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1.
J R Soc Interface ; 20(202): 20230036, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20245634

ABSTRACT

Frequent emergence of communicable diseases is a major concern worldwide. Lack of sufficient resources to mitigate the disease burden makes the situation even more challenging for lower-income countries. Hence, strategy development for disease eradication and optimal management of the social and economic burden has garnered a lot of attention in recent years. In this context, we quantify the optimal fraction of resources that can be allocated to two major intervention measures, namely reduction of disease transmission and improvement of healthcare infrastructure. Our results demonstrate that the effectiveness of each of the interventions has a significant impact on the optimal resource allocation in both long-term disease dynamics and outbreak scenarios. The optimal allocation strategy for long-term dynamics exhibits non-monotonic behaviour with respect to the effectiveness of interventions, which differs from the more intuitive strategy recommended in the case of outbreaks. Further, our results indicate that the relationship between investment in interventions and the corresponding increase in patient recovery rate or decrease in disease transmission rate plays a decisive role in determining optimal strategies. Intervention programmes with decreasing returns promote the necessity for resource sharing. Our study provides fundamental insights into determining the best response strategy when controlling epidemics in resource-constrained situations.


Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases , Epidemics , Humans , Epidemics/prevention & control , Communicable Diseases/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Resource Allocation
2.
Dokuz Eylul Universitesi Sosyal Bilimer Enstitusu Dergisi ; 25(1):151-186, 2023.
Article in Turkish | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-20245060

ABSTRACT

Genellikle insanlar doğumdan itibaren toplumsal cinsiyet rollerine maruz kalarak ilerleyen yaşantılarında bu roller doğrultusunda tüketim tercihlerini ve kararlarını belirlemeye çalışmaktadır. Toplumdan topluma değişen skonusu bu roller, kişilerin vereceği tüketim kararlarında etkili bir pozisyonda yer almasını sağlayabilir. Ancak daha önce yapılmış çalışmalar, küresel bir şokun tüketimler üzerinde bireylerin benzer tüketim tercihlerinde bulunulduğunu göstermiştir. Bu bağlamda çalışmanın amacı Covid-19 salgını ile birlikte toplumun cinsiyetlere yüklediği rollere ait tüketim kalıplarının genç yetişkinler üzerindeki değişiminin ne şekilde yaşandığını ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma yöntemi olarak nitel araştırma tekniklerinden derinlemesine mülakat tekniği kullanılmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında Muğla Sıtkı Koçman Üniversitesi Íktisadi ve Ídari Bilimler Fakültesi bünyesinde yer alan bölümlerdeki (işletme, iktisat, kamu yönetimi, siyaset bilimleri ve uluslararası ilişkiler) 40 öğrenci ile bu görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sonuç olarak küresel salgınla birlikte toplumsal cinsiyet algısına aykırı satın alımlar gerçekleştiren katılımcıların son derece az oluşu hatta genç yetişkinlerin büyük çoğunluğunun toplumsal cinsiyete bağlı tüketim yapmadıkları ve buna karşı oldukları ortaya çıkmıştır.Alternate :People are often exposed to gender roles from birth to determine consumption preferences and decisions in line with these roles in their future lives. These roles, which have changed from society to society, can enable people to take an effective position in the decisions of consumption. However, previous studies have shown that individuals have similar consumption preferences on the consumption of a global shock.In this context, the aim of the study is to demonstrate the way that the consumption patterns of the roles that society has put into the gender, along with the Covid-19 epidemic, have changed on young adults. In-depth interview technique from qualitative research techniques was used as a method of research. These meetings were held with 40 students in the departments of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (business, economics, public administration, political sciences and international relations) of Muğla Sitki Kocman University within the scope of the study. As a result, participants who have made procurement against the perception of gender with the global outbreak have been extremely low, and even the majority of young adults have shown that they do not consume and oppose gender-dependent consumption.

