scholarly journals Cropping Up Crisis at the Nexus Between COVID-19 and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Africa: A Scoping Review and Synthesis of Early Evidence

Cureus ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Girma Gutema ◽  
Gadissa Homa
Author(s):  
Girma Gutema ◽  
Gadissa Homa

Objective In this study, we aim to synthesize some evidence on the impacts that COVID-19 is having on the epidemiology of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Africa since it was declared global pandemic by WHO in March 2020. Methodology A scoping review was undertaken by collecting and curating relevant resources from peer-reviewed articles and also from the gray literature. Mixed approaches of extracting data (qualitative and quantitative) were employed in synthesizing evidence, as suggested by Health Evidence Network (HEN). Findings A model constructed based on the synthesis of early evidences available on the effects of factors linked to COVID-19 in impacting the evolution of AMR in Africa predicted that, in cumulative terms, those factors favoring the evolution of AMR outpace those disfavoring it by no less than three folds. Conclusion COVID-19 is fueling the evolution of AMR almost unhindered in Africa. Due recognition of this crisis, concerted efforts for resource mobilization and global cooperation are needed to tackle it.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212199436
Author(s):  
Robert Kaba Alhassan ◽  
Jerry John Nutor ◽  
Aaron Asibi Abuosi ◽  
Agani Afaya ◽  
Solomon Salia Mohammed ◽  
...  

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 also called coronavirus disease 2019 was first reported in the African continent on 14 February 2020 in Egypt. As at 18 December 2020, the continent reported 2,449,754 confirmed cases, 57,817 deaths and 2,073,214 recoveries. Urban cities in Africa have particularly suffered the brunt of coronavirus disease 2019 coupled with criticisms that the response strategies have largely been a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. This article reviewed early evidence on urban health nexus with coronavirus disease 2019 preparedness and response in Africa. Methods: A rapid scoping review of empirical and grey literature was done using data sources such as ScienceDirect, GoogleScholar, PubMed, HINARI and official websites of World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 26 full articles (empirical studies, reviews and commentaries) were synthesised and analysed qualitatively based on predefined inclusion criteria on publication relevance and quality. Results: Over 70% of the 26 articles reported on coronavirus disease 2019 response strategies across Africa; 27% of the articles reported on preparedness towards coronavirus disease 2019, while 38% reported on urbanisation nexus with coronavirus disease 2019; 40% of the publications were full-text empirical studies, while the remaining 60% were either commentaries, reviews or editorials. It was found that urban cities remain epicentres of coronavirus disease 2019 in Africa. Even though some successes have been recorded in Africa regarding coronavirus disease 2019 fight, the continent’s response strategies were largely found to be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Consequently, adoption of ‘Western elitist’ mitigating measures for coronavirus disease 2019 containment resulted in excesses and spillover effects on individuals, families and economies in Africa. Conclusion: Africa needs to increase commitment to health systems strengthening through context-specific interventions and prioritisation of pandemic preparedness over response. Likewise, improved economic resilience and proper urban planning will help African countries to respond better to future public health emergencies, as coronavirus disease 2019 cases continue to surge on the continent.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Saint ◽  
A Mohsenpour ◽  
C Mühling ◽  
K Bozorgmehr

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a considerable threat to modern medicine and global health. Inequity, gender and social determinants of health (SDH) have a significant impact on health and health services, including in relation to AMR. Despite this, there is a lack of systematic focus on these dimensions in AMR research, policy and practice. We aimed to scope and review the existing evidence related to the equity, gender and SDH considerations for AMR globally through a systematic, iterative approach. Methods We conducted a scoping review by searching PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL for empirical research on AMR in humans, with consideration of equity, gender or SDH, published in English between January 2000 and September 2019. In a two-stage process, we analysed full texts to extract information about explicit and then implicit references to equity, gender or SDH. Results The search yielded 4628 articles after removing 578 duplicates. 737 articles were analysed with explicit reference to equity, gender or SDH in title or abstract. Preliminary results show that 93.2% of these studies mentioned gender but mostly meaning biological sex (90.8%) rather than its social construct. Articles on equity (6.0%) and SDH (1.1%) reported on associations between AMR rates and income and non-income dimensions of inequality, health system issues and disadvantaged subpopulations within countries. Other articles in this category explored public and policy discourse or approaches for AMR (0.8%) and equity issues for AMR-related R&D (0.7%). These results combined with the PROGRESS-Plus acronym informed the subsequent analysis of the 4628 articles for implicit considerations of equity, gender and SDH. Conclusions Despite casting a wide net, we found relatively little research explicitly considering equity, gender and SDH aspects of AMR especially at a systematic or structural level. This reflects an important gap in the current understanding of and efforts to tackle AMR. Key messages We conducted a scoping review on equity, gender and social determinants considerations of AMR that indicates limited research on these important aspects of the social and structural drivers of AMR. Further research on these aspects is essential to inform the design of effective policy and practice interventions that target vulnerable groups and address structural inequities.


