Impact of COVID-19 on community health: A systematic review of a population of 82 million

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by the pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, is exponentially spreading across the globe. As there is paucity of published literature, the influence of COVID-19 on community health remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the impact of COVID-19 on community health. The current systematic review was performed utilizing electronic databases, i.e., PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. We searched for the keywords "COVID-19" AND "community health" between January 1, 2020, until May 10, 2020. Although, limited evidence is available regarding quarantine to prevent COVID‐19, most studies considered quarantine as an essential public health measure to minimize rate of infection and mortality. Under these circumstances, people should focus on maintaining personal hygiene, proper nutrition, and extreme social distancing to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Besides, that there is a need to provide professional psychological support to reduce mental ill-health. We have highlighted two different public health approaches in South Asian countries, namely Nepal and India.

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Epidemiologic characteristics, clinical management and Public Health Implications of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and meta-analysis

Nepal Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.3126/nje.v11i4.41911 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1103-1125

Author(s):

Brijesh Sathian ◽

Indrajit Banerjee ◽

Ahammed A Mekkodathil ◽

Edwin van Teijlingen ◽

Ana Beatriz Pizarro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

The Novel ◽

Current Systematic Review ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Asymptomatic Individuals ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by the pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, is exponentially spreading across the globe. Methods: The current systematic review was performed utilizing electronic databases i.e. PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE. We searched for the keywords "COVID-19 AND "pregnancy" between January 1st, 2020 until December 31, 2020. Results: Out of 4005 records which were identified, 36 original studies were included in this systematic review. Pooled prevalence of vertical transmission was 10%, 95% CI: 4-17%. Pooled prevalence of neonatal mortality was 7%, 95% CI: 0-21%. Conclusion: The contemporary evidence suggests that the incubation period of COVID-19 is 2-14 days, and this infection could be transmitted even from the infected asymptomatic individuals. It is found that the clinical presentation of pregnant women with COVID-19 infection is comparable with the infected non-pregnant females, and the frequent symptoms were fever, cough, myalgia, sore throat and malaise. There are some cases with severe maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths secondary to COVID-19 infection. Under these circumstances, the pregnant women should focus on maintaining personal hygiene, proper nutrition and extreme social distancing to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Therefore, a systematic data reporting for evidence base clinical assessment, management and pregnancy outcomes is essential for prevention of COVID-19 infection among pregnant women.

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Impact of COVID-19 and Coping Policies Implemented by Higher Education Institutions in South-Asian Countries: Systematic Review

Global Economics Review ◽

10.31703/ger.2021(vi-i).02 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol VI (I) ◽

pp. 11-23

Author(s):

Shaheen Fatima ◽

Nisar Ahmad ◽

Samreen Fatima

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Systematic Review ◽

South Asian ◽

Communication Channel ◽

Technical Assistance ◽

Higher Education Institutions ◽

Asian Countries ◽

And Coping ◽

The Impact

COVID-19 has disrupted not only human lives but also the quality of education especially in developing countries of the South- Asian region. This study elaborates the impact of COVID-19 on education sector and also illustrate the strategies followed by the management of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The systematic review of 23 most relevant research studies shows that the Pandemic has affected students� learning, mental, physical, social and economical conditions badly. Particularly, students who do not afford the use of technological appliances are suffering more. HEIs need to have a smart online syllabus for various subjects. Furthermore, HEIs need to review their communication channel and technical assistance. The strategies implemented by HEIs during COVID-19 are useful and should be continued to keep offering quality education during upcoming academic sessions.

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Vertical Transmission

Microbiology Australia ◽

10.1071/ma20001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 2

Author(s):

Dena Lyras

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Infectious Disease ◽

Vertical Transmission ◽

Racial Groups ◽

The Novel ◽

Local Part ◽

Rapid Dissemination ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Impact

As we begin 2020, Microbiology is dominating the news with the emergence and rapid dissemination of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The impact of COVID-19 on public health, with significant financial, logistical and social repercussions, has quickly become apparent. As microbiologists we have an important role to play during this time because we can use our knowledge, expertise and experience to educate the community around us, and to reduce the panic that results from fear and misinformation. It is also critical that we ensure that racial groups are not stigmatised because of an infectious disease. A co-ordinated global effort is required to tackle this new infectious threat, and we are an important local part of this effort. It is also important to develop strategies that can be deployed when the next threat emerges, as it surely will.

