Background The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs provide information to for the spread of COVID-19 within health care facilities, and to detect the risk groups. Objective We aimed to describe the rate of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and its determinants among health care workers. Data sources We used Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, EBSCOhost and Cochrane Library. Study eligibility criteria We included the reports of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence with a sample size of minimum 1,000 HCWs. Methods The study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, no: CRD42021230456). We used PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. The keywords were “COVID-19, “SARS-Co-2”, “Coronavirus”, “seroprevalence”, “health care workers” and “risk factors”. Results In total 4329 reports were retrieved, the duplications were removed, after filtering according to the title and abstract 25 studies were selected. Risk of bias was assessed in 25 studies; it was low in 13 studies, medium in four studies, and high in eight studies. In meta-analysis by using the random effect model, the weighted average of seroprevalence was calculated as 8% (CI: 6%-10%). The pooled seroprevalence rates of the selected variables that have a rate over the average were male HCWs with 9% (95% CI 7%-11%); HCWs from ethnic minorities with 13% (95% CI: 9% - 17%); high exposure 9% (95% CI: %6 - %13); exposure to the virus outside the health care setting %22 (95% CI: %14 - %32). Conclusions Our analysis indicate a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rate of 8% among studies included >1,000 HCWs for the year 2020 before vaccinations started. The most common risk factors associated with higher seroprevalence rate were ethnicity, male gender, and having higher number of household contacts. Working as a frontline HCW was inconsistent in its association with higher seroprevalence.
Objective: The objective of this study is to review the containment approaches adopted by countries to control COVID-19 pandemic. In our analysis, we have used Bacchi’s framework for interpretive policy analysis and examined the measures countries have taken and discussed the premise underlying containment strategies. We have included in our analysis United States of America, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Singapore, Japan and China. There are essentially two strategies that are used in the management of an outbreak: suppression or mitigation. Suppression strategy aims to lower the basic reproduction number (Ro) below 1 and thereby reduce the number of infected people or eliminate the person-to-person transmission. Mitigation approach, on the other hand, aims to generate community (herd) immunity by allowing the controlled infection of people. In this approach, the aim is not to bring Ro under 1 but to mitigate the health effects of the outbreak. It is seen that given the epidemiological features of the disease, the scope of the virus, and the limitation of the intervention resources at hand, the suppression approach is accepted more widely by the countries in terms of Covid-19 pandemic. In contrast, the mitigation strategy is approached with suspicion. The approach aiming to achieve herd immunity seems more suitable for situations in which it is possible to protect the high-risk groups by administrating vaccine. These evaluations should be carried out following the circumstances of the country in question. It is essential to form an evidence-based plan that is appropriate for the national context. It should be kept in mind that the solutions for the fight against the virus do not solely consist of those ready-made implementations by choosing one option over the other and that mixed models could be brought to the agenda when required. Conclusion: epidemics, immunity, herd, health policy, infection control
Highlights Precise data on the numbers of refugees and undocumented migrants with COVID-19 in Turkey is unavailable. Refugees and undocumented migrants in Turkey were granted access to COVID-19 testing and treatment. The health response for refugees in Turkey is led by the Turkish government with support from local authorities, local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community organizations. Cities play an important role in determining how refugees and undocumented migrants in Turkey access health services. Refugees and undocumented migrants face increasing out-of-pocket health care expenditure which affects their access to health care. Language is one of the major barriers to accessing health care services for refugees and undocumented migrants with COVID-19 in Turkey. Health information in Arabic distributed through leaflets, media and mobile phone communication have been key measures to address language barriers.
Migration is a longstanding, growing global phenomenon. As a social determinant of health, migration can lead to health inequities between people on the move and host populations. Thus, it is imperative that there is a coordinated effort to advance migration-and health-related goals. WHO has a specific remit to support evidence-based decision-making in its Member States. As part of that remit, WHO Europe presents this Framework for Refugee and Migrant Health Research in the WHO European Region. It is designed as a starting point for debating and analysing a broad range of options and approaches to help inform a WHO global research agenda on health and migration. This is important because refugee and migrant health research is a complex interdisciplinary field that is expanding in a fast-changing socio-political environment. The Framework is intended for all stakeholders involved: academic, civil society organisations, refugees, migrants, policy-makers, healthcare providers, educators and funders. It is developed by academics in consultation with these stakeholder groups. It reflects on three specific interrelated dynamics in research practice. These are (i) research prioritisation; (ii) study samples and (iii) research design. The Framework offers recommendations to consider for each one of these. It elucidates the value of involving refugees and migrants in research and research agendas and the need to develop an ecosystem that will support and sustain participatory, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and inter-sectoral projects.
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