Article
Immunology
Daniela Manno, Philip Ayieko, David Ishola, Muhammed O. Afolabi, Baimba Rogers, Frank Baiden, Alimamy Serry-Bangura, Osman M. Bah, Brian Kohn, Ibrahim Swaray, Kwabena Owusu-Kyei, Godfrey T. Otieno, Dickens Kowuor, Daniel Tindanbil, Elizabeth Smout, Cynthia Robinson, Babajide Keshinro, Julie Foster, Katherine Gallagher, Brett Lowe, Macaya Douoguih, Bailah Leigh, Brian Greenwood, Deborah Watson-Jones
Summary: This study investigated the association between Ebola virus antibody seropositivity and concentration, and potential risk factors for infection. Among 1,282 adults and children from a community affected by the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, 8% tested positive for virus antibodies without experiencing any disease symptoms. Antibody concentration was found to increase with age.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Claudette Amuzu, Peter Bai James, Abdulai Jawo Bah, Alex Vandy Saffa Bayoh, Shepherd Roee Singer
Summary: Child survivors of the 2013-2016 West African Ebola virus disease outbreak were more likely to experience musculoskeletal, ocular, auditory, and neurological symptoms compared to their close contacts over a year after the outbreak ended. Joint pain and headache were the most common self-reported symptoms in both groups.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Onome T. Abiri, Abdulai J. Bah, Michael Lahai, Durodami R. Lisk, James P. Komeh, Joy Johnson, Wiltshire C. N. Johnson, Sheku S. Mansaray, Joseph Sam Kanu, James B. W. Russell, Fawzi Thomas, Murtada M. Sesay, Thomas A. Conteh, Alphan Tejan-Kella, Mohamed Sesay, Manal Ghazzawi, Brian Thompson, Sorie Conteh, Gibrilla Fadlu Deen
Summary: This article discusses the regulation and weaknesses of clinical trials during the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, and emphasizes the need for the government and partners to provide more resources to build a better clinical trial structure and system for future public health emergencies.
Article
Immunology
Barbara E. Mahon, Jakub Simon, Marc-Alain Widdowson, Mohamed Samai, Eric Rogier, Jennifer Legardy-Williams, Kenneth Liu, Jarad Schiffer, James Lange, Carolynn DeByle, Robert Pinner, Anne Schuchat, Laurence Slutsker, Susan Goldstein
Summary: Asymptomatic adults, with or without malaria infection, showed robust immune responses to the rVSV Delta G-ZEBOV-GP vaccine lasting for 9-12 months, although those with malaria infection had slightly lower responses.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luisa Enria, Joseph S. Bangura, Hassan M. Kanu, Joseph A. Kalokoh, Alie D. Timbo, Mohamed Kamara, Maligie Fofanah, Alhassan N. Kamara, Adikalie I. Kamara, Morlai M. Kamara, Ibrahim Sorie Suma, Osman M. Kamara, Alusine M. Kamara, Alhajie O. Kamara, Abu B. Kamara, Emmah Kamara, Shelley Lees, Mark Marchant, Mariama Murray
Summary: Research highlights the importance of trust in strengthening vaccine confidence, with factors such as social proximity, reliability, and respect playing a key role. Additionally, economic livelihood strategies and power dynamics also significantly impact vaccine uptake and access. Understanding vaccine challenges requires taking into account the contextual nature of knowledge around vaccines.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nadezhda Duffy, Dana Bruden, Harold Thomas, Erin Nichols, Barbara Knust, Thomas Hennessy, Mary R. Reichler, James Bangura, Charles Keimbe, Amara Jambai, Oliver Morgan, Ismail Farmar, Francis Davies, Mohamed Sima Dumbuya, Hannah Kamara, Mohamed Kallon, Joseph Kpukumu, Sheku Abu, Fatmata Bangura, Saidu Rahim Bangura, Tomeh Bangura, Hassan Benya, Sandi Blango, Imurana Conteh, Peter Conteh, Bintu Jabbie, Sheku Jabbie, Luseni Kamara, Francis Lansana, Maada Rogers, Sahr Brima Sewa, Matthew Yamba, P. Bessler, Faith Washburn, E. Ervin, S. Campbell, W. Chung, S. Hersey
Summary: Household contacts who provide care to an Ebola virus disease (EVD) case have a significantly higher risk of contracting EVD compared to contacts who do not provide care. Limiting the number of care providers in a household can reduce the risk of EVD transmission to both care providers and non-care providers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Samuel C. Ficenec, Donald S. Grant, Ibrahim Sumah, Foday Alhasan, Mohamed S. Yillah, Jenneh Brima, Edwin Konuwa, Michael A. Gbakie, Fatima K. Kamara, Nell G. Bond, Emily J. Engel, Jeffrey G. Shaffer, William A. Fischer, David A. Wohl, Susan D. Emmett, John S. Schieffelin
