scholarly journals Responding to the Pandemic: A Multicountry Study on Social-Political Factors and Health Outcomes of COVID-19

Author(s):  
◽  
Lan Yao ◽  

Introduction. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a major global threat to human beings, which has caused devastating consequences of population health, political, and economic crises in many countries. This dissertation was composed of three research activities to study the following aims: (1) review the existing literature focusing on political factors and health outcomes of COVID-19; (2) assess the relationship between democracy and case fatality rate of COVID-19 by controlling for the effect of age, comorbidity, health expenditure, healthcare workforce, and population density; and (3) identify the trajectory pattern cases peak days, deaths peak days, and peak periods. Methods. We accessed data from the World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank, Johns Hopkins University, and the Democracy Index 2019 database. First, we conducted a systematic review that searched three databases and synthesized the articles about democracy and health outcomes of COVID-19. Second, we analyzed data from 148 countries with at least 2,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 by October 25, 2020. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between the Democracy Index and case fatality rate of COVID-19 while controlling for other variables, most notably the age distribution of the population. Lastly, we used the patterns of data at the early onset of COVID-19 from seven countries to estimate the time lag between peak days of cases and deaths. Results. Our first research found that of 170 publications in the databases search, 12 publications were screened for systematic review. Among them, one study reported no association between democracy and health outcomes of COVID-19. Eleven articles claimed there was a relationship between democracy level and outcomes of COVID-19. Two papers reported negative associations between democracy and adverse outcomes of the population, while the other nine articles claimed there were positive associations between democracy and the poor health status of populations. When examining the relationship between democracy and health outcomes of COVID-19, the second research demonstrated that the number of hospital beds, the proportion of population above age 65, and current health expenditure as a percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP) are significantly related to the case fatality rates of COVID-19 across 148 countries (p < 0.05). The Democracy Index was not statistically related to the case fatality rates of COVID-19 when considering all 148 countries analyzed but was negatively associated with case fatality rates among 47 high-income countries. In addition, the healthcare workforce, population density, and comorbidity were not statistically significant among the 148 countries. Finally, the findings in the last research suggested that comparative analyses of data from different regions and countries reveal the differences between peaks of cases and deaths caused by COVID-19 and the incomplete and underestimated cases in Wuhan. Different countries may show different patterns of cases peak days, deaths peak days, and peak periods. Error in the early COVID-19 statistics in Brazil was identified. Conclusions. This research is the first to our knowledge to study the relationship between democracy and health outcomes of COVID-19 across countries with large sample sizes. According to the multicountry data, the cross-sectional study suggests that enhancing healthcare system facilities is vital to improving clinical outcomes. Protecting the population older than 65 and adjusting the health expenditure budget may need to be considered. The findings suggest that in high-income countries the higher democracy index is associated with more deaths from COVID-19, perhaps due to the decreased ability of the government to control the movement and behavior of its citizens. Besides, the simulated graphical trajectory method identifies statistical biases in surveillance data. This approach incorporates all sources of available data and provides a robust method to characterize the time course of an infectious disease. Regions and countries beginning with high mortality rates from the COVID-19 epidemic will suffer a long, painful period of the disease epidemic. Where the mortality rate is relatively high, healthcare professionals should prepare for a longer period of fighting this pandemic. Data quality is key to case fatality rate estimation which is needed by policymakers to make correct and timely critical decisions.

Author(s):  
Hua Zhang ◽  
Han Han ◽  
Tianhui He ◽  
Kristen E Labbe ◽  
Adrian V Hernandez ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Previous studies have indicated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with cancer have a high fatality rate. Methods We conducted a systematic review of studies that reported fatalities in COVID-19 patients with cancer. A comprehensive meta-analysis that assessed the overall case fatality rate and associated risk factors was performed. Using individual patient data, univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for each variable with outcomes. Results We included 15 studies with 3019 patients, of which 1628 were men; 41.0% were from the United Kingdom and Europe, followed by the United States and Canada (35.7%), and Asia (China, 23.3%). The overall case fatality rate of COVID-19 patients with cancer measured 22.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 17.3% to 28.0%). Univariate analysis revealed age (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.80 to 7.06), male sex (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.07 to 4.13), and comorbidity (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.04 to 3.85) were associated with increased risk of severe events (defined as the individuals being admitted to the intensive care unit, or requiring invasive ventilation, or death). In multivariable analysis, only age greater than 65 years (OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.45 to 6.88) and being male (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.07 to 4.87) were associated with increased risk of severe events. Conclusions Our analysis demonstrated that COVID-19 patients with cancer have a higher fatality rate compared with that of COVID-19 patients without cancer. Age and sex appear to be risk factors associated with a poorer prognosis.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e032289
Author(s):  
Frank Leonel Tianyi ◽  
Joel Noutakdie Tochie ◽  
Celestin Danwang ◽  
Aime Mbonda ◽  
Mazou N Temgoua ◽  
...  

