scholarly journals COVID-19: challenges faced by Nepalese migrants living in Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Bhandari ◽  
Yasuhiro Kotera ◽  
Akihiko Ozaki ◽  
Sudeepa Abeysinghe ◽  
Makoto Kosaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Employment Conditions ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Background Worldwide, COVID-19 has exacerbated the vulnerability of migrants, impacting many facets of their lives. Nepalese make up one of the largest groups of migrants residing in Japan. Crises, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could disproportionately affect migrants from low- and middle-income countries like Nepal, widening health and economic inequalities. An in-depth, comprehensive assessment is needed to appraise the diverse problems they encounter. Drawing upon qualitative interviews, this study aimed to identify challenges faced by Nepalese migrants in Japan as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and to discuss their needs to counter these challenges. Methods This qualitative study employed an interpretivist approach to appraise the first-hand experience of Nepalese migrants living in Japan. Fourteen participants (8 males and 6 females, aged 21 to 47 years old) were recruited to participate in semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews (45–60 min) regarding: (a) their perceived current physical and mental health, (b) problems faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and (c) perception of available and necessary support structures. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit the participants. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Results Six themes were identified: 1) experiencing psychosomatic symptoms, 2) adoption of new healthy behaviors, 3) financial hardship, 4) family concerns, 5) reflections on discrimination and 6) reflections of existing support and expectations of support systems. The findings of our study illustrate the specific impact of COVID-19 among Nepalese migrants regarding their unstable employment conditions, perceived lack of social support, possible obligation to send money home, difficulty in accessing services due to the language barrier, and a lack of effective governmental support from Nepal. Pandemic-related adversity has negatively impacted migrants’ mental well-being, exacerbating their vulnerability. Conclusions Comprehensive and timely support should be provided to the vulnerable migrant population. Effective coordination among relevant parties in both countries, including the governments concerned, should be facilitated.

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 pandemic on physical and mental health of Asians: A study of seven middle-income countries in Asia

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246824
Author(s):  
Cuiyan Wang ◽  
Michael Tee ◽  
Ashley Edward Roy ◽  
Mohammad A. Fardin ◽  
Wandee Srichokchatchawan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
General Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Impact

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the economy, livelihood, and physical and mental well-being of people worldwide. This study aimed to compare the mental health status during the pandemic in the general population of seven middle income countries (MICs) in Asia (China, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam). All the countries used the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to measure mental health. There were 4479 Asians completed the questionnaire with demographic characteristics, physical symptoms and health service utilization, contact history, knowledge and concern, precautionary measure, and rated their mental health with the IES-R and DASS-21. Descriptive statistics, One-Way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression were used to identify protective and risk factors associated with mental health parameters. There were significant differences in IES-R and DASS-21 scores between 7 MICs (p<0.05). Thailand had all the highest scores of IES-R, DASS-21 stress, anxiety, and depression scores whereas Vietnam had all the lowest scores. The risk factors for adverse mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic include age <30 years, high education background, single and separated status, discrimination by other countries and contact with people with COVID-19 (p<0.05). The protective factors for mental health include male gender, staying with children or more than 6 people in the same household, employment, confidence in doctors, high perceived likelihood of survival, and spending less time on health information (p<0.05). This comparative study among 7 MICs enhanced the understanding of metal health in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Intersecting Vulnerabilities: The Impacts of COVID-19 on the Psycho-emotional Lives of Young People in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 1613-1638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prerna Banati ◽  
Nicola Jones ◽  
Sally Youssef
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Chronic Poverty ◽  
Education Community ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractAcross diverse contexts, emerging evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is increasing levels of anxiety and stress. In calling for greater attention to people’s psychosocial and emotional well-being, global actors have paid insufficient attention to the realities of the pandemic in low- and middle-income countries, where millions of people are already exposed to intersecting vulnerabilities. Chronic poverty, protracted violence, conflict and displacement, coupled with weak health, education and protection systems, provide the backdrop of many adolescents’ lives. Drawing on qualitative in-country telephone interviews with over 500 adolescents in Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire and Lebanon, this article unpacks the age and gendered dimensions of COVID-19 and its response. We conclude by discussing the implications for COVID-19 recovery efforts, arguing that embedding adolescent-centred, inclusive approaches in education, community-based health and social protection responses, has the potential to mitigate the psycho-emotional toll of the pandemic on young people and promote resilience.

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.

