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COVID-19: Unique public health issues facing Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Abuelgasim, E, Saw, LJ, Shirke, M, Zeinah, M, Harky, A
Current problems in cardiology. 2020;45(8):100621
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Plain language summary
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is a public health emergency with serious adverse implications for populations, healthcare systems, and economies globally. The aim of this review was to explore the possible association between ethnicity, incidence and outcomes of COVID-19 using both recent COVID-19 studies and studies of previous pandemics. Findings show that: - ethnic minorities have lower lung function compared to their Caucasian counterparts. - Black, Asian and Minority Ethnics communities are prone to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and are subject to adverse healthcare disparities. - ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected, and experience worse health outcomes compared to other groups. They are also more likely to be socioeconomically disadvantaged compared to white communities. - Africans are at a higher risk of receiving later and more indigent healthcare compared to other ethnic groups. Authors conclude that data on ethnicity should be routinely collected by governments to robustly determine magnitude of association. In addition, governments should also recommend strategies to mitigate risks on minority ethnicities due to socioeconomic disadvantages.
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease is a serious public health emergency, with serious adverse implications for populations, healthcare systems, and economies globally. Recently, concerns have been raised about possible association between ethnicity, incidence and outcomes of COVID-19 arisen from early government data. In this review, we will explore the possible association using both recent COVID-19 studies and studies of previous pandemics. We call for data on ethnicity to be routinely collected by governments, as part of an international collaboration, alongside other patient demographics and further research to robustly determine the magnitude of association. Moreover, governments must learn from previous pandemics and recommended strategies to mitigate risks on minority ethnicities due to socioeconomic disadvantages.
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Pilot trial of a group cognitive behavioural therapy program for comorbid depression and obesity.
Lores, T, Musker, M, Collins, K, Burke, A, Perry, SW, Wong, ML, Licinio, J
BMC psychology. 2020;8(1):34
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Plain language summary
Depression and obesity are significant global health concerns. Depression can significantly impact physical health and reduced immune function. The aim of this study was to examine the potential benefits of a novel group psychological intervention program. The study is a preliminary quasi-experimental (single-arm) before-after pilot trial of a newly developed group-based psychological intervention program for people with depression and comorbid obesity. The program consisted of 10 two-hour group sessions held weekly. A total of 24 participants were recruited to the program across two pilot groups. Results indicate that there was a significant reduction in participants’ depression and anxiety scores by program-end. Some evidence also shows improvements in weight-related negative cognitions. Authors conclude that the group therapy program therefore has considerable potential to be effective in helping people enjoy better mental health and improve health outcomes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and obesity are significant global health concerns that commonly occur together. An integrated group cognitive behavioural therapy program was therefore developed to simultaneously address comorbid depression and obesity. METHODS Twenty-four participants (63% women, mean age 46 years) who screened positively for depression with a body mass index ≥25 were recruited from a self-referred general population sample. The group therapy program (10 two-hour weekly sessions) was examined in a single-arm, before-after pilot trial, conducted in a behavioural health clinic in Adelaide, Australia. Primary outcomes included survey and assessment-based analyses of depression, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, and weight (kg), assessed at four time-points: baseline, post-intervention, three-months and 12-months post program. Eighteen participants (75%) completed the program and all assessments. RESULTS Significant improvements in depression, anxiety, self-esteem and body shape concern scores, several quality of life domains, eating behaviours and total physical activity (among others) - but not weight - were observed over the course of the trial. CONCLUSIONS Results from this pilot trial suggest that combining interventions for depression and obesity may be useful. Further development of the program, particularly regarding the potential for physical health benefits, and a randomised controlled trial, are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12617001079336, 13 July 2017. Retrospectively registered after date of the first consent (6 July 2017), but before the date of the first intervention session (20 July 2017).