COVID-19: The forgotten priorities of the pandemic

Abstract

The zoonotic virus now named SARS-CoV-2 first infected humans in China, and COVID-19 has rapidly become pandemic. To mitigate its impact on societies, health systems and economies, countries have adopted nonpharmacological preventive practices such as 'spatial' or 'social' distancing, the use of protective masks, and handwashing; these have been widely implemented. However, measures aimed at protecting physical health and healthcare systems have side-effects that might have a big impact on individuals' wellbeing. As the pandemic reaches low-and middle-income countries, weaker health systems, limited resources and the lower socioeconomic status of their populations make halting the pandemic more challenging. In this article, we explore the impact of COVID-19 and its prevention measures on the wellbeing of vulnerable populations. Special attention must be given to homeless, indigenous, migrant and imprisoned populations, as well as people living with disabilities and the elderly. More than just resolute governmental action will be required to overcome the pandemic. Links between science and political actions have to be strengthened. Fighting COVID-19 is a collective endeavour and community action, on a global scale, is of paramount importance.

Perceived Severity of COVID-19 and Post-pandemic Consumption Willingness: The Roles of Boredom and Sensation-Seeking

“…van Rooij et al (2020) found that in the United States, impulsivity during the pandemic led to a violation in coronavirus control measures. Mesa Vieira et al (2020) also found that a sharp rise in the divorce rate in China during the pandemic may be associated with increased impulsive decisions. The results of Study 2 suggest that lowering the perceived severity of COVID-19 and experience of life tedium during the pandemic could alleviate people's impulsivity, thereby reducing the likelihood of making poor decisions.…”

Impact of COVID-19 on people with physical disabilities: A rapid review

“…to rethink the question of access to rehabilitation services in context of crisis, such as pandemic, war or natural disaster. Our review also underlines the lack of research about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with physical disabilities, a population that is too often forgotten in governmental decisions 62 and that should be included in future crisis strategies and response planning. 63 Studies with the main goal of investigating the impacts on this population should therefore be conducted if we want to better respond to their specific and unique needs.…”

Fertility and the COVID-19 crisis: do gender roles really matter?

“…Individuals can decide to postpone conceiving due to anxiety and mental distress rooted in the fear of themselves or their partner becoming sick. While health systems around the world are giving priority to COVID cases, other health conditions are not being properly addressed (Hall et al 2020;Vieira et al 2020). Analyses of the Spanish flu crisis show that reduced access to health services for sexual reproduction, pregnancy assistance and mental health care services increased the risk of miscarriage, sexually transmitted infections and infant mortality (Hall et al 2020).…”

“…Imposing social distancing measures, limiting social interactions, prohibiting large gatherings and wearing protective equipment in public spaces can lead to disturbance of the matrimonial market. A combination of containment measures and social isolation limits possibilities of socialisation and interpersonal relations, negatively impacting psychological wellbeing and family relations (Vieira et al 2020;Aassve et al 2020). Virtual social interactions using technological devices cannot fully substitute interpersonal contact, with a negative impact on fertility intentions in the medium-term, as happened in past pandemics (Boberg-Fazlic et al 2017;Mamelund 2004).…”

“…Moreover, the psychological burden produced by 'stay-home' isolation and uncertainty about the future negatively impact fertility decisions (Yuill 2020;Lebel et al 2020). As the quality of couples' relationships deteriorate due to anxiety and psychological trauma, the likelihood of couple dissolution and of reduced fertility increase (Campbell 2020;Vieira et al 2020). On the other hand, isolation and staying home can provide the opportunity to spend additional time with one's family and one's partner, improving the quality of the relationship and stimulating people to extend their families (Szabo et al 2020;Ahmed et al 2020).…”