Author(s):  
Tiago Zequinão ◽  
João Paulo Telles ◽  
Juliano Gasparetto ◽  
Felipe Francisco Tuon

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0259069
Author(s):  
Phuc Pham-Duc ◽  
Kavitha Sriparamananthan

Inappropriate use of antibiotics has been one of the main contributors to antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Southeast Asia. Different genders are prone to different antibiotic use practices. The objective of this scoping review is to understand the extent and type of evidence available on gender differences in antibiotic use across Southeast Asia. The search strategy for this scoping review involved PubMed, Semantic Scholar, BioMed Central and ProQuest. Two-level screening was applied to identify the final sample of relevant sources. Thematic content analysis was then conducted on the selected final sources to identify recurring themes related to gender differences in antibiotic use and a narrative account was developed based on the themes. Recommendations for next steps regarding reducing inappropriate antibiotic use and gender considerations that need to be made when developing future interventions were also identified. Research on gender and antibiotic use remains scarce. Studies that discuss gender within the context of antibiotic use often mention differences between males and females in knowledge, attitudes and/or behaviour, however, do not explore reasons for these differences. Gender differences in antibiotic use were generally examined in terms of: (i) knowledge of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance and (ii) practices related to antibiotic use. Evidence indicated that differences between males and females in knowledge and practices of antibiotic use varied greatly based on setting. This indicates that gender differences in antibiotic use are greatly contextual and intersect with other sociodemographic factors, particularly education and socioeconomic status. Educational interventions that are targeted to meet the specific needs of males and females and delivered through pharmacists and healthcare professionals were the most common recommendations for reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community. Such targeted interventions require further qualitative research on factors influencing differences in knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use among males and females. In addition, there is also a need to strengthen monitoring and regulation practices to ensure accessibility to affordable, quality antibiotics through trusted sources.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254737
Author(s):  
Chinwe Juliana Iwu-Jaja ◽  
Anelisa Jaca ◽  
Ishmael Festus Jaja ◽  
Portia Jordan ◽  
Phelele Bhengu ◽  
...  

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes a significant threat to global health and food security, typically associated with high morbidity and mortality rate. The high burden of infectious diseases coupled with the weak health systems in most countries of Africa magnifies the risk of increasing AMR and its consequences thereof. This scoping review will be aimed at mapping the evidence on interventions used to prevent and manage antimicrobial resistance in Africa, guided by the “One Health” concept. Methods We will consider interventions targeting multiple sectors such as health care systems, the agricultural and veterinary sectors. The outcomes to be considered include reduction of AMR decreased morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases, increased awareness for rational use of antimicrobials and reduced antibiotic consumption. We will include all types of studies regardless of study designs conducted within the context of the WHO African region. Studies will be excluded if they are not conducted in Africa and if they are literature reviews, only describing the concept of AMR without mentioning interventions. We will include studies identified through a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature databases. In addition, we will search the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews. Finally, we plan to do a citation search for included studies. Findings of this review will be narratively synthesized.


Author(s):  
Chiara Rinaldi ◽  
Marleen P.M. Bekker

Background: In light of worrying public health developments such as declining life expectancy gains and increasing health inequalities, there is a heightened interest in the relationship between politics and health. This scoping review explores the possible welfare policy consequences of populist radical right (PRR) parties in Europe and the implications for population health. The aim is to map the available empirical evidence regarding the influence of PRR parties on welfare policy reforms and to understand how this relationship is mediated by political system characteristics in different countries. Methods and Analysis: A scoping review of peer-reviewed empirical literature addressing the relationship between PRR parties, political systems and welfare policy in Europe was performed using the methodology by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data was charted on main study characteristics, concepts and relevant results, after which a qualitative content analysis was performed. The data was categorised according to the political system characteristics: constitution, political economy, interest representation and partisanship. Five expert interviews were conducted for validation purposes. Early evidence from 15 peer-reviewed articles suggests that exclusionary welfare chauvinistic positions of PRR parties are likely to have negative effects on the access to welfare provisions and health of vulnerable population groups. Differences in implementation of welfare chauvinistic policy reforms are partly explained by mediation of the constitutional order (judicial institutions at national and European Union [EU] level), political economy (healthcare system funding and European single market) and partisanship (vote-seeking strategies by PRR and mainstream parties). No clear evidence was found regarding the influence of interest representation on welfare chauvinistic policies. Discussion: While early evidence suggests that the welfare chauvinistic ideology of PRR parties is harmful for public health, the possible mediating role of political system characteristics on PRR welfare policy influence offers risk and protective factors explaining why the PRR ideology plays out differently across Europe.


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