First Wave Of Pandemic Research Articles

Does being a responsible bank pay off? Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic

We investigate whether banks’ initial responses during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in supporting their customers, communities, and governments were perceived as value-enhancing by investors. Using a unique responsible banking measure for a sample of the largest US and European commercial banks, we find a negative relationship between responsible bank behavior and stock market performance, particularly in the first wave of the pandemic. We also find that riskier banks were affected more negatively if they behaved responsibly. Overall, our findings show that banks’ responsible behavior during a crisis reduces, or at best is not relevant to, shareholder value.

COVID-19 and nurses' ethical issues: Comparisons between two European countries.

The global pandemic raised ethical issues for nurses about caring for all patients, not just those with COVID-19. Italy was the first European country to be seriously affected by the first wave, while Estonia's infection and death rates were among the lowest in Europe. Did this raise different ethical issues for nurses in these two countries as well? The aim was to describe and compare ethical issues between nurses working during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Estonia and Italy. A cross-sectional survey study with a self-administered questionnaire. The impact of COVID-19 emergency on nursing care questionnaire was used. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 1098 nurses working during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020: 162 from Estonia and 936 from Italy. Research ethics approvals were obtained, and the nurses provided informed consent. The most frequent ethical issues for Estonian nurses were professional communication and ensuring access to care for patients without COVID-19, and for Italian nurses, the end-of-life care and the risk of them getting the virus and transmitting it to their loved ones. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of ethical issues between Estonian nurses working with patients with and without COVID-19. Italian nurses caring for COVID-19 patients faced statistically significantly more (both p < .001) issues around prioritising patients and end-of-life. Nurses working with patients without COVID-19 faced more issues about access to care in both countries (both p < .001). Estonian and Italian nurses, working in different clinical contexts during the first wave of the pandemic, faced different ethical issues. Local contextual aspects need to be considered to support nurses' ethical decision-making in providing care during future crises and to ensure ethical care for patients.

Perceived stress and occupation-based coping strategies during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused considerable stress. Occupations may play an important role in decreasing stress; therefore, this study examined stress and occupation-based coping strategies used during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Methods Data were analyzed from a Canadian cross-sectional survey that included retrospective and current measures of stress, and an open-ended question regarding how participants coped during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Text responses were categorized using Skinner’s stress and coping framework, and the Do-Live-Well framework; and examined the association between activating the body, mind, and senses-type occupations and stress, controlling for pre-pandemic stress and other potential confounders. Results The 1,473 participants were primarily women (74.7%). All participants identified at least one occupation-based strategy that was categorized as ‘distraction’ in Skinner’s framework. When further classified using the Do-Live-Well framework, most occupation-based strategies related to activating the body, mind, and senses (64.3%). Bivariate/correlational analyses demonstrated relationships between stress and pre-pandemic stress (τ=0.65); annual income less than 30,000 CAD (τ=0.10); being employed (τ=0.11); postsecondary education (τ=0.09); and having a minor child at home (τ=0.11). No association was found when the relationship between stress and activating the body, mind, and senses was tested in a multivariate model containing these potential confounders. The most robust model contained only pre-pandemic stress. Conclusion Occupation-based strategies were frequently used for coping during the first wave of the pandemic. Further examination of the effectiveness of these strategies, using appropriate frameworks and methods, is warranted.

Emergency responses for a health workforce under pressure: Lessons learned from system responses to the first wave of the pandemic in Canada.

