ABSTRACT
COVID-19, a global pandemic that began in December 2019, has resulted in millions of deaths and socioeconomic collapses. Surprisingly, global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have shown a reduction since the pandemic lockdown. However, findings concerning the relationship between COVID-19 and CO2 emissions have been given limited attention in Africa's case. This study examined the effect of COVID-19 on CO2 emissions for the selected and most concerned five African countries and discussed lessons to be taken from the pandemic on environmental protection in the post-pandemic situation. The study employed both descriptive and econometric approaches using daily data from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, to analyze the daily carbon emissions. The finding shows that CO2 emissions have been reduced in various sectors owing to the COVID-19 lockdown and other restrictions, which provided an opportunity to rethink measures to protect the environment in the long-term post-pandemic situation. The final part of the article argues that the observed lifestyle and changes in human and economic activities that impacted carbon emission reduction during COVID-19 are essential to drawing long-term environmental pollution mitigation strategies, particularly in the areas researched. © 2022 (individual papers), the author(s)
ABSTRACT
Background: Treatment seeking for people with alcohol use disorders (AUD), injecting drug use and viral hepatitis is low, and has worsened during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Deferring clinical care and increasing drug and alcohol use exacerbate the risks of progression for individuals with chronic liver disease from viral hepatitis and/or alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). We explored the impact COVID-19 epidemic may have on patients with chronic liver disease and suggested mechanisms to protect this at-risk population during and after the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the general healthcare system and higher education worldwide. Adapting to the culture of "new normal," an emerging response to COVID-19, is crucial for public health recovery and learning. This study investigated students' readiness and intention for adapting to the ''new normal'' COVID-19 prevention campaign during campus re-entry in Debre Berhan university in Ethiopia after the country eases lockdown restrictions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 20th to 30th January 2021, among graduate students in Debre Berhan university, Ethiopia. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 423 participants. A structured and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data and bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were fitted. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to interpret the strength of association and the statistical significance level was declared at a p-value of <= 0.05. Result: In this study 423 participants were involved. The level of readiness and intention of adapting to the ''new normal'' prevention campaign were 49.4 and 54.8% respectively. Being a health science student (AOR = 1.82;95% CI: 1.18, 2.81), being married (AOR = 2.10;95% CI: 1.1, 4.05), having a smartphone (AOR = 1.84;95% CI: 1.09, 3.12), and being knowledgeable towards COVID-19 (AOR = 1.56;95% CI: 1.04, 2.34) were found to be significant factors associated with intention towards adapting to the ''new normal'' prevention practice. Also, the main reason why participants had no intention to carry out the ''new normal'' prevention campaign were a shortage of quality required preventive supplies (60%) and those who perceived themselves personally not at risk of COVID-19 (31.3%). Conclusion: In this study, although information on the COVID-19 outbreak is continually evolving, readiness and intention for adapting to the ''new normal'' COVID-19 prevention campaign were insufficient. It is critical to improve readiness and intention through increasing knowledge and emphasizing the importance of new technologies and handy protective supplies that may encourage the sustainable practice of new norms post-pandemic.