Exploring Health Outcomes By Occupation: Using the National Health and Wellness Survey to Describe Differences in Self-Reported Occupation Profiles

Objectives: Health is distributed unequally by occupation (Ravesteijn,2013). This research aims to explore patient-reported outcomes by occupation profiles using the National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS). Method(s): Data from the 2022 US NHWS included employed respondents at least 18 years of age with information on occupation profile, defined as 22 categories from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze respondent characteristics and outcomes such as COVID-19 diagnoses, healthcare resource use over the past six months, and work impairment as measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI). Result(s): A total of 35,789 respondents were employed and had occupation information. Respondents were predominantly white (62.0%) and male (53.9%). Sales and Related occupations had the greatest proportion of respondents reporting a COVID-19 diagnosis (16.1%) while Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance had the lowest proportion (3.8%). Educational Instruction and Library had the most respondents reporting that they had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (79.2%) while Farming, Fishing, and Forestry had the least respondents (52.9%). Life, Physical, and Social Science had the greatest COVID-19 vaccination rate over the past year (66.5%) while Farming, Fishing, and Forestry had the lowest (45.0%). Office and Administrative Support had the greatest proportion of respondents with a traditional healthcare provider visit (79.8%), but the lowest proportion with an emergency room (ER) visit (12.7%) or a hospitalization (8.1%). Farming, Fishing, and Forestry had the greatest proportion of respondents with an ER visit (41.6%) or hospitalization (41.6%). The greatest proportion of respondents with any overall work impairment or activity impairment was in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry (work: 91.1%, activity: 87.4%) while the lowest proportion was in Office and Administrative Support (work: 50.0%, activity: 53.3%). Conclusion(s): Certain occupation profiles consistently show higher impairment while others consistently show lower impairment.Copyright © 2023

Epidemiological characteristics of four times of community transmission of COVID-19 in Hebei

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of community transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by four imported cases in Hebei Province, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of the disease. Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of four community-transmitted COVID-19 outbreaks reported in the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 in Hebei Province. Results From January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021, four community-transmitted COVID-19 outbreaks caused by imported COVID-19 occurred in Hebei Province, respectively related of Hubei (Wuhan) Province, Beijing Xinfadi market, Overseas cases and Ejina banner of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Total of 1 656 cases (1 420 confirmed cases and 236 asymptomatic cases) were reported, including 375 cases in phase A (From January 22 to April 16, 2020), and phase B (from June 14 to June 24, 2020) 27 cases were reported, with 1 116 cases reported in the third phase (Phase C, January 2 to February 14, 2021), and 138 cases reported in the fourth phase (Phase D, October 23 to November 14, 2021). The 1 656 cases were distributed in 104 counties of 11 districts (100.00%), accounting for 60.46% of the total number of counties in the province. There were 743 male cases and 913 female cases, with a male to female ratio of 0.81:1. The minimum age was 13 days, the maximum age was 94 years old, and the average age (median) was 40.3 years old. The incidence was 64.01% between 30 and 70 years old. Farmers and students accounted for 54.41% and 14.73% of the total cases respectively. Of the 1 420 confirmed cases, 312 were mild cases, accounting for 21.97%;Common type 1 095 cases (77.11%);There was 1 severe case and 12 critical cases, accounting for 0.07% and 0.85%, respectively. 7 patients died from 61.0 to 85.7 years old. The mean (median) time from onset to diagnosis was 1.9 days (0-31 days), and the mean (median) time of hospital stay was 15 days (1.5-56 days). Conclusions Four times in Hebei province COVID-19 outbreak in scale, duration, population, epidemic and type of input source, there are some certain difference, but there are some common characteristics, such as the outbreak occurs mainly during the legal holidays or after starting and spreading epidemic area is mainly in rural areas, aggregation epidemic is the main mode of transmission, etc. To this end, special efforts should be made to strengthen the management of people moving around during holidays, and strengthen the implementation of epidemic prevention and control measures in places with high concentration of people. To prevent the spread of the epidemic, we will step up surveillance in rural areas, farmers' markets, medical workers and other key areas and groups, and ensure early detection and timely response.Copyright © 2022 China Tropical Medicine. All rights reserved.

