Psychosocial Impact of the Implementation of COVID-19 Protocols.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally since the first case was diagnosed in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and we are now experiencing the fourth wave. Several measures are being taken to care for the infected and to curtail the spread of this novel infectious virus. The psychosocial impact of these measures on patients, relatives, caregivers, and medical personnel also needs to be assessed and catered for. METHODS: This is a review article on the psychosocial impact of the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. The literature search was done using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline. DISCUSSION: Modalities of transportation of the patient to isolation and quarantine centres have led to stigma and negative attitudes towards such individuals. When diagnosed with the infection, fear of dying from COVID-19, fear of infecting family members and close associates, fear of stigmatization, and loneliness are common among COVID-19 patients. Isolation and quarantine procedures also cause loneliness and depression, and the person is at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. Caregivers are continually stressed out and have the constant fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2. Despite clear guidelines to help with closure for family members of people dying from COVID-19, inadequate resources make this unrealistic. CONCLUSION: Mental and emotional distress resulting from fear of SARS-Cov-2 infection, the mode of transmission, and consequences have a tremendous negative impact on the psychosocial well-being of those affected, their caregivers, and relatives. There is a need for the government, health institutions, and NGOs to establish platforms to cater to these concerns.

CONTEXTE: La pandémie de SRAS-CoV-2 causée par le COVID-19 s'est propagée à l'échelle mondiale depuis que le premier cas a été diagnostiqué à Wuhan, en Chine, en décembre 2019, et nous vivons maintenant la quatrième vague. Plusieurs mesures sont prises pour prendre en charge les personnes infectées et freiner la propagation de ce nouveau virus infectieux. L'impact psychosocial de ces mesures sur les patients, les proches, les soignants et le personnel médical doit également être évalué et pris en compte. MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'un article de synthèse sur l'impact psychosocial de la mise en œuvre des protocoles COVID-19. La recherche documentaire a été effectuée à l'aide de Google Scholar, PubMed et Medline. DISCUSSION: Les modalités de transport du patient vers les centres d'isolement et de quarantaine ont conduit à une stigmatisation et à des attitudes négatives envers ces personnes. Lorsque l'infection est diagnostiquée, la peur de mourir du COVID-19, la peur d'infecter les membres de la famille et les proches, la peur de la stigmatisation et la solitude sont courantes chez les patients atteints du COVID-19. Les procédures d'isolement et de quarantaine provoquent également la solitude et la dépression, et la personne risque de souffrir du syndrome de stress post-traumatique. Les soignants sont continuellement stressés et ont la crainte constante de contracter le SRAS-CoV-2. Malgré des directives claires visant à aider les membres de la famille des personnes décédées du COVID-19 à tourner la page, le manque de ressources rend cette démarche irréaliste. CONCLUSION: La détresse mentale et émotionnelle résultant de la peur de l'infection par le SRAS-Cov-2, de son mode de transmission et de ses conséquences a un impact négatif considérable sur le bien-être psychosocial des personnes touchées, de leurs soignants et de leurs proches. Il est nécessaire que le gouvernement, les institutions de santé et les ONG mettent en place des plateformes pour répondre à ces préoccupations. Mots clés: SRAS-CoV-2, COVID-19, impact psychologique, détresse mentale, stigmatisation.

SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS-2 (SARS-COV-2) INFECTION: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL REVIEW

BACKGROUND: New strains of different organisms, three of which has been caused by betacorona viruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARSCoV- 2) have caused epidemics and pandemics. The COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) started in China in December 2019 has spread globally. Understanding its pattern of spread and how it affects the populace helps to guide formulation of strategies at curbing its spread, managing the disease and allocation of limited resources in tackling the pandemic. METHODOLOGY: This is a review article about the epidemiology of the coronavirus disease -2019 (COVID-19). Various search engines were used to accumulate literature on the topic;these include PubMed, Google scholar, Ajol. RESULTS: As at October 29, 2020, SARS-CoV2 has spread to all continents except the Antarctica. Though a zoonotic disease, human to human transmission has resulted to this pandemic is via direct and indirect contact of droplets with mucosal surfaces. Most severe cases occur among the elderly, males, and people with co-morbid diseases. The average incubation period is 2-10 days. When compared with SARS-CoV (Ro: 2.3-3.7, mortality rate 11%) and MERS-CoV (Ro: 0.8-1.3, mortality rate: 34.3%), SARS-Cov-2 is a highly infective (Ro: as high as 6.5) with low mortality rates (average range mortality rates 1.83- 6.3%). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 is a highly infective novel virus. Older persons and people with medical comorbidities are more susceptible to the severe form of the disease and mortality. As the second wave comes on, a sustainable measure of limiting the spread and consequences of COVID-19 should be more emphasized.