The State of Democracy in Europe 2021: Overcoming the Impact of the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
The State ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Democracy Assistance ◽  
Established Democracies ◽  
The Impact

For more than a decade, a majority of Europe’s established democracies have seen the quality of their democracies stagnate—or even decline—rather than improve. Some show the clear erosion of democratic processes and fundamental rights; several have deteriorated to the point where they can hardly be qualified as democracies any longer. The arrival of the Covid-19 global health crisis has added to the strain. With sufficient democratic safeguards still in place, it is likely that the continent’s consolidated democracies will emerge largely intact from the pandemic. This Report provides lessons and recommendations that governments, political and civic actors, and international democracy assistance providers should consider in order to counter the concerning trends in the erosion of democracy, and to foster its resilience and deepening

scholarly journals The Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Religious Exercise: Preliminary Remarks

Laws ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Adelaide Madera
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Personal Lives ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Legal Contexts

Since 2020, the spread of COVID-19 has had an overwhelming impact not only on our personal lives, but also on domestic regulatory frameworks. Influential academics have strongly underlined that, in times of deep crisis, such as the current global health crisis, the long-term workability of legal systems is put to a severe test. In this period, in fact, the protection of health has been given priority, as a precondition that is orientating many current legal choices. Such an unprecedented health emergency has also raised a serious challenge in terms of fundamental rights and liberties. Several basic rights that normally enjoy robust protection under constitutional, supranational, and international guarantees, have experienced a devastating “suspension” for the sake of public health and safety, thus giving rise to a vigorous debate concerning whether and to what extent the pandemic emergency justifies limitations on fundamental rights. The present paper introduces the Special Issue on “The crisis of the religious freedom during the age of COVID-19 pandemic”. Taking as a starting point the valuable contributions of the participants in the Special Issue, it explores analogous and distinctive implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in different legal contexts and underlines the relevance of cooperation between religious and public actors to face a global health crisis.

CLINICAL AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF DONEPEZIL, RIVASTIGMINE, AND GALANTAMINE FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

2002 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 497-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Clegg ◽  
Jackie Bryant ◽  
Tricia Nicholson ◽  
Linda McIntyre ◽  
Sofie De Broe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health Cognition ◽  
Economic Studies

Objectives: Systematic review of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.Methods: Sixteen electronic databases (including MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Embase) and bibliographies of related papers were searched for published/unpublished English language studies, and experts and pharmaceutical companies were consulted for additional information. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and economic studies were selected. Clinical effectiveness was assessed on measurement scales assessing progression of Alzheimer's disease on the person's global health, cognition, functional ability, behavior and mood, and quality of life. Cost-effectiveness was presented as incremental cost per year spent in a nonsevere state (by Mini Mental Health State Examination) or quality-adjusted life-year.Results: Twelve of 15 RCTs included were judged to be of good quality. Although donepezil had beneficial effects in Alzheimer's patients on global health and cognition, rivastigmine on global health, and galantamine on global health, cognition, and functional scales, these improvements were small and may not be clinically significant. Measures of quality of life and behavior and mood were rarely assessed. Adverse effects were usually mild and transient. Cost-effectiveness base case estimates ranged from £2,415 savings to £49,476 additional cost (1997 prices) per unit of effect for donepezil and a small savings for rivastigmine. Estimates were not considered robust or generalizable.Conclusions: Donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine appear to have some clinical effect for people with Alzheimer's disease, although the extent to which these translate into real differences in everyday life remains unclear. Due to the nature of current economic studies, cost-effectiveness remains uncertain and the impact on different care sectors has been inadequately investigated. Further research is needed to establish the actual benefits of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEls) for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, the relationship of these changes to clinical management, and careful prospective evaluation of resource and budgetary consequences.

scholarly journals Implantação de Terapia Comunitária online: tecnologia do cuidado em tempos de pandemia