The Challenges of Agricultural Extension Amid Drought and COVID-19 Pandemic:Community-based Soybean SeedProduction Through Brainstorming and Participatory Action Development

One constraint of Thai soybean production is the volume of seeds used for cultivation in the dry season or after the rice season. PhuPha Man district, KhonKaenprovince, in Northeast Thailand, faces the same problem and can be solved by producing seeds during the rainy season for use in the dry season. The collaborative brainstorming to participatory action development employed in this community-based soybean production project involves four steps: (1) needs assessment, (2) planning, (3) implementation, and (4) evaluation. From 2019-2020, a total of 40 farmers jointly participated in this project: 20 from the Non-Korm Sub-district and 20 from the Sawab Sub-district. They agreed to implement three missions: (1) Farmer group management. A Community-based Soybean Seed Production Center (CSSPC) was established in each area. Each CSSPC was responsible for determining the structure and role of management, including the implementation of disciplines. (2) Seed production management. During its implementation, a shortage of rainfall and drought occurred from September to October 2019, causing soybean production to decline. Moreover, product harvesting and project evaluation took place at the site during the COVID-19 pandemic from January to May 2020, influencing the ability of farmers and facilitators to work together on group activities which required delicate management of the monitoring, control, production, exchange, and learning to solve problems. (3) Seed purchasing and distribution management. Rainfall shortage and drought influenced the ability of the farmers to produce the required soybean seeds. Consequently, the CSSPC did not purchase the seeds and manage their distribution.Copyright © 2023, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Zooanthropogenic potential of SARS-CoV-2 virus: Implications for vaccine-mediated immunity

The human pandemic caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that started in December, 2019 is still continuing in various parts of the world. The SARS-CoV-2 has evolved through sporadic mutations and recombination events and the emergence of alternate variants following adaptations in humans and human-to-animal transmission (zooanthraponosis) has raised concerns over the efficacy of vaccines against new variants. The animal reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 is unknown despite reports of SARS-CoV- 2-related viruses in bats and pangolins. A recent report of back-andforth transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between humans and minks on mink farms in the Netherlands has sparked widespread interest in zooanthroponotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 followed by reemergence to infect human populations. The risk of animal to human transmission depends on virus-host interaction in susceptible species that may be short-term or long term risks. The short term risk might be due to infection to humans during the viremic stage in susceptible animals. The long term risk might be either due to persistence of the virus at population level or latency of infection leading to risk of evolution and re-emergence of the virus. Experimental studies have identified a range of animals that are susceptible and permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection viz. cats, ferrets, hamsters, mink, non-human primates, tree shrews, raccoon dogs, fruit bats, and rabbits. The health impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals are unknown and it is likely that other susceptible species have not been discovered yet. Apart from farmed animals, stray cats and rodents have been identified as a potential opportunity for ongoing transmission in intense farming situations. Recognizing animal species that are most susceptible to infection is the first step in preventing ongoing transmission from humans. Minimizing the risk of zooanthraponosis requires multi-sectoral coordination that includes implementation of strict biosecurity measures such as controlled access to farms that house susceptible animals, bio-secure entry and exit protocols, disinfection protocols in farm, down time for animal transport vehicles and daily assessments of human handlers for exposure to SARS-CoV- 2. Hence, active surveillance in animal species that are prioritized based on risk assessment need to be initiated in coordination with health and environment sectors for early identification of emerging and re-emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus in animals.

Thinking globally, acting locally: Supporting systems change within communities to enhance food security action

