Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and Suicide: Conceptual and Practical Considerations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravi Philip Rajkumar
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Historical Data ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Degree Of Control ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Spread Of Infection

The global pandemic of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had an adverse impact on the mental health of millions. Historical data shows that large-scale disease outbreaks are associated with elevated rates of suicide in both the short and the long term. There are certain distinctive features of the COVID-19 outbreak, from a biological as well as a psychological and social perspective, that make it likely that it will be associated with a significant increase in suicidality which may persist even after a certain degree of control has been achieved over the spread of infection. In this article, relevant historical and current literature pertaining to the association between COVID-19 and suicide are summarized and analyzed, and recommendations for preventive measures are outlined.

scholarly journals Symptoms, Features of Diagnosis and Preventive Measures During the “Second Wave” COVID-19 in Residents of the Kyrgyz Republic

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 164-175
Author(s):  
Sh. Sulaimanov ◽  
Zh. Esenalieva
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Kyrgyz Republic ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Intellectual Work ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Spread Of Infection ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
Muscle Ache

The results of our study show that the respondent’s perception of large-scale social changes associated with the pandemic of the new coronavirus infection in the Kyrgyz Republic has a number of features. A sufficient level of awareness of the respondents about the symptoms of the disease, the ways of transmission of the virus, and measures to prevent the spread of infection are combined with an underestimation of the situation (17.2%). The majority (66.6%) of the respondents lived in Bishkek. The survey was held among 247 people, most of whom were women (57.3%) and young people (35.9±14.9 years). Every fourth participant in the study is a chronic tobacco smoker (24%). Less than half (47.3%) of the respondents were engaged in intellectual work. Among the respondents, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 were loss of taste or smell, fever, headache, muscle ache, cough, sore throat. Every third (28.4%) respondent was referred to an X-ray, CT scan. PCR and ELISA studies were carried out, respectively, by 22.5% and 10.9%.

scholarly journals Roots, Rights and Risk: Canada, Childhood and the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-33
Author(s):  
Sarah Ciotti ◽  
Shannon Moore ◽  
Maureen Connolly ◽  
Trent Newmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
Rights Of The Child ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Constructions Of Childhood ◽  
Media Reports ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 global pandemic highlights pre-existing inequities as well as the challenge of ensuring the protection of children’s human rights in countries like Canada that have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. SARS-CoV-2, referred to as the 2019 novel Coronavirus disease or COVID-19, presents a significant threat to public health. Although children are considered to be low risk of contracting, spreading, and serious complications of the disease, are considerably impacted by COVID-19 government-sanctioned distancing measures. COVID-19 is a persistent public health threat, thus, the long-term consequences are largely unknown. This qualitative research study, a content analysis of online Canadian media reports of COVID-19 and children, engaged transdisciplinary social justice methodology, social constructions of childhood at the intersection of race, socio-economic status, gender, and disability. The findings suggest COVID-19 reinforces the impact of social exclusion and economic disparity on equity-seeking young people and families in Canada.

scholarly journals Facemask shortage and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak: Reflection on public health measures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huailiang Wu ◽  
Jian Huang ◽  
Casper J. P. Zhang ◽  
Zonglin He ◽  
Wai-Kit Ming
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Medical Resources ◽  
Infectious Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Effective Public Health

AbstractBackgroundA novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak due to SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in China in late-December 2019. Facemask wearing is considered as one of the most cost-effective and important measures to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but it became a social concern due to the recent global facemask shortage. China is the major facemask producer in the world, contributing to 50% of global production. However, even full productivity (20 million facemasks per day) does not seem to meet the need of a population of 1.4 billion in China.MethodsPolicy review using government websites and shortage analysis using mathematical modelling based on data obtained from the National Health Commission (NHC), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the People’s Republic of China, and Wuhan Bureau of Statistics.FindingsSupplies of facemasks in the whole of China would have been sufficient for both healthcare workers and the general population if the COVID-19 outbreak only occurred in Wuhan city or Hubei province. However, if the outbreak occurred in the whole of China, facemask supplies in China could last for 5 days if under the existing public health measures and a shortage of 853 million facemasks is expected by 30 Apr 2020. Assuming a gradually decreased import volume, we estimated that dramatic increase in productivity (42.7 times of the usual level) is needed to mitigate the facemask crisis by the end of April.InterpretationIn light of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, a shortage of facemasks and other medical resources can considerably compromise the efficacy of public health measures. Effective public health measures should also consider the adequacy and affordability of medical resources. Global collaboration should be strengthened to prevent the development of a global pandemic from a regional epidemic via easing the medical resources crisis in the affected countries.Research in contextEvidence before this studyWe searched PubMed and Web of Science for articles in English, between 1 Jan 1980, and 1 Jan 2020, using the search terms 1) (infection OR infectious disease* OR outbreaks) AND (modelling); and 2) (mask* OR facemask* OR medical resource*) AND (infection OR infectious disease* OR outbreaks). Most relevant studies identified were performed to predict diseases spread and to determine the original infection source of previous epidemics like SARS and H7N9. However, few studies focused on the medical resources crisis during the outbreaks.Added value of this studyTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the facemask shortage during the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) outbreak in China. We have summarized in detail the management strategies implemented by the Chinese governments during the outbreaks. By considering three scenarios for the outbreak development, we simulated the facemasks availability from late-December 2019 to late-April 2020 and estimated the duration of sufficient facemask supplies. Our findings showed that if the COVID-19 outbreak occurred only in Wuhan city or Hubei province, facemask shortage would not appear with the existing public health measures. However, if the outbreak occurred in the whole of China, a shortage of facemask could be substantial assuming no alternative public health measures.Implications of all the available evidenceOur findings provide insight into the public health measures to confront medical resources crisis during infectious disease outbreaks. Effective public health measures should consider the adequacy and affordability of existing medical resources. Governments across the world should revisit their emergency plans for controlling infectious disease outbreaks by taking into account the supply of and demand for the medical resource. Global collaboration should be strengthened to prevent the development of a global pandemic from a regional epidemic via easing the medical resources crisis in the affected countries.