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Situation analysis of novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) cases in Nepal

Applied Science and Technology Annals ◽

10.3126/asta.v1i1.30267 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 9-14

Author(s):

Kiran Paudel ◽

Prashamsa Bhandari ◽

Yadav Prasad Joshi

Keyword(s):

South Asian ◽

Case Fatality ◽

Cumulative Number ◽

The Novel ◽

Asian Countries ◽

Primary Case ◽

The Status ◽

Exponential Trend ◽

Using Data ◽

Novel Coronavirus

The Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is currently a major threat to global health in an unprecedented manner. The global pandemic of COVID-19 has affected 215 countries and territories including Nepal. Until 1st June 2020, altogether 1,811 COVID-19 positive cases were diagnosed using RT-PCR. This study aimed to analyze the status of COVID-19 cases in Nepal and South Asian countries. A retrospective study from 23rd January to 1st June 2020 was conducted using data of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal and Worldometer homepages. The primary case records during the pre and post lockdown periods were examined. Spatial distribution was observed. An exponential trend line was plotted and COVID-19 situation in South Asian countries was assessed. Of 1,811 COVID-19 cases, the highest number (38.3%) was reported in Province 2. Out of 77 districts, 59 were affected. In Fifty-eight districts, primary cases appeared during the lockdown period. The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases showed the exponential pattern of distribution in Nepal. In South Asian countries, India had the highest number of cases and case fatality rate (CFR). There were no cases of CFR in Bhutan. The Novel Coronavirus emergence in Nepal has become a serious challenge to the various sectors including public health. The emergence of primary cases even in the lockdown period needs a detailed study in the future.

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The impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on drug overdose-related deaths in the United States and Canada: a systematic review of observational studies and analysis of public health surveillance data

Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy ◽

10.1186/s13011-021-00423-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sameer Imtiaz ◽

Frishta Nafeh ◽

Cayley Russell ◽

Farihah Ali ◽

Tara Elton-Marshall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Drug Overdose ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Public Health Surveillance ◽

The United States ◽

Health Surveillance ◽

The Novel ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background There are preliminary indications that the trajectory of drug overdose-related deaths in North America has been exacerbated due to the novel coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). As such, the impact of COVID-19 on drug overdose-related deaths was examined through a systematic review of the literature and percentage change analyses of surveillance data. Methods Systematic searches in electronic databases were conducted, a topical issue brief and bibliography were reviewed, reference lists of included studies were searched and expert consultations were held to identify studies (Registration # CRD42021230223). Observational studies from the United States and Canada were eligible for inclusion if drug overdose-related deaths were assessed in quantitative or qualitative analyses onwards from at least March 2020. In addition, percentage changes comparing drug overdose-related deaths in the second annual quarter (Q2 2020 [April to June]) with the first annual quarter (Q1 2020 [January to March]) were generated using national and subnational data from public health surveillance systems and reports from jurisdictions in the United States and Canada. Results Nine studies were included in the systematic review, eight from the United States and one from Canada. The maximum outcome assessment period in the included studies extended until September 2020. Drug overdose-related deaths after the onset of COVID-19 were higher compared with the months leading up to the pandemic in 2020 and the comparative months in 2019. In additional percentage change analyses, drug overdose-related deaths increased by 2 to 60% in jurisdictions in the United States and by 58% in Canada when comparing Q2 2020 with Q1 2020. Conclusions Drug overdose-related deaths increased after the onset of COVID-19. The current situation necessitates a multi-pronged approach, encompassing expanded access to substance use disorder treatment, undisrupted access to harm reduction services, emphasis on risk reduction strategies, provision of a safe drug supply and decriminalization of drug use.

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RESPONSES TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY: A SCENARIO OF BANGLADESH

Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences ◽

10.18006/2021.9(3).254.262 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 254-262

Author(s):

Popy Devnath ◽

◽

Imam Hossain ◽

Mohammad Sharif Uddin ◽

Md Hasibul Hossain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Asian ◽

Review Article ◽

Social Awareness ◽

The Novel ◽

Asian Countries ◽

Awareness Campaigns ◽

The World ◽

The Government ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Outbreak Situation

Emerging at the end of 2019 in China, novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infected millions and killed thousands of people across the globe. Like other South Asian countries such as India and Pakistan, Bangladesh is also struggling to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the first detection on March 2020, terrible touch of the corona had been inundated Bangladesh with a total of 5,661,926 suspected patients and reported 776,257 (13.7%) cases, 12,005 deaths (1.5% CFR), and an overall recovery of 715,321 (92%) cases as of May 11, 2020. In attempts to reduce the burden of corona cases in one of the most densely populated country of the world, the government has taken several initiatives. Bangladesh has been stepped up a large number of medical & testing facilities, manpower, social awareness campaigns, and has taken many initial steps to fight against COVID-19. This review article is focused on the overall outbreak situation, the preparedness of the government of Bangladesh as well as challenges and limitations faced by the country so far to tackle the novel coronavirus pandemic 2019.

