scholarly journals Public Health and Social Measures to Mitigate the Health and Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland During 2020-2021: Situational Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noriko Kitamura ◽  
Kaja Abbas ◽  
Dilip Nathwani
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Communication ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Civil Liberties ◽  
Situational Analysis ◽  
Human Society ◽  
The Public ◽  
Healthcare Workforce ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic had enormous impacts on human society. There were similarities and differences in the public health and social measures taken by countries, and comparative analysis facilitates cross-country learning of contextual practices and sharing lessons to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic impact. We aim to conduct a situational analysis of the public health and social measures to mitigate the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland during 2020-2021. Methods We conducted a situational analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic response in Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland from the perspectives of the health system and health finance, national coordination, surveillance, testing capacity, health infrastructure, healthcare workforce, medical supply, physical distancing and non-pharmaceutical interventions, health communication, impact on non-COVID-19 health services, impact on the economy, education, gender and civil liberties, and COVID-19 vaccination. Results Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland have expanded COVID-19 testing and treatment capacity over time. However, they faced a shortage of healthcare workforce and medical supplies. They took population-based quarantine measures rather than individual-based isolation measures, which significantly burdened their economies and disrupted education. The unemployment rate increased, and economic growth stagnated. Economic stimulus policy was accompanied by high inflation. Despite the effort to sustain essential health services, healthcare access declined. Schools were closed for 5-11 months. Gender inequality was aggravated in Turkey and Ukraine, and an issue was raised for balancing public health measures and civil liberties in Egypt and Poland. Digital technologies played an important role in maintaining routine healthcare, education, and public health communication. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems in emerging countries of Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Poland, and highlighted the intricate link between health and economy. Individual-level testing, isolation, and contact tracing are effective public health interventions in mitigating the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to population-level measures of lockdowns. Investment in health, including digital health and communication, is essential to minimize the impact of the pandemic and for more equitable and sustainable development beyond the pandemic.

scholarly journals The Abolition of User Fees in the Jamaican Public Health System: Impact on Access, Care Provided and the Work of the Professional Nurse

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Adella Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health System ◽  
Public Health System ◽  
User Fees ◽  
Professional Nurse ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Impact

<p>The negative impact of user fees on the utilisation of the health services by the poor in developing countries such as Uganda and Jamaica is well documented. Therefore, various governments have been engaged in reforming public health systems to increase access by underserved populations. One such reform is the introduction of free health services. In Jamaica, user fees were abolished in the public health sector in 2007 for children under 18 years and in 2008 free health care was introduced for all users of the public health system. This study evaluated the impact of the 2008 reform on the Jamaican public health system at 1) the national level, 2) the provider level, and 3) the user level. Perspectives were sought on access to care, the care provided, and the work of the professional nurse. Participants were selected from the Ministry of Health (MOH), the four Regional Health Authorities (RHAs), and urban and rural health facilities. Data collection was done during March – August 2010, using a multi-layered mixed methods evaluation approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. Methods included individual interviews with key policymakers (eight) at the MOH and the four RHAs, as well as a senior medical officer of health (one) and pharmacists (three); focus groups with representatives of the main practitioners in the health system including nurses (six groups), pharmacists (one group) and doctors (two groups); document reviews of the MOH and RHAs‘ annual reports, and a survey of patients (200). Views on the impact of the abolition of user charges differed across the three levels and among the health authorities, facilities, and perspectives (policymakers, practitioners and users). Patient utilisation of the public health system increased exponentially immediately following the abolition of user fees, then declined, but remained above the pre-policy level. The work of health care providers, especially the professional nurse, was affected in that they had to provide the expected and required services to the patients despite an increase in workload and constraints such as inadequate resources. The research found that, while policymakers were optimistic about the policy, providers had concerns but patients were satisfied with the increased access and the quality care they were now receiving. Users also encountered challenges that constituted barriers to access. In addition to providing further evidence about the abolition of user fees in the public health system, this research provides important new insights into the impact of the nationwide abolition of user fees, as well as the impact of the policy change on the work of the professional nurse. Equally, the findings highlighted the potential benefits, gaps, and failures of the abolition of user fees‘ policy, and will serve as a catalyst to improve the policy process regarding access to health services and the work of the professional nurse. The findings of this research will be valuable in the planning of health-related programmes for the consumers of health care in developing countries. Despite the need for further research in this area, this research has contributed to the body of knowledge regarding user fees and access to health care in developing countries.</p>

scholarly journals Public Health Communication in France during the Spanish Flu and the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Experts

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Klara Dankova
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Communication ◽  
Technical Expertise ◽  
Public Health Communication ◽  
The Public ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Spanish Flu ◽  
Current Context ◽  
The Impact

