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Al Absi ES, Al-Sadeq DW, Khalili M, Younes N, Al-Dewik N, Abdelghany SK, Abouzid SS, Al Thani AA, Yassine HM, Coyle PV, Nasrallah GK. The prevalence of HEV among non-A-C hepatitis in Qatar and efficiency of serological markers for the diagnosis of hepatitis E. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:266. [PMID: 34130641 PMCID: PMC8207580 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01841-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid growth of Qatar in the last two decades has attracted a large influx of immigrant workers who mostly come from HEV-hyperendemic countries. Thus, we aim to investigate the prevalence of HEV among acute non-A-C hepatitis patients in Qatar; and to evaluate the performance of four dominant commercial serological assays for HEV diagnosis. METHODS 259 patients with non-A-C hepatitis were tested using the Wantai HEV-IgM, HEV-IgG, HEV-Ag ELISA kits, and the MP Biomedical HEV-Total Ab ELISA kit. ALT levels were tested and HEV RNA (viral loads) was performed using Taqman AmpliCube HEV RT-PCR kit (Mikrogen, Neuried, Germany). The performance of each kit was assessed according to the RT-PCR results. RESULTS HEV-RNA was detected in 23.1% of the samples. Most of these HEV-RNA-positive cases belonged to non-Qatari residents from the Indian subcontinent; India, Pakistan, etc. HEV-Ag, HEV-IgM, HEV-IgG, HEV-Total Ab were detected in 5.56%, 8.65%, 32.1%, and 34.2% of all tested samples, respectively. Elevated ALT levels were highly correlated with the HEV-Ag, HEV-IgM, HEV-RNA but not with the HEV-IgG and HEV-Total Ab. Although HEV-Ag was very specific (100%), yet its sensitivity was poor (36.7%). HEV-IgM demonstrated the best second marker for diagnosis of acute HEV after RT-PCR as jugged by the overall performance parameters: specificity (96.2%), sensitivity (71.4%), PPV (83.3%), NPP (92.7%), agreement with RT-PCR (91.0%), and Kappa-value (0.71). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of HEV virus in Qatar, mostly among immigrants from the Indian subcontinent. The HEV-IgM represents the best marker for detecting the acute HEV infection, where RT-PCR cannot be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enas S Al Absi
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Duaa W Al-Sadeq
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Makiyeh Khalili
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nadin Younes
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nader Al-Dewik
- Clinical and Metabolic Genetics Section, Pediatrics Department, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,Qatar Medical Genetic Center and Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,College of Health and Life Science, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Pediatrics, Women's Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara K Abdelghany
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Women's Science Building, C01, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Somaia S Abouzid
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Women's Science Building, C01, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asma A Al Thani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Women's Science Building, C01, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Women's Science Building, C01, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter V Coyle
- Virology Laboratory, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Women's Science Building, C01, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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202
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Bawadi H, Akasheh RT, Kerkadi A, Haydar S, Tayyem R, Shi Z. Validity and Reproducibility of a Food Frequency Questionnaire to Assess Macro and Micro-Nutrient Intake among a Convenience Cohort of Healthy Adult Qataris. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13062002. [PMID: 34200748 PMCID: PMC8230372 DOI: 10.3390/nu13062002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at developing a valid culture-sensitive quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for Qatari adults. A convenient sample of healthy Qataris (n = 107) were recruited from family members of Qatar University students. The Diet History Questionnaire II of the US National Cancer Institute was translated to Arabic language, back-translated to English, pilot tested, and then modified accordingly to be used in Qatari setting. Participants were asked to complete the translated version of the FFQ. This FFQ was then validated against three 24 h diet recall (24 hDR) including a weekend day. Participants were asked to complete the FFQ again after one-month period to measure its repeatability. Dietary data were analyzed using the dietary analysis software ESHA. The validity and reliability of FFQ were assessed by comparing the median intake of nutrients and foods and by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficients. The median nutrient intakes assessed by the second FFQ were higher than that reported in the baseline FFQ1 except for fat. The percentage of increase varies between 1.5% and 96%. Results of the second FFQ indicated an overestimation of intake for most nutrients (macro and micro). Macronutrient intakes assessed by the two FFQ and 24 hDR were strongly correlated. The correlation coefficients for micronutrient intakes between FFQ2 and 24hDR were lower than that of the two FFQs except for calcium (r = 0.55) and sodium (r = 0.643). They ranged from (-0.17) for fluorine to (0.643) for sodium. The agreement rates for classifying macronutrient intakes into same or adjacent quartile were between 79.4% and 100% for the two FFQs and between 71% and 100% for the second FFQ and 24hDR. The reported consumption of food groups estimated by FFQ2 was significantly higher than that reported by FFQ1. In conclusion, the developed FFQ was sufficiently valid to assess energy and macronutrients but not micronutrients. The reliability was adequate for most nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Bawadi
- Department of Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (A.K.); (S.H.); (R.T.); (Z.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rand T. Akasheh
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, American University of Madaba, Madaba 11821, Jordan;
| | - Abdelhamid Kerkadi
- Department of Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (A.K.); (S.H.); (R.T.); (Z.S.)
| | - Salma Haydar
- Department of Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (A.K.); (S.H.); (R.T.); (Z.S.)
| | - Reema Tayyem
- Department of Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (A.K.); (S.H.); (R.T.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zumin Shi
- Department of Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (A.K.); (S.H.); (R.T.); (Z.S.)
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203
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Kehyayan V, Mahfoud Z, Ghuloum S, Marji T, Al-Amin H. Internalized Stigma in Persons With Mental Illness in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Public Health 2021; 9:685003. [PMID: 34178932 PMCID: PMC8232048 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.685003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stigma impacts persons with mental illness (PWMI), their families and network of friends, the public and health care professionals. Stigma is a major barrier for PWMI to seeking treatment, which contributes to the burden of disease, disability, and mortality. Research on stigma is relatively scant in the Middle East region and particularly in Qatar. To address stigma effectively in each culture, it is essential to study its nature in the context where the PWMI experience stigma. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of internalized stigma in PWMI in Qatar. A cross-sectional study of PWMI receiving outpatient mental health services in Qatar was done. We interviewed 417 PWMI using a modified 18-item version of the short form of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) Scale. Descriptive and regression models were used to analyze the data. The Cronbach alpha for the modified 18-items ISMI was 0.87. Participants' average score on this scale was 2.07 ± 0.38 with 41 (9.8%) of them scoring more than 2.5 which is considered “high” stigma score. In multivariate logistic regression, high stigma (modified ISMI score >2.5) was significantly higher among PWMI with no formal education and among those who reported lower levels of social support. The reported levels of internalized stigma in this vulnerable population of Qatar fall at the lower spectrum reported worldwide. An anti-stigma education program designed for the context of Qatar emphasizing on education and support for PWMI may be conducive to creating an all-inclusive society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe Kehyayan
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ziyad Mahfoud
- Department of Population Health Science, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suhaila Ghuloum
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tamara Marji
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hassen Al-Amin
- Department of Population Health Science, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar and Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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204
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Habayeb S, Al-Harahsheh S, Ratto A, Verbalis A, Pugliese C, Nadwodny N, Al-Meer F, El-Akoum M. Meeting the needs of autistic adults in Qatar: Stakeholder perspectives on gaps in services and priorities for future programming. Autism 2021; 26:88-100. [PMID: 34092121 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211020623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Qatar is expanding the services that it offers for autistic people, but these services focus mainly on diagnosing and treating young children. Because there are not enough autism providers in Qatar and few opportunities for autistic youth to participate in the community, more and more autistic teens and young adults have unmet needs during their transition to adulthood. The goal of this study was to conduct a needs assessment of transition-age autistic youth in Qatar and their families in order to inform the development of an adult respite care and support center. Respite care is a service that provides families with stress relief and time to participate in activities that are more difficult to do when their loved one with a disability is with them. The objective of this study was to use family and stakeholder input to identify the needs and preferences for respite care for autistic youth in Qatar. The project was conducted with a local research team in Qatar and a team of clinical researchers in the United States specializing in autism. Stakeholders, including parents of autistic people and providers working with individuals with autism, completed surveys and participated in focus groups. Families and providers in Qatar were very interested increasing services for young adults with autism to improve quality of life, although wanted to make sure the service providers would be reliable and trustworthy. Implications from this study may substantially improve the lives of autistic adults in Qatar.
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205
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Ghouri SI, Asim M, Mustafa F, Kanbar A, Ellabib M, Al Jogol H, Muneer M, Abdurraheim N, Goel AP, Abdelrahman H, Al-Thani H, El-Menyar A. Patterns, Management, and Outcome of Traumatic Femur Fracture: Exploring the Experience of the Only Level 1 Trauma Center in Qatar. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18115916. [PMID: 34072990 PMCID: PMC8198965 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Femur is the most fractured long bone in the body that often necessitates surgical fixation; however, data on the impact of the mechanism of injury (MOI), age, and timing of intervention are lacking in our region of the Arab Middle East. We aimed to describe the patterns, management, and outcome of traumatic femoral shaft fractures. Methods: A retrospective descriptive observational study was conducted for all trauma patients admitted with femoral shaft fractures between January 2012 and December 2015 at the only level 1 trauma center and tertiary hospital in the country. Data were analyzed and compared according to the time to intervention (intramedullary nailing; IMN), MOI, and age groups. Main outcomes included in-hospital complications and mortality. Results: A total of 605 hospitalized cases with femur fractures were reviewed. The mean age was 30.7 ± 16.2 years. The majority of fractures were unilateral (96.7%) and 91% were closed fractures. Three-fourths of fractures were treated by reamed intramedullary nailing (rIMN), antegrade in 80%. The pyriform fossa nails were used in 71.6% while trochanteric entry nails were used in 28.4%. Forty-five (8.9%) fractures were treated with an external fixator, 37 (6.1%) had conservative management. Traffic-related injuries occurred more in patients aged 14–30 years, whereas fall-related injuries were significantly higher in patients aged 31–59. Thirty-one patients (7.8%) had rIMN in less than 6 h post-injury, 106 (25.5%) had rIMN after 6–12 h and 267 (66.8%) had rIMN after more than 12 h. The implant type, duration of surgery, DVT prophylaxis, in-hospital complications, and mortality were comparable among the three treatment groups. Conclusions: In our center, the frequency of femoral fracture was 11%, and it mainly affected severely injured young males due to traffic-related collisions or falls. Further multicenter studies are needed to set a consensus for an appropriate management of femur fracture based on the MOI, location, and timing of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Imran Ghouri
- Department of Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar;
| | - Mohammad Asim
- Clinical Research, Trauma and Vascular Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar;
| | - Fuad Mustafa
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar; (F.M.); (A.K.); (M.E.); (H.A.J.); (N.A.); (A.P.G.); (H.A.)
