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WIJDAN BAESHN

The Impact of Covid 19 on population health

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COVID-19 has had a profound effect on the health of populations across various communities, with two primary contributors being the rise in mental health issues and the disparities in access to healthcare.

Firstly, the pandemic has resulted in a notable increase in mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Factors such as isolation, fear of illness, and financial uncertainty have worsened these mental health challenges. Many people have experienced interruptions in their daily lives and a loss of social support, leading to a rise in mental health conditions.(Serafini et al.,2020).

Secondly, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated pre-existing disparities in healthcare access, especially among marginalized communities. Barriers such as limited healthcare services, lack of insurance, and socioeconomic challenges have led to worse health outcomes for these groups. Furthermore, misinformation regarding the virus and vaccines has complicated their ability to access necessary care.

Among these issues, the increased mental health challenges stand out as the most critical. The impact of mental health on overall well-being is significant, influencing individual health, community unity, productivity, and economic stability. It is essential to prioritize mental health in order to build resilience and facilitate recovery within communities (Andraska et al.,2021).

To address the challenges related to mental health during the pandemic, several strategies can be implemented. First, expanding mental health services by improving access to counseling and support groups can help individuals cope with pandemic-related stress. Additionally, community outreach programs aimed at raising awareness about mental health services and reducing stigma can encourage people to seek help. Advocating for policy changes that improve healthcare access and affordability is also crucial in closing the gaps for underserved populations. However, progress may be hindered by various barriers, such as the stigma associated with mental health, which can prevent individuals from seeking assistance. Furthermore, many communities may struggle with limited resources and funding, making it challenging to effectively expand mental health services. Lastly, political and social resistance can impede policy changes, especially in areas where access to healthcare is already restricted. (Andraska et al.,2021;Wiedermann et al.,2023).

References:

Andraska, E. A., Alabi, O., Dorsey, C., Erben, Y., Velazquez, G., Franco-Mesa, C., & Sachdev, U. (2021, September). Health care disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Seminars in vascular surgery (Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 82-88). WB Saunders.

Serafini, G., Parmigiani, B., Amerio, A., Aguglia, A., Sher, L., & Amore, M. (2020). The psychological impact of COVID-19 on the mental health in the general population.

Wiedermann, C. J., Barbieri, V., Plagg, B., Marino, P., Piccoliori, G., & Engl, A. (2023, May). Fortifying the foundations: a comprehensive approach to enhancing mental health support in educational policies amidst crises. In Healthcare (Vol. 11, No. 10, p. 1423). MDPI.

BUSHRA ALZAHRANI

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The COVID-19 epidemic has affected public health worldwide, including my neighborhood. The public health crisis has exacerbated social, economic, and healthcare gaps, posing problems for individuals and institutions. My community’s health challenges stem from mental health decline and healthcare inequities. Mental health decline is the most important element due to its widespread and long-term effects on individuals and society. This article addresses the causes, solutions, and impediments to resolving them, as well as policy changes after the pandemic.

Key Population Health Factors

Regression of mental health :

Anxiety, despair, and stress have increased because to the pandemic. COVID-19 uncertainty, anxiety, and lockdowns have harmed mental health. Brooks et al. (2020) found that isolation and quarantine increase the likelihood of psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress and depression.

Healthcare workers, students, and those who lost loved ones to the virus are vulnerable. Economic issues like job loss and financial instability have compounded the mental health problem. The stigma of mental illness prevents many from seeking help.

Differential Healthcare Access:

Poor healthcare access, especially for low-income and marginalized communities, has been aggravated by the pandemic. Access to testing, treatment, and immunizations was limited, making viral control difficult. Rural sections in my community lacked medical staff and resources, while urban hospitals had overcrowded patient loads.

Income, education, and housing affect healthcare access, according to Marmot and Allen (2020). These discrepancies led to inadequate care for vulnerable populations during the pandemic.

The Main Factor :

Even while healthcare access gaps are crucial, mental health deterioration affects all demographics and has long-term effects on society. Poor mental health causes emotional and psychological instability, physical health difficulties, lower productivity, and healthcare resource strain. Mental health is essential for community resilience and rehabilitation.

Solutions

Increased mental health services

Access to mental health treatments like counseling, therapy, and support groups can help pandemic victims cope. Telemedicine is effective for mental health care, especially under lockdown.

Instruction and Community Engagement

Community-based mental health awareness and stigma reduction programs might encourage help-seeking. Educational institutions, professional contexts, and faith-based organizations can improve mental health.

Policy changes: Governments and healthcare institutions must emphasize mental health funding and integrate mental health services into primary care. This makes mental health care more affordable and accessible.

Obstacles

Mental health issues may present hurdles, such as:

Stigma is the unfavorable impression and discrimination of specific traits or conditions, which often leads to social exclusion and marginalization. Cultural and societal stigmas of mental illness may hinder people from seeking help.

Resource constraints: Many communities, especially rural ones, lack mental health facilities and skilled staff.

Policy Implementation Challenges: Bureaucratic delays and insufficient money may hinder mental health initiatives.

Changes in Policy Since the Pandemic :

Post-pandemic policy changes

COVID-19 has required major changes in public health policy to address new issues. For example: Telehealth expansion

Governments and healthcare providers have expanded telehealth to improve access. This method has helped mental health patients get support without in-person visits. Telehealth services are more sustainable due to current rules that promote reimbursement (Smith et al., 2021).

Increased Public Health Funding

Many countries, including mine, have expanded public health funding to address mental health, pandemic preparedness, and healthcare inequality.

Workplace Mental Health Policies

Counseling and flexible work arrangements are becoming more common in workplace mental health programs. These policies aim to reduce stress and improve health.

In conclusion :

My neighborhood has struggled with mental health decline and healthcare access due to the COVID-19 pandemic . Both aspects are important, but mental health difficulties have long-term impacts and must be addressed. Expanding mental health services, community outreach, and legislation reforms can help, but stigma and resource constraints must be addressed. Pandemic policy reforms, such as telehealth growth and public health funding increases, have laid the groundwork for future issue mitigation.

References:

Brooks, S. K., Webster, R. K., Smith, L. E., Woodland, L., Wessely, S., Greenberg, N., & Rubin, G. J. (2020). The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: Rapid review of the evidence. The Lancet, 395(10227), 912-920. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30460-8

Marmot, M., & Allen, J. (2020). COVID-19: Exposing and amplifying inequalities. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 74(9), 681-682. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2020-214720

Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2022). Organizational Behavior (19th ed.). Pearson Education.

Smith, A. C., Thomas, E., Snoswell, C. L., Haydon, H., Mehrotra, A., Clemensen, J., & Caffery, L. J. (2021). Telehealth for global emergencies: Implications for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 27(5), 309-313.