Food systems are complex, with a multitude of drivers including climate change, income markets, policy, social norms, and demography Within food systems, food supply chain activities influence food resources, and in turn, diets. More broadly, economic, social and environmental impacts dictate a person's dietary quantity, quality, diversity, safety, and adequacy.(1) Food security is a term describing a situation where everyone has physical, social, and economic access to nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences. Not only does food need to be available, accessible, utilised, stable, but also sustainable.(1) However, in a global context, food systems are fraught with issues threatening food security, including shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic,(2) and war Globally, 2020 food prices were higher than in the previous six years. Within Australia, we lack food system resiliency due to a casualised workforce, reliance on international workers, a concentration of supermarket power, and widening inequities, among others Evidence suggests that Australia will not meet global targets to achieve the 'Zero Hunger' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda We face an incredible challenge;to feed an increasing population sustainably. Local food systems, also known as 'alternative food networks', are often sold for local or regional markets.(3) Australian research reported barriers to purchasing and consuming more locally grown food such as affordability, limited availability, and a lack of interest. While enablers included altruistic reasons such as financially supporting farmers, personal health perceptions or an environmental contribution.(4) Evidence suggests local food systems encourage seasonal eating and dietary diversity, connect consumers and producers, and increase food system resiliency.(5,6) This presentation asserts that communities must participate in shaping the food systems which impact their food security. Food Policy Groups (FPG) are a potential mechanism to involve community and food system stakeholders in driving such actions forward These inter-agency alliances focus on impact areas such as food access, equity, and food system resiliency. A scoping review was undertaken in August-November 2022, to synthesise the literature describing the impact of FPG on local food systems within highincome countries. A total of 355 peer-reviewed and grey literature sources were imported into Covidence for screening;31 duplicates were removed, 324 sources were screened, 146 full-text sources assessed for eligibility. Thirty-one sources with evaluation evidence demonstrating their impact were extracted. FPG focused on increasing food system equity, such as distributing culturally appropriate food;increased access to healthy food, such as successfully advocating for food objectives to be written into local food system plans;supporting food system resiliency, such as achieving local food procurement in schools. The international evidence suggests FPG are impactful across several food system aspects. Future research will examine whether FPG could be an effective mechanism for local food system change in Australia.

The impact of COVID-19 on Tuberculosis diagnosis

Introduction: The impact of COVID-19 on the transmission of M. tuberculosis has not yet been accurately ascertained. In addition to the exposure of contacts in household settings, it will be worth considering the impact of respiratory contacts in the community and health care settings, due to the widespread use of masks. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to know if there is an increase in a local hospital TB diagnosis in the postpandemic period and which causes are associated with that increase. Method(s): We collected data from April 2018 to December 2021 and divided it into two 20 months groups - prepandemic (Apr18'-Jan20') and post-pandemic (Mar20'-Dec21'). We analyzed sociodemographic variables, time to diagnosis and type of tuberculosis. Results and Discussion We notified a total of 41 cases after the pandemic started, a 78% increase from the pre-pandemic period (N=23). This increase happened mainly in patients who worked in the primary sector of the economy (agriculture), showing a 4.6x increase in the number of cases (p<0.05) and is probably related to household transmission in low socioeconomic backgrounds. The mean age was 51 years, and most of the patients (78.5%) were male. Time until diagnosis was 102 days (compared to 82 days before). Increased time until diagnosis was independent of any of the variables studied (p>0.05) and happened across all groups. People with>6 months of symptoms were more frequent after Mar20' (8 vs 2). Conclusion(s): The number of cases and the time to diagnosis increased after the onset of the pandemic. The increase was cross-sectional for all groups of patients. The increase in cases occurred mainly in farmworkers, with 40% of post-pandemic cases (and statistical significance) compared to the pre-pandemic period.

PURITY AND DANGER IN SPANISH AGRICULTURE: FARM WORKERS DURING THE PANDEMIC

The aim of this paper is to carry out a sociological analysis of the implications of what could be referred to as the paradox of farm labourers during the pandemic. That is, their designation as essential workers turned them simultaneously into high-risk workers and a source of public alarm. Based on the analysis of the logics of purity and danger of Mary Douglas (1991), this article analyses how some of the public health strategies developed by the institutions during the pandemic contributed to reinforcing the invisibility and vulnerability of migrant workers. The article shows how, being placed in the realm of the impure and dangerous, foreign agricultural workers were not able to receive the health care they required, and their living spaces thus became environments conducive to the spread of the virus. Through an exploration of secondary sources, a review of pertinent documents and in-depth interviews with key informants, this article firstly offers a description of the institutional process by which foreign agricultural workers in the Region of Murcia were converted into essential workers facilitated the spread of infections. Secondly, it explores the link between the precariousness of the working and living conditions of farm labourers and the absence of the ethics of self-care, which was at the heart of the chain of Covid-19 infections suffered by this population. Finally, it focuses on institutional responses to the threat posed by the threat posed by increased infections among immigrant farm workers. Copyright ©2022 CSIC.