scholarly journals Social Attitudes, Behavior, and Consequences surrounding COVID-19 in Qatar: Findings from a Large-scale Online Survey V2H Operations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Gengler ◽  
Noora Lari ◽  
Buthaina Al-Khelaifi ◽  
Maryam F. Al Thani ◽  
Rima Charbaji El-Kassem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Social Attitudes ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Actual Compliance ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Amid the outbreak of the contagious novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), states were put in an unprecedented situation never encountered before. Qatari authorities applied certain preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus. Still, knowledge of public risk perceptions and behavioral responses surrounding the COVID-19 epidemic is emerging, and clear quantitative data remain limited. This poster summarizes the results of a SESRI study that investigated social attitudes, behavior, and consequences surrounding COVID-19 in Qatar. An original online survey was conducted in both Qatar and a comparison case (Kuwait) during a 3-month period from November 2020 to January 2021. A total of 4,597 citizens and residents of Qatar aged 18 years and older were recruited to participate in the study, with 2,282 completing the full interview schedule. A total of 2,671 citizens and residents of Kuwait (1,184 completed) also took part in the survey to provide a regional baseline. The study produced many previously unavailable insights. Attitudes on risk perception, behavioral responses, and psychological distress were examined, along with individual-level determinants of intentions to comply as well as actual compliance with mandated preventive measures. The study findings suggest that authorities in Qatar should prioritize increasing public knowledge about COVID-19, present clear explanations of important changes in public policy surrounding COVID-19, spread accurate information about COVID-19 to combat the global online misinformation and debunk conspiracy theories and perpetuating myths. Redouble efforts to ensure public compliance with COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly among Qatari citizens and in relation to social gatherings, continue the transparent communication about its approach of handling the crisis with the public and effectively communicate the dangers of COVID-19 in order to encourage citizens and residents to comply with restrictions and to take the vaccine.

scholarly journals Novel COVID-19 Global Outbreak and a Need for Proactive Dental Care

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prachi Gupta ◽  
Abhinav Garg ◽  
Lovejeet Ahuja
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Dental Health Care ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Screening Assessment ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The global pandemic Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), which originated in Wuhan, has affected the countries worldwide and has been declared as a public health emergency by World Health Organisation. Because of the exclusive features of dental healthcare set-ups, risk of cross-contamination is greater between patients and dental personnel due to high chances of getting in contact with suspected or asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. Preventive measures are essential to be taken for prevention of furthermore spread of nosocomial infection. The present article provides a brief overview on COVID-19 in dental settings and recommended protocols for screening/assessment, patient management and precautions for dental health care professionals.

scholarly journals AI Chatbot Design during an Epidemic like the Novel Coronavirus

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopi Battineni ◽  
Nalini Chintalapudi ◽  
Francesco Amenta
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Diagnostic Evaluation ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Medical Specialist ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Since the discovery of the Coronavirus (nCOV-19), it has become a global pandemic. At the same time, it has been a great challenge to hospitals or healthcare staff to manage the flow of the high number of cases. Especially in remote areas, it is becoming more difficult to consult a medical specialist when the immediate hit of the epidemic has occurred. Thus, it becomes obvious that if effectively designed and deployed chatbot can help patients living in remote areas by promoting preventive measures, virus updates, and reducing psychological damage caused by isolation and fear. This study presents the design of a sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot for the purpose of diagnostic evaluation and recommending immediate measures when patients are exposed to nCOV-19. In addition, presenting a virtual assistant can also measure the infection severity and connects with registered doctors when symptoms become serious.

