Parity of esteem: A global COVID-19 vaccination approach for people with mental illnesses, based on facts from 34 countries; recommendations and solutions
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Patients with severe mental illness are at higher risk of contracting the virus due to social determinants of health. Vulnerable populations include the elderly, people with pre-existing conditions, and those exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Unfortunately, only a few countries have updated vaccination strategies to prioritize patients with mental illnesses. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether individuals with mental disorders are prioritized in vaccine allocation strategies in different world regions. They are often neglected in policymaking but are highly vulnerable to the threatening complications of COVID-19. Methods: were defined according to the WHO as chronic diseases that are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Results: Most countries surveyed (80%) reported healthcare delivery via a nationalized health service. It was found that 82% of the countries had set up advisory groups, but only 26% included a mental health professional. Most frequently, malignancy (68%) was prioritized followed by diabetes type 2 (62%) and type 1 (59%). Only nine countries (26%) prioritized mental health conditions. Conclusion: The spread of the coronavirus has exposed both the strengths and flaws of our healthcare systems. The most vulnerable groups suffered the most and were hit first and faced most challenges. These findings raise awareness that patients with mental illnesses have been overlooked in immunization campaigns. The range of their mortality, morbidity, and quality of life could have widened due to this delay.
Source: Industrial Psychiatry Journal
Authors: Sheikh Shoib, Fahimeh Saeed, Sharad Philip, Miyuru Chandradasa, Soumitra Das, Renato de Filippis, Zohaib Yousaf, Margaret Ojeahere, Hasnaa K. Gad, Ramyadarshni Yadivel, Zahra Legris, Chonnakarn Jatchavala, Ravi Paul, Anoop K. Gupta, Jibril I. M. Handuleh, Ahmet Gürcan, Mariana Pinto da Costa, Lisa Dannatt, Araz R. Ahmad, Florence Jaguga, Sheikh M. Saleem, Brihastami Sawitri, Nigar Arif, Md. Saiful Islam, Md Ariful Haque, Dorottya Őri, Egor Chumakov, Sarya Swed, Thiago H. Roza, Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam
Institutions: University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Sharda University, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Guwahati, University of Kelaniya, Sunshine Hospital, Magna Graecia University, Reading Hospital, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Zagazig University, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Prince of Songkla University, University of Zambia, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Başkent University, King's College London, University of Cape Town, University of Raparin, Universitas Airlangga, Ministry of Healthcare, Jahangirnagar University, Kunming Medical University, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated To Kunming Medical University, Semmelweis University, Heim Pál Országos Gyermekgyógyászati Intézet, St Petersburg University, University of Aleppo, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Deakin University
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $60
OpenAlex ID: W4389727391