INTERSECTIONALITY MEET SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORK: THE CASE OF HUELVA IN TIMES OF COVID-19

The COVID-19 has made the structural deficiencies of the global agri-food system more visible than ever. The agricultural enclave of Huelva is no exception. Departing from the pre-COVID scenario and adding the effects of the pandemic, this paper analyses the processes of discrimination and abuse embedded in the rationale and modus operand/' of the Spanish temporary workers' programme (GECCO). In particular, it examines how such processes of discrimination are reflected in three key aspects of the programme: recruitment, working conditions and living conditions. Thanks to the intersectional perspective and the feminist contributions to the world-ecology capitalism, the analysis sheds light on the mutual constitution of different axes of inequality (e.g. motherhood, ethnicity, rural origin) in the practices of discrimination and exploitation suffered by Moroccan women. In turn, it examines how such intersecting inequalities are geographically located in a specific temporal and spatial context that plays a role in the construction of power relationships at a structural level. The paper is fed by recent fieldwork based on in-depth interviews with stakeholders as part of a European research project on schemes of governance and circular migration (ADMIGOV). Copyright © 2022 CSIC.

AGRICULTURAL EXCEPTIONALITY, MIGRANT FARMWORKERS AND THE PANDEMIC - EVIDENCE FROM POLAND AS A NEW IMMIGRANT DESTINATION COUNTRY

This paper, based on ethnographic fieldwork the authors conducted among seasonal migrant farmworkers in Poland, discusses the impact of the COVID-19 fast track solutions adopted in the sector on the general situation of migrant farmworkers in agriculture. Based on the evidence from the field as well as policy analysis conducted in recent months, we argue that the fast track solutions and exemptions adopted in Poland (as in many of the EU member states) during the pandemic of 2020-2021 are not unique, but manifest the long-standing policy of agricultural exceptionalism. This has practical implications on the health and safety of migrant farmworkers and, paradoxically, may translate into a worsening of their working and living conditions on the farms. Against this backdrop we want to shed light on the predicaments of farmworkers during the pandemic, to better understand their position, which results from intersecting factors increasing the vulnerabilities of farmworkers (temporalities, isolation, low unionisation, intensification of work). To better understand the impact of the special solutions on the phenomenon of seasonal work, it is necessary to take into account the perspective of the employers. Together, these observations allow us to paint a more comprehensive picture of the situation of farmworkers during the pandemic in Poland - a new immigrant destination country. Copyright © 2022 CSIC.

Impact of Covid-19 in the Society and Culture of Assam and Its Future

The recent Outbreak of the Covid-19 from the Wuhan region of China has brought the critical situation and crisis to human species around the world. The issue of 'Human Security' has brought about the global crisis. It is now under discussion. There are new challenges around the world in the field of disease and treatment. The development of a health sector rather than military power can first protect the citizens of a country or nation. The same has been taught to the People of this generation. Basically, as a biological disaster, the disease has hit the socio-cultural and economic infrastructure of the world. 'Vasant roga' was recognized as a former world outbreak. The overall environment of the Concomitant outbreak after polio, plague, Spanish flu has caused a long-term crisis in the international economy, politics and health. The SARS-CoV-2 or the COVID-19 that affect more than 195 countries around the world at the same time are also challenges the scientific development of the world's advanced capitalist countries. The overall contribution of education technology and the discovery have been questioned. Out of the 195 countries around the world 84 countries have to be on the lock down. This is the first time in human civilization that so many countries are under lockdown. In this terrible situation every nation is moving towards economic slowdown. International communication, imports and exports have been stopped. There is a terrible danger to every government, private sector associated with labour and farmer class as well as the other professions. How will the future of a developing nation like India and a developing state like Assam be in this situation? How will this affect the society, literature and culture of Assam? The proposed issue is being researched for an academic discussion on the same.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