| | - Ahad Kanbar
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar; (F.M.); (A.K.); (M.E.); (H.A.J.); (N.A.); (A.P.G.); (H.A.)
| | - Mohamed Ellabib
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar; (F.M.); (A.K.); (M.E.); (H.A.J.); (N.A.); (A.P.G.); (H.A.)
| | - Hisham Al Jogol
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar; (F.M.); (A.K.); (M.E.); (H.A.J.); (N.A.); (A.P.G.); (H.A.)
| | - Mohammed Muneer
- Department of Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar;
| | - Nuri Abdurraheim
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar; (F.M.); (A.K.); (M.E.); (H.A.J.); (N.A.); (A.P.G.); (H.A.)
| | - Atirek Pratap Goel
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar; (F.M.); (A.K.); (M.E.); (H.A.J.); (N.A.); (A.P.G.); (H.A.)
| | - Husham Abdelrahman
- Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar; (F.M.); (A.K.); (M.E.); (H.A.J.); (N.A.); (A.P.G.); (H.A.)
| | - Hassan Al-Thani
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar;
| | - Ayman El-Menyar
- Clinical Research, Trauma and Vascular Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +974-44396130
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206
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Ibrahim WH, Shariff K, El Mistiri M, Alhomsi U, Alshurafa A, Farooqui K, Faris ME, Aboujabal KA, Aboujabal KA, Ghazouani H, Akbar RA, Waheed MA, Mohsen RH, Eledrisi M. Featuring Trends in the Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Following the Publication of the National Cancer Strategy in Qatar. Oman Med J 2021; 36:e276. [PMID: 34239716 PMCID: PMC8237402 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2021.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Qatar has witnessed significant reforms in its health care system, including the care of cancer patients. In 2011, the National Cancer Strategy was released with the aim to deliver a high standard of care to cancer patients across the country. We sought to investigate the featuring trends in the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of lung cancer in Qatar following the publication of the National Cancer Strategy. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study documenting the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of primary lung cancer cases in Qatar diagnosed from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2018. Results The overall age-standardized incidence rate was 8.7 per 100 000 persons (11.6 per 100 000 and 5.4 per 100 000 persons for males and females, respectively). The one, three, and five-year overall survival rates were 67.0%, 48.0%, and 28.0%, respectively. The three-year overall survival rates for stages I, II, III, and IV were 97.0%, 78.0%, 52.0%, and 31.0%, respectively. The three-year survival rates for males and females were 43.0% and 64.0%, respectively (p = 0.029), for Qatari and non-Qatari nationals were 42.0% and 49.0%, respectively (p = 0.252), and for smokers and non-smokers were 39.0% and 69.0%, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). The overall age-standardized mortality rate was 5.5 per 100 000 persons. Adenocarcinoma was the most common histologic type. Conclusions Despite the low overall lung cancer incidence rate in Qatar, there is a rise in the incidence among females when compared to previous studies. Qatar has favorable five-year lung cancer survival rates compared to many developed and neighboring countries. Policymakers in the country should consider the changing patterns in lung cancer incidence when planning future preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khalid Shariff
- Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mufid El Mistiri
- Hamad Medical Corporation, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ussama Alhomsi
- Hamad Medical Corporation, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Doha, Qatar
| | - Awni Alshurafa
- Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Raza A Akbar
- Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muhammad A Waheed
- Department of Medicine, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton, UK
| | - Reyad H Mohsen
- Hamad Medical Corporation, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Doha, Qatar
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207
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Mohideen FS, Rajkumar Honest PC, Syed MA, David KV, Abdulmajeed J, Ramireddy N. Prevalence of multimorbidity among adults attending primary health care centres in Qatar: A retrospective cross-sectional study. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 10:1823-1828. [PMID: 34195110 PMCID: PMC8208191 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2446_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Context: Multimorbidity (MM) is a global concern following the increase in life expectancy, the conquering of major infectious diseases, and the advances in the management of chronic illnesses. It places a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Aims: This study aims to describe the prevalence and pattern of MM in adults among primary healthcare users in Qatar. Settings and Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study design. Methods and Material: Data were extracted from the electronic health records of patients aged 18 years and above who registered for care with 27 primary health centres in Qatar from 1st January 2017 to 30th June 2020. The distribution of MM among age groups, gender and nationality was analysed. Results: In the study population of 7,96,427, the prevalence of MM was found to be 22.1%. MM was more prevalent in females (51.2%) than males (48.8%). The prevalence of MM showed an increasing trend with increasing age, with a peak of 25.8% found in the 46–55 age group. Qatari nationals accounted for 32.7% of MM, Southeast Asians for 28.3%, North Africans for 16.7% and individuals from other Middle Eastern countries for 14.1%. The five most common long-term chronic conditions were type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity and eczema, with the first three being the most prevalent disease clusters. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that MM is common in Qatar's primary care centres. While the prevalence of MM was found to increase with increasing age, the largest proportion of patients with MM were those aged 46–55 years. This information adds to the available data on MM and directs health policymakers towards tailoring the management for the same.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohamed Ahmed Syed
- Clinical Affairs - Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Corporation, Qatar
| | | | - Jazeel Abdulmajeed
- Strategy Planning & HI - Business & Health Intelligence, Primary Health Care Corporation, Qatar
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208
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Islam MM, Farag E, Mahmoudi A, Hassan MM, Mostafavi E, Enan KA, Al-Romaihi H, Atta M, El Hussein ARM, Mkhize-Kwitshana Z. Rodent-Related Zoonotic Pathogens at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface in Qatar: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18115928. [PMID: 34073025 PMCID: PMC8198466 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rodents are one of the most diversified terrestrial mammals, and they perform several beneficial activities in nature. These animals are also important as carriers of many pathogens with public health importance. The current systematic review was conducted to formulate a true depiction of rodent-related zoonoses in Qatar. Following systematic searches on PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science and a screening process, a total of 94 published articles were selected and studied. The studied articles reported 23 rodent-related zoonotic pathogens that include nine bacterial, eleven parasitic, and three viral pathogens, from which the frequently reported pathogens were Mycobacterium tuberculosis (32 reports), Escherichia coli (23), and Salmonella spp. (16). The possible pathway of entry of the rodent-borne pathogens can be the land port, seaports, and airport of Qatar through carrier humans and animals, contaminated food, and agricultural products. The pathogens can be conserved internally by rodents, pets, and livestock; by agricultural production systems; and by food marketing chains. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of the pathogens among the human population was 4.27% (95%CI: 4.03–4.51%; p < 0.001) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.50%). The top three highest prevalent pathogens were M.tuberculosis (30.90%; 22.75–39.04%; p < 0.001; I2 = 99.70%) followed by Toxoplasma gondii (21.93%; 6.23–37.61%; p < 0.001; I2 = 99.30%) and hepatitis E virus (18.29%; 11.72–24.86%; p < 0.001; I2 = 96.70%). However, there is a knowledge gap about the listed pathogens regarding the occurrence, transmission pathways, and rodent role in transmission dynamics at the human–animal–environment interface in Qatar. Further studies are required to explore the role of rodents in spreading zoonotic pathogens through the One Health framework, consisting of zoologists, ecologists, microbiologists, entomologists, veterinarians, and public health experts in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mazharul Islam
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Doha P.O. Box 35081, Qatar; (K.A.E.), (M.A.)
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Correspondence: or (M.M.I.); (E.F.); Tel.: +974-660-64382 (M.M.I.); +974-440-70396 (E.F.)
| | - Elmoubashar Farag
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar;
- Correspondence: or (M.M.I.); (E.F.); Tel.: +974-660-64382 (M.M.I.); +974-440-70396 (E.F.)
| | - Ahmad Mahmoudi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran;
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh;
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan 6556153145, Iran
| | - Khalid A. Enan
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Doha P.O. Box 35081, Qatar; (K.A.E.), (M.A.)
- Department of Virology, Central Laboratory, The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Khartum 7099, Sudan;
| | | | - Muzzamil Atta
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Doha P.O. Box 35081, Qatar; (K.A.E.), (M.A.)
- College of Animal Production, Bahri University, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Abdel Rahim M. El Hussein
- Department of Virology, Central Laboratory, The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Khartum 7099, Sudan;
| | - Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa;
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
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Younes S, Samara M, Al-Jurf R, Nasrallah G, Al-Obaidly S, Salama H, Olukade T, Hammuda S, Ismail MA, Abdoh G, Abdulrouf PV, Farrell T, AlQubaisi M, Al Rifai H, Al-Dewik N. Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Preterm and Early Term Births: A Population-Based Register Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:5865. [PMID: 34072575 PMCID: PMC8197791 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) and early term birth (ETB) are associated with high risks of perinatal mortality and morbidity. While extreme to very PTBs have been extensively studied, studies on infants born at later stages of pregnancy, particularly late PTBs and ETBs, are lacking. In this study, we aimed to assess the incidence, risk factors, and feto-maternal outcomes of PTB and ETB births in Qatar. We examined 15,865 singleton live births using 12-month retrospective registry data from the PEARL-Peristat Study. PTB and ETB incidence rates were 8.8% and 33.7%, respectively. PTB and ETB in-hospital mortality rates were 16.9% and 0.2%, respectively. Advanced maternal age, pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM), assisted pregnancies, and preterm history independently predicted both PTB and ETB, whereas chromosomal and congenital abnormalities were found to be independent predictors of PTB but not ETB. All groups of PTB and ETB were significantly associated with low birth weight (LBW), large for gestational age (LGA) births, caesarean delivery, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)/or death of neonate in labor room (LR)/operation theatre (OT). On the other hand, all or some groups of PTB were significantly associated with small for gestational age (SGA) births, Apgar < 7 at 1 and 5 min and in-hospital mortality. The findings of this study may serve as a basis for taking better clinical decisions with accurate assessment of risk factors, complications, and predictions of PTB and ETB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Younes
- Department of Research, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (S.Y.); (M.A.I.); (P.V.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Muthanna Samara
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (M.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Rana Al-Jurf
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (R.A.-J.); (G.N.)
| | - Gheyath Nasrallah
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (R.A.-J.); (G.N.)
| | - Sawsan Al-Obaidly
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar;
| | - Husam Salama
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Newborn Screening Unit, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (H.S.); (T.O.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (H.A.R.)
| | - Tawa Olukade
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Newborn Screening Unit, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (H.S.); (T.O.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (H.A.R.)
| | - Sara Hammuda
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (M.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Mohamed A. Ismail
- Department of Research, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (S.Y.); (M.A.I.); (P.V.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Ghassan Abdoh
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Newborn Screening Unit, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (H.S.); (T.O.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (H.A.R.)
| | - Palli Valapila Abdulrouf
- Department of Research, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (S.Y.); (M.A.I.); (P.V.A.); (T.F.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Thomas Farrell
- Department of Research, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (S.Y.); (M.A.I.); (P.V.A.); (T.F.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar;
| | - Mai AlQubaisi
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Newborn Screening Unit, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (H.S.); (T.O.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (H.A.R.)
| | - Hilal Al Rifai
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Newborn Screening Unit, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (H.S.); (T.O.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (H.A.R.)
| | - Nader Al-Dewik
- Department of Research, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (S.Y.); (M.A.I.); (P.V.A.); (T.F.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (R.A.-J.); (G.N.)
