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3.
Am J Epidemiol ; 2023 Apr 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2296490

ABSTRACT

Serological assays used to estimate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence often rely on manufacturer cut-offs established based on severe cases. We conducted a household-based serosurvey of 4,677 individuals in Chennai, India from January to May, 2021. Samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies to the spike (S) and nucelocapsid (N) proteins. We calculated seroprevalence, defining seropositivity using manufacturer cut-offs and using a mixture model based on measured IgG. Using manufacturer cut-offs, there was a five-fold difference in seroprevalence estimated by each assay. This difference was largely reconciled using the mixture model, with estimated anti-S and anti-N IgG seroprevalence 64.9% (95% Credible Interval [CrI], 63.8-66.0) and 51.5% (95% CrI, 50.2-52.9) respectively. Age and socioeconomic factors showed inconsistent relationships with anti-S and anti-N IgG seropositivity using manufacturer cut-offs. In the mixture model, age was not associated with seropositivity, and improved household ventilation was associated with lower seropositivity odds. With global vaccine scale-up, the utility of the more stable anti-S IgG assay may be limited due to the inclusion of the S protein in several vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence estimates using alternative targets must consider heterogeneity in seroresponse to ensure seroprevalence is not underestimated and correlates not misinterpreted.

4.
BMJ Open ; 13(4): e071627, 2023 04 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2296733

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To gain an in-depth understanding of parent/carers' perspectives on, and decision-making about, early childhood care in general, and paid childcare specifically, in informal settlements in Nairobi. DESIGN: In-depth telephone interviews, conducted using a topic guide, were analysed through a combination of deductive and inductive thematic analysis and regular reflexivity meetings. We explored parents' childcare needs and experiences over time, and their perspectives on the provision of paid childcare in the slums. SETTING: Three informal settlements or slums in Nairobi: Kibera; Kawangware; and Mukuru-Viwandani. PARTICIPANTS: A purposively selected sample of 21 parental and non-parental carers of children aged under 5 years who were currently living in three Nairobi slums, including men and women, and users and non-users of paid childcare. RESULTS: Childcare is complex, with a plurality of approaches being used. Common strategies include family member provided care (often but not exclusively by mothers, at home or at a place of work), paid childcare and informal or ad hoc arrangements with neighbours. Childcare decision-making in these settings is constrained by economics and the broader context of living in the slum. Paid childcare is frequently used, but is widely understood to be lacking in quality, especially for the poorest. Quality of childcare is understood to comprise a combination of structural factors, such as the physical space, play and learning resources and processes such as interactions between the care provider and children or parents. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a need, and opportunity, to improve early childhood care in slums. Understanding parental perspectives on both the deficiencies and valued features of childcare is likely to be vital to informing efforts to improve childcare in these settings.


Subject(s)
Child Care , Poverty Areas , Child , Male , Humans , Female , Child, Preschool , Kenya , Parents , Mothers
6.
BMC Infect Dis ; 22(1): 918, 2022 Dec 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2162309