OCCUCON 2022 Abstracts

The proceedings contain 40 papers. The topics discussed include: respiratory hypersensitivity profiling among farmers with pesticide exposure: field- based, cross-sectional study;requirements of prescription safety eye wear;Covid-19 and comorbidities: deleterious impact on infected patients;knowledge regarding heat stress and practice of personal protective equipment use among healthcare workers during the Covid 19 pandemic;arrhythmia burden in Covid-19 patients from industrial workforce evaluated by remote patient monitoring technology;a qualitative perspective of construction site migrant workers' plight during covid-19 lockdown in Bhavnagar (Western India);elimination of volatile organic compound VOCs exposure at chemical testing laboratory: through effective OHIH assessment;and perceived morbidity, its risks and catastrophic health expenditure among construction workers: a cross sectional observation from Ahmedabad.

OCCUCON 2021 Abstracts

The proceedings contain 31 papers. The topics discussed include: occupational health risk assessment (OHRA) tool for estimating occupational health risk;OH IH emerging risk preparedness - shutdown activities;annoyance among staff and noise in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India: a pilot study;epidemiological study on occupational health psychology in doctors, nurses and physiotherapists in Anand, Gujarat;psychological impact and educational challenges of Covid-19 pandemic among teachers in Goa;practices during Covid-19 pandemic - a case study of refinery in oil and gas exploration industry;respiratory and auditory impairment among sponge iron plant workers, Goa, India: a comparison study;suspected trauma at work place causing axillary vein thrombosis: a case report;health status of workers and their families in selected brick kilns in Anekal Taluk, Bangalore Urban District, Karnataka;and occupational health problems and perceived health hazards among dairy farmers residing in Mugalur gram panchayat, Karnataka: a mixed method study.

Clinico-demographic Profile and Outcome of Scrub Typhus in North Eastern State of India

Scrub typhus is a form of bacterial Zoonosis caused by Orintia tsutsugamushi usually presents as Acute febrile illness with multiorgan involvement as a complication and is associated with significant mortality. This study aims to document the clinico-demographic profile, laboratory parameters and complication of Scrub Typhus in North Eastern Hilly State of Tripura with background of tropical climate. This retrospective study was conducted at Tripura Medical College, including 42 patients admitted with acute febrile illness between June, 2020 to December, 2021 during the era of COVID-19 Pandemic. The diagnosis was established by Rapid card test, Lateral Flow Metry Assay (LFA) followed by confirmation through IgM, ELISA test and pathognomic Eschar where feasible. The clinlical, demographic and laboratory profile were documented and analysed. Post rainy season and people from rural area with farming background were mostly affected population. Apart from Fever and Flu like symptom, respiratory and Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were more prominent feature. Pathognomic skin lesion eschar was found in maximum cases followed by shortness of breath, GI involvement and Renal failure. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), Hepatic encephalopathy and meningitis were the serious complications. While evaluating cases of acute febrile illness with multiorgan involvement clinician should have high index of suspicion for Scrub typhus specially resource poor areas of North Eastern (NE) state of India so that early detection and time bound intervention may help to reduce the mortality.Copyright © 2022 Indian Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and materials in supermarket social areas in Türkiye

The aim of this study was to monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that cause the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly on certain foods and surfaces that come in contact with food in district supermarkets in Ankara, Türkiye, where the highest number of COVID-19 cases was reported based on data from the Ministry of Health. For this purpose, a total of 172 samples were taken from 5 supermarkets in 4 districts in Ankara. RNA was extracted from the samples and RdRp gene-targeting reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays were used to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2. The results showed that all the supermarket samples collected during the period when there was a high number of COVID-19 cases in the district did not have SARS-CoV-2 except for one sample that was taken from a supermarket where COVID-19 had been detected among the staff. In this supermarket, COVID-19 RNA was detected with a high number of copies of 5 000, using Real-Time RT-PCR assay in pooled swab samples taken from salt shakers, pepper shakers, red pepper shakers, and vinegar and oil bottles in the social area that the staff used for lunchbreaks and other breaks. This finding shows that it is of great importance for public health agencies to monitor COVID-19 cases in food businesses in regions with a high number of cases and to take samples from these businesses at certain intervals, as a form of "early warning system.”. © 2023, Ankara University. All rights reserved.