scholarly journals Acute and Post-Acute Neurological Complications of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-119
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Ramadan ◽  
Omar Rabab’h ◽  
Jawad Shah ◽  
Abeer Gharaibeh
Keyword(s):  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Severity Of The Disease ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging global health emergency caused by the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The global outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on the severity of the disease and may range from an asymptomatic infection to a severe and lethal illness. Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are among the most common symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Accumulating evidence indicates that COVID-19 patients commonly develop neurological symptoms, such as headache, altered mental status, anosmia, and myalgia. In this comprehensive literature review, we have summarized the most common neurological complications and reported neurological case studies associated with COVID-19, and neurological side effects associated with COVID-19 treatments. Additionally, the post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and long-term neurological complications were discussed. We also explained the proposed mechanisms that are involved in the pathogenesis of these neurological complications.

scholarly journals Retaining Adolescent and Young Adult Participants in Research During a Pandemic: Best Practices From Two Large-Scale Developmental Neuroimaging Studies (NCANDA and ABCD)

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate B. Nooner ◽  
Tammy Chung ◽  
Sarah W. Feldstein Ewing ◽  
Ty Brumback ◽  
Zjanya Arwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Research Staff ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Adaptive Processes ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus pandemic that emerged in late 2019 (COVID-19) has created challenges not previously experienced in human research. This paper discusses two large-scale NIH-funded multi-site longitudinal studies of adolescents and young adults – the National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) and the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study – and valuable approaches to learn about adaptive processes for conducting developmentally sensitive research with neuroimaging and neurocognitive testing across consortia during a global pandemic. We focus on challenges experienced during the pandemic and modifications that may guide other projects, such as implementing adapted protocols that protect the safety of participants and research staff, and addressing assessment challenges through the use of strategies such as remote and mobile assessments. Given the pandemic’s disproportionate impacts on participants typically underrepresented in research, we describe efforts to retain these individuals. The pandemic provides an opportunity to develop adaptive processes that can facilitate future studies’ ability to mobilize effectively and rapidly.

scholarly journals Will SARS-CoV-2 Infection Elicit Long-Lasting Protective or Sterilising Immunity? Implications for Vaccine Strategies (2020)

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
David S. Kim ◽  
Sarah Rowland-Jones ◽  
Ester Gea-Mallorquí
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Protective Immunity ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Adaptive Immune Response ◽  
Human Immune System ◽  
Adaptive Immune ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Human Immune ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

In December 2019, an outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China resulted in the current COVID-19 global pandemic. The human immune system has not previously encountered this virus, raising the important question as to whether or not protective immunity is generated by infection. Growing evidence suggests that protective immunity can indeed be acquired post-infection—although a handful of reinfection cases have been reported. However, it is still unknown whether the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 leads to some degree of long-lasting protection against the disease or the infection. This review draws insights from previous knowledge regarding the nature and longevity of immunity to the related virus, SARS-CoV, to fill the gaps in our understanding of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Deciphering the immunological characteristics that give rise to protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is critical to guiding vaccine development and also predicting the course of the pandemic. Here we discuss the recent evidence that characterises the adaptive immune response against SARS-CoV-2 and its potential implications for the generation of memory responses and long-term protection.

scholarly journals Dose-dependent response to infection with Ebola virus in the ferret model and evidence of viral evolution in the eye.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Watson ◽  
Julia Tree ◽  
Susan A. Fotheringham ◽  
Yper Hall ◽  
Xiaofeng Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Viral Evolution ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
The Body ◽  
Medical Interventions ◽  
Persistent Virus

Filoviruses are high consequence infections with limited approved medical countermeasures (MCMs). MCM development is dependent upon well-characterised animal models for the assessment of anti-viral agents and vaccines. Following large scale Ebola virus disease outbreaks in Africa, some survivors are left with long-term sequelae and persistent virus in immune-privileged sites for many years. We report the characterisation of the ferret as a model for Ebola virus (EBOV) infection, reproducing disease and lethality observed in humans. The onset of clinical signs is rapid, and EBOV is detected in the blood, oral and rectal swabs, and all tissues studied. We identify viral RNA in the eye (a site of immune privilege) and report on specific genomic changes in EBOV present in this structure. Thus, the ferret model has utility in testing MCMs that prevent or treat long term EBOV persistence in immune-privileged sites. Importance Recent re-emergence of Ebola in Guinea that caused over 28000 cases between 2013-2016 has been linked to the original virus from that region. It appears the virus has remained in the region for at least 5 years and is likely to have been maintained in humans. Persistence of Ebola in areas of the body for extended periods of time has been observed such as in the eye and semen. Despite the importance of re-introduction of Ebola from this route, such events are rare in the population which makes studying medical interventions to clear persistent virus difficult. We studied various doses of Ebola in ferrets and detected virus in the eyes of most ferrets. We believe this model will enable the study of medical interventions that promote clearance of Ebola virus from sites that promote persistence.

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