PLOS Global Public Health · 10 authors, 7 centres
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This scoping review analyzed 293 studies to map evidence on COVID-19 preparedness and response in rural and remote areas. The central result is that rural health systems were often less prepared and national responses were not adequately tailored, but promising approaches involved local collaboration and community engagement.
A scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley framework synthesized 293 studies published between 2019 and early 2022 on COVID-19 preparedness and response in rural and remote areas. The thematic analysis, guided by WHO SPRP pillars, found rural health systems were less prepared and national responses often inadequately tailored. Promising responses involved local leaders, multisectoral collaboration, and local cultures. Challenges included weaker application of non-pharmaceutical interventions, weak water and sanitation support, and hindered vaccination coverage. Digital technology enabled some improvements but was inaccessible to some. Rural livelihoods and food security were affected through market disruptions. Limitations include a predominance of descriptive studies with few formal evaluations and a relatively low number of studies from low- and middle-income countries.