BackgroundSeptic shock is a life-threatening infection frequently responsible for hospital admissions or may be acquired as nosocomial infection in hospitalized patients with resultant significant morbidity and mortality . There is a dearth of data on a résumé and meta-analysis on the global epidemiology of this potentially deadly condition. Therefore, we propose the first systematic review to synthesize existing data on the global incidence, prevalence and case fatality rate of septic shock worldwide.MethodsWe will include cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies reporting on the incidence, and case fatality rate of septic shock. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, WHO Global Health Library and Web of Science will be searched for relevant records published between 1 January 2000 and 31 August 2019. Independents reviewers will perform study selection and data extraction, as well as assessment of methodological quality of included studies. Appropriate meta-analysis will then be used to pool studies judged to be clinically homogenous. Egger’s test and funnel plots will be used to detect publication bias. Findings will be reported and compared by human development level of countries.Ethics and disseminationBeing a review, ethical approval is not required as it was obtained in the primary study which will make up the review. This review is expected to provide relevant data to help in evaluating the burden of septic shock in the general population. The overall findings of this research will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019129783.


Author(s):  
Nina Droz ◽  
Yingfen Hsia ◽  
Sally Ellis ◽  
Angela Dramowski ◽  
Mike Sharland ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite a high mortality rate in childhood, there is limited evidence on the causes and outcomes of paediatric bloodstream infections from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to characterize the bacterial causes of paediatric bloodstream infections in LMICs and their resistance profile. Methods We searched Pubmed and Embase databases between January 1st 1990 and October 30th 2019, combining MeSH and free-text terms for “sepsis” and “low-middle-income countries” in children. Two reviewers screened articles and performed data extraction to identify studies investigating children (1 month-18 years), with at least one blood culture. The main outcomes of interests were the rate of positive blood cultures, the distribution of bacterial pathogens, the resistance patterns and the case-fatality rate. The proportions obtained from each study were pooled using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation, and a random-effect meta-analysis model was used. Results We identified 2403 eligible studies, 17 were included in the final review including 52,915 children (11 in Africa and 6 in Asia). The overall percentage of positive blood culture was 19.1% [95% CI: 12.0–27.5%]; 15.5% [8.4–24.4%] in Africa and 28.0% [13.2–45.8%] in Asia. A total of 4836 bacterial isolates were included in the studies; 2974 were Gram-negative (63.9% [52.2–74.9]) and 1858 were Gram-positive (35.8% [24.9–47.5]). In Asia, Salmonella typhi (26.2%) was the most commonly isolated pathogen, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (7.7%) whereas in Africa, S. aureus (17.8%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (16.8%) were predominant followed by Escherichia coli (10.7%). S. aureus was more likely resistant to methicillin in Africa (29.5% vs. 7.9%), whereas E. coli was more frequently resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (31.2% vs. 21.2%), amikacin (29.6% vs. 0%) and ciprofloxacin (36.7% vs. 0%) in Asia. The overall estimate for case-fatality rate among 8 studies was 12.7% [6.6–20.2%]. Underlying conditions, such as malnutrition or HIV infection were assessed as a factor associated with bacteraemia in 4 studies each. Conclusions We observed a marked variation in pathogen distribution and their resistance profiles between Asia and Africa. Very limited data is available on underlying risk factors for bacteraemia, patterns of treatment of multidrug-resistant infections and predictors of adverse outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S65-S65
Author(s):  
Katharine Cooley ◽  
Shannon Fleck-Derderian ◽  
Christina Nelson