- Interim Translational Research Institute (iTRI), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 3050, Qatar
- Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences, Kingston University, St. George’s University of London, London KT1 2EE, UK
- Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Science (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha 34110, Qatar
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210
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Nashwan AJ, Abujaber AA, Villar RC, Nazarene A, Al-Jabry MM, Fradelos EC. Comparing the Impact of COVID-19 on Nurses' Turnover Intentions before and during the Pandemic in Qatar. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11060456. [PMID: 34073655 PMCID: PMC8225037 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although several studies examining nurses’ turnover intentions have been conducted, few studies have been conducted to explore how COVID-19 contributes to nurses’ turnover intentions. This study aims to compare nurses’ turnover (TO) intentions before and during COVID-19. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted using the Turnover Intention Scale (TIS-6) and a convenience sample of participants from the largest healthcare provider in Qatar between August and September 2020. Results: A total of 512 nurses were included in the final analysis. The majority were between 31 and 40 years of age (61.5%), 67.6% were females, 76.4% were married, 79.7% had a BSN, 43% had less than 5 years of experience, and 60.4% had worked in COVID-19 designated facilities. The turnover intentions were higher compared with before COVID-19 (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Nurses in Qatar have higher TO intentions during COVID-19. The participants’ characteristics and stress levels are playing a major role in nurses’ decision to leave during COVID-19. Understanding the factors that contribute to turnover intentions is crucial for workforce planning, especially during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulqadir J. Nashwan
- Department of Nursing, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HMGH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.A.A.); (R.C.V.); (M.M.A.-J.)
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ), Doha P.O. Box 23133, Qatar
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +974-4024-0487 or +974-6647-3549
| | - Ahmad A. Abujaber
- Department of Nursing, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HMGH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.A.A.); (R.C.V.); (M.M.A.-J.)
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ), Doha P.O. Box 23133, Qatar
| | - Ralph C. Villar
- Department of Nursing, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HMGH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.A.A.); (R.C.V.); (M.M.A.-J.)
| | - Ananth Nazarene
- Department of Nursing, Mental Health Services (MHS), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 3050, Qatar;
| | - Mahmood M. Al-Jabry
- Department of Nursing, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HMGH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.A.A.); (R.C.V.); (M.M.A.-J.)
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211
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Shehata AA, El-Nahas EM, Abo Hatab EM, Sharawi SSA, Ahmed HA. The genetic identification of camel contagious ecthyma virus as the causative agent of contagious ecthyma in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Qatar. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:332. [PMID: 34008092 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02771-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Camel contagious ecthyma is a contagious viral disease of camels caused by either Orf virus (ORFV) or camel contagious ecthyma virus (CCEV). It has been previously reported and shown to cause economic losses in some camel-rearing countries in Asia and Africa, but has not been detected in Qatar. The purpose of this study was to identify and genetically characterize the contagious ecthyma causative agent in Qatari dromedary camels between 2017 and 2018. Accordingly, we made diagnoses of camel contagious ecthyma based on the clinical signs and genetic analysis of the entire major envelop protein (B2L) gene. The sequence analysis showed that CCEV was the infecting virus, and the B2L gene sequences were highly conserved between the locally infected camels with 100% similarity with isolates from Bahrain. This is the first study reporting the detection of CCEV in Qatar. We suggest that sequencing of the CCEV genome is necessary to determine the origin and relationship of this virus with other members of the parapoxvirus genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir A Shehata
- Camel Genetic Research Center, Tharb Camel Hospital, Leawaina, Qatar. .,Genome Research Unit, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Ehab M El-Nahas
- Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Eman M Abo Hatab
- Virology Department, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Saad S A Sharawi
- Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hanaa A Ahmed
- Camel Genetic Research Center, Tharb Camel Hospital, Leawaina, Qatar.,Genome Research Unit, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
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212
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Sharma P, Jain A, Scaria V. Genetic Landscape of Rare Autoinflammatory Disease Variants in Qatar and Middle Eastern Populations Through the Integration of Whole-Genome and Exome Datasets. Front Genet 2021; 12:631340. [PMID: 34054914 PMCID: PMC8155677 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.631340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare monogenic autoinflammatory diseases are a group of recurrent inflammatory genetic disorders caused due to genetic variants in over 37 genes. While a number of these disorders have been identified and reported in Middle Eastern populations, the carrier frequency of these genetic variants in the Middle Eastern population is not known. The availability of whole-genome and exome datasets of over 1,000 individuals from Qatar persuaded us to explore the genetic epidemiology of rare autoinflammatory genetic variants. We have systematically analyzed genetic variants in genome-scale datasets from Qatar with a compendium of variants associated with autoinflammatory diseases. The variants were systematically reclassified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines for interpretation of variant pathogenicity. Our analysis identified seven pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants with significant differences in their allele frequencies compared to the global population. The cumulative carrier frequency of these variants was found to be 2.58%. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that five genes, implicated in rare autoinflammatory diseases, were under natural selection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first and most comprehensive study on the population-scale analysis and genetic epidemiology of genetic variants that cause rare autoinflammatory disease in Middle Eastern populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Sharma
- Center for Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhinav Jain
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Vinod Scaria
- Center for Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, New Delhi, India.,CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
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213
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Zaqout A, Daghfal J, Alaqad I, Hussein SAN, Aldushain A, Almaslamani MA, Abukhattab M, Omrani AS. The initial impact of a national BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 108:116-118. [PMID: 33992763 PMCID: PMC8117665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study examined the initial impact of a national BNT162b2 vaccine rollout on SARS-CoV-2 infections in Qatar. Methods All individuals who had completed ≥14 days of follow-up by 16 March 2021 after receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine were included. This study calculated incidence rates (IR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) during days 1–7, 8–14, 15–21, 22–28, and >28 days post-vaccination. Poisson regression was used to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRR) relative to the first 7-day post-vaccination period. Results A total of 199,219 individuals with 6,521,124 person-days of follow-up were included. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in 1877 (0.9%), of which 489 (26.1%) were asymptomatic and 123 (6.6%) required oxygen support. The median time from first vaccination to SARS-CoV-2 confirmation was 11.9 days (IQR 7.7–18.2). Compared with the first 7-day post-vaccination period, SARS-CoV-2 infections were lower by 65.8–84.7% during 15–21, 22–28, and >28 days (P < 0.001 for each). For severe COVID-19, the incidence rates were 75.7–93.3% lower during the corresponding time periods (P < 0.001 for each). Conclusion The results were consistent with an early protective effect of BNT162b2 vaccine against all degrees of SARS-CoV-2 severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Zaqout
- Communicable Disease Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Joanne Daghfal
- Communicable Disease Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Israa Alaqad
- Communicable Disease Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Muna A Almaslamani
- Communicable Disease Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Abukhattab
- Communicable Disease Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali S Omrani
- Communicable Disease Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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214
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Garand M, Toufiq M, Singh P, Huang SSY, Tomei S, Mathew R, Mattei V, Al Wakeel M, Sharif E, Al Khodor S. Immunomodulatory Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in a Deficient Population. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5041. [PMID: 34068701 PMCID: PMC8126205 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22095041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its canonical functions, vitamin D has been proposed to be an important mediator of the immune system. Despite ample sunshine, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent (>80%) in the Middle East, resulting in a high rate of supplementation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the specific regimen prescribed and the potential factors affecting an individual's response to vitamin D supplementation are not well characterized. Our objective is to describe the changes in the blood transcriptome and explore the potential mechanisms associated with vitamin D3 supplementation in one hundred vitamin D-deficient women who were given a weekly oral dose (50,000 IU) of vitamin D3 for three months. A high-throughput targeted PCR, composed of 264 genes representing the important blood transcriptomic fingerprints of health and disease states, was performed on pre and post-supplementation blood samples to profile the molecular response to vitamin D3. We identified 54 differentially expressed genes that were strongly modulated by vitamin D3 supplementation. Network analyses showed significant changes in the immune-related pathways such as TLR4/CD14 and IFN receptors, and catabolic processes related to NF-kB, which were subsequently confirmed by gene ontology enrichment analyses. We proposed a model for vitamin D3 response based on the expression changes of molecules involved in the receptor-mediated intra-cellular signaling pathways and the ensuing predicted effects on cytokine production. Overall, vitamin D3 has a strong effect on the immune system, G-coupled protein receptor signaling, and the ubiquitin system. We highlighted the major molecular changes and biological processes induced by vitamin D3, which will help to further investigate the effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation among individuals in the Middle East as well as other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Garand
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (M.T.); (P.S.); (S.S.Y.H.); (S.T.); (R.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Mohammed Toufiq
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (M.T.); (P.S.); (S.S.Y.H.); (S.T.); (R.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Parul Singh
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (M.T.); (P.S.); (S.S.Y.H.); (S.T.); (R.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Susie Shih Yin Huang
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (M.T.); (P.S.); (S.S.Y.H.); (S.T.); (R.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Sara Tomei
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (M.T.); (P.S.); (S.S.Y.H.); (S.T.); (R.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Rebecca Mathew
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (M.T.); (P.S.); (S.S.Y.H.); (S.T.); (R.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Valentina Mattei
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (M.T.); (P.S.); (S.S.Y.H.); (S.T.); (R.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Mariam Al Wakeel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 26999, Qatar;
| | - Elham Sharif
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 26999, Qatar;
| | - Souhaila Al Khodor
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (M.T.); (P.S.); (S.S.Y.H.); (S.T.); (R.M.); (V.M.)
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215
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Khaled SM, Petcu C, Bader L, Amro I, Al-Hamadi AMHA, Al Assi M, Ali AAM, Le Trung K, Diop A, Bellaj T, Al-Thani MH, Woodruff PW, Alabdulla M, Haddad PM. Prevalence and Potential Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Resistance in Qatar: Results from a Nationally Representative Survey of Qatari Nationals and Migrants between December 2020 and January 2021. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:471. [PMID: 34067103 PMCID: PMC8151168 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Global COVID-19 pandemic containment necessitates understanding the risk of hesitance or resistance to vaccine uptake in different populations. The Middle East and North Africa currently lack vital representative vaccine hesitancy data. We conducted the first representative national phone survey among the adult population of Qatar, between December 2020 and January 2021, to estimate the prevalence and identify potential determinants of vaccine willingness: acceptance (strongly agree), resistance (strongly disagree), and hesitance (somewhat agree, neutral, somewhat disagree). Bivariate and multinomial logistic regression models estimated associations between willingness groups and fifteen variables. In the total sample, 42.7% (95% CI: 39.5-46.1) were accepting, 45.2% (95% CI: 41.9-48.4) hesitant, and 12.1% (95% CI: 10.1-14.4) resistant. Vaccine resistant compared with hesistant and accepting groups reported no endorsement source will increase vaccine confidence (58.9% vs. 5.6% vs. 0.2%, respectively). Female gender, Arab ethnicity, migrant status/type, and vaccine side-effects concerns were associated with hesitancy and resistance. COVID-19 related bereavement, infection, and quarantine status were not significantly associated with any willingness group. Absence of or lack of concern about contracting the virus was solely associated with resistance. COVID-19 vaccine resistance, hesitance, and side-effects concerns are high in Qatar's population compared with those globally. Urgent public health engagement should focus on women, Qataris (non-migrants), and those of Arab ethnicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma M. Khaled
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (C.P.); (L.B.); (I.A.); (A.M.H.A.A.-H.); (M.A.A.); (A.A.M.A.); (K.L.T.); (A.D.)
