Global Health Crisis Research Articles

Diversity, equity and inclusion considerations in mental health apps for young people: protocol for a scoping review

IntroductionAfter COVID-19, a global mental health crisis affects young people, with one in five youth experiencing mental health problems worldwide. Delivering mental health interventions via mobile devices is a promising...

From isolation to revival: trade recovery amid global health crises

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of designing effective trade recovery measures in response to global health events (GHEs). This study combines international trade risk management theory and multi-case comparative analysis of past GHEs to present a theoretical framework for designing national trade recovery measures for future events.ResultsThe research finds that during GHEs, trade risks shift to fundamental uncertainty, requiring spatial–temporal-subject dimension recovery measures. The study suggests changing the focus of trade recovery policy design from emergency-oriented and single-dimension measures to reserve-oriented and enduring-effect measures of comprehensive dimensions at micro- and macroeconomic levels.ConclusionThe study contributes to the debate on managing trade risks in times of crisis, where there is a need to develop effective trade recovery measures that account for the complexities of global trade and the unique challenges of GHEs. The findings provide practical guidance for trade officials and policymakers to design measures in response to GHEs to improve a country’s overall trade recovery.

The top 50 most-cited articles about COVID-19 and the complications of COVID-19: A bibliometric analysis

Background This bibliometric analysis examines the top 50 most-cited articles on COVID-19 complications, offering insights into the multifaceted impact of the virus. Since its emergence in Wuhan in December 2019, COVID-19 has evolved into a global health crisis, with over 770 million confirmed cases and 6.9 million deaths as of September 2023. Initially recognized as a respiratory illness causing pneumonia and ARDS, its diverse complications extend to cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, hematological, neurological, endocrinological, ophthalmological, hepatobiliary, and dermatological systems. Methods Identifying the top 50 articles from a pool of 5940 in Scopus, the analysis spans November 2019 to July 2021, employing terms related to COVID-19 and complications. Rigorous review criteria excluded non-relevant studies, basic science research, and animal models. The authors independently reviewed articles, considering factors like title, citations, publication year, journal, impact factor, authors, study details, and patient demographics. Results The focus is primarily on 2020 publications (96%), with all articles being open access. Leading journals include The Lancet, NEJM, and JAMA, with prominent contributions from Internal Medicine (46.9%) and Pulmonary Medicine (14.5%). China played a major role (34.9%), followed by France and Belgium. Clinical features were the primary study topic (68%), often utilizing retrospective designs (24%). Among 22,477 patients analyzed, 54.8% were male, with the most common age group being 26-65 years (63.2%). Complications of COVID-19 affected 13.9% of patients, with a recovery rate of 57.8%. Conclusion Analyzing these top-cited articles offers clinicians and researchers a comprehensive, timely understanding of influential COVID-19 literature. This approach uncovers attributes contributing to high citations and provides authors with valuable insights for crafting impactful research. As a strategic tool, this analysis facilitates staying updated and making meaningful contributions to the dynamic field of COVID-19 research.

The Impact of Economic Incentives on Small and Medium Enterprises in Oman During COVID-19: Applied Study, Case of Dhofar Governorate in Oman

The study examined the impact of economic inducement on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Dhofar Governorate, Oman, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two variables were adopted: economic incentives as the independent variable and the recovery of SMEs as the dependent variable. Three dimensions were adopted to evaluate the economic incentives experienced by small and medium enterprises, which are “facilitation of granting loans,” “reducing taxes and fees,” and “technical assistance.” The study population consisted of the employees of 8 SME companies. Primary data was collected from a convenient sample of 104 via electronic questionnaire (due to the directives related to social distancing in light of the global health crisis (Covid 19). Data were evaluated through Statistical Packages for Social Sciences SPSS. The study found a strong correlation (90.9%) between economic incentives and the recovery of minor and medium enterprises. Key factors such as facilitating loans, reducing taxes and fees, and providing technical assistance had a strong impact (82.1%) on their recovery. The Omani government should prioritize projects based on local labor and supply chains to reduce leakages and create short-term jobs, enhancing household income during the pandemic. The study facilitates data analysis and obtaining clear results of the impact of economic incentives by using a descriptive-analytical method.Governments must execute fiscal and procedural stimulus to regain lost yield potential from COVID-19, considering the macroeconomic context, monetary policy, debt, trade globalization, and SDGs.