The global health workforce crisis, simmering for decades, was brought to a rolling boil by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With scarce literature, evidence, or best practices to draw from, countries around the world moved to flex their workforces to meet acute challenges of the pandemic, facing demands related to patient volume, patient acuity, and worker vulnerability and absenteeism. One early hypothesis suggested that the acute, short-term pandemic phase would be followed by several waves of resource demands extending over the longer term. However, as the acute phase of the pandemic abated, temporary workforce policies expired and others were repealed with a view of returning to 'normal'. The workforce needs of subsequent phases of pandemic effects were largely ignored despite our new equilibrium resting nowhere near our pre-COVID baseline. In this paper, we describe Canada's early pandemic workforce response. We report the results of an environmental scan of the early workforce strategies adopted in Canada during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within an expanded three-part conceptual framework for supporting a sustainable health workforce, we describe 470 strategies and policies that aimed to increase the numbers and flexibility of health workers in Canada, and to maximise their continued availability to work. These strategies targeted all types of health workers and roles, enabling changes to the places health work is done, the way in which care is delivered, and the mechanisms by which it is regulated. Telehealth strategies and virtual care were the most prevalent, followed by role expansion, licensure flexibility, mental health supports for workers, and return to practice of retirees. We explore the degree to which these short-term, acute response strategies might be adapted or extended to support the evolving workforce's long-term needs.

Assessment of an organizational model during the first wave of COVID -19 in the South-Eastern Tuscany Health Unit: intensifying community services as prescribed by Ministerial Decree 77 of 2022.

At the end of 2019 a new virus, called SARS-CoV-2, emerged in Wuhan, China. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health system of the Tuscany Region and the response implemented by the South-Eastern Local Health Unit, also in view of the new reform of territorial healthcare established by Ministerial Decree No. 77 of 2022. Data were taken from the "OpenToscana" database beginning when the first case was recorded in Italy (18 February 2020) until July 2020. We analyzed infections and deaths in each Local Heal.th Unit in the Tuscany Region and calculated the fatality rate (number of deaths/cases x 100) following COVID-19 infection. We subsequently compared the fatality rates among the Local Health Units by means of the Kruskal Wallis test. During the first wave, the South-Eastern Local Health Unit had fewer infections (a total of 1,532 by July) and fewer deaths (total: 107 by July) than the other Local Health Units. In the South-Eastern Local Health Unit, the fatality rate in July was 6.98%. The comparison of the fatality rates among the various LHUs and the whole Region showed statistically significant differences (p<0.001). The organizational models promptly implemented by the South-Eastern Local Health Unit for good territorial care and the management of COVID-19-positive patients limited the spread of infection, and consequently the deaths, thus reducing the fatality rate in the first wave of the pandemic.

Work productivity loss and work-related factors during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional web-based survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic could have led to a technological revolution however it has caused work productivity loss, especially among people working from home. This study examined the frequency and related factors of work productivity loss, focusing on work-related factors, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. We conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey of Japanese workers. Questionnaires were distributed using snowball sampling through e-mail and social networking sites. Of the respondents, 708 non-medical workers reported subjective work productivity loss during the first wave of the pandemic, compared with before. A multiple regression analysis showed that living with preschool-age children, having poor mental health, not using video conferencing solutions, and increased e-mail communication were related to work productivity loss. A subgroup analysis of those working from home showed similar variables associated with work productivity loss. More than 70% of workers in Japan experienced work productivity loss during the first wave of the pandemic. Moreover, factors such as time-consuming tasks or background distractions might lead to operational inefficacy.

Controlling the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi: Results from a multi-round study.

We investigated behavioral responses to COVID-19 in Malawi, where a first wave of the pandemic occurred between June and August 2020. Contrary to many countries on the African continent, the Government of Malawi did not impose a lockdown or a stay-at-home order in response to the initial spread of SARS-CoV-2. We hypothesized that, in the absence of such requirements to restrict social interactions, individuals would primarily seek to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during contacts, rather than reduce the extent of their social contacts. We analyzed 4 rounds of a panel survey spanning time periods before, during and after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi. Five hundred and forty-three participants completed 4 survey interviews between April and November 2020. We found that the likelihood of attending various places and events where individuals work and/or socialize remained largely unchanged during that time. Over the same time frame, however, participants reported adopting on a large scale several behaviors that reduce the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 during contacts. The percentage of panel participants who reported practicing physical distancing thus increased from 9.8% to 47.0% in rural areas between April-May 2020 and June-July 2020, and from 11.4% to 59.4% in urban areas. The percentage of respondents who reported wearing a facial mask to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 also increased, reaching 67.7% among rural residents in August-September 2020, and 89.6% among urban residents. The pace at which these behaviors were adopted varied between population groups, with early adopters of mask use more commonly found among more educated office workers, residing in urban areas. The adoption of mask use was also initially slower among women, but later caught up with mask use among men. These findings stress the importance of behavioral changes in containing future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in settings where access to vaccination remains low. They also highlight the need for targeted outreach to members of socioeconomic groups in which the adoption of protective behaviors, such as mask use, might be delayed.

