COVID-19 Experience Research Articles

Tracing applications for the control of virus dispersal - COVID-19 experience

Abstract Tracing apps have been promoted as an effective tool for the monitoring and control of the spread of COVID-19. Although the correlation between the use of mobile tracking apps and reducing the spread of the virus has been demonstrated, the success of these apps depends on a number of factors, such as the number of app users, the rate at which new systems get adopted, as well as concerns related to anonymity and privacy. The aim of the research was to analyse the pattern of adaptation and use of a COVID-19 tracing app in the context of Polish society. The research used a qualitative approach, data were collected through focus group and individual interviews. The sample consisted of 34 respondents, aged 23-61, with different educational levels and backgrounds. The study followed two phases. First, a model with a set of questions was proposed on the basis of the unified theory of technology acceptance and use. Secondly, using the set of questions, interviews were conducted. In order to examine the data, thematic analysis was applied. To summarise the results of the survey, the respondents have clear expectations towards the app, which are not fulfilled. They are afraid of new technologies. However, they use them frequently and willingly without thinking about the security of their personal data. They expect applications to provide reliable information, but at the same time do not want to enter necessary data that they consider sensitive. They are negative about government actions without losing trust in government applications. It can also be speculated that a lack of information and understanding of the app may have contributed to some of the objections. In conclusion, we need to better understand users and be able to accommodate often conflicting characteristics in order to design more effective tracking applications in the future. Key messages • Technology offers ways to successfully prevent viruses from spreading. • Getting the technology right, based on customer behaviour, is key to the effectiveness of tracking applications.

Cultural filters in processing information on COVID vaccines among minoritized groups in London, UK

Abstract Introduction Vaccination coverage among minoritized groups, including migrants, is low in the United Kingdom. Cultural factors are often cited as barriers, yet the broader impact of minoritization on vaccine acceptance remains understudied. We explored the intersection of culture with individual, familial, and systemic factors in shaping trust and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines in East London, UK. Methods We conducted focus group discussions (n = 6) and interviews (n = 19) with individuals from minoritized backgrounds in East London to elicit their perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 and the vaccination programme. Thematic analysis was used to identify individual, social, and systemic factors influencing the processing of perceived value of information on COVID vaccines. Findings Culture was rarely cited as an explicit barrier to vaccine uptake. Instead, participants’ linked their perceived vulnerability and immunity to COVID-19 with age, sex and health status. Information about COVID vaccines was processed and acted upon in the context of gendered family dynamics and support. Community identity, gatekeepers and social networks further influenced the perceived legitimacy of information received. Some participants voiced how their minoritized status shaped trust/mistrust in the national health system’s and government’s delivery of the COVID-19 information and vaccination campaigns Conclusions Unpacking cultural filters is crucial for addressing vaccine-related information barriers in minoritized groups. Going beyond mere language translation, tailored communication materials should address social enablers and systemic barriers. Further, closer collaboration between community gatekeepers and healthcare professionals to facilitate optimal use of these materials is needed to improve vaccine uptake. Key messages • Culture should not be assumed to be the main factor contributing to non-adherence and non-uptake of public health vaccine. • Vaccine uptake can be improved by healthcare workers and key community gate-keepers working collaboratively with minoritized groups.

Mapping Long COVID across the EU: definitions, guidelines and surveillance systems in EU Member States

Abstract A mapping study had been conducted to provide insight into 1) Long COVID definitions, 2) guidelines and intelligence on diagnosis and treatment, and 3) surveillance systems, as used/implemented in EU Member States plus Iceland, Norway, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Findings show that most Long COVID definitions align with WHO or NICE criteria, although there are also notable differences between definitions. The study also found Long COVID guidelines for diagnosis and treatment in 21 out of 34 selected countries. Common elements include advocating a multidisciplinary approach, a central role for primary care, and the focus on rehabilitation. Some guidelines include recommendations for referral to specialised care and follow-up procedures. Guidelines also differ in their target audience and in terms of their focus specific symptoms or organ systems that are affected by Long COVID. When it comes to Long COVID surveillance systems only a limited number of (nine) registries were found. Five of the Long COVID registries are based on self-registration. As limited information is available for most registries, a detailed understanding of their structures and goals in comparison to others is hindered. In conclusion, the study underlines the interconnectedness of Long COVID definitions, the development of guidelines, and surveillance systems. Given the variability in definitions and the voluntary entry of patients into the existing registries, there are no good estimates yet of the total numbers of patients and the severity of their disease in EU Member States. Linking information from cohort studies and clinical trials may be necessary to provide the full picture of the burden of disease of Long COVID. Still, preliminary estimates indicate that a significant proportion of those infected with COVID-19 experience long lasting symptoms, leading to impaired quality of life, also placing a significant burden on national health systems in the future.