Summary: This study characterizes hearing loss among Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) survivors, finding that over 1/5 of survivors develop hearing loss. The association between hearing impairment and symptoms affecting the eye and nervous system is noted, suggesting a common mechanism of pathogenesis.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rachid Muleia, Marc Aerts, Christel Faes
Summary: The study investigated the spatial heterogeneity of the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone in 2014 using a stochastic SEIR model, and found differences in transmission rates among districts. Bayesian estimation revealed potential persistence of the outbreak or likelihood of new cases in certain districts.
Article
Health Policy & Services
K. Megan Collier, Elizabeth K. Klein, Stephen Sevalie, Bailah Molleh, Yusuf Kabba, Abdulai Kargbo, Joseph Bangura, Henry Gbettu, Stewart Simms, Clara O'Leary, Stacy Drury, John S. Schieffelin, Theresa S. Betancourt, Thomas M. Crea
Summary: The 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak was the largest in history, resulting in approximately 11,000 deaths. This study explores the knowledge and beliefs about the disease among Ebola survivors and their families, emphasizing the importance of community-based public health responses.
JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Young Eun Kim
Summary: This study assessed the impact of the Ebola virus disease outbreak on child mortality in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone from 2014 to 2016. The results showed that the child mortality rate decreased significantly for children born after the outbreak, but the association with the increase in Ebola cases remained strong. Additionally, there were variations in the utilization of maternal health services after the outbreak.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Stefanie A. Joseph, Jean Gregory Jerome, Foday Boima, Pierre Ricard Pognon, Donald Fejfar, Yusupha Dibba, Daniel Lavalie, Mohamed Bailor Barrie, Aramide Oteju, Mohamed Sheku, Mariama Mahmoud, Jusu Mattia, Dale A. Barnhart
Summary: Sierra Leone, a West African country with a population of over 8 million, faces challenges in rural populations' access to and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. A cross-sectional study conducted in Ministry of Health and Sanitation facilities revealed that less than half of the patients/caregivers had the opportunity to be vaccinated, and 44% of the unvaccinated population would refuse a vaccine if offered at no cost. Lack of access and official education messaging are the main barriers to vaccine uptake in Sierra Leone.
Article
Economics
Darin Christensen, Oeindrila Dube, Johannes Haushofer, Bilal Siddiqi, Maarten Voors
Summary: Research suggests that skepticism about the quality of health systems in developing countries contributes to higher mortality rates. By improving the perceived quality of healthcare through interventions, it is possible to promote community health and enhance the resilience of health systems during crises like epidemics.
QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sachin Agnihotri, Charles Alpren, Brima Bangura, Sarah Bennett, Yelena Gorina, Jadnah D. Harding, Sara Hersey, Ansumana S. Kamara, Mohamed A. M. Kamara, John D. Klena, Fiona McLysaght, Nishi Patel, Lance Presser, John T. Redd, Thomas T. Samba, Alexander K. Taylor, Mohamed A. Vandi, Scott Van Heest
Summary: This study details the process of consolidating epidemic records and establishing a database during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, with a focus on assisting families in locating the graves of loved ones who passed away during the epidemic through the SLED Family Reunification Program. The project aimed to create a data source for epidemiological research and highlighted the characteristics, strengths, and limitations of this unique information source for public health research.