A universal three-dimensional hydrogel electrode for electrochemical detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and hydrogen peroxide

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), resulting in a global health crisis. The primary diagnostic method for COVID-19 is quantitative reverse transcription PCR, which is time-consuming and requires expensive instrumentation. Here, we developed an electrochemical biosensor for detecting SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers using a 3D porous polyacrylamide/polyaniline hydrogel (PPG) electrode prepared by UV photopolymerization and in situ polymerization. The electrochemical immunosensor for detecting SARS-CoV-2 N protein via the immune sandwich principle demonstrated a lower detection limit of 42 pg/mL and comparable specificity to commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which was additionally validated in pseudoviruses. The electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide showed a low detection limit of 0.5 μM and excellent selectivity, which was further confirmed in cancer cells under oxidative stress. The biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2 were successfully detected due to the signal amplification capability provided by 3D porous electrodes and the high sensitivity of the antigen-antibody specific binding. This study introduces a novel three-dimensional electrode with great potential for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2.

The parallel lives of pandemics: COVID‑19 and obesity.

The present article discusses the interconnectedness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and obesity as global health crises. The similarities between the two conditions are highlighted; these include shared risk factors and comorbidities, and the impact of obesity on the immune system. The present article also mentions the challenges faced in combating both pandemics, including misinformation and prejudice against obesity. It discusses the development of therapeutic medications and vaccines for COVID-19 and the potential of injectable incretin analogues for weight loss. Socioeconomic issues are also addressed, with obesity being more prevalent in lower socioeconomic groups and the cost of obesity treatments being a barrier for those in need. The present article emphasizes the need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions, including public health interventions, education, policy changes and equitable distribution of resources, to address both COVID-19 and obesity.

Exploring type 2 diabetes self-management practices in rural Bangladesh: facilitators, barriers and expectations—a qualitative study protocol

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global public health crisis impacting low-income and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. While self-management is encouraged for individuals with T2DM, there is a...

Olfactory Dysfunction in Healthcare Workers with COVID-19: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a real global health crisis. Its clinical presentation has evolved over time with an increasing number of symptoms. Olfactory dysfunction (OD) has recently been recognized as a frequent symptom relevant to screening for COVID-19, especially in pauci-asymptomatic forms. However, the underlying mechanisms of OD are not yet fully understood. To determine the prevalence of OD in healthcare workers with SARS-CoV-2 and to identify its associated factors. This is a cross-sectional, analytical study, carried out during a period of six months and including all healthcare workers at Farhat Hached Academic Hospital (Tunisia) who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 by PCR, RAT, or chest CT scan. A total of 474 healthcare workers were included, representing a participation rate of 85.4%. The mean age was 41.02±10.67 years with a sex ratio of 0.2. The distribution of this population by department noted that it was mainly maternity (13.9%). The most presented workstation was nursing (31.4%). OD represented 39.2% of the reasons for consultation. Hospitalization was indicated in 16 patients (3.4%). The average duration of hospitalization was 8.87 ± 7.8 days. The average time off work was 17.04 ± 11.6 days. OD persisted for more than 90 days in 35 patients (7.4%). After multiple binary logistic regression, OD was statistically associated with female gender (p =0.001; OR 95% CI: 2.46 [1.4-4.2]) and blue-collar occupational category (p =0.002; OR IC95%:3.1 [1.5-6.5]). A significant association was also noted between OD and professional seniority and absence from work duration (p =0.019; OR 95% CI: 0.97 [0.95-0.99] and p =0.03; OR 95% CI: 0.97 [0.95-0.99]) respectively. OD is common in COVID-19 patients. The identification of its associated factors may contribute to enhancing the understanding of its mechanism and drive therapeutic options.

Burden of COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis hospitalisation patterns at a tertiary care hospital in Rajasthan, India: a retrospective analysis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis (TB) trends, patient demographics, disease types and hospitalisation duration within the Respiratory Medicine Department over three distinct...

A Survey of the Awareness and Practices of Antibiotic use Among College Undergraduates and Graduates in Latakia

Antibiotic resistance has become a global health crisis, posing a significant threat to our ability to treat bacterial infections. Over the years, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals have contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This leads to longer and more complicated treatment courses, increased healthcare costs, and in some cases untreatable infections. In this study, a survey was conducted on antibiotic use among college undergraduates and graduates in Latakia. The age of 42.2% of participants was 20–25 years. More than half of the participants were male (55.9%). Most responses were from college undergraduates 51%, either of final-year students or graduates. Most of them had used antibiotics with prescriptions. The highest rate of antibiotic use was for sore throat treatment (47.1%). Most participants completed the antibiotic courses and their symptoms improved (70.6%). Black and red pills remained effective for most patients (67.6%). 68.6% of the participants would consult a doctor if symptoms did not improve after taking antibiotics. 62.7% of the participants didn’t give antibiotics to a family member when they were sick. 52.9% of the participants reserve antibiotics for use when necessary. Half of the participants would take the leftover antibiotics in case of respiratory diseases. The results didn’t show a good level of knowledge about antibiotic use among college undergraduates and graduates in Latakia. This study encourages the improvement of the public knowledge and their attitudes towards the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Impact of information epidemic in the COVID-19 pandemic