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Catalina Petcu
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (C.P.); (L.B.); (I.A.); (A.M.H.A.A.-H.); (M.A.A.); (A.A.M.A.); (K.L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Lina Bader
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (C.P.); (L.B.); (I.A.); (A.M.H.A.A.-H.); (M.A.A.); (A.A.M.A.); (K.L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Iman Amro
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (C.P.); (L.B.); (I.A.); (A.M.H.A.A.-H.); (M.A.A.); (A.A.M.A.); (K.L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Aisha Mohammed H. A. Al-Hamadi
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (C.P.); (L.B.); (I.A.); (A.M.H.A.A.-H.); (M.A.A.); (A.A.M.A.); (K.L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Marwa Al Assi
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (C.P.); (L.B.); (I.A.); (A.M.H.A.A.-H.); (M.A.A.); (A.A.M.A.); (K.L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Amal Awadalla Mohamed Ali
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (C.P.); (L.B.); (I.A.); (A.M.H.A.A.-H.); (M.A.A.); (A.A.M.A.); (K.L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Kien Le Trung
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (C.P.); (L.B.); (I.A.); (A.M.H.A.A.-H.); (M.A.A.); (A.A.M.A.); (K.L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Abdoulaye Diop
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (C.P.); (L.B.); (I.A.); (A.M.H.A.A.-H.); (M.A.A.); (A.A.M.A.); (K.L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Tarek Bellaj
- College of Art and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
| | - Mohamed H. Al-Thani
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Public Health, Al Khaleej Street, Rumaila, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar;
| | - Peter W. Woodruff
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, The University of Sheffield Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK;
| | - Majid Alabdulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O Box 3050, Qatar; (M.A.); (P.M.H.)
- Clinical Science Department, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Peter M. Haddad
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O Box 3050, Qatar; (M.A.); (P.M.H.)
- Clinical Science Department, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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216
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Chourabi M, Boughattas S, Abdallah AM, Ismail A, Behnke JM, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Abu-Madi M. Genetic Diversity and Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in Qatar. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:652946. [PMID: 34017691 PMCID: PMC8129557 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.652946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giardia duodenalis is a common human intestinal parasite worldwide, and the causative agent of diarrhea, with the severity of disease ranging from asymptomatic to intense and debilitating infection. G. duodenalis is known to consist of eight genetically distinct assemblages, named from A to H. No data available on the genotypes and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis circulating in Qatar. Methods We genotyped 54 human Giardia isolates, collected from asymptomatic immigrants in Qatar, using a multilocus genotyping (MLGs) tool. We also investigated relationships between the subjects’ genotypes and their demographic data. Results Genomic DNA from 54 isolates were tested by PCR and sequence analysis at three loci: glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), β-giardin (bg) and triose phosphate (tpi)). Assemblage A was identified in nine (16.67%), assemblage B in thirty (55.55%), and a mixture of assemblages A+B in fifteen (27.78%) isolates. All assemblage A isolates, genotyped in different loci, were assigned to sub-assemblage AII, and six of them had MLGs AII-1 while one new MLG was identified in two isolates. Sequences of assemblage B isolates have high level of genetic diversity and high presence of heterogeneous peaks, especially within the gdh gene. No significant associations between genotypes and the immigrants’ demographic data were found due to the extensive number of new variants. Conclusions MLGs was used herein to genotype 54 immigrant Giardia isolates. The high level of genetic variability found in our isolates hampered MLGs determination, more investigations are now required to consolidate our findings, and to enable a comprehensive understanding of the diversity within G. duodenalis assemblage B isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Chourabi
- Biomedical Research Center, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sonia Boughattas
- Biomedical Research Center, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Atiyeh M Abdallah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Medical Commission, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jerzy M Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Medical Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Marawan Abu-Madi
- Biomedical Research Center, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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217
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Al-Kuwari MG, Al Abdulla S, Abdulla M, Mohammed AM, Haj Bakri A, Shaikhan F, Buhaddoud H. Qualitative Focus Group Study Examining Perceptions of the Community's Important Health Issues, Health Care Needs and Perceived Barriers to Access Among Arabic Speaking Primary Care Clients in the State of Qatar. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:961-971. [PMID: 33953565 PMCID: PMC8090979 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s288194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study is a part of the Primary Health Care Corporation’s (PHCC) Health Needs Assessment (HNA) Initiative. It focuses on identifying perceptions of Arabic speaking primary care clients regarding community’s major health issues, their experiences in utilizing health services, and the barriers that limit their access to health care in the State of Qatar. Study Setting and Design A total of 10 focus groups sessions were conducted at different PHCC’s health centers between October of 2019 and March of 2020. Sessions were distributed to cover all PHCC’s three geographical regions. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants A total of 89 adult Arabic speaking individuals were recruited. Participants included were in the age groups (18–69), native Arabic speaker, and registered at one of the PHCC’s health centers with a valid health card at time of recruitment. Results Areas investigated included perceptions of the community’s health issues, needed health services, and perceived barriers to health care. Priority health issues identified were chronic non-communicable diseases, mental health, timely access to care, cultural competency of delivered services, and integration and coordination across health care settings and sectors. Participants were able to identify socioeconomic and environmental factors such as the need for health and wellness interventions at schools that affects the health of the individual and the community. The importance of raising the community’s awareness about health-related issues and availability of health services was highlighted by study participants. Conclusion Collecting qualitative data provides an opportunity to examine people’s perceptions, and motivations and engage the whole community. This process is very important for strategic planning of health services. The study attempts to fill the knowledge gap and should be linked to health policy and the development of socially and culturally appropriate health programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maha Abdulla
- Strategy Planning and Health Intelligence, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Azza Mustafa Mohammed
- Strategy Planning and Health Intelligence, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmad Haj Bakri
- Strategy Planning and Health Intelligence, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fahad Shaikhan
- Preventative Health - Health Protection, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hanan Buhaddoud
- Strategy Planning and Health Intelligence, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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218
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Zainel AA, Qotba H, Al-Maadeed A, Al-Kohji S, Al Mujalli H, Ali A, Al Mannai L, Aladab A, AlSaadi H, AlKarbi KA, Al-Baghdadi T. Psychological and Coping Strategies Related to Home Isolation and Social Distancing in Children and Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e24760. [PMID: 33851577 PMCID: PMC8083952 DOI: 10.2196/24760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In December 2019, a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the cause of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. It rapidly spread due to human-to-human transmission, resulting in a global pandemic. Nearly every country, including Qatar, has established guidelines and regulations to limit the spread of the virus and to preserve public health. However, these procedures have been associated with negative effects on the psychological and intellectual well-being of individuals, including children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the psychological influence of home isolation and social distancing on children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar, and the strategies used to cope with these measures. METHODS This cross-sectional study was undertaken using an online questionnaire administered through SMS text messaging. All home-isolated children and adolescents registered at the Primary Health Care Corporation aged 7-18 years were invited to participate in the study. Children and adolescents with intellectual disadvantages were excluded. A P value of .05 (two-tailed) was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Data were collected from 6608 participants from June 23 to July 18, 2020. Nearly all participants adhered to the official regulations during the period of home isolation and social distancing; however, 69.1% (n=4568) of parents believed their children were vulnerable to the virus compared to 25% (n=1652) who expressed they were not vulnerable at all. Higher levels of anger, depression, and general anxiety were prevalent among 1.3% (n=84), 3.9% (n=260), and 1.6% (n=104) of participants, respectively. The mean score for the emotional constructs anger and depression decreased with increased compliance with regulations (P=.04 and P=.11, respectively). The differences in mean score for all psychological and coping strategies used among participants across the 3 levels of vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 were statistically significant. The mean score varied little with increasing reported vulnerability to the virus. This mild variation can make a difference when the sample size is large, as is the case in this study. CONCLUSIONS Screening for psychological and social disruptions is important for the development of strategies by schools and health care providers to assess and monitor behavioral changes and negative psychological impact during post-COVID-19 reintegration. Participants experiencing higher levels of anxiety should be given more attention during reintegration and transitional phases in schools. Although electronic devices and social media platforms may have lowered anxiety levels in some cases, it is important to address how they are used and how content is tailored to children and adolescents. It is also important to maintain an active lifestyle for children and young persons, and encourage them not to neglect their physical health, as this promotes a better psychological state of mind.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamda Qotba
- Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | - Atif Ali
- Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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219
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Al-Thani H, Mekkodathil A, Hertelendy AJ, Howland I, Frazier T, El-Menyar A. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Transportation of Trauma Patients by Geographic Locations and In-Hospital Outcomes: Experience from Qatar. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:4016. [PMID: 33921199 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Prehospital care provided by emergency medical services (EMS) plays an important role in improving patient outcomes. Globally, prehospital care varies across countries and even within the same country by the geographic location and access to medical services. We aimed to explore the prehospital trauma care and in-hospital outcomes within the urban and rural areas in the state of Qatar. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted utilizing data from the Qatar National Trauma Registry for trauma patients who were transported by EMS to a level 1 trauma center between 2017 and 2018. Data were analyzed and compared between urban and rural areas and among the different municipalities in which the incidents occurred. Results: Across the study duration, 1761 patients were transported by EMS. Of that, 59% were transported from an urban area and 41% from rural areas. There were significant differences in the on-scene time and total prehospital time as a function of urban and rural areas and municipalities; however, the response time across the study groups was comparable. There were no significant differences in blood transfusion, intubation, hospital length of stay, and mortality. Conclusion: Within different areas in Qatar, the EMS response time and in-hospital outcomes were comparable. This indicates that the provision of prehospital care across the country is similar. The prehospital and acute in-hospital care are accessible for everyone in the country at no cost. Understanding the differences in EMS utilization and prehospital times contributes to the policy development in terms of equitable distribution of healthcare resources.