3.
Applied Mathematics in Science and Engineering ; 31(1), 2023.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-20245027

ABSTRACT

As COVID-19 is an emerging pandemic, analysing its evolution is necessary to understand it in order to find appropriate answers. In this paper, we aim to observe and analyse it at the Chadian-Senegalese level. Thus, we collect public data in order to present via curves, histograms and tables the main characteristics of this pandemic. In this way, we implement a python program to construct these. We focus only on extracting long-term data without predictive models. We observed that there are mainly two waves (outbreak) per year with stable or even decreasing infection and death rates. We also identified moments of growth and relaxation of the disease. These results can be used to identify times when treatment or prevention should be intensified.

4.
African and Asian Studies ; 66(4), 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-20244482

ABSTRACT

This study analyzed the impact of COVID-19 outbreak and targeted required reserve ratio cut policy on stock returns of Chinese listed companies. This paper uses the data of 3,449 A-share listed companies from February 3, 2020 to December 31, 2020 for research, the empirical results showed that stock prices of private enterprises with stronger debt-paying ability and looser financing constraints, and state-owned enterprises with less supply chain credit risks performed better, in the central and western regions, enterprises with stronger solvency and looser financing constraints have better stock price performance during the early stages of pandemic. After the implementation of the targeted RRR cut policy, the stock prices of enterprises with poor solvency, private enterprises, and enterprises in central and western regions with strong financing constraints, state-owned enterprises, and enterprises in eastern region with high credit risks all showed significant reversals, and the stock prices reflected the effect of the targeted RRR cut policy in the short and medium term. Over time, the pandemic has been controlled, and the resumption of work and production has freed most enterprises from financial difficulties. However, due to sporadic outbreaks, large private enterprises and eastern enterprises with strong risk resistance and loose financing constraints enjoy better stock price performance. This study is helpful for enterprises to understand the value of financial flexibility and solvency and provides a reference for enterprises to make financial decisions: how to balance the benefits and costs of solvency. © Tian Wang, Fang Fang and Linhao Zheng, 2023.

5.
Journal of Medical Pest Control ; 39(5):450and455, 2023.
Article in Chinese | Scopus | ID: covidwho-20242859

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of a Human rhinovirus outbreak in a primary school in northern Shaanxi, and to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control. Methods On - site epidemiological investigation of an unexplained febrile aggregated outbreak reported in a primary school in northern Shaanxi on May 22, 2020. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from typical cases, and nucleic acid testing was performed to test for SARS COV 2, and 16 respiratory pathogens. Results A total of 37 cases were reported, including 1 adult teacher and 36 students, with the overall incidence rate of 1.75%, a male and female ratio of 3:1, and the incidence age mainly concentrated in 6 to 12 years old. The cases were mainly concentrated in 3 first-grade classes and 7 second-grade classes on the same floor, and the first grade cases accounted for 75.68% of the total number of cases. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of the cases in the classes (χ2 = 49.29, P<0.01). The clinical features of the cases were mainly fever (body temperature between 37.3 and 38.8°C), sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion and cough, and some of which were accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Of the 33 nasopharyngeal swabs detected by laboratory, 14 were positive for Rhinovirus, and the positive rate was 42.42%. Conclusion This aggregated outbreak is caused by Rhinovirus infection. Primary and secondary schools in northern Shaanxi should be alert for aggregated unexplained fever due to Rhinovirus outbreaks during the epidemic season of respiratory infectious diseases. © 2023, Editorial Department of Medical Pest Control. All rights reserved.

6.
E-Journal of Dokuz Eylul University Nursing Faculty ; 16(2):189-200, 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-20242503

ABSTRACT

Background: Hand washing is vital to prevent the spread of the agent from person to person during epidemic periods and to reduce the impact of the pandemic on people's lives, health, livelihoods and health system. Objective: This study was conducted to examine the hand hygiene behavior of adults during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was completed between 15 October 2020 and 30 November 2020 via Google Forms with 627 adult individuals. The data were collected with a questionnaire form created by the researchers as a result of the relevant literature review. Results: During the pandemic period, 91.4% of the participants stated that the habit of hand washing increased. It was observed that handwashing status of participants during the pandemic process changed in terms of age group, gender and those who considerg hand hygiene important in combating the epidemic (p<.05). When handwashing behavior of the participants during the COVID-19 pandemic was examined, it was found that only 14.5% of the participants washed their hands before entering a toilet. Nearly all of the participants (96.7%) stated that they wash their hands after using a toilet, 92.7% after coming from outside, 84.1% after shopping, and more than half (52.2%) after meeting with friends or relatives. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, awareness of adult individuals about the importance of proper hand hygiene has changed. Handwashing behaviors of individuals in the society change during the pandemic period and this requires the attention of health professionals in particular. © 2023, Dokuz Eylul University. All rights reserved.