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Restrictions to curb the first wave of COVID-19 in India resulted in a decline in facility-based HIV testing rates, likely contributing to increased HIV transmission and disease progression. The programmatic and economic impact of COVID-19 on index testing, a standardized contact tracing strategy, remains unknown. METHODS: Retrospective programmatic and costing data were analyzed under a US government-supported program to assess the pandemic's impact on the programmatic outcomes and cost of index testing implemented in two Indian states (Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh). We compared index testing continuum outcomes during lockdown (April-June 2020) and post-lockdown (July-Sept 2020) relative to pre-lockdown (January-March 2020) by estimating adjusted rate ratios (aRRs) using negative binomial regression. Startup and recurrent programmatic costs were estimated across geographies using a micro-costing approach. Per unit costs were calculated for each index testing continuum outcome. RESULTS: Pre-lockdown, 2431 index clients were offered services, 3858 contacts were elicited, 3191 contacts completed HIV testing, 858 contacts tested positive, and 695 contacts initiated ART. Compared to pre-lockdown, the number of contacts elicited decreased during lockdown (aRR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.11-0.16) and post-lockdown (aRR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.43-0.56); and the total contacts newly diagnosed with HIV also decreased during lockdown (aRR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.18-0.26) and post-lockdown (aRR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.45-0.59). HIV positivity increased from 27% pre-lockdown to 40% during lockdown and decreased to 26% post-lockdown. Further, ART initiation improved from 81% pre-lockdown to 88% during lockdown and post-lockdown. The overall cost to operate index testing was $193,457 pre-lockdown and decreased during lockdown to $132,177 (32%) and $126,155 (35%) post-lockdown. Post-lockdown unit cost of case identification rose in facility sites ($372) compared to pre-lockdown ($205), however it decreased in community-based sites from pre-lockdown ($277) to post-lockdown ($166). CONCLUSIONS: There was a dramatic decline in the number of index testing clients in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions that resulted in higher unit costs to deliver services; yet, improved linkage to ART suggests that decongesting centres could improve efficiency. Training index testing staff to provide support across services including non-facility-based HIV testing mechanisms (i.e., telemedicine, HIV self-testing, community-based approaches) may help optimize resources during public health emergencies.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , HIV Infections , Humans , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Communicable Disease Control , India/epidemiology , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/epidemiology
7.
Clin Nephrol Case Stud ; 10: 76-81, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2144753

ABSTRACT

India witnessed an epidemic of mucormycosis during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Renal mucormycosis has been reported rarely, mostly from India, but only 2 cases have been reported following COVID-19 infection to date. We report a case of mucormycosis predominantly affecting kidneys in a young and previously healthy male following COVID-19 pneumonia, for which he had received corticosteroid, remdesivir, and tocilizumab. He presented with hematuria, progressive oliguria, and severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis. The diagnosis was made on kidney biopsy and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) showed segmental and subsegmental renal artery pseudoaneurysms with distal occlusion of both kidneys. He underwent bilateral nephrectomy and received high-dose amphotericin (AMB) and posaconazole. He developed cardiac arrhythmia and pulmonary edema attributed to AMB-related cardiotoxicity after a cumulative ABM dose of 2,450 mg. This is the first case report describing the survival of a patient with bilateral renal mucormycosis following COVID-19 infection. Our case report highlights the importance of considering mucormycosis in a patient with post-COVID-19 AKI to make an early diagnosis and aggressive management comprising of surgical debridement and high-dose AMB to improve survival.

8.
14th International Conference on Contemporary Computing, IC3 2022 ; : 32-36, 2022.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2120839

ABSTRACT

All the studies proposed so far have either tackled the issue of Covid 19 spread around the world or the vaccination coverage of a specific region. The relation between Covid 19 and vaccination is not exploited in any of these studies to achieve better performance in the AI models they propose. Our solution is to learn and forecast the trend of Covid 19 spread across the world with respect to vaccination. Preprocessing the data to exempt any covid cases before vaccination would remove the unnecessary training of the machine learning model with patterns that can be considered as noise. Our study introduces each country to a model tailored for them. Our model would allow the researchers to approach Covid 19 spread prediction from a new perspective with respect to vaccination statistics and also to choose which model to presume according to their needs. © 2022 ACM.

9.
medrxiv; 2022.
Preprint in English | medRxiv | ID: ppzbmed-10.1101.2022.11.04.22281943

ABSTRACT

Human mobility patterns changed greatly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite many analyses investigating general mobility trends, there has been less work characterising changes in mobility on a fine spatial scale and developing frameworks to model these changes. We analyse zip code-level mobility data from 26 US cities between February 2 - August 31, 2020. We use Bayesian models to characterise the initial decrease in mobility and mobility patterns between June - August at this fine spatial scale. There were similar temporal trends across cities but large variations in the magnitude of mobility reductions. Long-distance routes and higher-income subscribers, but not age, were associated with greater mobility reductions. At the city level, mobility rates around early April, when mobility was lowest, and over summer showed little association with non-pharmaceutical interventions or case rates. Changes in mobility patterns lasted until the end of the study period, despite overall numbers of trips recovering to near baseline levels in many cities.