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220
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Sharaf N, Al-Jayyousi GF, Radwan E, Shams Eldin SME, Hamdani D, Al-Katheeri H, Elawad K, Habib Sair A. Barriers of Appropriate Antibiotic Prescription at PHCC in Qatar: Perspective of Physicians and Pharmacists. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:317. [PMID: 33808517 PMCID: PMC8003259 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar developed the NAP (National Action Plan to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in collaboration with WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO/EMRO). Among the major factors shaping AMR is antimicrobial prescribing and use. Tailoring Antimicrobial Resistance Program is a behavior change methodology that is utilized to adapt behavior change in relation to antimicrobial use. This study explores barriers of appropriate antibiotic (AB) prescription from the physicians' and pharmacists' perspectives at primary healthcare centers in Qatar. Data were collected from 50 participants across two PHCCs: 30 physicians and 20 pharmacists. Two different interview guides were constructed: One for physicians and one for pharmacists. In-depth, face-to-face, five focus groups were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Inductive qualitative analysis, involving discovering the themes in the interviews, was followed. Data were analyzed using constant comparative techniques. The Major themes arose from the analysis revealed that patients, practitioners mainly physicians, and the organization itself, played a role in shaping these barriers in the two primary healthcare centers. The findings would help develop and pilot behavior change interventions among patients, physicians and pharmacists with the aim of optimizing appropriate antibiotic prescription and use, which would support the implementation of the antibiotic stewardship program. Effective behavior change interventions should consider multiple factors including individual and organizational factors to optimize appropriate antibiotic prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Sharaf
- Department of Strategic Planning and Performance, Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (N.S.); (E.R.); (S.M.E.S.E.); (D.H.); (H.A.-K.)
| | - Ghadir Fakhri Al-Jayyousi
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Eman Radwan
- Department of Strategic Planning and Performance, Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (N.S.); (E.R.); (S.M.E.S.E.); (D.H.); (H.A.-K.)
| | - Shimous Mohamed Elamin Shams Eldin
- Department of Strategic Planning and Performance, Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (N.S.); (E.R.); (S.M.E.S.E.); (D.H.); (H.A.-K.)
| | - Dhouha Hamdani
- Department of Strategic Planning and Performance, Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (N.S.); (E.R.); (S.M.E.S.E.); (D.H.); (H.A.-K.)
| | - Huda Al-Katheeri
- Department of Strategic Planning and Performance, Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (N.S.); (E.R.); (S.M.E.S.E.); (D.H.); (H.A.-K.)
| | - Khalid Elawad
- Preventative Health—Health Protection, Primary Healthcare Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 26555, Qatar;
| | - Anjum Habib Sair
- Operations—Clinical Operations, Primary Healthcare Doha P.O. Box 26555, Qatar;
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221
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Al-Zaidan M, Mohamed Ibrahim MI, Al-Kuwari MG, Mohammed AM, Nawaz Mohammed M, Al Abdulla S. Qatar's Primary Health Care Medication Home Delivery Service: A Response Toward COVID-19. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:651-657. [PMID: 33762825 PMCID: PMC7982792 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s282079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has strained health care systems around the world. Pharmacists have made substantial contributions to the health care operations during the COVID-19 response. The Pharmacy Department at Qatar Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) acted proactively to ensure that all patients received their medications and their refilled prescriptions in time and without any disruption. The Medication Home Delivery Service was introduced and implemented for all Qatar residents to prevent unnecessary visits to health centers, minimize the spread of COVID-19 to vulnerable populations, especially those with multiple comorbidities, and protect health care workers from exposure to the virus. Moreover, several other precautionary measures were taken by the PHCC to ensure uninterrupted access to health care, including moving to a virtual health care delivery model. As of September 2020, the service had served around 64,213 patients since its launch in March 2020. In total, 70,357 medications were delivered and 69,092 (98.2%) medication packages were delivered successfully to patients, with an average of 450.8 medication packages delivered per month. Despite various challenges, the PHCC is considering continuing the Medication Home Delivery Service in the long term to continue with a more effective and efficient service for patients during the coming months and years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Al-Zaidan
- Pharmacy Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Mohamed Ghaith Al-Kuwari
- Directorate of Strategy Planning and Health Intelligence, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Azza Mustafa Mohammed
- Directorate of Strategy Planning and Health Intelligence, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Samya Al Abdulla
- Directorate of Operations, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Kane T, Chivese T, Al-Moslih A, Al-Mutawa NAM, Daher-Nashif S, Hashemi N, Carr A. A program evaluation reporting student perceptions of early clinical exposure to primary care at a new medical college in Qatar. BMC Med Educ 2021; 21:162. [PMID: 33731085 PMCID: PMC7968227 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02597-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though common practice in Europe, few studies have described the efficacy of early clinical exposure (ECE) in the Middle East. The barriers to clinical learning experienced by these novice medical students have not been reported. This evaluation reports on introducing ECE in primary care, supported by Experiential Review (ER) debriefing sessions. The evaluation explores students' experiences of their acquisition of clinical and non-technical skills, sociocultural issues commonly encountered but underreported and barriers to clinical learning experienced. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of three student cohorts in 2017-19: All second and third-year students at the new College of Medicine were invited to participate. The primary outcome was students' perceptions of the aims of the Primary Health Centre Placement (PHCP) programme and how it facilitated learning. Secondary outcome measures were students' perceptions of their learning in ER sessions and perceived barriers to learning during PHCPs. Student perceptions of the PHCPs were measured using a Likert scale-based questionnaire. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-one students participated: 107 in year 2 and 44 in year 3; 72.3% were female. Overall, most students (> 70%) strongly agreed or agreed with the purposes of the PCHPs. Most students (71%) strongly agreed or agreed that the PCHPs allowed them to learn about patient care; 58% to observe doctors as role models and 55% to discuss managing common clinical problems with family physicians. Most students (year 2 = 62.5% and year 3 = 67%) strongly agreed/agreed that they were now confident taking histories and examining patients. Student barriers to clinical learning included: Unclear learning outcomes (48.3%); faculty too busy to teach (41.7%); lacking understanding of clinical medicine (29.1%); shyness (26.5%); and finding talking to patients difficult and embarrassing (25.8%). Over 70% reported that ER enabled them to discuss ethical and professional issues. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our Middle Eastern students regard ECE as beneficial to their clinical learning. PHCPs and ER sessions together provide useful educational experiences for novice learners. We recommend further exploration of the barriers to learning to explore whether these novice students' perceptions are manifesting underlying cultural sensitivities or acculturation to their new environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Kane
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tawanda Chivese
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayad Al-Moslih
- Department of Clinical Academic Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Suhad Daher-Nashif
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nehdia Hashemi
- Department of Clinical Academic Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alison Carr
- Department of Clinical Academic Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Alenazi AM, Alhowimel AS, Alotaibi MA, Alqahtani BA, Alshehri MM, Alanazi AD, Alanazi AA, Alanazi SF, Bindawas SM. Prevalence and incidence of osteoarthritis among people living in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rheumatol 2021; 40:3523-31. [PMID: 33715078 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05662-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease affecting joints with an increasing prevalence around the world and in the Middle East region. Research about the prevalence/incidence of OA in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries was limited with inconsistent findings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for studies reporting the prevalence/incidence of OA among people living in the GCC countries. A comprehensive search was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception to December 2020 to identify eligible studies examining the prevalence/incidence of OA in the GCC countries. Meta-analysis was conducted, and the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was utilized to evaluate methodological quality. Thirteen studies were included (12 studies reported prevalence and one study reported incidence), with a total of 24,625 participants with an estimated overall prevalence of 16.13% and incidence of 3.5% of OA in the GCC countries. The quality of the included studies was unsatisfactory (six studies), satisfactory (six studies), and good quality (one study). Common risk factors were being older adult, female, obese, and having lower scores for quality of life. This study shows a high prevalence of OA among individuals living in the GCC countries at approximately 16.13%. Only one study reported incidence of 3.5% of OA in this population. This prevalence rate needs to be confirmed in future research with a similar population and at the site of joint OA levels. Common risk factors should be interpreted with caution since only a few studies reported risk factors. Key Points • The pooled prevalence of Osteoarthritis in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries was 16.13% based on 12 included studies.
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224
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Alishaq M, Jeremijenko A, Nafady-Hego H, Al Ajmi JA, Elgendy M, Fadel RAA, Thomas AG, Alahmed MAA, Ammar A, Bensaad M, Al-Barghouthi B, Coyle P, Elgendy H, Abou-Samra AB, Butt AA. SARS-CoV-2 infection in mortuary and cemetery workers. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 105:621-5. [PMID: 33711522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortuary and cemetery workers may be exposed to the bodies of people with SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, prevalence of infection among these groups is unknown. METHODS Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) for RT-PCR and serologic testing for SARS-CoV-2 were performed on mortuary and cemetery workers in Qatar. Data on specific job duties, living conditions, contact history, and clinical course were gathered. Environmental sampling was carried out to explore any association with infection. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with infection. RESULTS Forty-seven mortuary workers provided an NPS and seven (14.9%) were PCR positive; 32 provided a blood sample and eight (25%) were antibody positive, six (75%) who were seropositive were also PCR positive. Among the 81 cemetery workers, 76 provided an NPS and five (6.6%) were PCR positive; 64 provided a blood sample and 22 (34.4%) were antibody positive, three (13.6%) who were seropositive were also PCR positive. Three (22.2%) and 20 (83.3%) of the infected mortuary and cemetery workers were asymptomatic, respectively. Age <30 years (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.7-14.6), community exposure with a known case (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7-13.3), and presence of symptoms in the preceding 2 weeks (OR 9.0, 95% CI 1.9-42.0) were independently associated with an increased risk of infection (PCR or antibody positive). Of the 46 environmental and surface samples, all were negative or had a Ct value of >35. CONCLUSION A substantial proportion of mortuary and cemetery workers had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was incidentally detected upon serologic testing. These data are most consistent with community acquisition rather than occupational acquisition.