Nurturing mental health and well-being using ordinary farms

Purpose: This practice piece aims to review an occupational therapy led pilot programme – social farming as an intervention option in an adult community mental health setting in Ireland. It will also reflect on the practical implications of delivering the natural surroundings based programme through the COVID-19 pandemic and plans for the future development of such programmes in adult mental health services. Design/methodology/approach: The Occupational Circumstances Assessment Interview Rating Scale (OCAIRS) was used to measure occupational participation (Forsyth, 2005). This was administered with participants' pre and post their participation in the 10-week programme. An internal questionnaire was developed to further capture both the participant and farmer experiences of the social farming programme. Findings: Whilst improvements were noted in a number of OCAIRS domains, it was difficult to identify small changes over a short period of time. The main domains of change were habits, roles, interests and personal causation. The success of the social farming placements was also reflected in the internal questionnaire. The pilot programme has resulted in the further development of the social farming programme and securing of funding for placements for five years. Originality/value: It would be beneficial to consider other standardised assessments that assess quality of life and occupation for future placements. It is also beneficial to consider practical implications in delivering a social farming programme, particularly to those with barriers to transport. It is hoped this paper will contribute to the growing knowledge of social farming as a meaningful therapeutic intervention in mental health occupational therapy practice. © 2022, Deirdre Deegan, Emma Fingleton, Joseph James McEvoy and Kate Quigley.

Maintaining insulin and medical supplies for disadvantaged people with Type 1 Diabetes in Southeast Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: As COVID-19 spread across Southeast Asia (SEA) in 2020-2021, healthcare systems in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar braced as public health officials closed many outpatient diabetes clinics and healthcare professionals (HCPS) were redeployed to COVID-treatment zones. Action 4 Diabetes (A4D) is a UK non-profit organisation that has been providing free insulin and medical supplies to LMICs in SEA since 2016. With historically limited healthcare coverage in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, patients enrolled on A4D's programme travel hundreds of miles to diabetes clinics to collect free insulin, blood glucose strips and other medication. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns, insulin often arrived with short expiry dates due to delays in shipments caused by bottlenecks at international logistic hubs, and patients were known to ration insulin due to lack of supply. For disadvantaged people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in SEA low-middle-income countries (LMICs), this posed a serious threat due to inaccessible insulin and medical supplies. Method(s): A4D developed a strategic plan to maintain insulin and medical supplies to LMICs in collaboration with local HCPs on the ground to ensure that the T1D community regained access to insulin and essential medical supplies, as well as supporting the development of remote-consultation with patients. Result(s): Access to medical supplies A4D initiated networks of couriers to rural parts of Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia to deliver medical supplies. In Cambodia, TukTuk drivers who ferried tourists around Angkor Wat were used to deliver insulin to the T1D in farming communities. In Myanmar, truck drivers that transported vegetable crops were used to transport medical supplies to remote areas. During COVID-19, A4D used local suppliers for insulin and had to purchase insulin and blood testing strips at a premium rate. Access to education and consultation Prior to COVID-19, clinic visits were a primary source of advice and management for the patient and family. With clinic closures, A4D initiated remote access consultation working with local HCPs to support disadvantaged families. By end 2021, 3 deaths were reported of patients on the A4D programme as result of the pandemic, and incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis rose sharply among the 350 people with T1D on A4D's programme. Conclusion(s): For many disadvantaged people with T1D in SEA, the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the fragile nature of their T1D management. Through collaborating closely with HCP and partners on the ground, A4D has developed a more dynamic and resilient logistical system to maintain key life-saving medical supplies.