Subject(s)
COVID-19
10.
Lancet Reg Health Eur ; 19: 100429, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2004324

ABSTRACT

Background: We aimed to explore the effectiveness of one-dose BNT162b2 vaccination upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, its effect on COVID-19 presentation, and post-vaccination symptoms in children and adolescents (CA) in the UK during periods of Delta and Omicron variant predominance. Methods: In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, we analysed data from 115,775 CA aged 12-17 years, proxy-reported through the Covid Symptom Study (CSS) smartphone application. We calculated post-vaccination infection risk after one dose of BNT162b2, and described the illness profile of CA with post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to unvaccinated CA, and post-vaccination side-effects. Findings: Between August 5, 2021 and February 14, 2022, 25,971 UK CA aged 12-17 years received one dose of BNT162b2 vaccine. The probability of testing positive for infection diverged soon after vaccination, and was lower in CA with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaccination reduced proxy-reported infection risk (-80·4% (95% CI -0·82 -0·78) and -53·7% (95% CI -0·62 -0·43) at 14-30 days with Delta and Omicron variants respectively, and -61·5% (95% CI -0·74 -0·44) and -63·7% (95% CI -0·68 -0.59) after 61-90 days). Vaccinated CA who contracted SARS-CoV-2 during the Delta period had milder disease than unvaccinated CA; during the Omicron period this was only evident in children aged 12-15 years. Overall disease profile was similar in both vaccinated and unvaccinated CA. Post-vaccination local side-effects were common, systemic side-effects were uncommon, and both resolved within few days (3 days in most cases). Interpretation: One dose of BNT162b2 vaccine reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 90 days in CA aged 12-17 years. Vaccine protection varied for SARS-CoV-2 variant type (lower for Omicron than Delta variant), and was enhanced by pre-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection. Severity of COVID-19 presentation after vaccination was generally milder, although unvaccinated CA also had generally mild disease. Overall, vaccination was well-tolerated. Funding: UK Government Department of Health and Social Care, Chronic Disease Research Foundation, The Wellcome Trust, UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, UK Research and Innovation London Medical Imaging & Artificial Intelligence Centre for Value Based Healthcare, UK National Institute for Health Research, UK Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation and Alzheimer's Society, and ZOE Limited.

11.
medrxiv; 2022.
Preprint in English | medRxiv | ID: ppzbmed-10.1101.2022.09.09.22279760

ABSTRACT

IntroductionThe Covid-19 pandemic, and societal attempts to control it, have touched almost every aspect of peoples lives around the world, albeit in unequal ways. In particular, there is considerable concern about the way that stringent lockdowns, as implemented in Kenya and many other countries, affected young children, especially those living in informal settlements. However, to date, there has been little research attempting to unpack and understand how the pandemic has impacted on the care of young children. MethodsIn-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 21 parents/carers of children aged under five years living in three Nairobi slums between May and September 2021 exploring the ways in which covid-19, and policies to control the pandemic, impacted on their household and the care of their child/children. ResultsThe impacts of covid-19 control measures on the care of children have been widely felt, deep and multiple. The impact of economic hardship has been significant, reportedly undermining food security and access to services including healthcare and childcare. Respondents reported an associated increase in domestic and community violence. Many people relied on help from others; this was most commonly reported to be in the form of variable levels of flexibility from landlords and help from other community members. No direct harms from covid-19 disease were reported by respondents. ConclusionThe impacts of covid-19 control measures on the care of young children in informal settlements have been indirect but dramatic. Given the breadth and depth of these reported impacts, and the particular vulnerability of young children, deeper consideration ought to inform decisions about approaches to implementation of stringent disease control measures in future. In addition, these findings imply a need for both short- and long-term policy responses to ameliorate the impacts described. Key messages O_TEXTBOXO_LIYoung children living in slums, while at low direct risk from Covid-19, are highly vulnerable to early childhood adversity, so may be at great risk from economic and other hardships that are a likely side effect of blunt pandemic control measures like stringent lockdowns. C_LIO_LIParent/carers described a set of indirect impacts of covid-19 control efforts that were broad, deep and protracted. Core to these impacts was widespread economic hardship, with knock on effects on household food security, wellbeing and community safety. C_LIO_LIConsidering the particular risks and vulnerability that blunt pandemic control measures present to young children, especially those in slums, needs to be central to policy discussions about if and how to implement stringent disease-control measures. In addition, more research is required to quantify the issues identified in this qualitative inquiry. C_LI C_TEXTBOX