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225
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Hasnain S, Mundodan J, Al Bayat S, Khogali H, Al-Romaihi H. Bordetella pertussis: An agent not to be forgotten in Qatar. Qatar Med J 2021; 2021:10. [PMID: 34604009 PMCID: PMC8475723 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2021.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pertussis (whooping cough) is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis that is spread by airborne respiratory droplets. Clinical symptoms vary from infants to adults and are most contagious before the onset of symptoms. Infants are at the highest risk of infection, especially before they are old enough to receive at least two doses of pertussis-containing vaccine. There have been no indigenous cases of pertussis in Qatar since 2010 until 2018, due to free pertussis-containing vaccines under the National Immunization Schedule of Qatar, with coverage consistently above 95%. Two cases were reported in 2016 but were found to be imported. In 2019, 20 infants were reported as suspected pertussis to the Health Promotion and Communicable Disease Control (HP-CDC), Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Qatar; of them, five were laboratory confirmed as pertussis. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the five confirmed cases of pertussis reported to HP-CDC, MOPH, Qatar, between January 1 and December 30, 2019. Summary of Cases: All five confirmed pertussis cases were under one year old, and three were boys. All except one were immunized-for-age, and three had not received any doses of pertussis-containing vaccine and in none of the cases had the mother received tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine during pregnancy. All infants were born in Qatar, and two were Qatari nationals. CONCLUSION There may be a possibility of re-emergence of pertussis in Qatar. Active immunization and coverage maintenance are the best tools to prevent re-emergence. Undiagnosed and untreated pertussis cases are potential sources of infection. The partial or unimmunized groups may be significantly at risk, especially during infancy and before reaching the age to complete the three primary doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines. Focus on increasing awareness among those providing antenatal care, regarding the importance of Tdap vaccination during pregnancy, is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samina Hasnain
- EPI Section, Health Promotion and Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jesha Mundodan
- EPI Section, Health Promotion and Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Soha Al Bayat
- EPI Section, Health Promotion and Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hayat Khogali
- EPI Section, Health Promotion and Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamad Al-Romaihi
- EPI Section, Health Promotion and Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
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226
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Alabdulla M, Reagu SM, Tulley I. Establishing comprehensive forensic mental health services in Qatar. Asian J Psychiatr 2021; 57:102590. [PMID: 33561777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Qatar has experienced exponential economic and healthcare infrastructural development recently. Mental health has been prioritized for development by the state with the launching of the ambitious National Mental Health Strategy in 2013 which incorporates the development of specialist Forensic psychiatry services. Traditionally, some aspects of forensic psychiatry care were provided under general psychiatry, being largely reactive. The new strategy supported the development of specialist Forensic service with a focus on developing safer communities, preventing victimization and supporting the criminal justice system. We provide an overview of the development of this service in Qatar, one of the first of its kind in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Alabdulla
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Shuja Mohd Reagu
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Iain Tulley
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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227
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Abid FB, Tsui CKM, Doi Y, Deshmukh A, McElheny CL, Bachman WC, Fowler EL, Albishawi A, Mushtaq K, Ibrahim EB, Doiphode SH, Hamed MM, Almaslmani MA, Alkhal A, Butt AA, Omrani AS. Molecular characterization of clinical carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales from Qatar. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 40:1779-1785. [PMID: 33616788 PMCID: PMC8295067 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-021-04185-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
One hundred forty-nine carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales from clinical samples obtained between April 2014 and November 2017 were subjected to whole genome sequencing and multi-locus sequence typing. Klebsiella pneumoniae (81, 54.4%) and Escherichia coli (38, 25.5%) were the most common species. Genes encoding metallo-β-lactamases were detected in 68 (45.8%) isolates, and OXA-48-like enzymes in 60 (40.3%). blaNDM-1 (45; 30.2%) and blaOXA-48 (29; 19.5%) were the most frequent. KPC-encoding genes were identified in 5 (3.6%) isolates. Most common sequence types were E. coli ST410 (8; 21.1%) and ST38 (7; 18.4%), and K. pneumoniae ST147 (13; 16%) and ST231 (7; 8.6%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Ben Abid
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. .,Communicable Diseases Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar. .,Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Clement K M Tsui
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Pathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Yohei Doi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Departments of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Anand Deshmukh
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Christi L McElheny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William C Bachman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Erin L Fowler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ahmed Albishawi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Communicable Diseases Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kamran Mushtaq
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Emad B Ibrahim
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sanjay H Doiphode
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Manal M Hamed
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muna A Almaslmani
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Communicable Diseases Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdullatif Alkhal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Communicable Diseases Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adeel A Butt
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali S Omrani
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Communicable Diseases Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,Clinical Epidemiology Research Unit, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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228
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Al-Ali D, Ahmed A, Shafiq A, McVeigh C, Chaari A, Zakaria D, Bendriss G. Fecal microbiota transplants: A review of emerging clinical data on applications, efficacy, and risks (2015-2020). Qatar Med J 2021; 2021:5. [PMID: 34604008 PMCID: PMC8475724 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2021.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the importance of the gut microbiota in health and disease is a subject of growing interest, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was suggested as an attractive therapeutic strategy to restore homeostasis of the gut microbiota, thereby treating diseases that were associated with alteration of the gut microbiota. FMT involves the administration of fresh, frozen, or dried fecal microorganisms from the gut of a healthy donor into the intestinal tract of a patient. This rediscovery of the potential benefits of an ancient practice was accompanied by a rapid progression of our understanding of the roles and mechanisms of gut microbes in the pathogenesis of disease. With a growing number of diseases being associated with dysbiosis or the alteration of gut microbiota, FMT was suggested as an attractive therapeutic strategy to "reset the gut" and initiate clinical resolutions or remissions. The number of FMT clinical trials is increasing worldwide, but no trials are registered in the Gulf region; this suggested the need for raising awareness of the latest studies on FMT. This review presented the emergent preclinical and clinical data to give an overview of the potential clinical applications, the benefits, and inconveniences that were worth considering for eventual future testing of fecal transplants in Qatar and the Middle East. This study highlighted the diversity of methods tested and commented on the variables that can affect the assessment of the effectiveness of FMT in specific diseases. The risks associated with FMT and the threat of antimicrobial resistance for this therapeutic approach were reviewed. From gastrointestinal diseases to neurodevelopmental disorders, understanding the roles of the gut microbiota in health and disease should be at the heart of developing novel, standardized, yet personalized, methods for this ancient therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Al-Ali
- Premedical Division Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Premedical Division, PO Box 24144 Doha, Qatar E-mail:
| | | | - Ameena Shafiq
- Premedical Division Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Premedical Division, PO Box 24144 Doha, Qatar E-mail:
| | - Clare McVeigh
- Premedical Division Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Premedical Division, PO Box 24144 Doha, Qatar E-mail:
| | - Ali Chaari
- Premedical Division Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Premedical Division, PO Box 24144 Doha, Qatar E-mail:
| | - Dalia Zakaria
- Premedical Division Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Premedical Division, PO Box 24144 Doha, Qatar E-mail:
| | - Ghizlane Bendriss
- Premedical Division Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Premedical Division, PO Box 24144 Doha, Qatar E-mail:
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229
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Alabdulla M, Reagu SM, Al-Khal A, Elzain M, Jones RM. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and attitudes in Qatar: A national cross-sectional survey of a migrant-majority population. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2021; 15:361-370. [PMID: 33605010 PMCID: PMC8014858 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccine hesitancy is a global threat undermining control of preventable infections. Emerging evidence suggests that hesitancy to COVID‐19 vaccination varies globally. Qatar has a unique population with around 90% of the population being economic migrants, and the degree and determinants of hesitancy are not known. Methods This study was carried out to evaluate the degree of vaccine hesitancy and its socio‐demographic and attitudinal determinants across a representative sample. A national cross‐sectional study using validated hesitancy measurement tool was carried out from October 15, 2020, to November 15, 2020. A total of 7821 adults completed the survey. Relevant socio‐demographic data along with attitudes and beliefs around COVID‐19 vaccination were collected from the respondents. Results 20.2% of the respondents stated they would not take the vaccine and 19.8% reported being unsure about taking the prospective COVID‐19 vaccine. Citizens and females were more likely to be vaccine hesitators than immigrants and males, respectively. Concerns around the safety of COVID‐19 vaccine and its longer‐term side effects were the main concerns cited. Personal research around COVID‐19 and vaccine were by far the most preferred methods that would increase confidence in accepting the vaccine across all demographic groups. Conclusions This study reports an overall vaccine hesitancy of 20% toward the COVID‐19 vaccine and the influence of social media on attitudes toward vaccination which is in keeping with emerging evidence. This finding comes at a time that is close to the start of mass immunization and reports from a migrant‐majority population highlighting important socio‐demographic determinants around vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Alabdulla
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | - Roland M Jones
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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230
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Ali AAA, Nasrallah MS, Rashed MH, Ibrahim YA, Rasheed RM, El-Meedani HM, Abdel-Hamid MS, Mustafa HAM. Learning style among family medicine residents, Qatar. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 38:167. [PMID: 33995774 PMCID: PMC8077669 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.167.27668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Different learning style among family medicine residents is important to adjust the educational program that meet their needs and make the educational process fruitful to improve their academic performance. This study is aiming to assess learning styles among family medicine residents in Qatar. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the West Bay family medicine training center, Doha, Qatar, where all family medicine residents were invited to participate using self-administered validated questionnaire based on David Kolb model of experiential learning that has been extensively used in medical education research. Demographic data were assessed and analyzed as the predictor variables. Data were collected from 38 residents with response rate 76% revealing that the predominant pattern in postgraduate year one (PGY1) is activist in 65% and theorist in 55% while PGY2 tends to be reflector in 45% and theorist in 35% and in PGY3-4 changed to be 70-75% activist and 40-55% (reflector and pragmatic). General learning style pattern among all residents tend to be in the following order: activist 60.5%, then reflector 44.7%, followed by pragmatism 34.2% and finally theorist 36.8%. Learning style assessment is important and can be used to determine which teaching modalities will be best accepted and most effective for family medicine residents which should be considered while planning, designing, and implementing their educational program.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yosaf Abdo Ibrahim
- Family Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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231
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Khaled SM, Petcu C, Al-Thani MA, Al-Hamadi AMHA, Daher-Nashif S, Zolezzi M, Woodruff P. Prevalence and associated factors of DSM-5 insomnia disorder in the general population of Qatar. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:84. [PMID: 33557765 PMCID: PMC7869071 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-03035-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies of insomnia in the Middle East remain scarce. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of insomnia and explore its associations in the general population of Qatar. With almost 100 nationalities, Qatar is one of the most culturally diverse, richest, and fastest developing countries in the Arabian Peninsula. METHODS A probability sample of community-dwelling adults were surveyed in February of 2019. A total of 1611 respondents completed face-to-face interviews in Arabic or English. Logistic regression modeled associations with insomnia, our dependent variable, as defined by a score of ≤16 on the eight-item Sleep Condition Indicator or according to criteria for insomnia in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition or DSM-5. RESULTS Approximately, 5.5% of the sample screened positive for insomnia and the 30-day prevalence of those who met all the DSM-5 criteria for insomnia disorder was 3.0%. In addition, 2.0% of the sample screened positive for depression and 3.4% for anxiety in the past 2 weeks. Multivariable analysis showed the following were significantly associated with insomnia: Arab ethnicity, young age, unemployment, being married, having less than high school education, fair or poor health, anxiety, and depression. CONCLUSIONS Insomnia prevalence was in the lower range of previously reported DSM-defined estimates from developed Western countries. Our findings highlight the need for raising awareness and improving sleep hygiene in potential risk groups such as younger adults and those of Arab ethnicity, in addition to incorporating insomnia screening in the provision of mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Mawfek Khaled
