Vulnerable Groups and COVID-19 Pandemic; How Appropriate Are Psychosocial Responses?

Mapping Intimacies ◽

10.5772/intechopen.98762 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amir Moghanibashi-Mansourieh

Keyword(s):

Minority Groups ◽

Psychosocial Interventions ◽

The Elderly ◽

Social Consequences ◽

Social Conditions ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Access To Health ◽

Weak Points ◽

Psychosocial Responses

Covid-19 pandemic has had adverse health, economic and social consequences on different communities, groups and individuals. Vulnerable groups are more likely to contract the infection and suffer from mental disorders particularly anxiety due to lack of access to health and social resources, lower income and less awareness etc. In this chapter, in addition to a description of the psychological and social conditions of vulnerable groups including women, children, the elderly, and minority groups during the pandemic, the factors influencing the success of psychosocial interventions provided for these groups and the weak points and upcoming challenges will be addressed. Finally, the conclusion will offer some recommendation for coping with the future circumstances.

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Physical exercise and social interaction in complex environments reverse memory deficits induced by inhalants

Adaptive Behavior ◽

10.1177/1059712319854361 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 277-282

Author(s):

Roberto E Mercadillo ◽

Ricardo Mosco-Aquino ◽

Nayeli Páez-Martínez

Keyword(s):

Social Interaction ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Environmental Enrichment ◽

Psychosocial Interventions ◽

Repeated Administration ◽

Memory Deficits ◽

Social Consequences ◽

Cognitive Stimulation ◽

Social Conditions ◽

Voluntary Exercise

Inhalant abuse is a global issue with major behavioral, cognitive, and social consequences. Some effects of this abuse are observed in memory deficits, but the organism–environment interactions are poorly understood. We propose that studying environmental enrichment (EE) in animal models allows the elucidation of adaptive behavior mechanisms to face harmful effects, as well as plausible translational interventions; however, the effects of the different elements that comprise the complexity of EE must be determined. In this work, we measured the effects of housing under five environments for 4 weeks on memory impairments induced by the repeated administration of toluene in mice (4000 ppm, 30 min/day for 4 weeks). Recognition memory was recovered after housing in a complete enriched environment involving voluntary exercise with running wheels, cognitive stimulation with objects to explore, and social interaction. However, enrichment with only voluntary exercise in social conditions produced a significant memory recovery. In addition, EE in isolation showed fewer beneficial effects, while cognitive stimulation, even under social conditions, did not reverse the memory impairment by itself. We argue that physical exercise and social interaction could derive in cognitive enhancement and be used to advise on psychosocial interventions.

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Addressing inequities in maternal health among women living in communities of social disadvantage and ethnic diversity

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10182-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Cristina Fernandez Turienzo ◽

◽

Mary Newburn ◽

Agnes Agyepong ◽

Rachael Buabeng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ethnic Diversity ◽

Minority Groups ◽

Social Disadvantage ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Socioeconomically Disadvantaged ◽

Structural Racism ◽

Community Stakeholders ◽

Public Health Strategies ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe response to the coronavirus outbreak and how the disease and its societal consequences pose risks to already vulnerable groups such those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and ethnic minority groups. Researchers and community groups analysed how the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated persisting vulnerabilities, socio-economic and structural disadvantage and discrimination faced by many communities of social disadvantage and ethnic diversity, and discussed future strategies on how best to engage and involve local groups in research to improve outcomes for childbearing women experiencing mental illness and those living in areas of social disadvantage and ethnic diversity. Discussions centred around: access, engagement and quality of care; racism, discrimination and trust; the need for engagement with community stakeholders; and the impact of wider social and economic inequalities. Addressing biomedical factors alone is not sufficient, and integrative and holistic long-term public health strategies that address societal and structural racism and overall disadvantage in society are urgently needed to improve health disparities and can only be implemented in partnership with local communities.