In December 2019, the first case of Corona virus was identified in Wuhan, China. On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic due to a rapid surge in case numbers. This global health crisis has been accompanied by a significant amount of misleading and false information about COVID-19, creating uncertainty among the public as they seek trustworthy and reliable sources. The impact of misinformation extends beyond information sharing it can fundamentally distort common public perceptions of the risks associated with the virus. The unregulated dissemination of both accurate and inaccurate information on social media further contributes to the confusion, transforming a pandemic into an infodemic.

Current advances in cancer treatment: A comprehensive review of therapeutic strategies and emerging innovations

Cancer stands as a pressing global health crisis, claiming one in every six lives across the world. The treatment of cancer has evolved into a remarkably intricate endeavour. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the field of cancer treatment, alongside the longstanding methods of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In the realm of oncology, there has been a surge of innovative treatments, encompassing stem cell therapy, targeted therapy, ablation therapy, nanoparticles, natural antioxidants, radionics, chemo dynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and ferroptosis-based therapy. Contemporary oncology is predominantly dedicated to the progression of cancer nanomedicines, with notable promise found in stem cell therapy, offering the potential to rejuvenate and mend afflicted tissues at both primary and metastatic cancer sites. Nanoparticles have ushered in new avenues for both diagnosis and treatment. Targeted therapy presents a groundbreaking strategy that hinders the proliferation and dissemination of particular cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy ones. Ablation therapy, characterized by its minimally invasive nature, enables the elimination of cancer using methods like controlled burning or freezing, eliminating the necessity for open surgery. In the ongoing pursuit of improved cancer therapies, numerous innovative technologies are currently undergoing clinical trials, and some have already gained approval. This review provides a comprehensive update on the recent advancements and breakthroughs in the realm of cancer treatment.

Pediatric COVID-19 Response in the Philippines

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented global health crisis, affecting individuals of all ages. In thePhilippines, as we continue to combat the virus, we put focus on one particularly vulnerable group: our children.1 As weconfront the complexities of pediatric COVID-19 management, we provide insight into the response strategies establishedto protect the health of our youngest population. At the beginning of the pandemic, the Philippines undertook a comprehensive approach that encompassed travel restrictions,community interventions, robust risk communication, and rigorous testing procedures. These measures were implementedwith the overarching goal of mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and safeguarding the nation’s healthcare system.2 On March 30, 2020, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) officially became the COVID-19 Referral Center inthe country. It has been more than four years since that fateful day when we had to brace ourselves for what was about tohappen. All of the departments, including the pediatrics department, had risen to the challenge with change in infrastructure,creation of clinical guidelines for COVID-19 management, formulation of infection control measures, and allocation ofprotective equipment and training for health workers.3 The PGH Transfer Command Center (TCC) was in-charge of triaging, decking, and admitting patients to thehospital.3 During the surges, the TCC was besieged with calls from desperate doctors and relatives with COVID-19 ofvarying severity – critical, severe, moderate, mild, and asymptomatic. Several projects and programs have sprung to help withthe pandemic. An algorithm was created at the time by the Class of 1991 UP College of Medicine, which was a quick,simple, complete, easy-to-understand guideline which navigate patients in their homes.4,5 Through a number of medicalprofessional volunteers, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) COVID Gabay Program was launched to guide families via ateleconsultation platform.6 A community preventive approach included the promotion of mask-wearing, physical distancing, and hand hygiene,aligning with recommendations from global health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) andthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).7,8 Locally, the Philippine Pediatric Society has issued a parentsCOVID-19 prevention guide to disease prevention, symptoms, home care, and breastfeeding9, and treatment guidelinesregarding the disease in children were formulated by the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society to be used by the communityand pediatricians10. Initially, COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippines were primarily administered to adults. The vaccination campaigntargeted healthcare workers, senior citizens, and individuals with comorbidities, as well as its level of acceptability in thecommunity.11 The eligibility for pediatric vaccination depended on regulatory approvals and vaccine availability then. Currently,the vaccination program has expanded to include younger age groups along with COVID-19 booster doses. However,vaccine hesitancy especially by the parents has been a challenge brought about by different factors such as exposure to falseinformation amplified by the media, the community, and the health system.12,13 The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the education sector have had profound effects on childrenas Philippines had one of the longest lockdown period worldwide.14 As education was reinstated in October 2020, theeducation department’s approach was a combination of remote learning alternatives, including online platforms, educationaltelevision and radio broadcasts, and printed study materials. However, the significant challenge lies in the disparities insocial circumstances and the absence of adequate resources at home, which has adversely affected numerous students andeducators.14,15 The apprehension and worry about contracting the virus, the cessation of in-person classes, the disturbance of theirusual daily routines, and the reduction in social interactions with schoolmates all contribute to an increased strain on themental health of children.16 In anticipation of the mental health challenges at the pandemic’s outset, the PsychologicalAssociation of the Philippines compiled a roster of complimentary telemedicine consultations. Furthermore, the PhilippineRed Cross initiated a COVID-19 hotline to attend to mental health issues and related concerns. Additionally, theDepartment of Health has launched nationwide campaigns during the National Mental Health Week.17 Our commitment to the well-being of our children during this pandemic is a reflection of our society’s resilience andcompassion. By addressing these challenges and implementing solutions, we can protect the future of our nation. In conclusion, the pediatric COVID-19 response in the Philippines is a critical endeavor that demands our collective effort.We must prioritize the health, education, and emotional well-being of our children as we navigate these challenging times.Let us work together to ensure that no child is left behind in our journey towards a safer and healthier future.  