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (esp. 1) ◽  
pp. 393-408
Author(s):  
André Luiz Pereira Silva ◽  
Doralice Otaviano ◽  
Fernanda Cruz Vieira Ferreira ◽  
Jurema Valkiria Otaviano ◽  
Jussara Otaviano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Social Determinants Of Health ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Psychosocial Crisis

Suddenly in March 2020 we found ourselves confined and isolated in our homes, due to a global health crisis arising from a pandemic, caused by the contamination of a virus called COVID-19. This health crisis also generated a crisis in the social determinants of health, especially those related to the economy, education and culture. But it also generated another crisis, the psychosocial crisis, where populations affected by the effects of mental damage caused by the pandemic and isolation, showed important signs of stress. It is in this scenario that the Integrative Community Therapy, previously carried out in person, is renewed and reinvented. This article reports on the experience of implementing the Integrative Community Therapy online in Brazil and presents the results of the Afinando Vidas Pole in the contribution of improving the quality of life and the individual and collective mental health of the Brazilian population.

scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Progressive Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors Treated With 177Lu-Dotatate in the Phase III NETTER-1 Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (25) ◽  
pp. 2578-2584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Strosberg ◽  
Edward Wolin ◽  
Beth Chasen ◽  
Matthew Kulke ◽  
David Bushnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Health Related Qol ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Phase Iii Study ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) progression is associated with deterioration in quality of life (QoL). We assessed the impact of 177Lu-Dotatate treatment on time to deterioration in health-related QoL. Methods The NETTER-1 trial is an international phase III study in patients with midgut NETs. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with 177Lu-Dotatate versus high-dose octreotide. European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life questionnaires QLQ C-30 and G.I.NET-21 were assessed during the trial to determine the impact of treatment on health-related QoL. Patients completed the questionnaires at baseline and every 12 weeks until tumor progression. QoL scores were converted to a 100-point scale according to European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer instructions, and individual changes from baseline scores were assessed. Time to QoL deterioration (TTD) was defined as the time from random assignment to the first QoL deterioration ≥ 10 points for each patient in the corresponding domain scale. All analyses were conducted on the intention-to-treat population. Patients with no deterioration were censored at the last QoL assessment date. Results TTD was significantly longer in the 177Lu-Dotatate arm (n = 117) versus the control arm (n = 114) for the following domains: global health status (hazard ratio [HR], 0.406), physical functioning (HR, 0.518), role functioning (HR, 0.580), fatigue (HR, 0.621), pain (HR, 0.566), diarrhea (HR, 0.473), disease-related worries (HR, 0.572), and body image (HR, 0.425). Differences in median TTD were clinically significant in several domains: 28.8 months versus 6.1 months for global health status, and 25.2 months versus 11.5 months for physical functioning. Conclusion This analysis from the NETTER-1 phase III study demonstrates that, in addition to improving progression-free survival, 177Lu-Dotatate provides a significant QoL benefit for patients with progressive midgut NETs compared with high-dose octreotide.

