The Syndemic and One Health Nature of Pandemics

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
João Paulo Magalhães ◽  
Tiago Correia ◽  
Inês Fronteira ◽  
Mohsin Sidat ◽  
Fernando Passos Cupertino de Barros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Sharing ◽  
One Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Environmental Determinants ◽  
Capture Process ◽  
Abiotic Environment ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Health And Well Being

The interdependence of humans, animals, plants, and their social and abiotic environment is highlighted by past and recent pandemics. A good example to understand and tackle threats to ecosystems is the COVID-19 pandemic. A syndemic is a complex and multilevel phenomenon of epidemics interacting synergistically at individual, societal, and environmental levels. Understanding the syndemic nature of pandemics will facilitate the adoption of a One Health approach to improve planetary health. To address the eco-complexity underlying One Health issues, the development of intelligence management systems through a planetary perspective is of key importance. This requires the capacity to capture, process, and communicate data on human, animal, and plant health and well-being, and on their social and environmental determinants. The implementation of such systems will need political commitment at all levels of action, deployment of adequate resources and expertise, reliable and comprehensive data flowing pathways through interoperable, flexible, and secure data sharing systems.

Thermal (In)equity and incarceration: A necessary nexus for geographers

2021 ◽  
pp. 251484862110634
Author(s):  
Alex R Colucci ◽  
Daniel J Vecellio ◽  
Michael J Allen
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Temperature ◽  
Thermal Exposure ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Limited Mobility ◽  
Racial Capitalism ◽  
Healthy Environment ◽  
Adverse Impacts ◽  
Incarcerated Populations ◽  
Health And Well Being

Despite overall societal progress in reducing adverse impacts of heat and cold, incarcerated populations remain highly vulnerable to environmental stressors. Incarcerated populations experience a combination of risk factors related to their physical health and well-being that increase their thermal vulnerability: social isolation, disproportionate mental health issues, comorbidities, limited mobility, and a reliance on external factors to provide a safe, healthy environment. In carceral spaces, thermal exposure agitates these already complex situations, shaping a confluence of various economic, political, and ecological intersectionalities. This synthesis contextualizes the ongoing scholarship on climate change, thermal exposure, the built environment, and public policy, to examine thermal inequities experienced by incarcerated populations. In examining this context, we connect our work to carceral geographies, the geographies of violence, racial capitalism, and abolition ecologies. Ultimately, the review highlights how physical geographers may directly converse with critical geographers, promote equity and environmental justice, and work to reduce adverse impacts of extreme temperature events.

scholarly journals Identifying and overcoming barriers to healthier lives

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riz Firestone ◽  
Tevita Funaki ◽  
Sally Dalhousie ◽  
Akarere Henry ◽  
Mereaumate Vano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Healthier Living ◽  
Sociocultural Experiences ◽  
Diet And Lifestyle ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Improve Health

Understanding the key determinants of health from a community perspective is essential to address and improve the health and wellbeing of its members.  This qualitative study aimed to explore and better understand New Zealand-based Pasifika communities’ sociocultural experiences and knowledge of health and wellbeing. Fifty-seven participants were involved in six separate focus groups. Community coordinators co-facilitated and transcribed the discussions and conducted thematic analysis. The findings suggested two overarching themes: (1) ‘Pasifika experiences on poor health and well-being’: were based on sub-themes: (i) ‘recognisable issues’ (e.g., poor diet and lifestyle behaviours); (ii) ‘systemic issues’ that support the perpetual health issues (e.g., lack of knowledge and education) and; (iii) ‘profound issues’ that are often unspoken of and create long-term barriers (e.g., cultural lifestyle and responsibilities).  (2) ‘Hopes and dreams’ to improve health and well-being requires: (i) a family-centric approach to health; (ii) tackling systemic barriers; and (iii) addressing community social justice issues.  This study provides deepened insights on Pasifika communities’ understanding healthier living in the context of their cultural environment and family responsibilities. If we are to develop effective, sustainable programmes that prioritises health and well-being based on the needs of Pasifika communities, the findings from this study highlight their needs as step forward in overcoming barriers to healthier lives.

Companion animals

Anthrozoology ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 17-31
Author(s):  
James A. Serpell
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Support Providers ◽  
Positive Balance ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Damage Risk

Companion animals (or pets) form a distinctive category of domestic animals defined by their primary use as nonhuman social support providers. Companion animals have an ancient history that may precede and anticipate the original domestication of animals. Currently, more than 60% of European and American households keep pets, and their numbers are increasing rapidly in several emerging economies. The results of research over the past four decades suggest that relationships with companion animals may be beneficial to human health and well-being, though the extent of the benefits will likely depend on relationship quality. Exposure to positive relationships with pets in childhood may also predispose people to develop more empathic responses to animals later in life. In spite of these benefits, pet ownership also imposes costs, particularly in terms of environmental damage, risk to public health and threat to animal welfare. The future of these exceptional human–animal relationships will depend on striking a positive balance between the benefits and the costs.