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute as opposed to Research Institute seperate from Social and Economic Survey, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Catalina Petcu
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute as opposed to Research Institute seperate from Social and Economic Survey, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maryam Ali Al-Thani
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute as opposed to Research Institute seperate from Social and Economic Survey, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aisha Mohammed H. A. Al-Hamadi
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute as opposed to Research Institute seperate from Social and Economic Survey, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suhad Daher-Nashif
- College of Medicine, QU-Health and not the other way around, Doha, Qatar
| | - Monica Zolezzi
- College of Pharmacy, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter Woodruff
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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232
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Omar N, Dimassi DE, Chandra P, Hammoudeh S. Metabolic syndrome among adults in Qatar: A review of the literature across medical specialties. Qatar Med J 2021; 2020:43. [PMID: 33598415 PMCID: PMC7856911 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2020.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to collate all metabolic syndrome-related studies among adults in Qatar, shedding light on gaps in knowledge related to this topic to be addressed in future research studies. PubMed was used in searching for metabolic syndrome-related articles in Qatar, which was executed using relevant terms and was conducted with no restrictions. A second search was executed at a later stage to include any recent publications. A total of 20 articles were found to be relevant and related to the topic in hand. Three definitions of metabolic syndrome were used across the reviewed studies, which were classified based on medical specialties. The main findings and key components of each study were summarized. Studies were unevenly distributed across various medical specialties. This article serves to direct future research activities by identifying what aspects of the disease have been covered under current or past research projects and what more needs to be addressed comprehensively in view of clinical and public health significance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Samer Hammoudeh
- Medical Research Center, Research Affairs, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar E-mail:
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233
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Abdulrahman M, Gardner A, Yamaguchi N. The occurrence and distribution of bats in Qatar. J Arid Environ 2021; 185:104379. [PMID: 33162623 PMCID: PMC7598572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2020.104379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The distributions of bat species in Qatar have not previously been recorded. We conducted the first nation-wide survey of bats in Qatar. Based on sonogram analysis, we identified Asellia tridens, Otonycteris hemprichii, and Pipistrellus kuhlii. The most commonly recorded species was Asellia tridens, the only species recorded in the northern half of the country. Contrary to our prediction, the likelihood of recording bats was not higher in the northern half of the country where there are many irrigated farms. The distributions of the bat species may result from differences in human land use and disturbance, and from the distance to the main body of the Arabian Peninsula. A key habitat feature for Asellia tridens and Otonycteris hemprichii may be the presence of roosting sites in less disturbed sinkholes/caves, which are therefore crucial for bat conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maktom Abdulrahman
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andrew Gardner
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nobuyuki Yamaguchi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
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234
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Rajendran S, Al-Khayat JA, Veerasingam S, Nasir S, Vethamony P, Sadooni FN, Al-Kuwari HAS. WorldView-3 mapping of Tarmat deposits of the Ras Rakan Island, Northern Coast of Qatar: Environmental perspective. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 163:111988. [PMID: 33461074 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.111988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study characterizes the spectral behavior of tarmats and maps the tarmat deposits found along the coast of Ras Rakan Island off Qatar using WorldView-3 (WV-3) sensor data. The laboratory spectra of tar materials showed diagnostic absorptions features at 0.6 and 1.1 μm in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) and 1.52, 1.73, 2.04, and 2.31 μm in the short wave infrared (SWIR) region. The panchromatic grayscale image and FCC showed the tarmat deposit as a linear warp feature between beach and water. The mapping of deposits using WV-3 data by decorrelation stretch and Linear Spectral Unmixing (LSU) methods discriminated the tarmats from the sandy soil, vegetation and sabkha features in a different tone. The capability of WV-3 sensor and the potential of image processing methods were verified by mapping the tar distribution of the Ras Ushayriq and NE of Al Ruwais.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankaran Rajendran
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Jassim A Al-Khayat
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - S Veerasingam
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sobhi Nasir
- Earth Science Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod, 123 Muscat, Oman
| | - P Vethamony
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fadhil N Sadooni
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
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235
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Al-Amin H, Singh R, Abdulrazzak M, Ghuloum S. Psychosocial and Clinical Profiles of the Cases Visiting the Emergency Department Due to Accidental Self-harm and Suicide Attempts in Doha, Qatar: A Retrospective Study. Community Ment Health J 2021; 57:315-324. [PMID: 32506256 PMCID: PMC7835152 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-020-00650-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to retrospectively assess the profiles of subjects with suicide attempts and self-harm in Doha, Qatar; and whether the available data were complete. We reviewed all the records of fatal and non-fatal suicides together with accidental self-ham cases seen in the major Emergency Department in Doha, over a one-year period. There was 37 completed suicide, mostly male expatriates in mid 30 s who died by hanging. In cases with suicide intent (N = 270), more males were admitted to Psychiatry than women. Overdose was the common method and the majority had mood disorders. In self-harm cases with no suicide intent (N = 150) the majority were not seen by Psychiatry. The profiles of suicide cases in Qatar are similar to those reported internationally. However, there is a major need to establish a comprehensive system to register and assess all self-harm patients in Qatar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassen Al-Amin
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rajvir Singh
- Department of Cardiology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamad Abdulrazzak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suhaila Ghuloum
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar. .,Weill Cornel Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
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236
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Abstract
While recovery has become a popular framework for mental health services, there is limited understanding of its applicability outside of Western countries. In fact, recent studies in non-Anglophone populations suggest that recovery is contextually dependent and that the implementation of mainstream recovery models risks imposing inappropriate values. We used classic grounded theory to explore the main concerns of mental health service users in a Middle Eastern context and the strategies they use to resolve those concerns. The theory of 'reciprocity membership', a process involving ongoing mutual exchange with a group or community, was developed. Reciprocity membership becomes balanced when an individual is satisfied with their 'contribution to' the group, the 'acknowledgement from' other group members, the 'expectations of' the group, and their 'alignment with' the values of the group. Balance among these conditions is appraised by a sub-process called 'valuing', and developed or maintained by two further sub-processes called 'positioning' and 'managing relationships'. Balanced reciprocity membership seems to be associated with recovery. This study is the first in-depth exploration of people's experience of mental illness in a Middle Eastern context; findings provide evidence for a novel potential pathway towards recovery.
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237
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Younes N, Behnke JM, Ismail A, Abu-Madi MA. Socio-demographic influences on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among workers in Qatar. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:63. [PMID: 33472686 PMCID: PMC7816503 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04449-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rapid growth of Qatar in the last two decades has been associated with an enormous expansion of building programs in its cities and in the provision of new service industries. This in turn has attracted a large influx of immigrant workers seeking employment in jobs associated with food handling, domestic service, and the building industry. Many of these immigrants come from countries in the tropics and subtropics where intestinal parasitic infections are common. In this study, we explored the environmental and socio-demographic characteristics of immigrant workers in Doha Qatar, which might explain the persistence of the parasites that they harbor. Methodology This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2486 newly arrived immigrant workers and those who visited Qatar previously during the period 2012–2014. Through questionnaires and census data, we characterized the socio-demographic conditions at an individual, family, and neighborhood levels. Results Overall, the prevalence of combined protozoan infection was 11.7% and that of helminth was 7.0%. Combined protozoan infections were significantly associated with immigrant workers arriving in Doha for the first time. In univariate log-linear statistical models fitted in phase 1 of the analysis, significant associations were observed between the prevalence of combined protozoan infections and personal and familial factors that included religion, the level of education of subjects, both parents’ educational levels and their jobs, and the number of siblings. Furthermore, environmental effects on the prevalence of protozoan infections including the country of origin, the floor of the house, toilet type, household content index, provision of household water, farming background showed strong associations with protozoan infections. However, in phase 2, multifactorial binary logistic generalized linear models focusing only on the significant effects identified in phase 1, showed that only five factors retained significance (age class, floor of the house, household contents index, father’s education, and the number of siblings). The only factors that had a significant effect on the prevalence of helminth infections were the subjects’ age class and the mother’s educational level. Conclusions The prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among immigrant workers in Qatar is clearly multifactorial in origin determined by key familial relationships of subjects and also the environment, in which the subjects lived prior to their arrival in Qatar. Moreover, our results suggest that screening protocols for applicants for visas/work permits need to be revised giving more careful attention to the intestinal protozoan infections that potential immigrant workers may harbor.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadin Younes
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jerzy M Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Medical Commission, Ministry of Public Health, P.O. Box 42, Doha, Qatar
| | - Marawan A Abu-Madi
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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238
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Post L, Marogi E, Moss CB, Murphy RL, Ison MG, Achenbach CJ, Resnick D, Singh L, White J, Boctor MJ, Welch SB, Oehmke JF. SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance in the Middle East and North Africa: Longitudinal Trend Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25830. [PMID: 33302252 PMCID: PMC7813562 DOI: 10.2196/25830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of millions and forced countries to devise public health policies to reduce the pace of transmission. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), falling oil prices, disparities in wealth and public health infrastructure, and large refugee populations have significantly increased the disease burden of COVID-19. In light of these exacerbating factors, public health surveillance is particularly necessary to help leaders understand and implement effective disease control policies to reduce SARS-CoV-2 persistence and transmission. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to provide advanced surveillance metrics, in combination with traditional surveillance, for COVID-19 transmission that account for weekly shifts in the pandemic speed, acceleration, jerk, and persistence to better understand a country's risk for explosive growth and to better inform those who are managing the pandemic. Existing surveillance coupled with our dynamic metrics of transmission will inform health policy to control the COVID-19 pandemic until an effective vaccine is developed. METHODS Using a longitudinal trend analysis study design, we extracted 30 days of COVID-19 data from public health registries. We used an empirical difference equation to measure the daily number of cases in MENA as a function of the prior number of cases, the level of testing, and weekly shift variables based on a dynamic panel data model that was estimated using the generalized method of moments approach by implementing the Arellano-Bond estimator in R. RESULTS The regression Wald statistic was significant (χ25=859.5, P<.001). The Sargan test was not significant, failing to reject the validity of overidentifying restrictions (χ2294=16, P=.99). Countries with the highest cumulative caseload of the novel coronavirus include Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel with 530,380, 426,634, 342,202, and 303,109 cases, respectively. Many of the smaller countries in MENA have higher infection rates than those countries with the highest caseloads. Oman has 33.3 new infections per 100,000 population while Bahrain has 12.1, Libya has 14, and Lebanon has 14.6 per 100,000 people. In order of largest to smallest number of cumulative deaths since January 2020, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have 30,375, 10,254, 6120, and 5185, respectively. Israel, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Oman had the highest rates of COVID-19 persistence, which is the number of new infections statistically related to new infections in the prior week. Bahrain had positive speed, acceleration, and jerk, signaling the potential for explosive growth. CONCLUSIONS Static and dynamic public health surveillance metrics provide a more complete picture of pandemic progression across countries in MENA. Static measures capture data at a given point in time such as infection rates and death rates. By including speed, acceleration, jerk, and 7-day persistence, public health officials may design policies with an eye to the future. Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel all demonstrated the highest rate of infections, acceleration, jerk, and 7-day persistence, prompting public health leaders to increase prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Post