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COVID-19 epidemic response in Ghana

Ghana Medical Journal ◽

10.4314/gmj.v54i4s.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 54 (4s) ◽

pp. 3-4

Author(s):

George Amofah

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Fairy Tale ◽

Public Health Emergency ◽

World Health ◽

The Novel ◽

The World ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Health Organization ◽

Epidemic Response ◽

The Impact

The year 2020 has looked like a fairy tale as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world with devastating socio-economic and health consequences. The impact of the pandemic has depended, largely, on preparedness and response of countries, and their ability to adjust to the fast-evolving pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on 30th January 2020, and Ghana reported its first two confirmed cases on 12th March 2020.

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What Will Be the Impact of the COVID-19 Quarantine on Psychological Distress? Considerations Based on a Systematic Review of Pandemic Outbreaks

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9010101 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 101

Author(s):

Marco Cavicchioli ◽

Roberta Ferrucci ◽

Matteo Guidetti ◽

Maria Paola Canevini ◽

Gabriella Pravettoni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Evidence Based ◽

The Novel ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Restrictive Measures ◽

The Impact

Background: The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and related syndrome (COVID-19) has led to worldwide measures with severe consequences for millions of people. In the light of the psychopathological consequences of restrictive measures detected during previous outbreaks, a systematic review was carried out to provide an evidence-based assessment of possible effects of the current COVID-19 quarantine on mental health. Methods: This review included studies that assessed mental health indexes (e.g., overall psychological distress, depressive and PTSD symptoms) during and after quarantine periods adopted to management different outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19, SARS, MERS). Results: Twenty-one independent studies were included for a total of 82,312 subjects. At least 20% of people exposed to restrictive measures for the management of pandemic infections reported clinically significant levels of psychological distress, especially PTSD (21%) and depressive (22.69%) symptoms. Overall, original studies highlighted relevant methodological limitations. Conclusions: Nowadays, almost one out of every five people is at risk of development of clinically significant psychological distress. Further research on mental health after the current COVID-19 quarantine measures is warranted.

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The Impact of Deranged Glucose Metabolism and Diabetes in The Pathogenesis and Prognosis of The Novel Sars-Cov-2: A Systematic Review of Literature

Current Diabetes Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573399817666210806104349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Victor Okoliko Ukwenya ◽

Sunday Aderemi Adelakun ◽

Temiloluwa Adeola Fuwape ◽

Ayotunde Samuel Adeagbo

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Critical Role ◽

Receptor Expression ◽

World Health ◽

Causative Organism ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

The Novel ◽

Review Of Literature ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Impact

Background: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, has constituted one of the most serious health challenges of the century, globally. The causative organism was initially named the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019 nCoV) but has subsequently been renamed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The pandemic has so far infected several million and killed about a million people worldwide. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. Objectives: To examine the critical role diabetes plays in the pathogenesis and prognosis of COVID-19 and to assess the emerging therapies available to fight the pandemic. Methods: Authors conducted a systematic review of literature to examine the role of diabetes as a comorbidity in the pathogenesis and prognosis of COVID-19. Results: Both experimental and observational data from early 2020 suggested that most people with COVID-19 have comorbidities, the most dominant of which are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Empirical evidence indicates that diabetic patients infected with the COVID-19 disease had the worst outcomes concerning morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: A combination of underlying chronic conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases together with altered ACE receptor expression, immune dysregulation via cytokine storm, alveolar and endothelial dysfunction, increased systemic coagulation may put individuals with diabetes at risk for COVID-19 severity. More studies are needed to elucidate how glucose-lowering drugs may modulate the host immune response in diabetic individuals, especially following the administration of potential COVID-19 vaccines.

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“Love and Prayer Sustain Our Work” Building Collective Power, Health, and Healing as the Community Health Board Coalition

Genealogy ◽

10.3390/genealogy5010003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 3

Author(s):

Damarys Espinoza ◽

Robin Narruhn

Keyword(s):

Community Health ◽

The United States ◽

People Of Color ◽

Health Board ◽

The Novel ◽

Structural Racism ◽

Slow Violence ◽

Health And Healing ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Impact

Over the course of the last few months, we have seen how structural racism has compounded the impact of COVID-19 on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the United States, resulting in disparate rates of infection and death. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how the consequences of deeply entrenched inequities are fatal to BIPOC communities, whether death is a result of the novel coronavirus or the everyday violence of structural racism that manifests as poor health outcomes. We examine the formation of the Community Health Board Coalition (CHBC), a BIPOC-led organization in Washington state, to show how 15 communities have organized for health and healing amidst the collective trauma associated with COVID-19. We note that biopower—literally power over life, the unspeakable—and slow violence have been normalized and escalated in our communities. The use of an antiracist lens and decolonial practices have assisted us in our survivance (survival and resistance). We use autoethnography and testimonio as decolonial theory and method to give voice to individual and collective experiences that brought us to our roles as CHBC founding members and inaugural cochairs.

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