Communicating about suicide during a global pandemic: impact on journalists and media audiences

2020 ◽  
pp. 1329878X2095641
Author(s):  
Alexandra Wake ◽  
Elizabeth Paton ◽  
Rebecca Pryor
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Media Audiences ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Personal Stress ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Accurate Reporting

COVID-19 has brought with it an increase in predictions of mental ill-health and suicide impacts in Australia. For journalists, it has been a period not only of personal stress about their economic livelihoods and occupational safety, but also balancing providing up to date information about the pandemic with safe, sensitive and accurate reporting on associated suicide and mental health issues. Mindframe offers guidelines, resources and individualised support to help manage the complexities of reporting on suicide in this global pandemic, working with media to protect people in their audience who are vulnerable to suicide while also helping journalists protect their own mental health and well being.

scholarly journals How do Norwegian adolescents experience the role of social media in relation to mental health and well-being: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland ◽  
Viktor Schønning ◽  
Randi Træland Hella ◽  
Marius Veseth ◽  
Jens Christoffer Skogen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background During the last decade, social media has permeated most parts of society. Adolescents are particularly active users of social media, and their use has been suggested as a contributing factor to mental health issues in this group. Quantitative studies have found associations between the frequency and/or duration of social media use and more mental health issues. However, most studies are cross-sectional and the identified associations are weak and of questionable practical significance. The aim of this study was to investigate adolescents’ lived experiences of using social media, focusing on both negative and positive aspects, using a qualitative approach. Qualitative research enables in-depth explorations of the experiences of individuals, nuance quantitative findings, and offer the perspective of adolescents into policies regarding social media use. Methods Experiences and perspectives of 27 adolescents from two senior high schools in Norway were gathered using focus group interviews (mean age 16.8, range 15–18). The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results According to the participants, social media use catalyse changes to how people communicate and relate to each other (theme 1). Some changes were positive, in terms of facilitating social connectedness, while others were negative, such as people behaving worse than in face-to-face interactions. Further, social media use affected the participants at the individual level (theme 2); positively in terms of a sense of belonging and social support, and negatively in terms of perceived stress, body pressure, and displacing other activities such as sleep and homework. The motivations for using, or not using, social media were multifaceted (theme 3), reflecting the positive and negative aspects of social media in terms of interpersonal and personal consequences. Conclusion Social media was described as an important part of the participants’ everyday life, with both a positive and negative impact on their mental health and well-being. Considering the compelling nature of social media and adolescents’ relatively limited self-regulatory capacities, efforts to modify social media use should avoid relying on self-regulation, while also recognizing the importance of social media as an arena for peer interaction.

Tradition and Culture: An Important Determinant of Inuit Women’s Health

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwen K. Healey
Keyword(s):  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Arctic Regions ◽  
Illness Prevention ◽  
Women’S Perceptions ◽  
Health And Well Being

This exploratory qualitative study used a case study method to explore Inuit women’s perspectives on their health and well-being. Data were gathered using face-to-face interviews from a purposive sample of women in one Nunavut community who self-identified as Inuit. Data analysis and interpretation were guided by an established approach in qualitative research called “immersion/crystallization.” Various strategies, including methods of verification and validition, were employed to ensure the scientific rigour and reliability of the study’s findings. The mechanisms through which culture and tradition affected women’s perceptions of health and well-being were clearly illustrated and clearly significant to the interview subjects. Women used examples of teenage pregnancy and parenting issues to illustrate traditional practices in Nunavut communities and their significance in an increasingly non-traditional society. Women stressed the importance of speaking Inuktitut and teaching it to their children. Many associated their ability to speak Inuktitut with their ties to Inuit traditions. Women described the grief experienced from loss of culture leading to problems related to identity, social inclusion and wellness. Culture and traditional knowledge were identified as key determinants of health for Canadian Inuit women. This study provides important information to inform and guide health promotion and illness prevention planning. The study will also help decision-makers and health professionals address some of the health issues affecting Inuit women by providing them with some insight into Inuit women’s local and contemporary circumstances. The results of this work can support local efforts to identify priorities for policy and program development relevant to Inuit women’s specific needs. Finally, the relevance of insight gained through the health perspectives of Inuit women in Nunavut deserves further investigation in relation to other Arctic regions, both in Canada and in the larger circumpolar community.