ANNALS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Susannah H. Mayhew, Dina Balabanova, Ahmed Vandi, Gelejimah Alfred Mokuwa, Tommy Hanson, Melissa Parker, Paul Richards
Summary: This study presents an interdisciplinary analysis of local responses to Ebola in Sierra Leone, highlighting the influence of diverse systems of care. The research shows that local arrangements lead and shape responses, emphasizing the importance of alignment between health systems and wider social, cultural, political, and economic organizations.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zuzana Hrdlickova, Joseph Mustapha Macarthy, Abu Conteh, S. Harris Ali, Victoria Blango, Alpha Sesay
Summary: The Ebola epidemic in West Africa from 2013 to 2016 was a valuable learning experience for the population, health experts, practitioners, and government structures. It went through stages of initial confusion and denial, followed by fear and stigmatization, and finally to community engagement and ownership of the response. This paper discusses the successful strategies deployed by two urban poor communities in Sierra Leone, such as developing and implementing by-laws for monitoring and surveillance, which helped curb the epidemic. The authors recommend earlier community engagement and two-way knowledge exchange for future public health emergencies.
Article
Immunology
Leonardo W. Heyerdahl, Stef Dielen, Helene Dodion, Carla Van Riet, ToTran Nguyen, Clarissa Simas, Lise Boey, Tarun Kattumana, Nico Vandaele, Heidi J. Larson, Koen Peeters Grietens, Tamara Giles-Vernick, Charlotte Gryseels
Summary: Polarized debates about Covid-19 vaccination and vaccine mandates among healthcare workers in Belgium have led to difficulties in discussing vaccination with colleagues and patients. Unvaccinated healthcare workers fear expressing their vaccine sentiments and avoid discussing vaccines out of concern for upsetting others or facing disciplinary action. Surprisingly, some vaccine-confident healthcare workers also hide their vaccine sentiments to avoid conflicts. Loss of trust and strained social relationships between healthcare workers and individuals with different vaccine sentiments are common.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yumeng Du, Chenqi Jin, Mark Jit, Tracey Chantler, Leesa Lin, Heidi J. Larson, Jing Li, Wenfeng Gong, Fan Yang, Nina Ren, Weibin Cheng, Yi Zhou, Weiming Tang, Joseph D. Tucker, Dan Wu
Summary: This study aimed to understand the factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake among children and older people in China. The results showed that the vaccination rate was higher in the subsidized group compared to the self-paid group. In the self-paid group, prior vaccination experiences and trust in providers' advice were associated with higher vaccine uptake, while in the subsidized group, marital status, perception of vaccine effectiveness, and previous experience of influenza-like illnesses in the family were associated with vaccine uptake.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Antoine Flahault, Alexandra Calmy, Dominique Costagliola, Oxana Drapkina, Isabella Eckerle, Heidi J. Larson, Helena Legido-Quigley, Catherine Noakes, Michel Kazatchkine, Hans Kluge
Article
Immunology
Rose J. Wilson, Lamin Leigh, Haddy Bah, Heidi J. Larson, Ed Clarke
Summary: This study is the first to investigate HPV vaccination in The Gambia using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study found that despite high uptake rates, knowledge of HPV vaccination was low and there were concerns about infertility and population control. The study suggests that addressing these concerns in a holistic manner considering socio-political contexts could lead to more positive perceptions and increased vaccine uptake rates.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. de Figueiredo, E. Temfack, R. Tajudeen, H. J. Larson
Summary: The routine childhood immunization coverage in Africa has experienced the largest decline in three decades, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccines is not well understood. Through individual interviews conducted in eight sub-Saharan countries between 2020 and 2022, we found declines in perceptions toward the importance of vaccines for children, while perceptions toward vaccine safety and effectiveness varied. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines were perceived to be less important and safe in 2022 than in 2020 in six out of the eight countries.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kristi Yoonsup Lee, Saudamini Vishwanath Dabak, Vivian Hanxiao Kong, Minah Park, Shirley L. L. Kwok, Madison Silzle, Chayapat Rachatan, Alex Cook, Aly Passanante, Ed Pertwee, Zhengdong Wu, Javier A. Elkin, Heidi J. Larson, Eric H. Y. Lau, Kathy Leung, Joseph T. Wu, Leesa Lin
Summary: Chatbots have become popular in health services and communications, but few studies have evaluated their effectiveness in improving vaccine confidence and acceptance. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore, comparing the effects of COVID-19 vaccine chatbots on confidence and acceptance among unvaccinated individuals. The results showed mixed success, with decreased confidence in vaccine effectiveness in Thailand, decreased vaccine acceptance in Hong Kong, and decreased vaccine confidence in safety in Singapore. Process evaluation indicated support for vaccine chatbots, but further studies are needed to link chatbot usage and real-world vaccine uptake.