Subject(s)
COVID-19
12.
J Endourol ; 36(7): 934-940, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1931771

ABSTRACT

Objective: As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic continues, there is increased value in performing same-day discharge (SDD) protocols to minimize viral exposure and maintain the appropriate surgical treatment for oncologic patients. In this scenario, we performed a prospective analysis of outcomes of our patients undergoing SDD protocol after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Materials and Methods: The SDD criteria included patients with no intraoperative complications, stable postoperative hemoglobin levels (compared with preoperative values), stable vital signs, normal urine output, ambulation with assistance and independently without dizziness, tolerance of clear liquids without nausea or vomiting, pain control with oral medication, and patient/family confidence with SDD. Patients older than 70 years, concomitant general surgery operations, multiple comorbidities, and complex procedures such as salvage surgery were excluded from our protocol. Results: Of the 101 patients who met the criteria for SDD, 73 (72%) had an effective SDD. All SDF (same day discharge failure) patients were discharged one day after surgery. Intraoperative characteristics were not statistically different with a median operative time of 92 (81-107) vs 103 (91-111) minutes for SDD and SDF, respectively. Of the 28 SDF patients, the most common reasons for staying were anesthesia-related factors of nausea (35%), drowsiness (7%), patient/caregiver preference (25%), pain (14%), labile blood pressure (7%), arrhythmia (7%), and dizziness (7%). There was no significant difference in readmission rates, complication rates, or postoperative pain scores between SDD and SDF patients. Conclusions: In our experience, SDD for patients undergoing RARP can be safely and feasibly incorporated into a clinical care pathway without increasing readmission rates. We were effective in 72% of cases because of coordinated care between anesthetics, nursing staff, and appropriate patient selection. We also believe that incorporating pre- and postoperative patient education and assurance is crucial to minimize their exposure to COVID-19 during the surgical treatment for prostate cancer.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Robotic Surgical Procedures , Robotics , Dizziness/complications , Humans , Male , Nausea/complications , Pain/etiology , Patient Discharge , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Prostatectomy/methods , Referral and Consultation , Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods
13.
J Int AIDS Soc ; 25(7): e25960, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1925944

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened to diminish gains in HIV epidemic control and impacts are likely most profound among key populations in resource-limited settings. We aimed to understand the pandemic's impact on HIV-related service utilization among men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWID) across India. METHODS: Beginning in 2013, we established integrated care centres (ICCs) which provide HIV preventive and treatment services to MSM and PWID across 15 Indian sites. We examined utilization patterns for an 18-month period covering 2 months preceding the pandemic (January-February 2020) and over the first and second COVID-19 waves in India (March 2020-June 2021). We assessed: (1) unique clients accessing any ICC service, (2) ICC services provided, (3) unique clients tested for HIV and (4) HIV diagnoses and test positivity. Among an established cohort of PWID/MSM living with HIV (PLHIV), we administered a survey on the pandemic's impact on HIV care and treatment (June-August 2020). RESULTS: Overall, 13,854 unique clients visited an ICC from January 2020 to June 2021. In January/February 2020, the average monthly number of clients was 3761. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, the number of clients receiving services declined sharply in March 2020, dropping to 25% of pre-pandemic levels in April/May 2020 (first wave), followed by a slow rebound until April/May 2021 (second wave), when there was a 57% decline. HIV testing followed a similar trajectory. HIV test positivity changed over time, declining in the first wave and reaching its nadir around July 2020 at ∼50% of pre-pandemic levels. Positivity then increased steadily, eventually becoming higher than pre-pandemic periods. The second wave was associated with a decline in positivity for MSM but was relatively unchanged for PWID. Among 1650 PLHIV surveyed, 52% of PWID and 45% of MSM reported the pandemic impacted their ability to see an HIV provider. MSM had barriers accessing sexually transmitted infection testing and partner HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant decreases in HIV-related service utilization among key populations in India. This presents an opportunity for increased transmission and patients presenting with advanced disease among groups already disproportionately impacted by HIV.


Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , COVID-19 , HIV Infections , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Substance Abuse, Intravenous , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Cities , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Homosexuality, Male , Humans , India/epidemiology , Male , Pandemics/prevention & control , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/complications
14.
Children (Basel) ; 9(5)2022 May 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1820186

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 variant was the predominant UK circulating strain between May and November 2021. We investigated whether COVID-19 from Delta infection differed from infection with previous variants in children. METHODS: Through the prospective COVID Symptom Study, 109,626 UK school-aged children were proxy-reported between 28 December 2020 and 8 July 2021. We selected all symptomatic children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were proxy-reported at least weekly, within two timeframes: 28 December 2020 to 6 May 2021 (Alpha (B.1.1.7), the main UK circulating variant) and 26 May to 8 July 2021 (Delta, the main UK circulating variant), with all children unvaccinated (as per national policy at the time). We assessed illness profiles (symptom prevalence, duration, and burden), hospital presentation, and presence of long (≥28 day) illness, and calculated odds ratios for symptoms presenting within the first 28 days of illness. RESULTS: 694 (276 younger (5-11 years), 418 older (12-17 years)) symptomatic children tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with Alpha infection and 706 (227 younger and 479 older) children with Delta infection. Median illness duration was short with either variant (overall cohort: 5 days (IQR 2-9.75) with Alpha, 5 days (IQR 2-9) with Delta). The seven most prevalent symptoms were common to both variants. Symptom burden over the first 28 days was slightly greater with Delta compared with Alpha infection (in younger children, 3 (IQR 2-5) symptoms with Alpha, 4 (IQR 2-7) with Delta; in older children, 5 (IQR 3-8) symptoms with Alpha, 6 (IQR 3-9) with Delta infection ). The odds of presenting several symptoms were higher with Delta than Alpha infection, including headache and fever. Few children presented to hospital, and long illness duration was uncommon, with either variant. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 in UK school-aged children due to SARS-CoV-2 Delta strain B.1.617.2 resembles illness due to the Alpha variant B.1.1.7., with short duration and similar symptom burden.

16.
Open Forum Infect Dis ; 9(5): ofac130, 2022 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1784386

ABSTRACT

Background: We sought to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic and clinical correlates of acute and convalescent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among emergency department (ED) patients in Baltimore. Methods: Remnant blood samples from 7450 unique patients were collected over 4 months in 2020 for SARS-CoV-2 antibody (Ab), HCV Ab, and HIV-1/2 antigen and Ab. Among them, 5012 patients were tested by polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 based on clinical suspicion. Sociodemographics, ED clinical presentations, and outcomes associated with coinfections were assessed. Results: Overall, 729 (9.8%) patients had SARS-CoV-2 (acute or convalescent), 934 (12.5%) HCV, 372 (5.0%) HIV infection, and 211 patients (2.8%) had evidence of any coinfection (HCV/HIV, 1.5%; SARS-CoV-2/HCV, 0.7%; SARS-CoV-2/HIV, 0.3%; SARS-CoV-2/HCV/HIV, 0.3%). The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (acute or convalescent) was significantly higher in those with HCV or HIV vs those without (13.6% vs 9.1%, P < .001). Key sociodemographic disparities (race, ethnicity, and poverty) and specific ED clinical characteristics were significantly correlated with having any coinfections vs no infection or individual monoinfection. Among those with HCV or HIV, aged 18-34 years, Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and a cardiovascular-related chief complaint had a significantly higher odds of having SARS-CoV-2 (prevalence ratios: 2.02, 2.37, 5.81, and 2.07, respectively). Conclusions: The burden of SARS-CoV-2, HCV, and HIV co-pandemics and their associations with specific sociodemographic disparities, clinical presentations, and outcomes suggest that urban EDs should consider implementing integrated screening and linkage-to-care programs for these 3 infections.