In times of crisis, a government’s communication with the public is fundamental, as one of the government’s main tasks is to provide critical information to protect the population. In the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health communication has been paramount because of the elevated risk of contagion. Moreover, in public health communication, experts play a pivotal role by providing reliable information on the basis of their technical expertise. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is often compared to that of the Spanish flu, a pandemic occurring in 1918-1919, whose global spread decimated tens of millions of people. This contribution aims to assess the role of experts in the two crises by highlighting the differences in France’s public health communication during the two events. Assuming that the objectives of public health communication during the two pandemics were more or less identical, i.e. to prevent the spread of disease and inform and protect the public, the paper inquires about the means used to achieve them, focusing on the contribution of experts. The main characteristics of public health communication during the Spanish flu will be investigated by analysing articles published in the period between 1918 and 1919 in two French newspapers Le Matin and Le Petit Parisien. In terms of the current COVID-19 pandemic, this paper will probe articles published since December 2019 in the newspaper Le Monde.

scholarly journals 28.I. Workshop: Communication in public health: neglected but essential

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Communication ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Common View ◽  
Public Health Communication ◽  
The Public ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
Communication Modalities ◽  
Effective Public Health ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The realization that not only research but also effective communication is essential to promoting and protecting the health of the public was a fundamental milestone in the emerging discipline of public health communication. Although we are beginning to talk more and more about health communication, it is, in the common view, still too often identified as a soft skill of the individual professional, and therefore as a minor competence in public health. Fortunately, many of today's public health leaders realize that promoting health and protecting the public require effective public health communication - as emerged clearly during EUPHA2019 conference in Marseille. The essential components of the communication process (channel, source, receiver, and message) are dynamic and change continuously in public health: emergencies follow one another rapidly, and communication channels evolve very quickly in the digital era. The impact, trust, and authority of traditional media are in decline. People are also willing to actively participate and share their views and information, including on health issues, through social networks. This explains the emergence of the new social media (blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok) as a central space for communicating and re-connecting with the public. Websites were mentioned as widely used to convey health messages, like ongoing health campaigns addressed to different groups (e.g. campaign on seasonal influenza vaccination) or during crisis communication (e.g. absolutely up to date is the example of coronavirus disease 2019). This workshop aims to explore the importance of appropriate communication by analysing practical examples of the diversity of communication modalities, language, target audiences and objectives. Furthermore, public health communication, to be effective, requires an integrated approach to engage the relevant stakeholders such as research institutes, health professionals, partner organisations (e.g. private institutions), policymakers, associations (e.g. population representatives, patients' associations, CSOs/NGOs, citizens associations protecting the poor) and individuals. The use of health communication principles is fundamental at all levels, from government organizations and agencies at central and sub-national level to individuals and citizens: public health experts need to advocate policymakers and all stakeholders, who interact with each other determine the health system and its governance and are involved in the decision-making process, to empower the population, that never more than now require to be the principal actor in their own health decision. Key messages Public health communication is an essential component of any effective public health strategy and initiative, yet it is often neglected and under-resourced. Communication in public health is multifaceted: it is required in a diverse range of scenarios; it may target different population groups and engage various institutions and experts.

scholarly journals The Abolition of User Fees in the Jamaican Public Health System: Impact on Access, Care Provided and the Work of the Professional Nurse

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Adella Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health System ◽  
Public Health System ◽  
User Fees ◽  
Professional Nurse ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Impact

<p>The negative impact of user fees on the utilisation of the health services by the poor in developing countries such as Uganda and Jamaica is well documented. Therefore, various governments have been engaged in reforming public health systems to increase access by underserved populations. One such reform is the introduction of free health services. In Jamaica, user fees were abolished in the public health sector in 2007 for children under 18 years and in 2008 free health care was introduced for all users of the public health system. This study evaluated the impact of the 2008 reform on the Jamaican public health system at 1) the national level, 2) the provider level, and 3) the user level. Perspectives were sought on access to care, the care provided, and the work of the professional nurse. Participants were selected from the Ministry of Health (MOH), the four Regional Health Authorities (RHAs), and urban and rural health facilities. Data collection was done during March – August 2010, using a multi-layered mixed methods evaluation approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. Methods included individual interviews with key policymakers (eight) at the MOH and the four RHAs, as well as a senior medical officer of health (one) and pharmacists (three); focus groups with representatives of the main practitioners in the health system including nurses (six groups), pharmacists (one group) and doctors (two groups); document reviews of the MOH and RHAs‘ annual reports, and a survey of patients (200). Views on the impact of the abolition of user charges differed across the three levels and among the health authorities, facilities, and perspectives (policymakers, practitioners and users). Patient utilisation of the public health system increased exponentially immediately following the abolition of user fees, then declined, but remained above the pre-policy level. The work of health care providers, especially the professional nurse, was affected in that they had to provide the expected and required services to the patients despite an increase in workload and constraints such as inadequate resources. The research found that, while policymakers were optimistic about the policy, providers had concerns but patients were satisfied with the increased access and the quality care they were now receiving. Users also encountered challenges that constituted barriers to access. In addition to providing further evidence about the abolition of user fees in the public health system, this research provides important new insights into the impact of the nationwide abolition of user fees, as well as the impact of the policy change on the work of the professional nurse. Equally, the findings highlighted the potential benefits, gaps, and failures of the abolition of user fees‘ policy, and will serve as a catalyst to improve the policy process regarding access to health services and the work of the professional nurse. The findings of this research will be valuable in the planning of health-related programmes for the consumers of health care in developing countries. Despite the need for further research in this area, this research has contributed to the body of knowledge regarding user fees and access to health care in developing countries.</p>

