Stigma and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study on the perceptions of healthcare workers in Canada and Singapore

Frontiers in Public Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Jan. 23, 2025

Introduction We sought to explore healthcare providers (HCPs)' perceptions of and experiences with stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada Singapore. Methods conducted a qualitative study (May 2020–February 2021) HCPs Singapore developed semi-structured interview guide rooted Health Stigma Discrimination Framework (HSDF). recruited participants online through word mouth via newsletters, blogs social media. Participants were eligible participate if they worked as provider or COVID-19. Following participant consent, data recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded using framework approach. Coded charted into matrix used compare themes each country. Results 51 interviews (23 Canada; 28 Singapore). perceived that patient fears coupled mistrust health system impacted behaviors. reported discrimination stigmatization population subsets. In Singapore, this included Chinese tourists migrant workers Canada, people ethnicity experiencing homelessness. This was often attributed pre-existing prejudices including these populations at increased risk not adhering public recommendations. feared spreading family, peers patients, resulting choosing isolate from circles. both countries experienced occupation-based stigma, related practices (masking, testing); intersected race-based prejudice for ethnicity. samples witnessed stigmatizing behavior; some also discrimination. Conclusions Secondary occupation by intersecting based on race/ethnicity observed marginalized populations. Most consistent across Strategies mitigate toward at-risk are warranted.

Language: Английский

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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health and Health Care Experience in Those With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

International Journal of Women s Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: Volume 17, P. 287 - 298

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Purpose: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine-metabolic disorder and associated with variety of health disorders. The management PCOS requires multidisciplinary care approach. COVID-19 pandemic affected access delivery care. aim this study was to assess the impact on experience those by PCOS. Patients Methods: An online survey conducted January 2021 July 2022 in Canada, open anyone who identified as having Data collected REDCap included questions demographics, symptoms, during pandemic. Results: majority (59%) respondents (n=194, mean age 34± 8 years) experienced pandemic-related employment changes self-reported high stress level (73± 21/100). Of reported body weight, 58% gained which they attributed unhealthy eating habits lack exercise pandemic, 16% lost credited increased physical activity shift towards healthier habits. ascribed COVID-related clinic cancellations, delayed appointments, long wait times for referrals lab work, facilities insufficient social support. Some voluntarily reduced services limit COVID exposure. COVID-19-related status perceived more important than their own PCOS-related symptoms. Virtual appointments via telehealth were regarded beneficial 20% users. Conclusion: Individuals an overall reduction supports. adapted use telemedicine, while others due inability manage further highlighted that often accessibility supports needed condition. Plain Language Summary: ovary syndrome affecting up 18% women can quality life across lifespan. It characterized irregular menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding, male-pattern hair growth, acne excess production male hormones. risk infertility, pregnancy complications, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders such anxiety, depression, negative self-image. Because its complexity, approach including endocrinologists, gynecologists, dietician, specialists, psychologists/psychiatrists. In paper, we describe findings self-administered explores patients' view challenges caused disruptions many patients struggled find support needed. unprecedented system but also presented opportunities alternative models. Our highlight need incorporate viable individualized options people chronic conditions PCOS, self-management prevent deterioration well-being unforeseen crises. While restricted proposed improvements provide distinct insights are international relevance there ample evidence similar experiences regarding around world. Keywords: polycystic syndrome, COVID-19, care, telehealth, supports, women's

Language: Английский

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Research participation in inflammatory bowel disease studies: What do patients want?

Crohn s & Colitis 360, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 7(2)

Published: Feb. 27, 2025

We aimed to determine patient perspectives on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research participation and potential changes related the COVID pandemic experience. Participants of population-based University Manitoba IBD Research Registry were surveyed March 2022 2023. The survey inquired about views in pre-, peri- post-COVID era. Questions included aspects from home or in-person, reimbursement, results reporting, study design. determined a rank order reasons for participation. assessed willingness participate 5 genres: clinical trials, biospecimen collection research, involving colonoscopies, accessing medical records, with access records samples. Of 3018 invitees, 1105 (36.6%) completed survey. Two-thirds reported that pre-pandemic they unlikely placebo-controlled nearly half would trial if guaranteed receive active drug. most important aspect impacting was understanding side effects (81%). Post-COVID, 20%-30% their interest decreased, 15%-20% had increased, majority (55%-60%) indicating no change interest. About 80% observational research. Payment not significant motivator most. found low rate participating but 50% receiving drug interest, however, further lessened by pandemic.

Language: Английский

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Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and recurrent pregnancy loss management: Trends in clinical care from a tertiary centre

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 102817 - 102817

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Assessing the impact of attachment to primary care and unattachment duration on healthcare utilization and cost in Ontario, Canada: a population-based retrospective cohort study using health administrative data

BMC Primary Care, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 26(1)

Published: March 17, 2025

Insufficient access to primary care remains a major public health issue in Ontario, Canada, particularly for unattached residents (i.e., those who are not formally enrolled with provider, usually family physician or occasionally nurse practitioner). This study evaluates healthcare utilization and costs among individuals, focusing on the impact of unattachment duration. We conducted population-based retrospective cohort using administrative data, comparing provincially insured maintained consistent attachment status over 12-month period (April 1, 2021, March 31, 2022) were unattached. employed multivariable regression analyses examine associations between status, duration unattachment, demographic patient characteristics, costs. Prolonged periods significantly associated increased costs, populations higher burden comorbidities. In context attached low comorbidities had median cost $287, increasing $3,711 (cost ratio: 12.93, CI: 12.86–13.01, p < 0.0001) high Unattached individuals $238 0.83, 0.82–0.83, 0.0001), rising $7,106 24.76, 24.27–25.26, comorbidities, up $8,177 28.49, 26.61–30.49, long-term Our findings underscore substantial both individual patients system, levels chronic disease further exacerbating these effects. These results crucial shaping programs policies maximize their reducing emergency department visits, hospitalizations, overall

