ABSTRACT
Introduction The global COVID-19-pandemic influences people's health, both directly through infection and indirectly through the protective measures taken by governments. Previous experience with health research after disasters/crises are generally limited to short-lasting, local disasters with direct consequences for those affected. The COVID-19-pandemic has a different nature: influencing everyone and lasting a longer time. A longitudinal, wide-reaching research-approach is needed to study the health effects of COVID-19. Therefore, the Network GOR-COVID-19, a research group consisting of different organizations, started a monitor on the health effects of COVID-19. Methods The monitor consists of three main elements: yearly monitoring, quarterly monitoring and literature reviews. Where possible, existing data structures are used. For the quarterly monitoring, two data sources are used: general practitioners’ [GP] registry data and data gathered from panels. The GP data is used for weekly surveillance, giving insight into the prevalence of health symptoms presented to the GP. The panel data is used to gain insight into current self-reported health and wellbeing of people. For the yearly monitoring, two data sources are used. The first is GP data which gives information about the prevalence, incidence and development of symptoms, complaints and diagnoses. It allows for comparison over time and among different population groups. The second is the corona health monitor questionnaire, an existing questionnaire on health and well-being. Finally, literature reviews are conducted annually to create an overview of international and national research about the effects of the COVID-19-pandemic on health. Discussion Since most of our knowledge about the potential impact of the pandemic stems from research on short-term disasters, limited to specific places, this study is expected to provide valuable new insights.
ABSTRACT
Introduction Like in many other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic and the government restrictions introduced to contain the spread of the virus had major consequences for the health and wellbeing of the population in the Netherlands. To monitor the short and long-term public health impact, a nationally coordinated research program was initiated with the intention to guide decision-making by local and national public health authorities. This contribution presents the process to establish a continuous dialogue with end-users of information to add focus to the monitor, make sense of the findings and formulate policy recommendation and practical guidance, both at the national and regional level. Methods To facilitate the translation and dissemination of research results among policy makers, practitioners and scientists, an ongoing series of dialogue sessions is organized during the monitoring program. Apart from the objective of evidence-informed public health decision-making, the dialectic process seeks to ensure multi-sectoral learning and co-creation and contribute to a broad sense of ownership among stakeholders. National and regional health participants serve as hub coordinators. New stakeholders are invited and will be actively approached wherever considered relevant. Results At the EUPHA conference experiences with organizing the dialogue in app. the first two years of the program will be presented together with preliminary results and a reflection on factors that helped or hindered the implementation and uptake of findings. Discussion Monitoring data collected using robust methods and analyzed in such a way that vulnerability factors are carefully considered, is invaluable for decision-making. However, in order to effectively serve as guidance to public health policy, whether in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic or in non-crisis situations, a constructive, ongoing exchange between end-users of the information needs to be facilitated.
ABSTRACT
Introduction The coronavirus outbreak and resulting restrictive measures have a major impact on population health. Research results suggest that the impact on the youth is especially great. In this review of international literature we investigated the impact of the COVID pandemic on the health and wellbeing of the youth, with a special emphasis on identifying vulnerable groups. Methods This review looked at the impact on five domains;physical health, (health)care needs, mental health, social effects and other effects. We also identified protective and risk factors. We searched the databases of Pubmed, PsychInfo and Embase for longitudinal empirical studies in May 2021. Results For all topics together, 145 papers were included. Results show that the corona crisis had a negative impact on the physical and mental health of the youth. Many young people exercised less, ate less healthy and suffered more from depression, anxiety and loneliness. Young people who already had mental or physical health problems were more vulnerable and experienced more negative results of the corona crisis. The crisis worsened existing problems. Other factors that exacerbate problems are poverty and poor family functioning. The impact is the largest for youths with multiple problems. At the same time, young people seem resilient. Many had no or few health problems during the studied period (roughly the first year of the pandemic), or their health problems decreased when restrictions were lifted. Discussion More attention is needed for preventive interventions that prevent health problems, promote health and that support the youth to maintain and build their resilience. Special attention should be paid to vulnerable groups when targeting these interventions.