scholarly journals Real-Time Monitoring of COVID-19 in Scotland

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giles David Calder-Gerver ◽  
Stella Mazeri ◽  
Samuel Haynes ◽  
Camille Anna Simonet ◽  
Mark EJ Woolhouse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Monitoring ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Public Health Risk ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Impact

To manage the public health risk posed by COVID-19 and assess the impact of interventions, policy makers must be able to closely monitor the epidemic′s trajectory. Here we present a simple methodology based on basic surveillance metrics for monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and its burden on health services in Scotland. We illustrate how this has been used throughout the epidemic in Scotland and explore the underlying biases that have affected its interpretation.

scholarly journals The Anticipated Future of Public Health Services Post COVID-19: Viewpoint (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haitham Bashier ◽  
Aamer Ikram ◽  
Mumtaz Ali Khan ◽  
Mirza Baig ◽  
Magid Al Gunaid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Future ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

UNSTRUCTURED In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various public health functions and essential services in different ways and magnitudes. Although all countries have witnessed the effect of COVID-19, the impact differed based on many factors including the integrity and resiliency of the countries’ health systems. This paper presents opinions and expectations of the authors about the anticipated changes in the future of public health at the global, regional, and national levels. The viewpoint is based on the current efforts and challenges that various stakeholders have carried out to control COVID-19 and the contribution from the literature on the future of public health. Numerous agencies and actors are involved in the fight against COVID-19 with variations in their effectiveness. The public health services showed weaknesses in most of the countries, in addition to the lack of adequate curative medicine settings. The pandemic highlighted the need for better governance and stronger and more resilient health systems and capacities. The COVID-19 experience has also emphasized the importance of coordination and collaboration among the countries and stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic might lead to a wide discussion to improve international and national approaches to prepare for and respond to similar events in terms of preparedness and response mechanisms and tools. Public health will not be the same as before COVID-19. New health priorities, approaches, and new agendas will be on the table of the global platforms and initiatives. More investment in research and technology to meet the demand for new vaccines and medicines, innovative methods like distance learning and working, more respect and remuneration to health professionals, and normalization of the public health and social measures that were induced during the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to be seen in future.

scholarly journals Understanding the Impact of Public Health Advice on Paediatric Healthcare Use During COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Survey of Parents

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Nicholson ◽  
Thérése McDonnell ◽  
Ciara Conlon ◽  
Michael Barrett ◽  
Fergal Cummins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Service Usage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Advice ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Hospital avoidance during the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported with a significant decrease in attendance at emergency departments among paediatric populations with potential increased morbidity and mortality outcomes. The present study sought to understand parents’ experiences of healthcare during the initial public health stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A cross-sectional survey of parents of children under the age of 16 (N = 1044). The survey collected demographic information to profile parents and children, capture relevant health information such as pre-existing conditions and/or chronic illness or disability, and health service usage during the pandemic. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and regression analyses were used to determine the factors that influenced avoidance and hesitancy. Results23% of parents stated that they were much more hesitant to access health services upon implementation of the initial public health restrictions. Parents with a higher perception of risk of their children contracting COVID-19 (χ2 (3) =33.8618, p< 0.000), and stronger levels of concern regarding the effects of COVID-19 (χ2 (3) =23.9189, p< 0.000) were more likely to be hesitant. Stress also appeared to be a factor in hesitancy with higher than normal stress levels significantly associated with hesitancy (RRR= 2.31, CI: 1.54 - 3.47), while those with severe/extremely severe stress were over three times more likely to be hesitant (RRR:3.37, CI:1.81 - 6.27). Approximately one third of the sample required healthcare for their children during the public health restrictions to delay the spread of COVID-19, however, one in five of these parents avoided accessing such healthcare when needed. Of those that required healthcare, parents who avoided were more likely to report that the services were needed more by others (χ2 (1) 20.3470, p<0.000). Those who felt that the government advice was to stay away from health services were 1.7 times more likely to be much more hesitant (RRR:1.71, CI; 1.10 – 2.67).ConclusionThe misinterpretation of government public health advice, stress and the perception of risk each contributed to parental avoidance of or hesitancy to utilize healthcare services during the public health measures imposed to combat COVID-19.

