Not the great equalizers

Covid-19, 1918-20 influenza, and the need for a paradigm shift in pandemic preparedness

Dados Bibliográficos

ID4268097
AutoresSvenn‐erik Mamelund (0000-0002-3980-3818, Metropolitan University), Svenn-Erik Mamelund (OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University), J Dimka (0000-0003-3504-6538, Metropolitan University)
Ano2021
Volume75
Fascículosup1
Páginas179-199
Data de publicação2021-12-15
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoPopulation Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0032-4728 • E-ISSN: 1477-4747
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00324728.2021.1959630
PMID34902275
OpenAlexW4200251418
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas12
Referências citadas104

Despite common perceptions to the contrary, pandemic diseases do not affect populations indiscriminately. In this paper, we review literature produced by demographers, historians, epidemiologists, and other researchers on disparities during the 1918-20 influenza pandemic and the Covid-19 pandemic. Evidence from these studies demonstrates that lower socio-economic status and minority/stigmatized race or ethnicity are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. However, such research often lacks theoretical frameworks or appropriate data to explain the mechanisms underlying these disparities fully. We suggest using a framework that considers proximal and distal factors contributing to differential exposure, susceptibility, and consequences as one way to move this research forward. Further, current pandemic preparedness plans emphasize medically defined risk groups and epidemiological approaches. Therefore, we conclude by arguing in favour of a transdisciplinary paradigm that recognizes socially defined risk groups, includes input from the social sciences and humanities and other diverse perspectives, and contributes to the reduction of health disparities before a pandemic hits

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) · Criminology · Development economics · Disease · Economics · Ethnic group · Health equity · Infectious disease (medical specialty) · Influenza pandemic · Pandemic · Pandemic influenza · Pathology · Political science · Preparedness · Public health · Public relations · Race (biology) · Social distance · Sociology · Climate Change and Health Impacts · COVID-19 epidemiological studies · Epidemiology · Gender Studies · Influenza Virus Research Studies · Medicine