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OP0329-PARE IN SHORT: EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND INFORMATION FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.4240 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 202.1-202

Author(s):

V. Krafft ◽

E. Rösch

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽

Reading Difficulties ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Red Cross ◽

Expert Committee ◽

Migrant Background ◽

Link Type ◽

Access To Health ◽

Foreign Media ◽

National Languages

Background:Some 800,000 people in Switzerland have trouble reading (1). For people with reading or learning difficulties, many texts are too complex or simply too long. People with a migrant background likewise often lack access to health information, in their case due to language barriers.Objectives:One of the top priorities set out in Switzerland’s “National Strategy on Musculoskeletal Diseases (2017–2022) is to develop low-threshold services for vulnerable groups. In keeping with this strategy, the Swiss League against Rheumatism (SLR) wants to reach out to people with a migrant background as well as those with reading difficulties by making available to them helpful and readily understandable information material on rheumatic diseases.Methods:During the planning phase, the SLR collaborated with migesplus, the portal for equal health opportunities operated by the Swiss Red Cross. Their input flowed into the conception of the new publication series “kurz & knapp” (in short).The texts for the new series are written in accordance with the rules for Easy Language, with the help of an expert committee from Pro Infirmis, the Swiss professional organisation for people with disabilities (www.buero-leichte-sprache.ch). After being evaluated, the final texts then receive a seal of approval. Easy Language is a key component of accessibility, because it makes complex content accessible to a wider audience.For the benefit of people with a migrant background, the SLR has the texts translated not only into the three Swiss national languages German, French and Italian but also into Albanian, Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish.Brochures on “Gout” and “Arthrosis” have already been published in the “kurz & knapp” series. In 2020, a publication on the subject of “Back Pain” will follow.In order to make the publications known to the intended target groups, the SLR wrote to various multipliers, such as immigration offices and foreign media.The publications are available free of charge in the online shop.Results:The new series “kurz & knapp” has been commended in particular by migration experts. Within the last ten months, the SLR has already distributed over 1,000 copies.Conclusion:To reach people with reading difficulties or a migrant background – groups that make up a large part of the Swiss population – specially designed communication tools are needed. An interdisciplinary network is indispensable for the development and dissemination of such tools.References:[1]Notter, P. & Arnold, C (2006). Lesen und Rechnen im Alltag: Grundkompetenzen von Erwachsenen in der Schweiz. Swiss Federal Statistical Office (BFS). Accessed on 28 January 2020:https://www.lesen-schreiben-schweiz.ch/myUploadData/files/ALL-StudieD.pdfDisclosure of Interests:Valérie Krafft Grant/research support from: Yes, Menarini AG (for gout brochure), Eva Rösch: None declared

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SSHAP In-Focus: COVID-19, Uncertainty, Vulnerability and Recovery in India

10.19088/sshap.2021.011 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Justin Pickard ◽

Shilpi Srivastava ◽

Mihir R. Bhatt ◽

Lyla Mehta

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Migrant Workers ◽

Disaster Response ◽

Minority Groups ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Mass Movement ◽

Community Response ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Ongoing Research ◽

Informal Workers

This paper addresses COVID-19 in India, looking at how the interplay of inequality, vulnerability, and the pandemic has compounded uncertainties for poor and marginalised groups, leading to insecurity, stigma and a severe loss of livelihoods. A strict government lockdown destroyed the incomes of farmers and urban informal workers and triggered an exodus of migrant workers from Indian cities, a mass movement which placed additional pressures on the country's rural communities. Elsewhere in the country, lockdown restrictions and pandemic response have coincided with heatwaves, floods and cyclones, impeding disaster response and relief. At the same time, the pandemic has been politicised to target minority groups (such as Muslims, Dalits), suppress dissent, and undermine constitutional values. The paper focuses on how COVID-19 has intersected with and multiplied existing uncertainties faced by different vulnerable groups and communities in India who have remained largely invisible in India's development story. With the biggest challenge for government now being to mitigate the further fall of millions of people into extreme poverty, the brief also reflects on pathways for recovery and transformation, including opportunities for rural revival, inclusive welfare, and community response. This brief is based on a review of existing published and grey literature, and 23 interviews with experts and practitioners from 12 states in India, including representation from domestic and international NGOs, and local civil society organisations. It was developed for the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP) by Justin Pickard, Shilpi Srivastava, Lyla Mehta (IDS), and Mihir R. Bhatt. Some of the cases draw on ongoing research of the TAPESTRY project, which explores bottom-up transformations in marginal environments across India and Bangladesh.

