Community engagement for COVID-19 prevention and control: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction Given the contributions of community engagement (CE) in the prevention and control of diseases, this systematic review aimed to describe the mechanisms of CE in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Methods The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using three databases, in August 2021. The review specifically focused on the different ways through which CE had been adopted in different contexts for the prevention and control of COVID-19. Articles were required to describe at least one CE strategy. Results Overall, 2977 articles were retrieved from database searches, and 23 articles were included after the application of pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Self-imposed measures were more effective and sustainable in reducing COVID-19 cases compared to short-term interventions. Compliance with the use of face masks contributed to a decline in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne and Phoenix, while poor handwashing and masking practices contributed to a rise in COVID-19 cases in Sydney, London, and New York City. The establishment of district health committees helped community leaders and groups to design pandemic action plans and strategies and implement these using available local resources. Despite the vulnerability of slums to irresistible infections, community-wide implemented measures assisted with diminishing local area transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Support from religious leaders helped to reinforce the maintenance of handwashing, disinfection of hands and surfaces, and social distancing, while communitybased opinion groups helped intensify COVID-19 risk communication efforts. Conclusions CE ultimately has been proven as an effective method for sustained control of infectious diseases. To strengthen the community-based response to pandemics, CE should be immediately undertaken.