakers and healthcare service delivery organisations.

scholarly journals E-HEALTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LOW AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES Authors

2020 ◽  
pp. 158-163
Keyword(s):  
Health Workforce ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Across the world, there is a critical expansion in digital technology through all fields, including health. Electronic health (e-Health) is the future of healthcare. E-Health could help in building better healthcare systems since it can be adopted to enhance communications, train the health workforce, assist in job-related tasks and supervision. Additionally, precision medicine (PM), which is a modern approach in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), could facilitate addressing chronic diseases. Such techniques could promote innovative public health interventions that will improve population well-being worldwide to satisfy the indicators of sustainable development goal number-3 (SDG-3) that stresses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting welfare for all. However, e-Health data could be both a gain and a challenge for LMICs. A transformational and synergetic strategy is necessary to adopt these techniques as it would sustainably minimize the expanses of healthcare. Yet, national adoption of e- Health is gradually progressing in several LMICs. This review highlights the recent advances and future applications of mobile health and its impact on people's lives in the LMICs. It also displays perceptiveness towards the best practice for scaling electronic health (e-Health) initiatives in the LMICs guided by adapted experience from real case studies and exploring the impact on designing and deploying future health initiatives, especially for improving the health workforce. Finally, It suggests a structure for data governance policy to limit the hazards of breaching or abusing health data in e-Health platforms.

scholarly journals E-HEALTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LOW AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (SP1) ◽  
pp. 158-163
Keyword(s):  
Health Workforce ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Across the world, there is a critical expansion in digital technology through all fields, including health. Electronic health (e-Health) is the future of healthcare. E-Health could help in building better healthcare systems since it can be adopted to enhance communications, train the health workforce, assist in job-related tasks and supervision. Additionally, precision medicine (PM), which is a modern approach in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), could facilitate addressing chronic diseases. Such techniques could promote innovative public health interventions that will improve population well-being worldwide to satisfy the indicators of sustainable development goal number-3 (SDG-3) that stresses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting welfare for all. However, e-Health data could be both a gain and a challenge for LMICs. A transformational and synergetic strategy is necessary to adopt these techniques as it would sustainably minimize the expanses of healthcare. Yet, national adoption of e- Health is gradually progressing in several LMICs. This review highlights the recent advances and future applications of mobile health and its impact on people's lives in the LMICs. It also displays perceptiveness towards the best practice for scaling electronic health (e-Health) initiatives in the LMICs guided by adapted experience from real case studies and exploring the impact on designing and deploying future health initiatives, especially for improving the health workforce. Finally, It suggests a structure for data governance policy to limit the hazards of breaching or abusing health data in e-Health platforms.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and Brain Health: Global Council on Brain Health Recommendations

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 22-23
Author(s):  
Sarah Lock ◽  
Lindsay Chura
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
The Brain

Abstract With growing evidence that the coronavirus directly harms the brain and indirectly harms mental well-being due to social isolation and new, increased stressors, the GCBH recognized the urgent need to inform adults age 50+ about ways to their protect brain health as the pandemic continues. In our latest report, the GCBH describes the known neurological symptoms occurring in the short and long term for adults, providing 10 recommendations to protect brain health and urging research in 11 different areas. Calling for an all-of-society approach to protect the brain health of everyone, the GCBH described the negative effects of COVID-19 on people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and to the impact of health care inequalities. For example, people with dementia were twice as likely to catch the virus as those without dementia; African Americans with dementia had nearly three times the risk of COVID-19 as Caucasians with dementia. The GCBH also points out that caregivers for those living with dementia have experienced particular stress and provided resources and guidance. The Council spotlights the disproportionate toll of COVID-19 on the vulnerable, including racial and ethnic minorities and those living in low- to middle-income countries. After attending this session, participants will be able to identify the neurological impacts of COVID-19, understand the various ways to mitigate risks to brain health, and learn which areas of research will be critical in the future. These recommendations were developed and put forth by the Global Council on Brain Health Governance Committee and Issue Experts.

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