Social Protection, Adolescent Well-Being, and Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suman Verma
Keyword(s):  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Social Protection Systems ◽  
Cycle Of Poverty ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Effective social protection policies are crucial to realizing adolescents’ rights, ensuring their well-being, breaking the cycle of poverty and vulnerability, and helping them realize their full developmental potential. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have extended social security coverage to ensure basic protections—while continuing to develop social protection systems. Social protection for LMIC adolescents in the context of gross violations of their basic rights is examined. Prevalence, consequences of protection rights violations, and the role and impact of social protection programs in ensuring enhanced opportunities for development and well-being among young people are discussed. Results demonstrate direct impacts (e.g., increased income, consumption, goods and services access; greater social inclusion; reduced household stress). LMICs need integrated social protection policy and program expansion if the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is to be realized. With adolescent-centered policies and investments, governments can help adolescents realize their rights to a fulfilling and productive life.

scholarly journals Evidence for Better Lives Study: a comparative birth-cohort study on child exposure to violence and other adversities in eight low- and middle-income countries - foundational research (study protocol)

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e034986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Valdebenito ◽  
Aja Murray ◽  
Claire Hughes ◽  
Adriana Băban ◽  
Asvini D Fernando ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Exposure To Violence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Violence Against Children ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Stress Markers ◽  
Foundational Research

IntroductionViolence against children is a health, human rights and social problem affecting approximately half of the world’s children. Its effects begin at prenatal stages with long-lasting impacts on later health and well-being. The Evidence for Better Lives Study (EBLS) aims to produce high-quality longitudinal data from cities in eight low- and middle-income countries—Ghana, Jamaica, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Vietnam—to support effective intervention to reduce violence against children. EBLS-Foundational Research (EBLS-FR) tests critical aspects of the planned EBLS, including participant recruitment and retention, data collection and analysis. Alongside epidemiological estimates of levels and predictors of exposure to violence and adversity during pregnancy, we plan to explore mechanisms that may link exposure to violence to mothers’ biological stress markers and subjective well-being.Methods and analysesEBLS-FR is a short longitudinal study with a sample of 1200 pregnant women. Data are collected during the last trimester of pregnancy and 2 to 6 months after birth. The questionnaire for participating women has been translated into nine languages. Measures obtained from mothers will include, among others, mental and physical health, attitudes to corporal punishment, adverse childhood experiences, prenatal intimate partner violence, substance use and social/community support. Hair and dry blood spot samples are collected from the pregnant women to measure stress markers. To explore research participation among fathers, EBLS-FR is recruiting 300 fathers in the Philippines and Sri Lanka.Ethics and disseminationThe study received ethical approvals at all recruiting sites and universities in the project. Results will be disseminated through journal publications, conferences and seminar presentations involving local communities, health services and other stakeholders. Findings from this work will help to adjust the subsequent stages of the EBLS project.

scholarly journals Experiences with a universal mindfulness and well-being programme at a UK medical school

2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 304-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Stewart-Brown ◽  
Mizaya Cader ◽  
Thomas Walker ◽  
Sabah Janjua ◽  
Emma Hanson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Graduate Entry ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the evaluation of a universal, mental well-being and mindfulness programme in a UK graduate entry medical school. Design/methodology/approach Mixed methods used in the paper were the measurement of mental well-being and mindfulness in two cohorts at three time points over 15 months; descriptive, regression and repeated measures analysis with post hoc pairwise comparisons; qualitative interviews with purposive sample of 13 students after one year analysed thematically; and spontaneous anonymous feedback on the course. Findings The course was a surprise to students, and reactions were mixed. Respect for its contents grew over the first year. Most students had actively implemented a well-being strategy by the end of the course, and an estimated quarter was practicing some mindful activity. In the context of an overall decline in well-being and limited engagement with mindfulness practice, increases in mindfulness were protective against this decline in both cohorts (p<001). A small minority of students thought that the course was a waste of time. Their attitudes influenced engagement by their peers. The mindfulness and well-being practices of the facilitators were evident to students and influenced perceived effects. Research limitations/implications The uncontrolled nature of this observational study and low response rates to the survey limit conclusions. Further research in other medical education settings is needed. Practical implications Results are encouraging, suggesting modest benefit in terms of changing attitudes and practices and a modest protective effect on the well-being of students who engaged. Originality/value This is the first study of a universal well-being and mindfulness programme in a UK medical school. Universal programmes are rare and evaluation studies are scarce.

The history and development of public health in low- and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 33-46
Author(s):  
Than Sein
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Infant Mortality Rate ◽  
Child Rearing ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Economic Productivity ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
The People ◽  
Low And Middle Income

The history and development of public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) shows that important breakthroughs in public health interventions have led to great improvements in economic development. Health determines economic productivity and prosperity, and the physical and emotional well- being of the people. The mindset of the population afflicted with a high infant mortality rate usually lacks the secure knowledge of its children’s longevity, witnesses higher fertility rates, and experiences the quality- quantity trade- off in child- rearing. Ever since the health- for- all movement was initiated over three decades ago, health, equity, and social justice remain the main themes of social and health policy. It is essential for all public health professionals to sustain these values, especially those in LMICs and the international community.

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