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A Study on the Factors Influencing the Satisfaction of Using the Long-term Care Insurance System for the Elderly

Global Social Welfare Review ◽

10.31769/gswr.2021.11.2.55 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 55-73

Author(s):

Won-jie Lee

Keyword(s):

Long Term Care ◽

The Elderly ◽

Term Care ◽

Insurance System ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Long Term Care Insurance

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Pathology of Social Violence Phenomenon in Ardabil Province: A Qualitative Study

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v8n10p15 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. 15

Author(s):

Shahram Habibzadeh ◽

Farhad Poufarzi ◽

Mohammad Mehrtak ◽

Saied Sadeghiyeh-Ahari ◽

Mehdi Jafari-Oori ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Minority Groups ◽

Expert Panel ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Physical Damage ◽

Cultural Economic ◽

Social Violence ◽

Targeted Sampling ◽

The Social ◽

Regional Factors

Introduction: In all human societies, domestic violence is known as a threat. Violence is imposing one's will on others through mental pressure and physical damage then can cause a feeling of anxiety and insecurity in them, especially for the weaker and more vulnerable groups such as women, children, elderly and minority groups who are the victims of oppression and socioeconomic inequalities. According to statistics, Ardabil, in comparison with other Iran’s provinces, has the most number of violent crimes. This qualitative research was conducted with the aim of exploring pathological phenomena of social violence in Ardabil province.Methods: this qualitative study was conducted with expert panel. Eighteen participants were selected with targeted sampling method from professors and the heads of the administrative offices who were linked to the phenomenon of social violence and have rich experiences with the social violence issues. After obtaining an informed consent from the participants, expert panel were conducted in two sessions of 150 minutes. At each session all discourse was recorded and after that, immediately transcribed verbatim. Then, the codes, sub-themes and the themes were obtained.Results: The five main extracted themes included: social, historical and anthropological, cultural, economic and regional factors and 13 sub-themes were classified.Conclusion: Social, economic, cultural and regional structure, which have been formed and institutionalized in the society over the years, can be influenced and changed by government policies and a variety of programs.

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COPE for Adolescent Syrian Refugees in Lebanon: A Brief Cognitive–Behavioral Skill-Building Intervention to Improve Quality of Life and Promote Positive Mental Health

Clinical Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/1054773818808114 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 226-234 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rita Doumit ◽

Chant Kazandjian ◽

Lisa K. Militello

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Behavioral Intervention ◽

Middle Eastern ◽

Psychosocial Interventions ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Syrian Refugees ◽

Cognitive Behavioral Intervention

Lebanon has the highest per-capita concentration of refugees worldwide. There is an urgent need to offer psychosocial interventions to vulnerable groups such as Syrian refugee adolescents. To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a cognitive–behavioral intervention (Creating Opportunities for Patient Empowerment [COPE]) on depression, anxiety, and quality of life (QOL) in a sample of adolescent refugees (13-17 years) living in Lebanon. A preexperimental study design was used. COPE 7-Session was delivered to 31 adolescent Syrian refugees. Participants were assessed for depression (Personal Health Questionnaire–9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorders Scale), and QOL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory). Feasibility and acceptability findings indicated that the COPE program was a positive experience for teens. Significant decreases in depression and anxiety, and increases in QOL were also reported. COPE is an effective cognitive–behavioral intervention that can be delivered in an Arabic/Middle-Eastern setting for teen refugees to improve mental health and QOL.

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