NPJ DIGITAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sima Berendes, Sandra Mounier-Jack, Oyinkansola Ojo-Aromokudu, Alice Ivory, Joseph D. Tucker, Heidi J. Larson, Caroline Free
Summary: This study aimed to understand the complex interplay between structural and behavioral factors contributing to the low maternal vaccine uptake in socially and ethnically diverse areas in London. The results showed that various factors from both health service providers and pregnant women influenced the decision-making process for vaccination, including individual, social, and contextual factors. To improve the uptake, it is necessary to enhance the reliability of information and vaccination provision, provide training and communication, and consider individual skills and information needs.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Aly Passanante, Ed Pertwee, Leesa Lin, Kristi Yoonsup Lee, Joseph T. Wu, Heidi J. Larson
Summary: The use of conversational artificial intelligence (AI) in vaccine communication has the potential to provide credible and personalized information to users, leading to positive effects on vaccine attitudes. However, more research is needed to understand the long-term and societal impacts of this technology, as well as address ethical concerns.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Angelo Capodici, Marco Montalti, Giorgia Solda, Aurelia Salussolia, Giusy La Fauci, Zeno Di Valerio, Francesca Scognamiglio, Maria Pia Fantini, Anna Odone, Claudio Costantino, Heidi J. Larson, Julie Leask, Jacopo Lenzi, Davide Gori, OBVIOUS Board
Summary: In Italy, influenza claims about 8,000 lives annually. Despite free vaccinations for high-risk groups, there is hesitancy among the population. This study found that central Italy had the highest resistance, with significant percentages of seniors, teachers, law enforcement, and healthcare workers expressing noncompliance. Factors contributing to vaccine refusal included lack of awareness of being in a target group, female gender, being aged 45-54, rural residency, absence of higher education, perceived vaccine unsafety, and having vaccine-opposed acquaintances. Addressing these perceptions and enhancing awareness can potentially increase vaccination rates and lessen the impact of the disease.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rachel L. Eagan, Heidi J. Larson, Alexandre de Figueiredo
Summary: Declining trends in vaccine confidence, particularly among young adults, are a cause for concern as they coincide with low routine immunization coverage. This article discusses recent research on global vaccine confidence levels and trends, the factors influencing confidence, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccine confidence. Timely examination of the causes and consequences of waning vaccine confidence, as well as critical evaluation of COVID-19 response measures, is crucial in preventing further losses in vaccine confidence and building resilience for future health crises.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Leonard Hofstra, Heidi J. Larson
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tarun Kattumana, Leonardo W. W. Heyerdahl, ToTran Nguyen, Stef Dielen, Koen Peeters Grietens, Anne-Mieke Vandamme, Tamara Giles-Vernick, Heidi J. J. Larson, Nico Vandaele, Corinne Vandermeulen, Charlotte Gryseels, Carla Van Riet
Summary: This research investigates the experiences of COVID-19 response actors during the initial phase of vaccine rollout in Flanders, Belgium. The study reveals that participants faced multi-dimensional crises related to prioritization, communication, the image of science, epistemic agency and autonomy, and trust in responding to the pandemic and vaccine hesitancy.
CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zain Jafar, Jonathan D. Quick, Heidi J. Larson, Verner Venegas-Vera, Philip Napoli, Godfrey Musuka, Tafadzwa Dzinamarira, Kolar Sridara Meena, T. Raju Kanmani, Eszter Rimanyi
Summary: With over 4.26 billion social media users worldwide, social media has become a major platform for health information, exchange, and influence. While it offers benefits such as promoting preventive behaviors and connecting individuals to reliable information, it also poses risks like exacerbating a decline in public trust and spreading dangerous misinformation. Therefore, concerted efforts from various stakeholders are necessary to ensure healthy and responsible use of social media.
HEALTH PROMOTION PERSPECTIVES
(2023)
Book Review
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Heidi J. Larson
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMANITIES
(2023)
Correction
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Heidi J. Larson
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMANITIES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Samantha Horn, Yana Litovsky, George Loewenstein
Summary: This study suggests that curiosity can be a useful tool in increasing demand for and engagement with aversive health information. By manipulating curiosity through various methods, researchers found that participants were more likely to view and engage with information about their drinking habits, cancer risk, and the sugar content in drinks. Overall, curiosity prompts provide a simple and effective way to increase engagement with aversive health information.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sandra Gillner
Summary: Despite high expectations, the extensive and rapid adoption of AI in medical diagnostics has not been realized. This study investigates the perception and navigation of AI providers in complex healthcare systems, revealing their self-organization to increase adaptability and the practices utilized to mitigate tensions within the healthcare subsystems.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fabian Duartea, Alvaro Jimenez-Molina
Summary: This study found that violence related to social protest has a significant impact on depressive symptoms, leading to an increase in depression among the population in Chile. The effect varies by gender and age, with a stronger influence on men and young adults.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nick Graetz, Carl Gershenson, Sonya R. Porter, Danielle H. Sandler, Emily Lemmerman, Matthew Desmond
Summary: Investments in stable, affordable housing may be an important tool for improving population health. This study, using administrative data, found that high rent burden, increases in rent burden during midlife, and evictions were associated with increased mortality.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wan Wei
Summary: This study explores the phenomenon of other patient participation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), uncovering the various roles that third parties can assume during medical interactions. The findings contribute to existing research on patient resistance and triadic medical interactions, providing insights into the dynamics and implications of third-party involvement in medical consultations.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Harry Scarbrough, Katie Rose M. Sanfilippo, Alexandra Ziemann, Charitini Stavropoulou
Summary: This paper examines the contribution of pilot implementation studies to the wider spread and sustainability of innovation in healthcare systems. Through an empirical examination of an innovation intermediary organization in the English NHS, the study finds that their work in mobilizing pilot-based evidence involves configuring to context, transitioning evidence, and managing the transition. The findings contribute to theory by showing how intermediary roles can support the effective transitioning of pilot-based evidence, leading to more widespread adoption and sustainability of innovation.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marta Seiz, Leire Salazar, Tatiana Eremenko
Summary: This study examines the impact of maternal educational selection on birth outcomes during an economic recession, and finds that more educated mothers are more likely to give birth during high unemployment periods. Additionally, maternal education mitigates the adverse effects of unemployment on birth outcomes and is consistently associated with better perinatal health.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jingyuan Shi, Hye Kyung Kim, Charles T. Salmon, Edson C. Tandoc Jr, Zhang Hao Goh
Summary: This study examines the influence of individual and collective norms on COVID-19 vaccination intention across eight Asian countries. The findings reveal nuanced patterns of how individual and collective social norms influence health behavioral decisions, depending on the degree of cultural tightness-looseness.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elliot Friedman, Melissa Franks, Elizabeth Teas, Patricia A. Thomas
Summary: This study found that positive relations with others have a significant impact on functional limitations and longevity in aging adults, independent of social integration and social support.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zhuolin Pan, Yuqi Liu, Ye Liu, Ziwen Huo, Wenchao Han
Summary: This study examines the effects of age-friendly neighbourhood environment and functional abilities on life satisfaction among older adults in urban China. The findings highlight the importance of transportation, housing, and social and physical environment factors in influencing functional abilities and life satisfaction. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers in enhancing older adults' life satisfaction in the Chinese urban context.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