scholarly journals Needs assessment and impact of COVID-19 on pharmacy professionals in 31 commonwealth countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Ashiru-Oredope ◽  
◽  
Amy Hai Yan Chan ◽  
Omotayo Olaoye ◽  
Victoria Rutter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Frequency Distributions ◽  
The World ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The declaration of COVID-19 a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020 marked the beginning of a global health crisis of an unprecedented nature and scale. The approach taken by countries across the world varied widely, however, the delivery of frontline healthcare was consistently recognised as being central to the pandemic response. This study aimed to identify and explore the issues currently facing pharmacy teams across Commonwealth countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also evaluates pharmacy professionals’ understanding of key knowledge areas from the COVID-19 webinar hosted by the Commonwealth Pharmacists’ Association (CPA). Method A quantitative survey-based approach was adopted, using a 32-item questionnaire developed from the literature on pharmacy and pandemic response. The survey was hosted on Survey Monkey and pilot tested. The final survey was disseminated by CPA member organisations. A 6-item online questionnaire was sent via email to all attendees of CPA's COVID-19 webinar. Descriptive statistics on frequency distributions and percentages were used to analyse the responses. Data were analysed using Microsoft® Excel (2010). Results There were 545 responses from pharmacy professionals across 31/54 Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. Majority of the respondents reported being at least somewhat worried (90%) and more than 65% were very worried or extremely about the impact of COVID-19 on them personally and professionally. Nearly two-thirds of respondents stated finding it somewhat difficult or very difficult to work effectively during the pandemic. Challenges mostly faced by pharmacy professionals working remotely included; general anxiety about the impact of COVID-19 on their lives (12%), and difficulties in communicating with their co-workers (12%). Most pharmacy professionals had not previously been actively involved in a global health emergency (82%) nor obtained training on global/public health emergency preparedness (62%). Between 45 and 97% of the COVID-19 webinar attendees provided the correct answers to post-webinar questions, suggesting some improvement in knowledge. Conclusion Our study confirms pharmacy professionals’ concerns about practice during a pandemic and provides preliminary data on the challenges and learning needs of the profession. The CPA has since acted on these findings, providing ongoing opportunities to develop and refine resources for the profession as the pandemic evolves. Pharmacy professionals have also demonstrated improved knowledge on the management of COVID-19 and resources available for professionals.

Formation of the Economic Model and the Impact of Economic Factors on the Health of Russian Population

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 2557
Author(s):  
Tamara G. ROMANOVA ◽  
Valentina D. BATOMUNKUEVA ◽  
Tatiana K. GYRGENOVA ◽  
Nataliya V. MONGOLOVA ◽  
Roman Zh. TSYDYPOV
Keyword(s):  
Federal District ◽  
The State ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Main Task ◽  
Public Benefit ◽  
Level Model ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

The article is about the influence of economic factors on the health quality of the population as a public benefit. Health of the individual has an important role in national economy, both in processes of formation of public health, and in reproduction of quality of a manpower. The review of the indicators of evaluation test of health of the population applied in the Russian practice is given in article. Health of the population and economy of the state have close interrelation and interdependence: not only the economy influences health of the population, but also health of the population affects the economy of the state. The technique allowing to assess economic damages from loss of health on the basis of which economic losses from mortality of the population at working-age in Siberian Federal District are estimated is presented. The economic three-level model of health upgrading of the population allows to reveal paths of health upgrading for improvement of economy in the country is developed. The three-level model reflects preventive character with obligatory selection of the measures accompanying achievement of the main task – to upgrade the population health as the public benefit and to increase the level of economy.

scholarly journals HEALTH UNDER OCCUPATION Counter Strategies and Resistance Tactics of Palestinians and the Health System in the State of Palestine

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigge Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
The State ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
The Impact

The impact of occupation on health and access to health care is a significant issue for the state, health sector and citizens of Palestine, who struggle with difficulties related to an enduring sociopolitical stalemate. The study presents narratives from the field, conceptually exploring if and how occupation affects health and access to health care and how the situation is tackled by Palestinians in general and by health system actors specifically. A grounded theory approach analyzing in-depth interviews with health staff and field memos was used, with semi-quantification of emerging concepts through surveys of Hebron students that assessed health-related quality of life and health literacy with psychometric instruments (SF36 and GSE) and assumed health determinants. One key theme in the data analysis was isolation as a result of multiple barriers, including the wall and checkpoints, imprisonment and violence, which have an impact on determinants of health and quality of life in Palestine. In the survey 54% (n=90) were affected by such factors of occupation. Barriers affect access to health care, especially in rural areas. Mentally and materially breaking free from barriers of occupation seems to be a common task in all levels of Palestinian society. Achieving this goal requires different counter strategies and tactics. Presently, Palestine depends on ad hoc coping strategies, including the use of mobile clinics. Other ways to cope emerged in the data as well. Results from this mixed-methods study suggest that isolation is a main concern for Palestinians, resulting from barriers in policies of occupation that affect health and access to health care. Another concept emerging from the analysis was tactics and strategies against occupation in society.

scholarly journals Fear as a mental health crisis in the context of global risks and changes