8.F. Scientific session: Promoting Public Health with healthy smart buildings

Abstract The Workshop titled “Promoting Public Health with healthy smart buildings” - proposed and developed by the three EUPHA Section: Urban Public Health (URB), Public Mental Health (MEN) and Environmental Health (ENV) - is aimed to foster the dialogue between designers (architects and urban planners), Public Health experts (operators, professionals and epidemiologists), policy/decision makers and buildings’ users, to establish a multidisciplinary approach for understanding together how to create and manage healthy living indoor environments (both housing and complex constructions/public buildings). According to the main Conference topic “Sailing the waves of European public health: exploring a sea of innovation”, the workshop mainly addresses both the “Climate emergency/Environment and health/Urban health” and the “Mental health” EPH24 conference topics. The workshop purpose is to explore the effects of the housing conditions, according to “umbrella” exposure of the quality of the buildings, stressing topics like emissions, qualities, functional features, accessibility, supportive, Indoor Environmental Quality, Indoor Air Quality, and health implications on users’ well-being. In fact, time spent at home and in the indoor environment increased due to the COVID-19 experience, and social-sanitary emergencies are expected to grow due to the urbanization phenomenon. Thus, the role of the physical environment in which we live, study, and work, has become of crucial importance, as the literature has recently highlighted. The workshop program includes inputs which they argue current experiences, emerging practices and scientific outcomes related to the healthy Buildings, coming from four different European countries. From Sustainable Development Goals, in “Healthy air for healthy minds”, to Indoor Environmental Quality implications, in “How to promote health in indoor living and working spaces: quali-quantitative analysis to evaluate the indoor air quality through users’ perception and low-cost sensors”. From experience-based works related to specific functions, in “Leveraging digital platforms to improve Public Health in hospital smart buildings”, to other specific public buildings’ experiences, in “Novi Sad cultural stations as healthy buildings for wellbeing concept”. Key messages • explore the relationship between housing conditions, Indoor Environmental Quality, and the implications on users’ well-being, like “umbrella” exposure of the quality of the buildings. • establish a multidisciplinary approach for understanding together how to create and manage healthy living indoor environments, at private and public scale.

COVID-19's Effect on Practice Quality Improvement and Transformation Activities: Practice Survey Results.

The Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative (TCPI) was a 4-year, large-scale, collaborative, peer-based learning initiative for physician practices of all specialties with broad goals to improve the quality of patient care, spend health care dollars more wisely, and assist practices in being ready to succeed under value-based payment (VBP). We investigated whether the COVID-19 pandemic had erased or diminished practice transformation progress made during the TCPI program period, through a follow-up survey of participating practices fielded in October 2021. In October 2021 to April 2022, we surveyed a probability sample of 2207 primary care and specialty practices that participated in the TCPI, receiving 610 responses. We asked about practice characteristics, financial and ownership stability, clinical performance, and quality improvement efforts, both now and prior to COVID-19. The COVID-19 content was part of a larger survey. Responses were weighted to account for sample selection, unknown eligibility status, and nonresponse. We generated weighted univariate descriptive statistics representative of practices with clinicians enrolled in TCPI. These estimated percentages have a 95% confidence interval of about ±5%. Multivariate analysis of unweighted data examined associations between practice characteristics and other variables of interest. For all but one of 13 practice transformation activities engaged in prior to the COVID-19 public health emergency, a majority of practices (at least 52%) reported that the progress on these activities were either not hurt or were helped by their COVID-19 experience. Compared to January 2020, only about 7% of practices reported that their quality of care or clinical performance was worse due to COVID-19, and 32% reported that their quality of care was better. More rural than urban practices reported that half or more of their transformation activities were hurt by COVID-19 (29% and 14%, respectively). Physician-owned practices were more likely to report quality is better today than prior to COVID-19 relative to practices with other ownership types such as hospitals or health systems (43% vs 24%). Most practices have been able to recover from the deep stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue their efforts to improve patient care and performance to succeed under VBP. These results suggest a high perceived return on investment in value-readiness support along with emergency financial support in times of crisis, as well as room to continue preparation for any future pandemic and the national movement toward increased VBP, especially in rural settings.