18.
medrxiv; 2022.
Preprint in English | medRxiv | ID: ppzbmed-10.1101.2022.03.13.22272176

ABSTRACT

Background We aim to explore the effectiveness of one-dose BNT162b2 vaccination upon SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in children and young people (CYP) during Delta and Omicron variant predominance in the UK, and study its effect on COVID-19 presentation and post-vaccination symptoms. Methods In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, we analysed data from 115,775 CYP aged 12-17 years, proxy-reported through the Covid Symptom Study (CSS) smartphone application. We calculated post-vaccination infection risk after one dose of BNT162b2. We described the illness profile of CYP with post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to unvaccinated CYP. Findings Between August 5, 2021 and February 14, 2022, 25,971 UK CYP aged 12-17 years received one dose of BNT162b2 vaccine. Vaccination reduced infection (reporting) risk (-80.4% and -53.7% at 14-30 days with Delta and Omicron variants respectively, and -61.5% and -63.7% after 61-90 days). The probability of remaining infection-free diverged after vaccination, and was more robust with prior infection. Vaccinated CYP who contracted SARS-CoV-2 during the Delta period had milder disease than unvaccinated CYP; however, during the Omicron period this was only evident in children aged 12-15 years, and overall disease profile was similar in both vaccinated and unvaccinated CYP. Post-vaccination local side-effects were common, systemic side-effects were uncommon, and both resolved quickly. Interpretation One dose of BNT162b2 vaccine reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 90 days in CYP aged 12-17 years. Vaccine protection was modulated by SARS-CoV-2 variant type (lower for Omicron than Delta variant), and was enhanced by pre-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection. Severity of COVID-19 presentation after vaccination is generally milder, although unvaccinated CYP also have an uncomplicated course. Overall, vaccination was well-tolerated.


Subject(s)
Infections , Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated , Hallucinations , COVID-19
19.
Clin Infect Dis ; 74(9): 1534-1542, 2022 05 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1707738

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing is critical for monitoring case counts, early detection and containment of infection, clinical management, and surveillance of variants. However, community-based data on the access, uptake, and barriers to testing have been lacking. METHODS: We conducted serial cross-sectional online surveys covering demographics, coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms, and experiences around SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing to characterize the SARS-CoV-2 testing cascade and associated barriers across 10 US states (California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin), from July 2020 to February 2021. RESULTS: In February 2021, across 10 US states, 895 respondents (11%) reported wanting a diagnostic test in the prior 2 weeks, 63% of whom were tested, with limited variability across states. Almost all (97%) who were tested received their results; 56% received their results within 2 days. In Maryland, Florida, and Illinois, where serial data were available at 4 time points, 56% were tested the same day they wanted or needed a test in February 2021, compared with 28% in July 2020, and 45% received results the same day, compared with 17% in July 2020. Wanting a test was significantly more common among younger, nonwhite respondents and participants with a history of symptoms or exposure. Logistical challenges, including not knowing where to go, were the most frequently cited barriers. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant improvements in access and turnaround times across US states, yet barriers to testing remained consistent across states, underscoring the importance of a continued focus on testing, even amidst mass vaccination campaigns.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19 Testing , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Illinois , United States/epidemiology
20.
Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing ; 2022.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-1705216

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Improving the medical oxygen supply chain (MOSC) is important to cope with the uneven demand and supply seen in the MOSC when India faced the second wave of COVID-19. This improvisation increases the supply chain (SC) maturity and consequently the efficiency and resiliency to tackle oxygen shortage across the country and to prevent another similar scenario from ever happening. The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize the solutions to overcome the issues faced by the MOSC during the second wave of COVID-19 cases in India and in turn reduce the extent of casualties in the expected third wave. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses best worst method (BWM) and fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution to classify the sub-criteria for solutions to solve major SC issues. BWM is used to determine the weights of the sub-criteria and fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution for the final ranking of the solutions to be adopted. Findings: The result of this study shows that the Internet of Things based tagging system is the best solution followed by horizontal and vertical integration of SC in making a resilient and digitized MOSC capable of handling general bottlenecks during a possible third wave. Research limitations/implications: The research provides insights that can enable the personnel involved in MOSC. Proper understanding will help the practitioners involved in the SC to effectively tailor the operations and to allocate the resources available in an effective and dynamic manner by minimizing or eliminating the pre-existing bottlenecks within the SC. Originality/value: The proposed framework provides an accurate ranking and decision-making tool for the implementation of the solutions for the maturity of the MOSC. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.

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