7.
Epidemic Analytics for Decision Supports in COVID19 Crisis ; : 1-158, 2022.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-20238851

ABSTRACT

Covid-19 has hit the world unprepared, as the deadliest pandemic of the century. Governments and authorities, as leaders and decision makers fighting against the virus, enormously tap on the power of AI and its data analytics models for urgent decision supports at the greatest efforts, ever seen from human history. This book showcases a collection of important data analytics models that were used during the epidemic, and discusses and compares their efficacy and limitations. Readers who from both healthcare industries and academia can gain unique insights on how data analytics models were designed and applied on epidemic data. Taking Covid-19 as a case study, readers especially those who are working in similar fields, would be better prepared in case a new wave of virus epidemic may arise again in the near future. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

8.
Planlama-Planning ; 33(1):1-14, 2023.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-20237549

ABSTRACT

This study aims to examine the effects of the coronavirus pan-demic on Syrian refugees at the neighbourhood level within the framework of perceptions, personal protection experiences, economic and social structure, and practices of neighbourhood usage. The major data source of this qualitative study included in-depth interviews with Syrian refugees living in Ulubey-Onder Neighbourhoods (Ankara). The findings displayed the effects of the pandemic on Syrians and their settlements, and a compari-son before and after the outbreak. The study demonstrated that the effective information sources of Syrians are composed of so-cial and communicational networks, and social media platforms. Their religious beliefs and social and economic needs both shape their perception on not being contaminated, and explain their reaction towards and resistance to respect the measures of the outbreak. Their lack of knowledge on available health services, attitudes of ignoring the use of face masks and social distanc-ing rules, family structures, and living and working conditions in-crease the risk of the spread of the virus. Although the crowded streets proved that human movement and commercial vitality in Syrian settlements continue as it was before the pandemic, the family incomes and standards of living diminished due to laid offs and limited access to donations of NGOs. This led to empowerment of solidarity networks and social relations in the area. Additionally, this study found out both gender differences in socialization opportunities, and negative effects of curfews and suspension of congregational praying activities on social life dur-ing pandemic times.

9.
Cyprus Journal of Medical Sciences ; 8(2):121-128, 2023.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-20234239

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) anxiety , the phobia levels of the parents of pediatric patients who were scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic , to examine the factors affecting these. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants were asked to complete a socio-demographic data form, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), and the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S). The effects on depression, anxiety, and health anxiety levels of factors such as the socio-demographic characteristics of the children and parents, and the supplementary data of the parents regarding the child's illness were then investigated.RESULTS: In terms of CAS and C19P-S cut-off points, 4.7% (n=7) of the parents scored above the anxiety cut-off point and 17.4% (n=26) scored above the phobia cut-off point. Both CAS and C19P-S scores were higher for female parents, non-working parents, and those with higher education levels compared with male parents, employed parents, and those with lower education levels.CONCLUSION: The results of this prospective, cross-sectional, observational study suggest that being female, non-working, and a having high level of education were risk factors for anxiety and phobia in the parents of pediatric patients related to COVID-19.