A qualitative study of Chicago gay men and the Mpox outbreak of 2022 in the context of HIV/AIDS, PrEP, and COVID-19

During the 2022 mpox outbreak, our study conducted 30 interviews with a recruited sample of Chicago gay men (age 18+) during June-September to investigate their experiences of mpox, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19. Participants were interviewed with a semi-structured guide about gay sexual identity and social experiences; HIV/AIDS, ART, and PrEP; and COVID-19 behaviors and vaccination. All 30 interview respondents had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and expressed minimal COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. All the men living with HIV in our study were on ART with HIV well controlled. A majority of HIV- participants (70%) were on PrEP, with participants universally aware of PrEP benefits. Additionally, most participants had already received at least one shot of the Jynneos mpox vaccine, with many interviewees enduring long lines, sometimes at multiple locations, before vaccination in primarily gay social spaces. These Chicago gay men demonstrated widespread enthusiasm for mpox vaccination as a disease prevention strategy and most of them had already been vaccinated despite significant barriers. The enthusiasm of the participants in our study emerged within a medical landscape shaped by both COVID-19 vaccination and HIV/AIDS-related health interventions including ART and PrEP, which may have helped instill increased medical trust among this population. Our study suggests that out urban gay men may comprise a distinctive minority population with increased medical trust due to specific social, sexual, and historical experiences.

COVID-19 Personal Experiences and Posttraumatic Stress in National Guard Service Members.

The National Guard (NG) was an important component of the U.S. emergency response for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding how the personal COVID-19 experiences of NG members may be associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and disorder (PTSD) can inform approaches to identifying and sustaining service members' mental health. We surveyed 3,993 NG service members (75% Army; 79% enlisted; 33% 30-39 years old; 81% male) during the pandemic. Forty-six percent of participants were activated in response to COVID-19. Surveys were administered between August and December 2020. We defined personal COVID-19 experiences as having COVID-19, a family member(s) having COVID-19, and/or having a close relationship with someone who died from COVID-19. In addition, using a 4-item form of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), current posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and probable PTSD were assessed. Linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship of COVID-19 experiences to PTSS and probable PTSD, respectively. Approximately 32% of participants reported at least one personal COVID-19 experience. Univariable linear regression analyses indicated that NG service members who had a personal COVID-19 experience reported more PTSS than those with no personal experience (B = 0.53, SE = 0.12, P < .001). After adjusting for demographics and service-related characteristics, having a personal COVID-19 experience continued to be associated with higher PTSS (B = 0.48, SE = 0.12, P < .001). When examining the relationships of distinct types of personal COVID-19 experiences to PTSS and PTSD together in multivariable models, those who had a close relationship with someone who died from COVID-19 had higher levels of PTSS (B = 1.31, SE = 0.22, P < .001) and were almost 3 times more likely to have PTSD (OR = 2.94[95%CI = 1.93-4.47], P < .001). Personal COVID-19 experiences are associated with increased PTSS and PTSD risk in NG service members. Such knowledge may aid in selection of service members for activation and identifying those in need of care.

Spectrum of COVID-19 cases in Arkhangelsk, Northwest Russia: Findings from a population-based study linking serosurvey, registry data, and self-reports of symptoms.