Views of medically responsible nurses and managers of care homes for older adults on communication of information on Covid-19: a case study in Greater Stockholm

This study explored the views of medically responsible nurses and managers of care homes for older adults in Greater Stockholm on communication of information during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Study participants consisted of managers of care homes for older adults (n=10) and medically responsible nurses (n=4). Semi-structured interviews were conducted between 5th and 30th November 2020. Data were analysed thematically. Findings show that both medically responsible nurses and managers of care homes experienced the information from different authorities during the first wave of the pandemic to be inconsistent and uncoordinated, which caused stress particularly among the managers. Some managers expressed that they would have wanted more assistance from the medically responsible nurse. Some managers created their own support networks to share ideas and resources. The medically responsible nurses also reported being overwhelmed by information, and that they tried to condense it and only disseminate relevant parts to the care home managers. The role of medically responsible nurses in the municipality varied locally. Some had a more managerial role within the municipal leadership, while others also to some extent worked hands-on and frequently visited local care homes. Before the pandemic their contact with care home managers was not very frequent, and for some the relationship was worsened during the first phase of the pandemic. Yet, in some cases the medically responsible nurse successfully acted as an important player linking information, guidelines and data share between authorities and care homes. In conclusion, this study suggests that there is a need for clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the different actors in the health and social care of older adults in Sweden including the role of medically responsible nurses. The findings of this study also stress that information from authorities needs to be adapted to those targeted.

Estimating population infection rates from non-random testing data: Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic.

To effectively respond to an emerging infectious disease outbreak, policymakers need timely and accurate measures of disease prevalence in the general population. This paper presents a new methodology to estimate real-time population infection rates from non-random testing data. The approach compares how the observed positivity rate varies with the size of the tested population and applies this gradient to infer total population infections. Applying this methodology to daily testing data across U.S. states during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, we estimated widespread undiagnosed COVID-19 infections. Nationwide, we found that for every identified case, there were 12 population infections. Our prevalence estimates align with results from seroprevalence surveys, alternate approaches to measuring COVID-19 infections, and total excess mortality during the first wave of the pandemic.

Examining the Qualitative Experiences of Latinx Nurses During the First Wave of COVID-19.

Introduction: The world has been impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic since March of 2020. Latinx nurses have been some of the most underrepresented in being studied during this time and have been greatly affected by it. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published studies that focus on the qualitative experiences of Latinx nurses during the first wave of the pandemic. Methods: Data analysis included thematic analysis to identify main themes experienced by Latinx nurses. A qualitative descriptive study design was employed to conduct a parent study with 100 nurses across the United States reflecting on their experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, data collected from May to September 2020. Formal coding of the interview data was conducted utilizing Dedoose cloud-based software. Results: Five main themes emerged, including (1) connection to patients' personal touch and empathy, (2) connection to Latinx nurses, (3) connection to family and friends, (4) connection to food as care, and (5) coping. Within the theme of coping, subthemes of (5.1) faith, (5.2) maladaptive behaviors, and (5.3) self-care activities emerged. Conclusion: These experiences can help shape the pathway to be better prepared for any emergency or future pandemic.