“How to Save a Life”: On Grey’s Anatomy and the Logics of Televisual Alleviation in a Time of Crisis

This article examines the representation of the COVID-19 global public health crisis on U.S. network television medical dramas. Programs featuring healthcare professionals like Chicago Med (NBC, 2015-present), The Good Doctor (ABC, 2017–2024), and New Amsterdam (NBC, 2018–2023) depicted the devastation of the pandemic and the plight of the frontline healthcare community to viewers at home through the fictional hospital. In particular, Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, 2005–present) produced a “very special season” dedicated to portraying COVID’s toil. I argue that the primetime doctor show attempted to lessen the pain of COVID’s impact by presenting its audience-as-patient with a way to manage their emotions around loss through narrative catharsis. The program adheres to a logic of alleviation in its care work for viewers. Such a tele-therapeutic strategy of engagement on the long-running Grey’s Anatomy, amidst mass suffering and death, also served to revive the series as compelling broadcast television in the streaming era.

Expanding global health dermatology leadership: launching the GLODERM international mentorship program.

Lack of access to dermatologic care is a global health crisis. Providing intentional mentorship to emerging leaders in low and middle income countries is foundational to increasing access to care.The GLODERM mentorship program is a first of its kind program created to support changemakers in global health dermatology in enhancement of leadership skills.

Screening psychological symptoms in Filipino university students during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Translation and structural validation of the Filipino version of the DASS‐21

AbstractCulturally appropriate tools are necessary to aid in objective screening for psychological symptoms among students in university settings. This study aimed to translate and validate the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21). The instrument underwent forward translation and was reviewed by representatives from the target population, field experts, and an external auditor. The translated version of the DASS‐21, together with the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I‐PANAS‐SF), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), was administered to 681 university students. Through confirmatory factor analysis, results supported the intercorrelated three‐factor model with correlated errors for the DASS‐21 Filipino. Results also demonstrated the criterion validity of the depression and anxiety subscales through significant correlations with PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7, respectively, and a stringent z‐score test to examine the difference between two dependent correlations with one variable in common. The convergent validity of all three subscales was established through significant correlations with I‐PANAS‐SF and SWLS. All DASS‐21 Filipino subscales which includes depression (α = .89), anxiety (α = .84), and stress (α = .85), showed high internal consistency. The current findings offer initial evidence on the structural validity of the DASS‐21 Filipino, which can be utilized as a tool to screen for depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Filipino speakers during a global health crisis. Implications for psychological assessment and school and clinical interventions are discussed.

GeoCovaxTweets: A global analysis of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination discourse on social media

 Social media platforms play a crucial role in providing valuable information during crises, such as pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global public health crisis, and vaccines are the key preventive measure for achieving herd immunity. However, some individuals use social media to oppose vaccines, undermining government efforts to eliminate the virus. This study introduces the “GeoCovaxTweets” dataset, consisting of 1.8 million geotagged tweets related to COVID-19 vaccines from January 2020 to November 2022, originating from 233 countries and territories. Each tweet includes state and country information, enabling researchers to analyze global spatial and temporal patterns. An extensive set of analyses are performed on the dataset to identify prominent topic clusters and explore public opinions across different vaccines and vaccination contexts. The study outlines the dataset curation methodology and provides instructions for local reproduction. We anticipate that the dataset will be valuable for crisis computing researchers, facilitating the exploration of Twitter conversations surrounding COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination, including trends, opinion shifts, misinformation, and anti-vaccination campaigns.