Abstract Background Plague meningitis is a rare but serious manifestation of infection with the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The risk factors, clinical evolution, and optimal treatment strategies of plague meningitis are not well understood, and data is limited to sporadic case reports. To advance knowledge of this condition and support clinical practice recommendations, we conducted a systematic review of published cases of plague meningitis. Methods We reviewed PubMed Central, Medline, Embase, and other databases for publications on plague meningitis in any language. Articles that contained reports of patients with plague meningitis plus information on patient outcome were included. Results Among 1,090 articles identified in our search, we found 54 articles describing 83 cases eligible for inclusion. Cases occurred between 1898 and 2015; mean age of patients was 20.5 years (range 6 wks - 64 yrs) and 65% were male. Most patients lived in the United States (23%), Argentina (18%), Vietnam (12%), or China (12%). Four patients (5%) had primary plague meningitis. More than half (59%) of patients developed meningitis secondary to primary bubonic plague; the remainder developed meningitis secondary to other or unknown forms of plague. Of patients with a bubo, 51% had an axillary bubo. The most common symptoms were fever (66%), nuchal rigidity (43%), and headache (35%); 23 patients had focal neurologic deficits such as cranial nerve abnormality. Case fatality rate was 96% (n=23/24) for patients who did not receive antimicrobial treatment and 42% (n=25/59) for patients treated with antimicrobials. Case fatality rate by antimicrobial received, including patients who received multiple antimicrobial classes, was 50% for sulfonamides (n= 38), 50% for fluoroquinolones (n=2), 19% for aminoglycosides (n=21), 11% for chloramphenicol (n=19), and 0% for tetracyclines (n=14). Conclusion Plague meningitis has a high fatality rate, but antimicrobial treatment can improve patient outcomes. Having an axillary bubo may be a risk factor for developing plague meningitis – in contrast to our findings, a recent analysis found that only 24% of patients with bubonic plague had buboes in the axillary region. Additional research would be helpful to investigate this association further. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


Author(s):  
Chanaka Kahathuduwa ◽  
Chathurika Dhanasekara ◽  
Shao-Hua Chin

AbstractBackgroundEstimating the prevalence of severe or critical illness and case fatality of COVID-19 outbreak in December, 2019 remains a challenge due to biases associated with surveillance, data synthesis and reporting. We aimed to address this limitation in a systematic review and meta-analysis and to examine the clinical, biochemical and radiological risk factors in a meta-regression.MethodsPRISMA guidelines were followed. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched using pre-specified keywords on March 07, 2020. Peer-reviewed empirical studies examining rates of severe illness, critical illness and case fatality among COVID-19 patients were examined. Numerators and denominators to compute the prevalence rates and risk factors were extracted. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. Results were corrected for publication bias. Meta-regression analyses examined the moderator effects of potential risk factors.ResultsThe meta-analysis included 29 studies representing 2,090 individuals. Pooled rates of severe illness, critical illness and case fatality among COVID-19 patients were 15%, 5% and 0.8% respectively. Adjusting for potential underreporting and publication bias, increased these estimates to 26%, 16% and 7.4% respectively. Increasing age and elevated LDH consistently predicted severe / critical disease and case fatality. Hypertension; fever and dyspnea at presentation; and elevated CRP predicted increased severity.ConclusionsRisk factors that emerged in our analyses predicting severity and case fatality should inform clinicians to define endophenotypes possessing a greater risk. Estimated case fatality rate of 7.4% after correcting for publication bias underscores the importance of strict adherence to preventive measures, case detection, surveillance and reporting.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivam Gupta ◽  
Kamalesh Kumar Patel ◽  
Shobana Sivaraman ◽  
Abha Mangal

As the COVID-19 pandemic marches exponentially, epidemiological data is of high importance to analyse the current situation and guide intervention strategies. This study analyses the epidemiological data of COVID-19 from 17 countries, representing 85 per cent of the total cases within first 90 days of lockdown in Wuhan, China. It follows a population-level observational study design and includes countries with 20,000 cases (or higher) as of 21 April 2020. We sourced the data for these 17 countries from worldometers. info, a digital platform being used by several media and reputed academic institutions worldwide. We calculated the prevalence, incidence, case fatality rate and trends in the epidemiology of COVID-19, and its correlation with population density, urbanisation and elderly population. The analysis represents 85 per cent ( N = 2,183,661) of all cases within the first 90 days of the pandemic. Across the analysed period, the burden of the pandemic primarily focused on high- and middle-income countries of Asia, Europe and North America. While the total number of cases and deaths are highest in USA, the prevalence, incidence and case fatality rates are higher in the European countries. The prevalence and incidence vary widely among countries included in the analysis, and the number of cases per million and the case fatality rate are correlated with the proportion of the elderly population and to a lesser extent with the proportion of the urban population.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e034326
Author(s):  
Joel Noutakdie Tochie ◽  
Ndip Valirie Agbor ◽  
Tianyi Tianyi Frank Leonel ◽  
Aime Mbonda ◽  
Desmond Aji Abang ◽  
...  