10.
Buildings ; 13(5), 2023.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-20233959

ABSTRACT

Due to the inherent limitations of underground spaces, such as the lack of natural ventilation and sunlight, underground space users tend to face more health risks compared with their aboveground counterparts. However, little is known about how the underground environment, users' health, and their associations were impacted by the outbreak of the pandemic. In this study, we investigated and compared the impacts of the general underground environment on regular users' physical and psychological health before and after the pandemic. To achieve this aim, the data from 525 surveys were collected from eleven underground sites, followed by an objective field measurement study conducted at five underground sites in Hong Kong pre- and post-outbreak of the pandemic. The multigroup structural equation modelling results indicated that: (i) surprisingly, the users' satisfaction towards almost all underground environment factors, including greenery, connectivity with the aboveground environment, thermal comfort, ventilation, indoor air quality, acoustic comfort, and lighting, excluding wayfinding, were significantly higher in the post-outbreak period;(ii) the users' health, both physical and psychological, was significantly better in the post-outbreak period;(iii) the impacts of visual comfort on the users' physical and psychological health were significantly greater in the post-outbreak period (critical difference ratio (;CDR;) > 1.96);(iv) the impacts of wayfinding, greenery, and acoustic and thermal comfort on the users' physical or psychological health were significant only in the pre-outbreak period (;CDR;> 1.96);(v) the impacts of connectivity on the users' physical and psychological health were significant in both the pre- and post-outbreak periods (;CDR;< 1.96). The findings were further cross-validated using the objective measurement results. With an increasing need to develop healthy underground spaces, the study contributes to the development, design, and management of the underground environment to enhance the users' health in the post-outbreak era.

11.
2023 3rd International Conference on Advances in Electrical, Computing, Communication and Sustainable Technologies, ICAECT 2023 ; 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-20233318

ABSTRACT

The outbreak of the Covid-19 virus prompted many engineers and researchers around the world to seek to develop mechanical ventilation devices and make them easy to use and affordable. This paper presents a simulation model for a group of medical sensors and gives very accurate results. This model contributes to the development and improvement of the artificial breathing system by comparing the results between the simulation model and the realistic response of the human lung. © 2023 IEEE.

12.
J Formos Med Assoc ; 2023 Jun 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20244823

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are high-risk settings for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The aim of the study was to describe the extent and the impacts of 2021 COVID-19 outbreaks on LTCFs in Taiwan. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of each COVID-19 outbreak in LTCFs from May 15 to July 31, 2021 in Taiwan. We characterized the features of LTCFs with outbreaks and compared the characteristics of infected staff members and residents of the affected LTCFs. RESULTS: COVID-19 outbreaks were reported in 16 LTCFs (0.9%). The outbreak was significantly associated with LTCFs with ≥50 beds [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 6.3; 95%confidence interval [CI], 1.9-21.1] and location of Taipei metropolitan area (aOR, 4.6; 95%CI, 1.7-12.8). Resident cases accounted for 75.4% (203/269) of confirmed cases affected by outbreaks. The 30-day all-cause mortality was 24.2% for residents only and was significantly associated with age ≥65 years [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR, 4.3; 95%CI, 1.7-10.5)], presence of symptoms on diagnosis (aHR, 2.2; 95%CI, 1.3-3.7), and LTCF occupancy rate ≥80% (aHR, 3.0, 95%CI, 1.3-7.4). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 outbreaks have a critical impact on residents in LTCFs owing to the advanced age and high prevalence of chronic comorbidities in this population. Multi-pronged infection control measures and mass testing are vital for mitigating COVID-19 transmission in LTCFs.

13.
Front Microbiol ; 14: 1183633, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20244498

ABSTRACT

The SARS-CoV-2 is still undergoing rapid evolution, resulting in the emergence of several variants of concern, especially the Omicron variants (B.1.1.529), which are surging worldwide. In this study, we tracked Omicron subvariant BA.5.1.3 as the causative agent in the Hainan Province wave in China, which started on 1 August 2022. This was China's first case of Omicron subvariant BA.5.1.3 and led to an indefinite total lockdown in Hainan with more than 8,500 confirmed cases. We obtained 391 whole genomes from positive nasopharyngeal swab samples in the city of Sanya in Hainan Province, which was the center of this outbreak. More than half of the infected cases were female (58%, 227/391) with a median age of 37.0 years (IQR 23.0-53.0). Median Ct values were 24.9 (IQR 22.6-27.3) and 25.2 (IQR 22.9-27.6) for ORF1ab and N genes, respectively. The total single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) numbers of Omicron BA.5.1.3 sampled in Sanya (median 69.0, IQR = 69.0-70.0) compared to those worldwide (median 63.0, IQR = 61.0-64.0) showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Unique core mutations, including three non-synonymous mutations in ORF1ab (Y1064N, S2844G, and R3574K) and one synonymous mutation in ORF3a (S74S), were found. Phylogenetic analysis showed that virus from Sanya formed an independent sub-clade within the BA.5.1.3 subvariant, and could be divided into 15 haplotypes based on the S gene. The most recent common ancestor for the virus from Sanya was estimated as appearing on 5 July 2022, with 95% HPD ranging from 15 May to 20 September 2022. Thanks to our results, we were also able to delineate the mutational profile of this outbreak and highlight the importance of global genomic surveillance and data sharing.