To Assess The Knowledge And Perceptions Regarding Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) During The First Surge Among Healthcare Workers Of Banke District, Nepal

Background: Human Coronaviruses (HCoVs), a large family of single-stranded RNA viruses in humans causes mainly respiratory tract infections. The current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 has emerged as pandemic causing severe public health issue of international concern. This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19) during first wave of pandemic among healthcare workers working at various Health care institutions. Method: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 174 health care workers of Banke district, Nepal between May-July 2020 during first wave of COVID-19 pandemic using an online self-administered questionnaire. A 35-item self-administered survey instrument was developed using WHO course materials on emerging respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, and covered the domains of HCWs characteristics, knowledge, and perceptions of HCWs related to COVID-19. Descriptive statistics were reported as proportion and frequencies. Bivariate analysis was performed using chi-square test to assess the association of level of knowledge, and perception about COVID-19 with participants’ characteristics. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All the statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software, version 23. Findings: Most of the participants (94.8%) had known about the virus from news (70.1%) and social media (68.4%). Among them only 36.2% participants had the opportunities to attend lectures, discussions, and training about the virus COVID-19. Overall, 55.7%, and 52.9% of the HCWs had adequate knowledge, and positive perception about COVID-19, respectively. Bivariate analysis showed no significant association of knowledge regarding COVID-19 among health care worker with participants characteristics whereas, the variables such as gender, occupation, working department showed significant association of perception regarding COVID-19 among health care worker. Conclusion: This study revealed lower level of knowledge and positive perception regarding COVID-19 and infection control measures among HCWs. There is a need of adequate training to enhance the knowledge and perception about covid-19 and safety measures to the HCWs.

The impact of COVID-19 on Australian clinicians' decision making in line with the principles of Choosing Wisely.

To explore the perspectives of clinicians' decision-making processes and considerations in line with the Choosing Wisely principles during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. An exploratory qualitative approach was used. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews to encourage participants to discuss their own experience in making clinical decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 12 clinicians from across disciplines were interviewed to reach data saturation. Interview data were analysed considering the Choosing Wisely principles. Five main themes as they relate to clinician decision-making emerged and included; prioritizing care and treatment, uncertainty regarding best practice as a result of rapidly changing guidelines, organizational challenges to clinical decision-making, the use of telehealth and enabling consumer engagement with health services. Despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, clinicians were mindful of necessary care and worked to ensure that core care was not compromised during the first wave of the pandemic. The need for clinicians to protect both their own safety and that of their colleagues arose as an additional factor that influenced clinicians' decision-making process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Change in the form of work of psychologists after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, and the subjective mental state of this professional group

Objectives. The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland in spring 2020 forced psychologists to fight the psychological consequences, which were triggered by drastic life changes among the entire population. This group of professionals had an incredibly difficult role to play in society; the level of their overload in studies was even compared to doctors treating COVID-19. This article aims to analyze the situation of both personal and professional psychologists in the first wave of the pandemic. Methods. During the study, 341 psychologists were surveyed using the snowball method (hybrid access). Data were collected between 12 March and 3 May 2020. The study is part of a large project from all waves of the pandemic. Results. In total, 82.7% of psychologists experienced moderate to high-intensity stress, and 61.29% switched to a remote or hybrid mode of working with patients. Subjectively depressed mood occurred in 16.13%, reduced drive in 27.57% and dyssomnia in 18.77%. A total of 61.58% had concerns about their professional and/or financial future after the pandemic. Conclusion. The challenges during, as well as after, the pandemic period require taking care of individual mental well-being for psychologists. This is a necessary condition for undertaking a committed job.

Community Perceptions and Experiences of the South African Government’s Response to the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Johannesburg, South Africa

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments in low- and middle-income countries largely followed the strategy of national lockdowns adopted by high-income countries. The South African government imposed some the most restrictive policies in the world. In this article, we examine the perceptions and lived experiences of South Africans in Johannesburg in relation to this initial response to the pandemic. In-depth interviews were conducted with a diverse group of 38 South African adults in Johannesburg, South Africa. The analysis followed an inductive approach. The data revealed that the majority of participants had a positive view of the strong response to the first wave of the pandemic by the South African government, including the restrictive lockdown measures. However, concerns regarding the government’s response included worries about the economy and livelihoods of poor people under lockdown, divisions in compliance between townships and wealthier communities, poor funding in the healthcare sector, corruption and nepotism in the distribution of government aid, and the lack of cultural adaptation of awareness-raising campaigns about COVID-19. The ability of governments to gauge how populations perceive the effectiveness of public health measures is essential for identifying obstacles to disease-control objectives.