IntroductionGlobally, acute generalised peritonitis (AGP) is a common medical and surgical emergency which is a major contributor to non-trauma deaths despite improvements in diagnosis and surgical and intensive care management. In order to determine the global burden of AGP, geared at tailoring key interventions to curb its morbidity and mortality, we proposed this first ever systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the contemporary prevalence, and to determine the most frequent AGP and the case fatality rate of AGP, at the global scene.Methods and analysisWe intend to searchAfricanJournalsOnline, Americana em Ciências da Saúde, Citation index, EMBASE, Global Index Medicus, Literatura Latino Africa Index Medicus, Medline and Scientific Electronic Library Online databases from 1 January 2009 to 31 July 2019 to identify studies that reported the prevalence, types of AGP, and case fatality rate of AGP in the global population without any language restrictions. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be conducted independently at each level by a pair of independent investigators. Random-effects meta-analysis will be used to pool studies judged to be clinically homogeneous. The presence of heterogeneity will be evaluated using the χ² test on Cochrane’s Q statistic and quantified with the I² statistics. Publication bias will be evaluated statistically and visually using the Egger’s test and funnel plots, respectively. Findings will be reported and compared by countries, WHO regions and globally.Ethics and disseminationSince this study will be based on published data, it does will not require an ethical approval. The findings will be published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. They will also be presented at scientific conferences and to relevant public health actors.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019143331.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Wolf ◽  
Regina Ellwanger ◽  
Udo Goetsch ◽  
Nils Wetzstein ◽  
Rene Gottschalk

Abstract Rationale for Systematic Review Lassa fever is the most common cause of imported haemorrhagic fevers cases in non-endemic countries. As a disease with a high case fatality rate that has regularly caused clusters of nosocomial transmission in endemic areas, prompt diagnosis is vital. We conducted a systematic review of imported cases of the last 50 years with the aim of defining the clinical and epidemiological characteristics that will enhance early diagnosis, prompt initiation of treatment and an appropriate public health response to Lassa fever cases. Methods We performed a retrospective, systematic review of 36 primary and two secondary cases of Lassa fever in non-endemic countries outside West Africa by searching the PubMed database. This yielded 56 relevant publications that were included in our analysis. Results The case fatality rate of 35.1% for imported cases was higher than that reported for endemic countries. The majority of patients showed clinical features consistent with Lassa fever and had a typical exposure. There was a considerable delay in diagnosis in imported cases with high associated numbers of contacts. Ribavirin was rarely used for post-exposure prophylaxis. Only two secondary transmissions occurred. Thirty-one percent of patients received Lassa fever-specific treatment and five required intensive care. Conclusions Although importation of Lassa fever to non-endemic countries is a rare event, it has repeatedly happened over five decades. Suspicion of Lassa fever should be based on careful consideration of clinical features and exposure history in order to assist early diagnosis in returning travellers from West Africa.


Author(s):  
Victor J. Samillan ◽  
Diana Flores-León ◽  
Eduardo Rojas ◽  
Brian R. Zutta

Abstract Objectives The role of the environment and climate in the transmission and case fatality rates of SARS-CoV-2 is still being investigated a year into the pandemic. Elevation and air quality are believed to be significant factors in the development of the pandemic, but the influence of additional environmental factors remains unclear. Methods We explored the relationship between the cumulative number of infections and mortality cases with climate (temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, water vapor pressure, wind), environmental data (elevation, normalized difference vegetation index or NDVI, particulate matter at 2.5 μm or PM2.5 and NO2 concentration), and population density in Peru. We use confirmed cases of infection from 1,287 districts and mortality in 479 districts, we used Spearman’s correlations to assess the bivariate correlation between environmental and climatic factors with cumulative infection cases, cumulative mortality and case-fatality rate. We explored district cases within the ecozones of coast, sierra, high montane forest and lowland rainforest. Results Multiple linear regression models indicate elevation, mean solar radiation, air quality, population density and green vegetation cover, as a socioeconomic proxy, are influential factors in the distribution of infection and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 in Peru. Case-fatality rate was weakly associated with elevation. Conclusions Our results also strongly suggest that exposure to poor air quality is a significant factor in the mortality of individuals below the age of 30. We conclude that environmental and climatic factors do play a significant role in the transmission and case fatality rates in Peru, however further study is required to see if these relationships are maintained over time.


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