14.
Microb Genom ; 9(6)2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20244144

ABSTRACT

Invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) disease cases increased in the first half of 2022 in the Netherlands, with a remarkably high proportion of emm4 isolates. Whole-genome sequence analysis of 66 emm4 isolates, 40 isolates from the pre-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period 2009-2019 and 26 contemporary isolates from 2022, identified a novel Streptococcus pyogenes lineage (M4NL22), which accounted for 85 % of emm4 iGAS cases in 2022. Surprisingly, we detected few isolates of the emm4 hypervirulent clone, which has replaced nearly all other emm4 in the USA and the UK. M4NL22 displayed genetic differences compared to other emm4 strains, although these were of unclear biological significance. In publicly available data, we identified a single Norwegian isolate belonging to M4NL22, which was sampled after the isolates from this study, possibly suggesting export of M4NL22 to Norway. In conclusion, our study identified a novel S. pyogenes emm4 lineage underlying an increase of iGAS disease in early 2022 in the Netherlands and the results have been promptly communicated to public health officials.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Streptococcal Infections , Humans , Antigens, Bacterial/genetics , Netherlands/epidemiology , Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics , Carrier Proteins/genetics , Streptococcal Infections/epidemiology , Streptococcus pyogenes/genetics
15.
J Clin Med ; 12(11)2023 Jun 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20243213

ABSTRACT

This retrospective observational study describes the results of an ad-hoc designated prevention protocol aimed at containing the spread of the scabies infestation among healthcare workers (HCWs) of a large University Hospital in Italy. The outbreak started on October 2022 and a preventive protocol was set up thanks to a multidisciplinary approach. HCWs at high scabies risk were defined as subjects working in Operative Units with a scabies prevalence higher than 2%, close contacts of a confirmed case of scabies, or HCWs with signs and symptoms of the disease. All cases at high scabies risk underwent a dermatological examination, and the infested HCWs were suspended from work until definitive healing. Mass drug administration was established for all HCWs working in Operative Units with a scabies prevalence higher than 2%. Until March 2023, out of 183 screening dermatological examinations, 21 (11.5%) were diagnostic for scabies. Between 11 October 2022 (date of the first diagnosed scabies case) and 6 March 2023 (the end of incubation period related to the last case detected), the frequency of scabies was 0.35% (21 scabies cases/6000 HCWs). The duration of the outbreak in our hospital was 14.7 weeks. Statistical analysis shows a significant association between scabies and being a nurse and having an allergy to dust mites. We obtained a low frequency of scabies infection, limiting the duration of the outbreak and the related economic burden.

16.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 20(11)2023 May 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20242790

ABSTRACT

The global economy has suffered losses as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Accurate and effective predictive models are necessary for the governance and readiness of the healthcare system and its resources and, ultimately, for the prevention of the spread of illness. The primary objective of the project is to build a robust, universal method for predicting COVID-19-positive cases. Collaborators will benefit from this while developing and revising their pandemic response plans. For accurate prediction of the spread of COVID-19, the research recommends an adaptive gradient LSTM model (AGLSTM) using multivariate time series data. RNN, LSTM, LASSO regression, Ada-Boost, Light Gradient Boosting and KNN models are also used in the research, which accurately and reliably predict the course of this unpleasant disease. The proposed technique is evaluated under two different experimental conditions. The former uses case studies from India to validate the methodology, while the latter uses data fusion and transfer-learning techniques to reuse data and models to predict the onset of COVID-19. The model extracts important advanced features that influence the COVID-19 cases using a convolutional neural network and predicts the cases using adaptive LSTM after CNN processes the data. The experiment results show that the output of AGLSTM outperforms with an accuracy of 99.81% and requires only a short time for training and prediction.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , India , Learning , Pandemics , Machine Learning
17.
Ann Med Surg (Lond) ; 85(5): 2287-2288, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20242736

