Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Public Health and Social Measures in Camps and Camp-Like Settings: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Analysis

TL;DR

This study explores how public health measures to control COVID-19 in camps and similar settings led to unintended negative effects on health, economy, and social interactions.

Contribution

A systematic review and conceptual analysis of unintended consequences of public health measures in marginalized camp-like settings during the pandemic.

Findings

113 unintended consequences were identified, mostly negative, affecting health, access to care, and social dynamics.

Key mechanisms linking measures to consequences include mistrust, risk factors, and lack of information.

Unintended consequences occurred in both high- and low-income countries, highlighting systemic issues.

Abstract

This study examines unintended consequences (UIC) of public health and social measures (PHSM) in camps and camp-like settings and assesses the pathways through which these UIC arise.

We conducted a systematic review and conceptual analysis of UIC from PHSM aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread in these settings. PHSM were classified using the WHO taxonomy and the CONSEQUENT framework to analyse UIC pathways. The most frequent PHSM groups were: a) surveillance and response, b) social and physical distancing, and c) operational measures.

We identified 113 predominantly negative UIC impacting physical and mental health, healthcare access, economic stability, and social interactions. UIC occurred in both high- and low-income countries. Key mechanisms linking PHSM to UIC included mistrust, increased risk factors, lack of information, and uncertainty.

This study reveals the complex interactions between PHSM and UIC and their broad mostly negative effects on marginalised populations. To reduce UIC in future health emergencies, they must be considered in pandemic planning with all stakeholders. Trust-building should be central in health interventions and PHSM design for more effective and equitable responses.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42022384673.

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