Reimagining the journey to recovery: The COVID-19 pandemic and global mental health

Patel, Vikram; Furukawa, Toshi A; Kola, Lola

doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1004224

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Numerous studies have examined COVID-19 in relation to the psychological wellbeing of the general population, or of the health workforce, with relatively less focus on people with pre-existing MHCs and mental health services [15]. Evidence from mostly high-income countries indicates that a combination of factors related to the pandemic itself, and to the prevention and mitigation strategies, were responsible for infringement of the right to mental health of people with MHCs, with increased inequities in comparison with the general population [16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adverse sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health care in seven low- and middle-income countries: MASC study

Hanlon,

Lempp,

Alem

et al. 2024

Preprint

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A WHO rapid assessment of early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health services worldwide found a consistent pattern of degradation. In this context the MASC study aimed to: identify the consequences of the pandemic for mental health services and people with pre- existing mental health conditions (MHCs) in 7 low- and middle-income countries; and (2) identify good practice to mitigate these impacts. The study was conducted in Chile, Ethiopia, Georgia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Ukraine. This was an observational study, using a mixed- methods convergent design, triangulating data from: (1) 144 key informants participating in semi- structured interviews or focus groups and/or a self-completed survey; (2) routine service utilization data; (3) local grey literature; and (4) expert consultation. We found clear evidence in all sites that the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing disadvantages experienced by people with MHCs and led to a deterioration in the availability and quality of care, especially for psychosocial care. Alongside increased vulnerability to COVID-19, people with MHCs faced additional barriers to accessing prevention and treatment interventions compared to the general population. To varying extents, sites showed accelerated implementation of digital technologies, but with evidence of worsening inequities in access. Where primary care-based mental health care was more developed or prioritised, systems seemed more resilient and adaptive. Our findings have the following implications. First, mental health service reductions are clear examples of ‘structural stigma’, namely policy level decisions in healthcare which place a low priority upon services for people with MHCs. Second, integration of mental health care into all general health care settings is key to ensuring accessibility and parity of physical and mental health care. Third, digital innovations should be designed to strengthen and not fragment systems. We discuss these findings in terms of anticipating such challenges in future and preparing layers of resilience.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adverse sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health care in seven low- and middle-income countries: MASC study

Hanlon,

Lempp,

Alem

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In 2019, opioid misuse accounted for 80% of drug-related deaths worldwide, with a 1040% increase in opioid-related deaths in the United States compared to 2013, and further increases during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 5 ]. Whilst the impact of the pandemic on mental health more generally is not clear-cut, evidence suggests that contextual factors such as mandated social isolation through repeated lockdowns and inaccessibility of routine healthcare led to an increased prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in particular [ 6 ].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards mental health as a human right: The key role of lived experience

Gaynor-Brook

2023

PLoS Med

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Medical tourism index and travel willingness via travel anxiety: PLS-NCA approach

Shoukat

Elgammal

Aziz

et al. 2023

Tourism Recreation Research

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Reimagining the journey to recovery: The COVID-19 pandemic and global mental health

Abstract: In this editorial, guest editors Vikram Patel, Daisy Fancourt, Lola Kola, and Toshi Furukawa discuss the contents of the special issue on the pandemic and global mental health, highlighting key themes and providing important context.

Cited by 4 publications

References 25 publications

Adverse sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health care in seven low- and middle-income countries: MASC study

Adverse sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health care in seven low- and middle-income countries: MASC study

Towards mental health as a human right: The key role of lived experience

Medical tourism index and travel willingness via travel anxiety: PLS-NCA approach

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