Unraveling the Complexities of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: A Comprehensive Ophthalmic and Systemic Perspective.

The editorial explores the profound implications of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which emerged in December 2019 and rapidly evolved into a global health crisis. Despite initial focus on respiratory symptoms, the virus revealed significant ocular implications, prompting a reevaluation of the eye's role in its transmission, diagnosis, and systemic effects. The paradoxical nature of SARS-CoV-2-simultaneously novel and familiar within the coronavirus family-has been central to guiding the global medical response, including the swift development of vaccines. The pandemic has intensified research into the eye's susceptibility to viral infections, enhancing our understanding of virus-host interactions and the systemic impacts of viral diseases. The editorial delves into the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2, highlighting its potential to trigger autoinflammatory and autoimmune reactions with significant ocular repercussions. It examines the rapid vaccine development and deployment, the associated ocular side effects, and the ongoing research necessary to mitigate these outcomes. As the World Health Organization declared the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency, the focus has shifted toward understanding the virus's long-term implications, including its effects on ocular health. This work underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the systemic impacts of viral infections. It emphasizes the importance of ophthalmology in the broader context of public health and highlights the need for continued vigilance, research, and adaptation in a postpandemic world. The editorial calls for an integrated approach to health care, emphasizing the lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to prepare for future health challenges, with a particular focus on the intersection of virology, immunology, and ophthalmology.

Evaluation the COVID-19 related posts of the Official Facebook Page of the World Health Organization

Objective: This study aims to analyze the COVID-19-related posts on the official Facebook page of the World Health Organization (WHO). Specifically, we aim to evaluate the engagement metrics such as views, comments, shares, and reactions received by categorized posts. Additionally, we seek to identify the topics that generate the highest levels of engagement in terms of comments and sharing reactions. Material and Methods: This retrospective observational research project was designed to evaluate COVID-19-related posts on the official WHO Facebook Page between March 15, 2020, and March 15 2021. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. Result: 2021 COVID-19-related posts on the Official Facebook Page of the WHO (n=877) were examined. 23.7% of the shares were about protective equipment, 22.2% were about the pandemic, 12.6% were about personal protective equipment, 11.5% were about social distancing, and 10.3% were media briefings. It was observed that they were about COVID-19??, 9.9% were about syndemic, 6.5% were about vaccine, 1.9% were about medicine, 0.9% were about mutation. An examination of posts related to drugs, vaccines, and media briefings revealed that the most prevalent response was 'like'. Statistical analysis indicated that the number of 'like' reactions was significantly higher for vaccine-related posts compared to non-vaccine related posts. Conversely, the number of angry reactions was lower for vaccine-related posts than for non-vaccine related posts. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the engagement patterns of COVID-19-related posts on the official Facebook page of the World Health Organization (WHO). Our analysis highlights the prevalence of topics such as protective equipment, the pandemic, personal protective equipment, social distancing, and media briefings among the examined posts. Notably, vaccine-related posts garnered a significantly higher number of 'like' reactions compared to non-vaccine related posts, underscoring the importance of vaccine-related communication efforts. These findings emphasize the significance of accurate and informative content dissemination by authoritative institutions like the WHO during global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Novel antimony-based antimicrobial drug targets membranes of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens.

Antibiotic resistance presents a critical global public health crisis that threatens our ability to combat bacterial infections. In light of the declining efficacy of traditional antibiotics, the use of alternative solutions, such as metal-based antimicrobial compounds, has gained renewed interest. Based on the previously synthesized innovative organoantimony(V) compounds, we selected and further characterized the antibacterial efficacy of five of them against three important Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Among these compounds, SbPh4ACO showed broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, with membrane-disrupting effects against all three pathogens. Furthermore, we revealed the synergistic potential of SbPh4ACO when combined with antibiotics, such as cefoxitin, at concentrations that exert no cytotoxic effects tested on three mammalian cell lines. This study offers the first report on the mechanisms of action of novel antimony-based antimicrobial and presents the therapeutic potential of SbPh4ACO in combating both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens while enhancing the efficacy of existing antibiotics.