Understanding COVID-19 Variants and Coping Strategies in Zambian Communities: A Systematic Review

This systematic review explores the impact of COVID-19 variants and coping strategies employed in Zambian communities, with a particular focus on shanty compounds. It is based on the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) theory. The study investigates how social economic factors shape both the spread of the virus and the effectiveness of community responses. A total of 158 articles were screened, with 18 peer-reviewed articles meeting the criteria. The findings reveal significant challenges in implementing mitigation strategies, including misinformation, economic constraints, and infrastructural inadequacies. In response, communities adopted innovative, locally-driven measures, supported by governmental and NGO interventions, to enhance resilience. The discussion emphasises the importance of context-specific strategies that address both health and socio-economic dimensions, emphasizing the need for robust healthcare systems, effective communication, and comprehensive economic support. The study concludes that these multifaceted approaches are essential for building resilient communities capable of withstanding future health crises. Recommendations include strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving public health communication, supporting economic recovery, promoting community-driven health initiatives, and addressing social determinants of health. Key Words: COVID-19, Health, social determinants, socio-economic dimensions, Community DOI : 10.7176/JHMN/117-02 Publication date: September 30th 2024