The spectrum of COVID-19 manifestations makes it challenging to estimate the exact proportion of people who had the infection in a population, with the proportion of asymptomatic cases likely being underestimated. We aimed to assess and describe the spectrum of COVID-19 cases in a sample of adult population aged 40-74 years in Arkhangelsk, Northwest Russia, a year after the start of the pandemic. A population-based survey conducted between February 24, 2021 and June 30, 2021 with an unvaccinated sample aged 40-74 years (N = 1089) combined a serological survey data, national COVID-19 case registry, and self-reported data on COVID-19 experience and symptoms. Based on the agreement between these sources, we classified the study participants as non-infected and previously infected (asymptomatic, non-hospitalized and hospitalized symptomatic) cases, and compared these groups regarding demographics, lifestyle and health characteristics. After a year of the pandemic in Arkhangelsk, 59.7% 95% confidence intervals (CI) (56.7; 62.6) of the surveyed population had had COVID-19. Among those who had been infected, symptomatic cases comprised 47.1% 95% CI (43.2; 51.0), with 8.6% 95% CI (6.6; 11.1) of them having been hospitalized. Of the asymptomatic cases, 96.2% were not captured by the healthcare system. Older age was positively associated, while smoking showed a negative association with symptomatic COVID-19. Individuals older than 65 years, and those with poor self-rated health were more likely to be hospitalized. More than half of the infected individuals were not captured by the healthcare-based registry, mainly those with asymptomatic infections. COVID-19 severity was positively associated with older age and poor self-rated health, and inversely associated with smoking. Combining different sources of surveillance data could reduce the number of unidentified asymptomatic cases and enhance surveillance for emerging infections.

The Shield of Self-Esteem: Buffering against the Impact of Traumatic Experiences, Fear, Anxiety, and Depression.

Adverse life occurrences (e.g., severe accidents, violence/abuse, organic disorders such as COVID-19) can elicit traumatic responses that heighten fear, anxiety, and depression. However, scientific research has shown that certain variables, such as self-esteem, based on theories like terror management theory (TMT) and the anxiety-buffering hypothesis (ABH), can mitigate the negative effects of trauma. This study aimed to test the ABH by assessing the buffering role of self-esteem in the relationships among the impact of traumatic experiences, fear, anxiety, and depression. An observational research design was used. This study involved 321 participants who experienced COVID-19 as a traumatic experience. A sequential multiple-mediation model with observed variables (path analysis) was used to test the impact of the traumatic experience on fear, anxiety, and depression, examining the protective role of self-esteem. A path analysis revealed that fear and anxiety mediated the relationship between the impact of the traumatic experience of COVID-19 and depression. Additionally, in line with the ABH, self-esteem was found to mediate the relationship between the predictors and their adverse psychological consequences. This suggests that self-esteem played a buffering role, mitigating the negative impact of traumatic experiences on mental health outcomes. These findings underscore the central mediating role of self-esteem, as well as fear and anxiety, in the pathway from trauma-related factors to depression. These insights advocate for evidence-based interventions aimed at alleviating the psychological suffering associated with traumatic experiences, fostering adaptation, and supporting psychological health.

Mathematical modelling for pandemic preparedness in Canada: Learning from COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the need for pandemic planning but also brought into focus the use of mathematical modelling to support public health decisions. The types of models needed (compartment, agent-based, importation) are described. Best practices regarding biological realism (including the need for multidisciplinary expert advisors to modellers), model complexity, consideration of uncertainty and communications to decision-makers and the public are outlined. A narrative review was developed from the experiences of COVID-19 by members of the Public Health Agency of Canada External Modelling Network for Infectious Diseases (PHAC EMN-ID), a national community of practice on mathematical modelling of infectious diseases for public health. Modelling can best support pandemic preparedness in two ways: 1) by modelling to support decisions on resource needs for likely future pandemics by estimating numbers of infections, hospitalized cases and cases needing intensive care, associated with epidemics of "hypothetical-yet-plausible" pandemic pathogens in Canada; and 2) by having ready-to-go modelling methods that can be readily adapted to the features of an emerging pandemic pathogen and used for long-range forecasting of the epidemic in Canada, as well as to explore scenarios to support public health decisions on the use of interventions. There is a need for modelling expertise within public health organizations in Canada, linked to modellers in academia in a community of practice, within which relationships built outside of times of crisis can be applied to enhance modelling during public health emergencies. Key challenges to modelling for pandemic preparedness include the availability of linked public health, hospital and genomic data in Canada.

