RESUMEN
Objective: This study was aimed at clarifying the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and the treatment strategies for COVID-19 in each surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects and methods: We retrospectively examined the data of 358 patients with confirmed COVID-19 (116 in surge 3, 137 in surge 4, and 105 in surge 5) who were admitted to the Yoshijima Hospital.
RESUMEN
Introductions: In this study, we conducted a training program for preventing COVID-19 in facilities for mentally retarded children by using a participatory approach, with our aim to explore the impacts on the training program. Method: New action tools were developed through three steps. First, we reviewed relevant references and collected existing action tools related to COVID-19 respond. Then we visited the facilities and collected good practices for preventing COVID-19. Finally, we discussed the practical ways and requirements for action tools effective in the facilities with disabilities. We conducted a two-hour program for 4 times at the facilities. The program was consisted of short lecture about COVID-19 and group discussions based on action checklist exercise. Results: The staff members reviewed existing measures at the facilities and discussed point to be improved about COVID-19 preventing. In addition, they shared their concerns and doubts about COVID-19 measures that they felt in their daily tasks during group discussions. They felt difficulty, because of the children with disability sometimes were not able to use face masks, wash your hands and gargle regularly to prevent infection. However, many good practices for standard precaution adapted for disabled children were shared through the group discussions. Discussion: By using a participatory approach that emphasizes social dialogue and action-oriented rather than one-way lecture-type training, staff members empower multifaceted actions for prevention COVID-19 with their own initiatives.
RESUMEN
The experiences of COVID-19 differ at both micro and macro levels. This emphasizes the need for differentiated responses that account for the varying vulnerabilities of diverse groups regarding the pandemic. In Ghana, much of the attention on COVID-19 has been on urban centres, particularly the country's two largest metropolises in southern Ghana. This has created a gap between national level policy and the experiences of COVID-19 among rural dwellers in Ghana. This is despite evidence that the world's poorest populations will bear the brunt of COVID-19 effects, and that globally, four out of five people living below the poverty line reside in rural areas. Using the Upper West Region as a case study, we discuss the differentiated vulnerabilities that agrarian communities in Ghana face regarding the pandemic. We situate our discussions within the theories of vulnerability and feminist political economy to highlight how interlocking vulnerabilities regarding historical, environmental, geopolitical, socio-economic, health, and gendered inequalities affect the disposition of agrarian communities to cope with and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. We call for more nuanced COVID-19 responses that account for the needs and experiences of agrarian communities in Ghana.