Effect of COVID-19 prevention as part of an urban renewal programme

ObjectivesTo address existing inequalities, the Barcelona City Council launched a Neighbourhood Plan in 2016–2020. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Neighbourhood Plan interventions were intensified. This study aimed to assess the effect of the plan on the incidence of COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in Barcelona. Study designWe used a quasi-experimental design with 16 intervention neighbourhoods and 17 neighbourhoods in the comparison group with similar socioeconomic characteristics. MethodsWe calculated the cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants by sex, age groups, and neighbourhood of residence. Poisson regression models were fitted to estimate the crude relative risk and relative risk adjusted by socioeconomic status (cRR and aRR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). ResultsThe CIR of COVID-19 was lower in the intervention neighbourhoods (CIR: 841 per 100,000 inhabitants) than in the comparison group (CIR: 973 per 100,000 inhabitants). On multivariate analysis, the aRR was 0.77 (CI: 0.70–0.83) for men and 0.89 (CI: 0.83–0.96) for women. Among men older than 75 years (aRR = 0.73; CI: 0.62–0.86), statistically significant differences were found in the intervention neighbourhoods compared to the comparison group. This pattern was not observed in women older than 75 years (aRR = 1.13; CI: 0.99–1.30). ConclusionThis research finds positive short-term effect in the intervention neighbourhoods. We conclude that the COVID-19 control and prevention interventions are likely to explain the better performance in the neighbourhoods included in the Neighbourhood Plan.

Risk indicators for oral ulcers among people living with HIV during the first wave of the pandemic: a cross sectional study

BackgroundLittle is currently known about HIV-related parameters that may increase the risk for oral ulcers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to overcome this gap in research by assessing the associations between HIV viral load, antiretroviral adherence profile, co-morbidity status, SARS-CoV-2 infection and oral ulcers among people living with HIV (PLHIV).MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of data generated from 21,206 to 18 years and above, recruited from 152 countries through an online survey between July and December 2020. Data were extracted for 874 people who reported living with HIV. The dependent variable was reporting having oral ulcer. The independent variables were the viral load, adherence to antiretroviral treatment and a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The confounding variables were age at last birthday and sex at birth. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the associations between the dependent and independent variables after adjusting for the confounding variables.ResultsOf the 874 participants, 99 (11.3%) reported having oral ulcers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The odds of PLHIV having oral ulcers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly higher for people who did not know their viral load than those who had undetectable viral load (AOR: 2.036; 95% CI: 1.204–3.443; p = 0.008); and people who did not adhere to the use of antiretroviral treatment than those who adhered (AOR: 4.113; 95% CI: 2.567–6.589; p < 0.001). Also, PLHIV who had SARS-CoV-2 infection had significantly higher odds of having oral ulcers than those who did not have the infection (AOR: 14.556; 95% CI: 4.500-47.078; p < 0.001). PLHIV who had co-morbidities had non-significantly higher odds of having oral ulcers than those without co-morbidities (AOR: 1.170; 95% CI: 0.656–2.085; p = 0.595).ConclusionOral ulcers may be an indicator of poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy and unsuppressed viral load among PLHIV. It may also be an indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a signal to take prompt and critical care of affected individuals because of the risk for severe COVID-19 for these individuals.

Inconsistent and Arbitrary Age-Based Policies During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has forced countries to issue public measures to address threats to the safety of citizens and the healthcare system. The role of chronological age in the ways in which different countries coped with the pandemic is particularly intriguing. Based on pool of purposely selected twenty-one countries, this article compares a variety of urgent public health policies that have been enforced during the first wave of the pandemic. It analyzes the ways in which countries introduced instructions related to older people and/or chronological age in relation to: Lockdown, exit and triage policies. It also examined whether the issue of long-term care settings (LTCS) received special attention in the primary guidelines developed in response to the lockdown and exit strategies. The analysis demonstrates inconsistencies within and across countries in the enactment and implementation of age-based measures. Moreover, it suggests that both acts of omission and commission based on age can be interpreted as ageist, arbitrary, not based on evidence, too inclusive, and offensive toward older people and neglectful of specific risk groups.