Language: Английский

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health services utilisation and mortality in Ontario, Canada: an interrupted time series analysis

BMJ Public Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 3(1), P. e001576 - e001576

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Background This study explores changing patterns of healthcare utilisation for chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada. It compares prepandemic and morbidity mortality, focusing on physician emergency department visits, hospitalisations anxiety, depression diseases, as well all-cause mortality rates. Methods We constructed a cohort 2 950 384 adults (18+ years), using administrative health databases, who were living Canada, between period January 2017 March 2023 recorded number visits each individual had follow-up related to conditions. The data then analysed an interrupted time-series design observe changes from before compared with (1) monthly or (2) deaths. exposure this was onset Results In period, mean PCR-tested Ontario 364 880, steady increase 1210 per month. During initial phase pandemic, there decline diseases. trend changed, leading significant rise that peaked 2021, increasing by 1690 monthly. From 2022 onwards, saw notable decline, decreasing 6830 month (p<0.05), reflecting reduced later phases. Conclusions caused fluctuations Ontario. These suggest increased risks missed diagnoses delayed care, impacting mortality. results emphasise importance adaptable systems strong preparedness maintain care continuity, especially disease management, resource-limited periods.

Language: Английский

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Population-Based Matched Cohort Study of COVID-19 Healthcare Costs, Ontario, Canada

Emerging infectious diseases, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(4)

Published: March 18, 2025

Estimates of COVID-19-related healthcare costs are key to health system planning, but attributable cost data remain limited. We characterized COVID-19 through a population-based matched cohort study in Ontario, Canada, by using administrative data. SARS-CoV-2-positive persons from 2020 unexposed historical control 2016-2018. estimated phase-based and survival-adjusted COVID-19-attributable the perspective. 159,817 persons. Mean (95% CI) 10-day per person were $1 ($-4 $6) preindex, $240 ($231-$249) during acute care, $18 ($14-$21) postacute phases, $3,928 ($3,471-$4,384) terminal phase for early deaths, $1,781 ($1,182-$2,380) late deaths. cumulative at 360 days was $2,553 ($2,348-$2,756) person. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with substantial long-term costs, consistent understanding post-COVID condition. Determining phase-specific can inform budget pandemic planning.

Language: Английский

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Healthcare Provider Strategies and Approaches to Supporting People Living With HIV Who Are Experiencing HIV Treatment Disengagement in British Columbia, Canada

Qualitative Health Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 1, 2025

We conducted a strengths-based, qualitative study to elucidate the approaches and strategies utilized by healthcare providers (HCPs) support HIV treatment engagement in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Healthcare (e.g., nurses, peer navigators, pharmacists) across province of BC were recruited through regional programs word mouth purposive sampling strategies. An academic community researcher co-conducted semi-structured phone interviews with HCPs providing HIV-specific healthcare. Emergent coding participatory analysis, guided interpretive description socio-ecological model, used uncover themes. Across all provincial health regions, 19 interviewed between November 2020 May 2021. Narratives centered around care as relational practice importance person-centered approaches. underscored need foster long-term, trusting relationships clients, founded on respect, compassion, non-judgmental approaches, which acknowledged unique needs experiences people living (PLWH) experiencing breaks. Successful supported clients’ overall stability, directly adherence. This includes tailored address client contexts priorities related psychosocial other intersecting needs. Collaborative providers, both formal multidisciplinary team-based partnerships ancillary service staff, found improve continuity. Our highlights relationship-building, care, collaborative PLWH breaks treatment. emphasized holistic, community-centered crucial successful long-term care.

Language: Английский

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Reducing Hospitalisations With a Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Clinic

Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(3)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Rationale Patients with skin and soft tissue infection are often admitted to hospital despite compelling evidence that many can be managed safely as outpatients. This quality improvement study reports the outcomes of an outpatient programme implemented at academic acute‐care in Toronto, Canada. Methods The intervention was care pathway for patients suspected who may otherwise have required admission hospital. within existing general internal medicine clinic primarily involved addition part‐time advanced practice wound nurses. main outcome number inpatient days infection. Data were analysed 4 years pre‐intervention (June 2016–May 2020) 2 post‐intervention 2020–May 2022). Another same network which did not undergo included a control. Results During 2‐year period there 465 visits (mean 19/month). median decreased from 224 per month before 148 after (a reduction 34%). There no control site or among all diagnoses site. Conclusions implementation associated sustained 34% demonstrates benefits enhancing through creation streamlined adding interdisciplinary expertise.

Language: Английский

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Pandemic Stringency Measures and Hospital Admissions for Eating Disorders

JAMA Pediatrics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 178(9), P. 879 - 879

Published: July 8, 2024

Hospitalizations for eating disorders rose dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health restrictions, or stringency, are believed to have played a role in exacerbating disorders. Few studies of pandemic extended period when public stringency restrictions were lifted.

Language: Английский

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