The COVID-19 experience through the lens of disability Twitter: A qualitative analysis.

The societal response and constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced ableism for disabled people who were yet again treated as an afterthought in society. Systemic ableism impacted their well-being, access, and ability to be active members of their community. Disabled experiences and voices must be heard and amplified to improve preparedness and address ableism. Disability Twitter is one avenue where the disability community can collectively listen and support one another. These voices can and should be used to influence policy and practice. This study used Disability Twitter to represent and honor the experiences of the disability community, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a moment in time. Qualitative thematic analysis of U.S.-based Twitter posts was conducted using retrospective social media posts. A total of 238 initial tweets from January 1, 2020 and September 30, 2022 were analyzed by the research team. Five themes were observed including ableism, devaluation, worthiness, act of reclaiming, and emotion. Disabled people reported instances of ableism, devaluation, and victimization by individuals, systems, and government entities throughout the pandemic. Disabled individuals utilized Twitter to share their collective experiences, urging society to address and respond to the needs of the disability community. Using social media to center the perspectives of the disability community can invoke system-wide change and inform policies. Implications for combating systemic ableism and promoting allyship for clinical professionals, research scholars, and educators are provided. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A post-pandemic trend in the consumption of dietary supplements among residents of Lithuania.

The consumption of dietary supplements might prevent the deficiency of necessary nutrients. On the other hand, in cases of overconsumption, adverse effects might occur. In Lithuania, the COVID-19 pandemic provoked an increase in the consumption of dietary supplements. The aim of this study was to reveal the post-pandemic trend of the consumption of dietary supplements among the working-age residents of Lithuania with respect to social and demographic factors and food selection criteria. A cross-sectional observational study was performed. In total, using the same methods, 3,200 residents were surveyed: 1,600 in 2021 and 1,600 in 2022. Both samples were representative for Lithuania and included residents of Lithuania aged from 18 to 64 years. According to socio-demographic factors (sex, age, level of education, type of place of residence, marital status, number of family members, presence of children under 18 years old in the household, employment status, level of income), COVID-19 experience (presence of COVID-19 cases among friends or relatives, severeness of COVID-19) and food selection criteria (health strengthening, other) the prevalence of the consumption of dietary supplements was compared between the samples. The consumption of dietary supplements accounted for 78.1% and 71.6% of the respondents in 2021 and 2022, respectively (p < 0.001). After the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of the consumption of dietary supplements decreased in the majority of social and demographic groups analysed in this article (p < 0.05). The consumption of dietary supplements remained unchanged among those who selected foods for health strengthening (p = 0.098). The prevalence of the consumption of dietary supplements decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic in most social and demographic groups except those who selected foods for health strengthening.

Literary depictions of the experience of COVID-19 in a recent Nigerian poetry collection: some reflections on Remi Raji’s Wanderer Cantos

ABSTRACT Remi Raji is a Nigerian poet-scholar who got infected by the ravaging coronavirus in December, 2020. This article examines the versification of his experience of COVID-19 disease in the collection entitled Wanderer Cantos. I analyze the relevant poems, drawing attention to how the poet struggled psychically to cope with his physiological ailment. I demonstrate the potential for creative writing to illuminate and humanize medical realities. In a challenge to paradigms that privilege the biological aspects of illness, I emphasize the importance of psychological resources such as optimism, courage and gratitude as a means to survive and recover from COVID-19. I conclude by reflecting on the question of whether readers of Raji’s poems might derive therapeutic benefit, thereby underscoring the idea that the medically ill person who composes original poems, and those who read these poems, may benefit from a bibliotherapy approach.