ABSTRACT

As the world is still fighting to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus, the United Republic of Tanzania has been confronting yet another bacterial infection called leptospirosis (LS). It is caused by the spirochete bacteria of genus Leptospira, and has been known to infect several people, already claiming a number of lives. It infects 1 million people annually with ~60 000 deaths having a fatality rate of 6.85% worldwide. COVID has profusely burdened the healthcare system worldwide within the past 2 years; it has sabotaged medical management and brought down resources, which has now made it difficult for any country to withstand another pandemic. LS has overburdened the medical care system of Tanzania abjectly; it is now imperative not to overlook environmental factors, like a flood, the presence of rodents, unsatisfactory socioeconomic conditions in areas where dogs reside, substandard wastewater and garbage disposal facilities, or any other factor which might lead to further spread of LS and put Tanzania in jeopardy.

18.
BMC Public Health ; 23(1): 988, 2023 05 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20242605

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Policy responses to COVID-19 in Victoria, Australia over 2020-2021 have been supported by evidence generated through mathematical modelling. This study describes the design, key findings, and process for policy translation of a series of modelling studies conducted for the Victorian Department of Health COVID-19 response team during this period. METHODS: An agent-based model, Covasim, was used to simulate the impact of policy interventions on COVID-19 outbreaks and epidemic waves. The model was continually adapted to enable scenario analysis of settings or policies being considered at the time (e.g. elimination of community transmission versus disease control). Model scenarios were co-designed with government, to fill evidence gaps prior to key decisions. RESULTS: Understanding outbreak risk following incursions was critical to eliminating community COVID-19 transmission. Analyses showed risk depended on whether the first detected case was the index case, a primary contact of the index case, or a 'mystery case'. There were benefits of early lockdown on first case detection and gradual easing of restrictions to minimise resurgence risk from undetected cases. As vaccination coverage increased and the focus shifted to controlling rather than eliminating community transmission, understanding health system demand was critical. Analyses showed that vaccines alone could not protect health systems and need to be complemented with other public health measures. CONCLUSIONS: Model evidence offered the greatest value when decisions needed to be made pre-emptively, or for questions that could not be answered with empiric data and data analysis alone. Co-designing scenarios with policy-makers ensured relevance and increased policy translation.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Victoria/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Communicable Disease Control , Policy
19.
Vaccines (Basel) ; 11(5)2023 May 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20235810

ABSTRACT

Populations affected by humanitarian crises and emerging infectious disease outbreaks may have unique concerns and experiences that influence their perceptions toward vaccines. In March 2021, we conducted a survey to examine the perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines and identify the factors associated with vaccine intention among 631 community members (CMs) and 438 healthcare workers (HCWs) affected by the 2018-2020 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of vaccine intention. Most HCWs (81.7%) and 53.6% of CMs felt at risk of contracting COVID-19; however, vaccine intention was low (27.6% CMs; 39.7% HCWs). In both groups, the perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, general vaccine confidence, and male sex were associated with the intention to get vaccinated, with security concerns preventing vaccine access being negatively associated. Among CMs, getting the Ebola vaccine was associated with the intention to get vaccinated (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.05-1.94). Among HCWs, concerns about new vaccines' safety and side effects (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.57-0.91), religion's influence on health decisions (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.34-0.61), security concerns (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.37-0.74), and governmental distrust (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35-0.70) were negatively associated with vaccine perceptions. Enhanced community engagement and communication that address this population's concerns could help improve vaccine perceptions and vaccination decisions. These findings could facilitate the success of vaccine campaigns in North Kivu and similar settings.

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