Higher Subjective Burden in Psychiatric Compared to Somatic Healthcare Workers in Germany During the first wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for health care workers (HCWs) worldwide. While the adverse effects of the pandemic on the well-being of HCWs in general have now been established, little is known about the impact on HCWs of psychiatric hospitals (PHCWs). PHCWs are of special interest, given that they faced both an increase in infection rates among psychiatric patients as well as in mental strain of the general public due to consequences of the pandemic. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the pandemic affected PHCWs as well as possible differences between PHCWs and other health care workers (OHCWs) in Germany during the first wave of the pandemic. We conducted a country-wide anonymous online survey early during the first pandemic wave between April 15th and May 1st, 2020, to assess different aspects of subjective burden and perceived stress using 5-point Likert-scale questions. We analysed data of 1530 PHCWs and 2114 OHCWs and showed that PHCWs reported higher subjective burden and stress compared to OHCWs (p<0.001). Overall, nurses from both groups of HCWs showed higher ratings in subjective burden and stress than physicians. These higher ratings for subjective burden were even more pronounced for nurses working in psychiatric hospitals. Future research is needed to investigate the causes for PHCWs' increased stress and subjective burden, especially when taking into account the long-term effects of the pandemic, which may lead to further challenges and an ever-increasing workload, especially for PHCWs.

What captures attention in the risk communication process: Exploring streaming video attractiveness during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in China

The incomplete understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the chemistry between information dissemination channels and receivers has hindered the development of efficient risk communication strategies. Hence, this study proposes an exploratory framework that evaluates streaming video attractiveness crossing message contents as well as streaming video attributes and formats. The study employs a series of statistical analyses on 235 COVID-19-related videos collected from the Bilibili video-sharing website in China during the first wave of the pandemic. The results indicate significant differences between live-action introductory videos, evidence-based presentation videos, and animations in community power, receiving capacities, message contents, and attractiveness. Notably, message content emerged as the most critical factor in determining a video's attractiveness, while animations can adjust the effects of different message types. The findings facilitate the efficient dissemination of risk messages by specifying which video formats are more effective in communicating which types of risk messages. Additionally, it highlights that the use of animations can enhance the level of attractiveness. The proposed framework and findings can be utilized in future research and practical applications to develop more comprehensive risk communication strategies.

Prevalence of Unmet Rehabilitation Needs Among Canadians Living With Long-term Conditions or Disabilities During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectiveWe aimed to describe the prevalence of unmet rehabilitation needs among a sample of Canadians living with long-term conditions or disabilities during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignCross-sectional survey. SettingIndividuals residing in Canada during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. ParticipantsEligible participants were Canadians living with long-term conditions or disabilities, 15 years or older living in 1 of the 10 provinces or 3 territories (n=13,487). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasureWe defined unmet rehabilitation needs as those who reported needing rehabilitation (ie, physiotherapy/massage therapy/chiropractic, speech, or occupational therapy, counseling services, support groups) but did not receive it because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We calculated the national, age, gender, and province/territory-specific prevalence and 95% confidence interval of unmet rehabilitation needs. ResultsDuring the first wave of the pandemic, the prevalence of unmet rehabilitation needs among Canadians with long-term conditions or disabilities was 49.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 48.3, 50.3]). The age-specific prevalence was higher among individuals 15-49 years old (55.6%; 95% CI [54.2, 57.1]) than those 50 years and older (46.0%; 95% CI [44.5, 47.4]). Females (53.7%; 95% CI [52.6, 54.9]) had higher unmet needs than males (44.1%; 95% CI [42.3, 45.9]). Unmet rehabilitation needs varied across provinces and territories. ConclusionsIn this sample, almost 50% of Canadians living with long-term conditions or disabilities had unmet rehabilitation needs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that a significant gap between the needs for and delivery of rehabilitation care existed during the early phase of the pandemic.