scholarly journals Green Deal as a Climate Changes Dam on the Road to Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Jevtic ◽  
C Bouland
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Road ◽  
National Public Health ◽  
On The Road ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Public health professionals (PHP) have a dual task in climate change. They should persuade their colleagues in clinical medicine of the importance of all the issues covered by the GD. The fact that the health sector contributes to the overall emissions of 4.4% speaks to the lack of awareness within the health sector itself. The issue of providing adequate infrastructure for the health sector is essential. Strengthening the opportunities and development of the circular economy within healthcare is more than just a current issue. The second task of PHP is targeting the broader population. The public health mission is being implemented, inter alia, through numerous activities related to environmental monitoring and assessment of the impact on health. GD should be a roadmap for priorities and actions in public health, bearing in mind: an ambitious goal of climate neutrality, an insistence on clean, affordable and safe energy, a strategy for a clean and circular economy. GD provides a framework for the development of sustainable and smart transport, the development of green agriculture and policies from field to table. It also insists on biodiversity conservation and protection actions. The pursuit of zero pollution and an environment free of toxic chemicals, as well as incorporating sustainability into all policies, is also an indispensable part of GD. GD represents a leadership step in the global framework towards a healthier future and comprises all the non-EU members as well. The public health sector should consider the GD as an argument for achieving goals at national levels, and align national public health policies with the goals of this document. There is a need for stronger advocacy of health and public-health interests along with incorporating sustainability into all policies. Achieving goals requires the education process for healthcare professionals covering all of topics of climate change, energy and air pollution to a much greater extent than before.

scholarly journals Effect of COVID-19 on childhood Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Chengdu, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Yijie Huang ◽  
Tao Ai ◽  
Jun Luo ◽  
Hanmin Liu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Serum Antibody ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Western China ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Response ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a change in the incidence and transmission of respiratory pathogens was observed. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiologic characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection among children in Chengdu, one of the largest cities of western China. Method M. pneumoniae infection was diagnosed in 33,345 pediatric patients with respiratory symptoms at the Chengdu Women’s & Children’s Central Hospital between January 2017 and December 2020, based on a serum antibody titer of ≥1:160 measured by the passive agglutination assay. Differences in infection rates were examined by sex, age, and temporal distribution. Results Two epidemic outbreaks occurred between October-December 2017 and April-December 2019, and two infection peaks were detected in the second and fourth quarters of 2017, 2018, and 2019. Due to the public health response to COVID-19, the number of positive M. pneumoniae cases significantly decreased in the second quarter of 2020. The number of M. pneumoniae infection among children aged 3–6 years was higher than that in other age groups. Conclusions Preschool children are more susceptible to M. pneumoniae infection and close contact appears to be the predominant factor favoring pathogen transmission. The public health response to COVID-19 can effectively control the transmission of M. pneumoniae.

scholarly journals Impact assessment of the public health product tax in Hungary

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Zámbó ◽  
M Bakacs ◽  
É Illés ◽  
A Varga ◽  
E Sarkadi Nagy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Communication ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Health Product ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Many countries apply fiscal policies to promote healthy diets to reduce the risk factors of NCDs. In 2011, a public health product tax (PHPT) was introduced in Hungary, taxing non-staple food products that carry proven health risks when consumed. The objectives of PHPT were to promote healthier eating habits by increasing the availability of healthy choices; to encourage reformulation; and to increase revenues for public health. With the purpose of evaluating the social and economic effects of PHPT, impact assessments (IAs) were conducted in 2012, 2014, and in 2018. The IA in 2018 was conducted within the framework of an EU-cofunded development project. To measure the awareness of the population on the law; to assess the population's attitude towards PHPT; to map the consumption patterns and to examine the major factors influencing food choices were fundamental parts of the IAs. We aim to present the findings of the latest IA and compare them to the results of the previous studies. Population surveys with questionnaires including the same questions were applied in the three assessments, hence changes during the 6 years could be detected. A sample of the adult population was involved in form of personal interviews in each IA. Based on the results, the awareness of PHPT was less (66%) in 2018 than in 2012 (72%). The adult population's consumption of the taxed products increased in all categories between 2012 and 2018 (except for salty condiments). Sociodemographic factors and awareness of the law correlated with the consumption of certain PHPT products. Taste was the primary determinant of food choice both in 2012 and 2018. The role of the price and the energy content in food choices were decreased significantly by 2018. A higher proportion of people identified the aims of PHPT correctly and agreed with them in 2018. The results draw attention to the importance of further interventions and the need of targeted health communication. Key messages The impact of the PHPT should continue to be monitored and evaluated. To achieve the aims of PHPT in the long term, it is needed to use more effective health communication, furthermore harmonized intersectoral actions should be also implied to promote healthy diet.

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