scholarly journals Health and well being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people aged 50 years and over

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Population ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Diversity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health And Well Being

Objectives The aim of the present study was to examine the health and well being of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, the health issues that concern them, the services they use and challenges accessing services. Methods This study comprised a survey of the health and well being of 312 LGBTI people aged 50 years and over in New South Wales. The survey included the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) measure of health-related quality of life, the Kessler 10 (K10) measure of psychological distress, and the three-item Loneliness Scale. Results Higher levels of psychological distress, lower mental health and greater loneliness were found among this sample than is typically found in the general population. Mental health was lower among carers and those not in a relationship, while psychological distress was greater among those living alone and those experiencing higher rates of loneliness. The most commonly accessed health service was a general practitioner (GP), with most respondents reporting that they were open about their sexuality to their GP and that they had a regular GP. Some reported difficulties accessing health services because of their gender or sexual diversity. Conclusions Although many older LGBTI people are well, both physically and mentally, they do appear to face increased risk of certain health issues compared with the general population. What is known about the topic? Overseas research indicates that older LGBTI people may be at greater risk of certain physical and mental health conditions than the general population. What does this paper add? This paper provides Australian data, using well-validated instruments, on the health and well being of older LGBTI people. It provides evidence of the health issues that older LGBTI people are most concerned about and the barriers they face in accessing services. What are the implications for practitioners? It is important for health practitioners to be aware that older LGBTI people appear to be at increased risk of certain physical and mental health issues, such as loneliness and psychological distress. Providing opportunities for clients to identify their gender or sexual diversity may assist in monitoring risk factors and enable referral to promote healthy aging.

scholarly journals Workplace-based interventions to promote healthy lifestyles in the NHS workforce: a rapid scoping and evidence map

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (18) ◽  
pp. 1-82
Author(s):  
Gary Raine ◽  
Sian Thomas ◽  
Mark Rodgers ◽  
Kath Wright ◽  
Alison Eastwood
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Evidence Map ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background The health and well-being of staff working in the NHS is a significant issue for UK health care. We sought to identify research relevant to the promotion of healthy lifestyles among NHS staff on behalf of NHS England. Objectives To map existing reviews on workplace-based interventions to promote health and well-being, and to assess the scope for further evidence synthesis work. Design Rapid and responsive scoping search and evidence map. Participants Adult employees in any occupational setting and in any role. Interventions Any intervention aimed at promoting or maintaining physical or mental health and well-being. Early intervention initiatives and those addressing violence against staff, workplace bullying or harassment were also included. Main outcome measures Any outcome related to the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness or implementation of interventions. Data sources A scoping search of nine databases was conducted to identify systematic reviews on health and well-being at work. Searches were limited by publication date (2000 to January/February 2019). Review methods The titles and abstracts of over 8241 records were screened and a total of 408 potentially relevant publications were identified. Information on key characteristics were extracted from the titles and abstracts of all potentially relevant publications. Descriptive statistics (counts and percentages) for key characteristics were generated and data from reviews and ‘reviews of reviews’ were used to produce the evidence map. Results Evidence related to a broad range of physical and mental health issues was identified across 12 ‘reviews of reviews’ and 312 other reviews, including 16 Cochrane reviews. There also exists National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance addressing multiple issues of potential relevance. A large number of reviews focused on mental health, changing lifestyle behaviour, such as physical activity, or on general workplace health/health promotion. Most of the reviews that focused only on health-care staff addressed mental health issues, and stress/burnout in particular. Limitations The scoping search process was extensive and clearly effective at identifying relevant publications, but the strategy used may not have identified every potentially relevant review. Owing to the large number of potentially relevant reviews identified from the scoping search, it was necessary to produce the evidence map using information from the titles and abstracts of reviews only. Conclusions It is doubtful that further evidence synthesis work at this stage would generate substantial new knowledge, particularly within the context of the NHS Health and Wellbeing Framework[NHS England. Workforce Health and Wellbeing Framework. 2018. URL: www.nhsemployers.org/-/media/Employers/Publications/Health-and-wellbeing/NHS-Workforce-HWB-Framework_updated-July-18.pdf (accessed 10 January 2019)] published in 2018. Additional synthesis work may be useful if it addressed an identifiable need and it was possible to identify one of the following: (1) a specific and focused research question arising from the current evidence map; it may then be appropriate to focus on a smaller number of reviews only, and provide a more thorough and critical assessment of the available evidence; and (2) a specific gap in the literature (i.e. an issue not already addressed by existing reviews or guidance); it may then be possible to undertake further literature searching and conduct a new evidence review. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 8, No. 18. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

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