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
M.I. Rozenova ◽  
V.I. Ekimova ◽  
A.S. Ognev ◽  
E.V. Likhacheva
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Theoretical Model ◽  
The State ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Structural Concept ◽  
Emergency Events ◽  
The Impact

The paper presents the analysis of the results of international and national research in the field of studying the impact of global crises and pandemic situations (including COVID-19) on the state of mental health of people. Traditionally, the fear that accompanies emergency events and situations is considered as a source of mental and psychological traumatology of various kinds, however, the authors consider fear in a period of global risks and changes, from the point of view of not the cause, but an indicator of a decrease in the integrity of a person's mental health. The initial theoretical model that allows us to differentiate and diagnose different qualities of fear was the "I-structural" concept of G. Amon, which allows us to describe and understand the specific phenomenology of fears in the pandemic period. The qualities of fear, manifested in its constructive, destructive and deficient form, according to the authors, reflect the resource reserve of a person's mental health and the level of his psychological stability.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and quality of life: Is there any effect? A cross-sectional study of the MENA region

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0249107
Author(s):  
Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri ◽  
Mo’ath F. Bataineh ◽  
Maysm N. Mohamad ◽  
Abir Ajab ◽  
Amina Al Marzouqi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Family Support ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis that has changed the life of millions globally. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the pandemic on mental health and quality of life among the general population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A total of 6142 adults from eighteen countries within the MENA region completed an online questionnaire between May and June 2020. Psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the social and family support impact was assessed with questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). The IES-R mean score was 29.3 (SD = 14.8), corresponding to mild stressful impact with 30.9% reporting severe psychological impact. Most participants (45%–62%) felt horrified, apprehensive, or helpless due to COVID-19. Furthermore, over 40% reported increased stress from work and financial matters. Higher IES-R scores were found among females, participants aged 26–35 years, those with lower educational level, and participants residing in the North Africa region (p<0.005). About 42% reported receiving increased support from family members, 40.5% were paying more attention to their mental health, and over 40% reported spending more time resting since the pandemic started. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with mild psychological impact while it also encouraged some positive impact on family support and mental health awareness among adults in the MENA region. Clinical interventions targeted towards vulnerable groups such as females and younger adults are needed.

scholarly journals Challenging absolute executive powers in times of corona: re-examining constitutional courts and the collective right to public contestation as instruments of institutional control

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessika Eichler ◽  
Sumit Sonkar
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
New Governance ◽  
Constitutional Courts ◽  
Policy Action ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Control ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The CoViD-19 pandemic has brought about a panoply of institutional challenges both domestically and in the international arena. Classical constitutional theory thereby underwent a reinvention by the executive for the sake of speedy policy action and to the detriment of institutional control while favouring authoritarian forms of governance. This paper concerns itself with institutional responses to such developments, placing emphasis on the role of the judiciary and people*s in contesting emergency decrees and other executive orders, especially where fundamental rights are infringed upon. The paper aims to explore the difficulties arising with exerting absolute executive powers during the health crisis, the respective role assumed by constitutional courts and the impact of the new governance paradigm on forms of public contestation, also as a means of quasi institutional control. Design/methodology/approach Indeed, the right to health may be translated into political discourse and become foundational to security and public interest paradigms. This may result in a shrinking public space given the constraints to the freedom of movement. In the name of public safety, the (collective) right to assembly, expression and protest have been submitted to major limitations in that regard. Findings Ultimately, this re-opens debates on the meaning of absolute rights and contextualities of derogations, as well as the reconcilability of civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights. It also exposes social inequalities, social justice dimensions and vulnerabilities, often exacerbated by the health crisis; migrant rights demonstrably face particularly severe and intersectional forms of violations. Originality/value Particular values lie with the interdisciplinary approach embraced in this paper; the authors draw on a variety of social sciences disciplines to shed light on this very current issue. Both theoretical and empirical methods are used and combined here, making sense of the underlying logic of virus governance and its impacts on fundamental rights.

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