Experiences of COVID-19 in an Australian community cohort of adults with epilepsy

A number of studies have been conducted on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy (PWE), some showing increased seizures, poorer psychosocial states, and reductions in Quality of Life (QoL). During the latter stages of COVID-19, well before the UN declared an end to the state of emergency, our study was conducted in Australia of a sample of women and men ≥ 18 years. The study was based on Wave 6 of the Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Study (AELS). It used mixed methods. Two main scales were used in the study, the QOLIE-31 for QoL and the MOS-8 for social support. The quantitative component of the study looked at QoL in relation to COVID-19 and found no QoL differences in those who contracted the virus. However, there was significantly lower QoL in those having difficulties in seeing a GP, for those with limited access to healthcare, and for those who had problems in gaining ASMs (anti-seizure medicines) and/or other medicines and being unvaccinated. Being younger and living in rental accommodation were most likely significant contributing factors. Those not being vaccinated were less than the proportion in the whole national population., The qualitative component focussed on reasons for being vaccinated or not. Overall, the responses to the question “Were you vaccinated?” demonstrated that people made informed decisions on vaccinations, taking into account their own health as well as protecting family and public health considerations.

"Life mapping" exploring the lived experience of COVID-19 on access to HIV treatment and care in Malawi

Background The COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi exacerbated, existing public health challenges including access to HIV treatment and care services. “Life Mapping,” a component of the Citizen Science community-led project in Malawi, documented the lived experiences and perspectives of people living with HIV in the context of COVID-19. Methods Citizen Science Life Maps is a three-year qualitative, longitudinal project utilizing collaborative and participatory research methods through digital storytelling to document peoples’ daily lives. Twenty participants living with HIV were recruited between 2022 and 2023 in two central regional districts of Malawi and two urban areas. The participants were given mobile smart phones to document the impact of COVID-19 on HIV prevention and treatment services, HIV treatment literacy, mental health and the COVID -19 vaccine. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Access to HIV prevention and treatment slowly recovered yet introducing multi-month anti- retroviral dispensing raised concerns. In the absence of mental health care services, participants were resourceful in seeking alternative ways to deal with mental health. However, state sponsored violence in relation to COVID-19 public health measures impacted negatively not only on mental well-being but also on HIV treatment adherence. Whilst most recognized the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially for people living with HIV, myths, misinformation, and conspiracy theories around the vaccine persisted especially religious themed misinformation. Conclusions The relationship between misinformation and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is complex and medical and scientific approaches may not be sufficient to prevent misinformation. Fear and misinformation are likely attributed to global uncertainty during the pandemic and the speed at which vaccines were developed with minimal opportunity to prepare global communities.

Will mortality rates in the next viral pandemic be affected by the COVID-19 experience?

Will mortality rates in the next viral pandemic be affected by the COVID-19 experience?

Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen NCD care and policy in humanitarian settings: a mixed methods study exploring humanitarian actors’ experiences

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and response severely impacted people living with non-communicable diseases (PLWNCDs) globally. It exacerbated pre-existing health inequalities, severely disrupted access to care, and worsened clinical outcomes for PLWNCDs, who were at higher risk of morbidity and mortality from the virus. The pandemic’s effects were likely magnified in humanitarian settings, where there were pre-existing gaps in continuity of care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We sought to explore factors affecting implementation of NCD care in crisis settings during the COVID-19 pandemic and the adaptations made to support implementation.MethodsGuided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we undertook an online survey of 98 humanitarian actors from multiple regions and organization types (March-July 2021), followed by in-depth interviews with 13 purposively selected survey respondents (October-December 2021). Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while interview data were analysed thematically, using both deductive and inductive approaches.ResultsInitially, humanitarian actors faced challenges influenced by external actors’ priorities, such as de-prioritisation of NCD care by governments, travel restrictions and supply chain interruptions. With each infection wave and lockdown, humanitarian actors were better able to adapt and maintain NCD services. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines was a positive turning point, especially for the risk management of people with NCDs and protection of health workers. Key findings include that, despite pre-existing challenges, humanitarian actors largely continued NCD services during the crisis. Enabling factors that supported continuity of NCD services included the ability to quickly pivot to remote means of communication with PLWNCDs, flexibility in medicine dispensing, and successful advocacy to prioritize NCD management within health systems. Key lessons learned included the importance of partnerships and cooperation with other health actors, and the mobilisation or repurposing of community health workers/volunteer networks.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 experience should prompt national and global health stakeholders to strengthen inclusion of NCDs in emergency preparedness, response, and resilience planning. Key lessons were learned around remote care provision, including adapting to NCD severity, integrating community health workers, providing context-adapted patient information, combating misinformation, and strengthening cross-sectoral partnerships.