Contribution Of Rural Economy In New India

India has historically been a rural nation, with two thirds of the population still living there. Considering that, India's rural economy represents over 50% of its national income, and rural growth and development is a key driver supporting India's overall growth and development. Additionally, the more well-informed and educated rural youth seeks employment that matches their knowledge and skills which has been an upcoming enabling force. Thus, India's future is largely going to be shaped by the contributions of the countryside. Rural consumption has been essential to India's progress over the past few years, which has been primarily fueled by a rising disposable income. Adding more, when it comes to agriculture-related exports, India is a world leader. Over the years, we have witnessed growth in the avian industry, aquaculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry. Furthermore, resilience of the agricultural sector to the effects of the pandemic and with special focus on self-reliance in the Indian economy - 'AtmaNirbharta', rural India has not only emerged as a notable investment subject but also one of the major driving forces of the Indian economy. All the above given reasons reiterate the significance rural economy holds in coming times for new India. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Nurturing mental health and well-being using ordinary farms

Purpose: This practice piece aims to review an occupational therapy led pilot programme – social farming as an intervention option in an adult community mental health setting in Ireland. It will also reflect on the practical implications of delivering the natural surroundings based programme through the COVID-19 pandemic and plans for the future development of such programmes in adult mental health services. Design/methodology/approach: The Occupational Circumstances Assessment Interview Rating Scale (OCAIRS) was used to measure occupational participation (Forsyth, 2005). This was administered with participants' pre and post their participation in the 10-week programme. An internal questionnaire was developed to further capture both the participant and farmer experiences of the social farming programme. Findings: Whilst improvements were noted in a number of OCAIRS domains, it was difficult to identify small changes over a short period of time. The main domains of change were habits, roles, interests and personal causation. The success of the social farming placements was also reflected in the internal questionnaire. The pilot programme has resulted in the further development of the social farming programme and securing of funding for placements for five years. Originality/value: It would be beneficial to consider other standardised assessments that assess quality of life and occupation for future placements. It is also beneficial to consider practical implications in delivering a social farming programme, particularly to those with barriers to transport. It is hoped this paper will contribute to the growing knowledge of social farming as a meaningful therapeutic intervention in mental health occupational therapy practice. © 2022, Deirdre Deegan, Emma Fingleton, Joseph James McEvoy and Kate Quigley.

Clinical and Economic Impact of COVID-19 and Serologic Protection among Farm Workers: Results from the Guatemala Agricultural Workers and Respiratory Illness Impact (AGRI) Study

Background. In the Guatemala AGricultural workers and Respiratory Impact (AGRI) study, we evaluated the clinical and socioeconomic burdens of respiratory disease in a cohort of Guatemalan banana farm workers. Methods. All eligible workers were offered enrollment from June 15-December 30, 2020, and annually, then followed for influenza-like illnesses (ILI) through: 1) selfreporting to study nurses, 2) sentinel surveillance at health posts, and 3) absenteeism. Workers with ILI submitted nasopharyngeal swabs for influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 testing, then completed surveys at days 0, 7, and 28. Enrollment and acute-illness serum samples were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG (anti-N, Roche Elecsys ), and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) were tested in a subset using a lentivirus-based pseudovirion assay. Results. Through October 10, 2021, 1,833 workers were enrolled. The majority were male (84%), young (mean 31 years), and healthy (< 13% had comorbidity). Through October 10, 2021, 1,833 workers developed 169 ILIs (12.0/100 person-years) and 43 (25.4%) of these ILIs were laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (3.1/100 person-years). Workers with SARS-CoV-2-positive ILI reported more anosmia (p< 0.01), dysgeusia (p< 0.01), difficulty concentrating (p=0.01), and irritability (p=0.01), and greater clinical and well-being severity scores (Flu-iiQ) than testnegative ILIs (Fig 1);they also had greater absenteeism (p< 0.01) and lost income (median US$127.1, p< 0.01). Among 1334 workers enrolled in 2020, 616 (46.2%) had anti-N IgG suggestive of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 incidence density for IgG-seropositive workers was 0.4/100 Person Years (PY), lower than those who were seronegative (2.3/100 PY) (Fig 2). At enrollment, anti-N IgG titers in serum correlated with neutralizing antibody titers (R2 =0.26, p< 0.0001). Notably, in < 6 months from enrollment, most workers with follow-up NAb testing (65/77, 84%) exhibited a 95% decrease in neutralizing antibody titers. Conclusion. Guatemalan farm workers suffered a significant burden of COVID-19, including more severe clinical and economic outcomes than other respiratory illnesses. Ongoing vaccination programs and longitudinal serology will provide additional insight into long-term immunity.