Elsevier

Public Health

Volume 218, May 2023, Pages 149-159
Public Health

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

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2023.02.005Get rights and content

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of indirect positive health outcomes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study design

This was a systematic review.

Methods

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).

Results

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.

Conclusions

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.

Keywords

Indirect health outcomes
Positive health outcome
COVID-19
Pandemic
Systematic review

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