Turning the tables or business as usual? COVID-19 as a catalyst in North–South research collaborations

Since February 2020, we have witnessed COVID-19 profoundly disturb ongoing research dynamics – including research collaborations between the Global North and the Global South. Reduced international and regional mobility obliged research collaborations to reinvent their modalities. The role of field-based researchers (those physically ‘there’) has never been more crucial. This article draws on the testimonies of researchers from the African Great Lakes region to reflect on the positionality of field-based researchers in North–South research collaborations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Their embeddedness in the field foregrounded their complementary strengths in interactions with scholars from the Global North. We also illustrate how vulnerabilities – both unstable employment and field-related risks – were unevenly shared by partners in the Global South and the Global North. In conclusion, the COVID-19 experience inspired us to adhere to new collaboration modalities that move beyond post-colonial dynamics in North–South research collaborations.

Correlation Between Initial Lung Involvement on CT Scan, Assessed by Total Severity Score, and Pulmonary Outcomes After Three Months in Patients with Severe COVID-19

Background: Patients with severe COVID-19 experience various respiratory complications, which can have potential long-term effects. Objectives: This study investigates the long-term pulmonary consequences of severe COVID-19 and their relationship with the severity of lung involvement. Methods: All patients who survived severe COVID-19 in the ICU were selected for the study. A radiologist reviewed the chest CT scans, and patients were categorized based on their total severity score (TSS) into two groups: Group A (TSS ≤ 7) and Group B (TSS &gt; 7). Patients were followed up after three months with a chest CT scan, spirometry, SpO2 measurement, and a dyspnea score assessment. Results: The mean age was 54.69 ± 12.51 for Group A and 55.31 ± 12.73 for Group B. Groups A and B had 23 (46.9%) and 39 (39.4%) female patients, respectively. Patients in Group B had significantly lower SpO2 and a prolonged length of hospitalization. Group B also experienced more severe dyspnea and reduced lung function, as observed in spirometry during the three-month follow-up. The total severity score decreased significantly after three months in all patients (from 14.42 ± 5.90 to 6.68 ± 4.79; P &lt; 0.001). After logistic regression analysis, non-invasive ventilation was independently associated with a higher TSS (OR = 0.45 when comparing Group A to Group B; P = 0.028). Conclusions: The lungs are the most affected organ by COVID-19, making it crucial to investigate the effects of the virus on pulmonary function. Our study showed that patients with higher TSS experienced greater reductions in lung function during the three-month follow-up. Additionally, the use of non-invasive ventilation was independently associated with a higher TSS in severe COVID-19 cases.

Cognitive Representations and Personal Experiences of COVID-19 Using Social Virtual Reality

Abstract In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, understanding its psychological and social impacts has become a critical area of scientific inquiry. The pandemic's far-reaching consequences have been felt across diverse populations, prompting a need for innovative research methodologies to capture the breadth of individual experiences. This study addresses the challenge of articulating personal narratives during the pandemic by leveraging the capabilities of social virtual reality (VR) and digital storytelling, a method yet to be fully explored in pandemic-related research. Here, we show that by integrating photogrammetric 3D media with social VR technology, we can obtain a nuanced understanding of individuals' experiences during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Our analysis reveals distinct themes related to health, life events, environment, technology, and employment, illustrating a complex interplay of factors influencing personal experiences during the pandemic. These findings contrast with and expand upon previous research by providing a more immersive and participant-centric perspective on the pandemic's impact. They highlight the value of using VR to capture and analyze personal experiences in unprecedented global situations. By situating these results within the broader context of pandemic research, this study underscores the potential of VR as a transformative tool for social science research. It opens new avenues for understanding complex human experiences, offering valuable insights across scientific disciplines, thereby enhancing our collective knowledge of the pandemic's multifaceted effects on society.