Indirect positive health outcomes of COVID-19: a systematic review

Title
Indirect positive health outcomes of COVID-19: a systematic review
Publication Date
2023-05
Author(s)
Gebeyehu, D T
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3325-4571
Email: dgebeye3@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:dgebeye3
East, L
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4757-2706
Email: least@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:least
Wark, S
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5366-1860
Email: swark5@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:swark5
Islam, M S
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8984-8689
Email: mislam27@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:mislam27
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Place of publication
London, United Kingdom
DOI
10.1016/j.puhe.2023.02.005
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/54812
Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of indirect positive health outcomes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a systematic review. Articles were identified from four online databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar) using predetermined search terms. After studies were systematically identified, the results were summarised narratively. The indirect positive health outcomes associated with the emergence of COVID-19 and measures taken for its prevention were categorised into four health dimensions (physical, mental, social and digital). After initial screening, 44 articles were assessed for eligibility, and 33 were included in the final sample. Of the included studies, 72.73% noted a benefit from COVID-19 prevention measures in the physical health dimension. In addition, 12.12%, 9.09%, 3.03% and 3.03% of articles reported a positive impact in the digital, mental, social and combined digital and mental health dimensions, respectively. Despite the catastrophic health, socio-economic and political crises associated with the COVID-19 emergency, it has also resulted in some positive health outcomes. Reduced air pollutants, improved disease prevention practices, increased digital health delivery and improved mental and social health dimensions were reported during the pandemic. Integrated and collaborative activities for the persistence of these health benefits are recommended.

Link
Citation
Public Health, v.218, p. 149-159
ISSN
1476-5616
0033-3506
Pubmed ID
37040687
Start page
149
End page
159

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