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Emily Marogi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Charles B Moss
- Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL, United States
| | - Robert Leo Murphy
- Insitute of Global Health, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Michael G Ison
- Division of Infectious Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chad J Achenbach
- Division of Infectious Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Danielle Resnick
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, DC, United States
| | - Lauren Singh
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Janine White
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Michael J Boctor
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sarah B Welch
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - James Francis Oehmke
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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239
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Al-Kuwari MG, Abdulmalik MA, Al-Mudahka HR, Bakri AH, Al-Baker WA, Abushaikha SS, Kandy MC, Gibb J. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the preventive services in Qatar. J Public Health Res 2021; 10:1910. [PMID: 33575226 PMCID: PMC7868775 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.1910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In March 2020, Qatar started reporting increased numbers of COVID-19 cases. At that stage, containment measures were put in place. The health authority in Qatar developed an emergency action plan to respond to the outbreak with the Primary Health Care as the main component of that response and suspended all non-urgent services including preventive health services. The aim of the retrospective analysis to measure the Impact of COVID-19 on the preventive services provided in Qatar. Methods: A retrospective data analysis was conducted for all the preventive services utilization volume across the 27 PHCC health centres from the 1st of January 2017 to the 31st of July 2020. Results: With 17,012 no-show appointments, well-baby and Immunization services utilization demonstrated a reduction of 40% in May and started to come back to volumes higher than expected in June. The breast cancer and colorectal cancer screening programmes expected volumes demand has dropped by 100% in comparison to 2017 demand due to their respective appointments’ cancelation. Wellness services only met 20% of its projected utilization in April, however, the services picked up in June. Conclusion: These findings will guide the public health policymakers to understand the effects COVID-19 on preventive services and the risk of having an increased number of outbreaks for childhood communicable disease, cancer cases with delayed diagnosis due to the screening services suspension. In addition, the plan will address the increased number of sedately behaviour due to the service’s reduced utilization of wellness services. Significance for public health The impact of the utilization of the preventive health services such as immunization, screening, and lifestyle modification was heavy due to the containment measures. The high number of immunization defaulters and individuals missed the screening needs the attention of the public health specialist to put urgent recovery plan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ahmad Haj Bakri
- Health intelligence, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | - John Gibb
- Health intelligence, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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240
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Younes N, Syed N, Yadav SK, Haris M, Abdallah AM, Abu-Madi M. A Whole-Genome Sequencing Association Study of Low Bone Mineral Density Identifies New Susceptibility Loci in the Phase I Qatar Biobank Cohort. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11010034. [PMID: 33430342 PMCID: PMC7825795 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone density disorders are characterized by a reduction in bone mass density and strength, which lead to an increase in the susceptibility to sudden and unexpected fractures. Despite the serious consequences of low bone mineral density (BMD) and its significant impact on human health, most affected individuals may not know that they have the disease because it is asymptomatic. Therefore, understanding the genetic basis of low BMD and osteoporosis is essential to fully elucidate its pathobiology and devise preventative or therapeutic approaches. Here we sequenced the whole genomes of 3000 individuals from the Qatar Biobank and conducted genome-wide association analyses to identify genetic risk factors associated with low BMD in the Qatari population. Fifteen variants were significantly associated with total body BMD (p < 5 × 10−8). Of these, five variants had previously been reported by and were directionally consistent with previous genome-wide association study data. Ten variants were new: six intronic variants located at six gene loci (MALAT1/TALAM1, FASLG, LSAMP, SAG, FAM189A2, and LOC101928063) and four intergenic variants. This first such study in Qatar provides a new insight into the genetic architecture of low BMD in the Qatari population. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to validate these findings and to elucidate the functional effects of these variants on low BMD and bone fracture susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadin Younes
- Biomedical Research Center, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Najeeb Syed
- Biomedical Informatics Division, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (N.S.); (S.K.Y.); (M.H.)
| | - Santosh K. Yadav
- Biomedical Informatics Division, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (N.S.); (S.K.Y.); (M.H.)
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Biomedical Informatics Division, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar; (N.S.); (S.K.Y.); (M.H.)
| | - Atiyeh M. Abdallah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Doha 2713, Qatar;
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Marawan Abu-Madi
- Biomedical Research Center, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Doha 2713, Qatar;
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +974-4403-7578; Fax: +974-4403-4801
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241
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Al-Dahshan A, Abushaikha S, Chehab M, Bala M, Kehyayan V, Omer M, AlMohamed O, Al-Kubaisi N, Selim N. Perceived Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening among
Eligible Adults in Qatar and the Associated Factors: A Cross-
Sectional Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021; 22:45-51. [PMID: 33507678 PMCID: PMC8184193 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.1.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Qatar, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer and is projected to be more than triple by 2035. Therefore, CRC periodic screening is vitally important because early detection will improve the success of treatment. In 2016, Qatar established a population-based screening program for CRC targetting average-risk adults. This study aimed to determine the perceived barriers to undergo CRC screening in eligible adults in Qatar and the associated factors. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of individuals aged 50-74 years who have been never screened, across six primary health centers between September 2018 and January 2019. A non-probability sampling method was used to recruit participants. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and analytic statistics were applied. RESULTS A total of 188 individuals participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 58.3 (SD ±6.4) years. Most participants were females (54.5%) and non-Qatari Arabs (54.3%). The top five reported barriers to CRC screening were: not at risk due to absence of symptoms (60.6%), not at risk due to absence of family history (55.1%), not at risk due to adopting a healthy lifestyle (52.7%), lack of time (41%), and lack of reminders by healthcare workers (39.4%). Bivariate analyses identified statistically significant associations between certain barriers and female gender, nationality, and educational level (primary school and below). CONCLUSION The present study identified several barriers to undergoing CRC screening among eligible adults in Qatar. Such results provide a basis for tailoring of future educational campaigns that are relevant, specific, and appealing to such a cohort.<br />.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Al-Dahshan
- Department of Medical Education, Community Medicine Residency Program, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shaikha Abushaikha
- Department of Preventive Screening Program, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamad Chehab
- Department of Medical Education, Community Medicine Residency Program, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Bala
- Department of Medical Education, Community Medicine Residency Program, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Mieaad Omer
- Department of Medical Education, Community Medicine Residency Program, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omayma AlMohamed
- Department of Clinical Affairs, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noora Al-Kubaisi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nagah Selim
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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242
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Cheema S, Maisonneuve P, Lowenfels AB, Abraham A, Doraiswamy S, Mamtani R. Influence of Age on 2040 Cancer Burden in the Older Population of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: Public Health Implications. Cancer Control 2021; 28:10732748211027158. [PMID: 34486405 PMCID: PMC8424601 DOI: 10.1177/10732748211027158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND STUDY AIMS The underlying population of global regions varies widely and is a major determinant of regional cancer differences. The aims were to: (1) estimate the cancer burden in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2040 for the ≥70 population and (2) assess the public health implications for this cancer increase. METHODS We used Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates of cancer incidence and mortality for people aged 70 years or more in GCC countries from 2018 to 2040 from the International Agency for Research on Cancer. For population growth, we used data for the same period from the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. From these, we calculated the predicted increase in the number of cancer cases and cancer deaths from 2018 to 2040 and the proportion of cases/deaths represented by those aged 70+ for the 2 time periods. FINDINGS In the GCC countries, the predicted number of newly diagnosed cancers and cancer deaths in the older population will increase by 465% and 462% respectively due to demographic changes-greater than other countries in the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region, or in countries of similar economic development. The largest predicted increases will be for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Based on the predicted population age, cancer burden among older people in the GCC countries will increase by approximately 460%. CONCLUSION By the year 2040, the relationship between cancer and age will cause a 4- to 5-fold increase in the cancer burden in the GCC. These predictable changes will require additional planning and resources to provide appropriate healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohaila Cheema
- Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Patrick Maisonneuve
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Albert B. Lowenfels
- Department of Surgery and Department of Family Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Amit Abraham
- Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ravinder Mamtani
- Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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243
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Mekkodathil A, El-Menyar A, Natesa Mudali I, Al-Sulaiti M, Shaikh N, Al-Thani H. Temporal and seasonal trends of hospitalization and mortality associated with necrotizing fasciitis: A retrospective study of 12 years (2002-2013). Qatar Med J 2020; 2020:37. [PMID: 33425693 PMCID: PMC7759011 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2020.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare but aggressive infection that affects the superficial fascia and progressively destroys the tissue between the skin and underlying muscles. It is a surgical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the temporal and seasonal trends in NF infection in Qatar. Methods: A total of 327 patients diagnosed with NF, aged ≥ 18 years, and admitted to the Hamad General Hospital, Qatar, in 2002-2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The hospitalization and mortality rates in the general population in Qatar and the case fatality rate (CFR) were calculated for each year. The patients were grouped into summer, autumn, winter, and spring admissions based on their admission dates. Seasonality was studied by comparing the characteristics, bacteriological status, and outcomes of the patients admitted in different seasons. Results: The hospitalization rate of NF in Qatar was 2.9 per 100,000 population; in the study duration, this rate decreased from 2.8 to 1.6 per 100,000 population in 2002 and 2013, respectively. The mortality rate among NF cases increased from 1.9 to 3.6 per million population, and the CFR increased from 6.7 to 23 per 100 admissions in the same duration. No temporal trends in the hospitalization and mortality rates or CFR were evident in the study duration. Polybacterial infections were higher in autumn than in other seasons. Monobacterial Gram-positive infections were higher in spring than in other seasons, and monobacterial Gram-negative infections were higher in summer than in other seasons (p = 0.02). However, seasonality was not evident after further analysis in terms of species, severity, complications, length of hospital stays, and CFR in patients with NF. Conclusion: No clear trend or seasonality was observed in terms of outcomes; however, seasonality in NF-causing bacteria was evident, as polybacterial infections were significantly higher in autumn than in other seasons, whereas monobacterial infections were more frequent in spring and summer than in other seasons. However, the severity of infections, length of hospital stay, and mortality did not significantly vary. Further microbiological studies are needed to obtain confirmatory data regarding the temporal and seasonal trends of NF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahammed Mekkodathil
- Clinical Research, Trauma Surgery Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | - Nissar Shaikh
- Department of Anesthesia & ICU, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hassan Al-Thani
- Trauma Surgery Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad General Hospital
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244
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Nasr ZG, Jibril F, Elmekaty E, Sonallah H, Chahine EB, AlNajjar A. Assessment of antimicrobial stewardship programs within governmental hospitals in Qatar: a SWOC analysis. Int J Pharm Pract 2020; 29:70-77. [PMID: 33793820 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide public health issue that requires emergent action. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been proposed as a strategy to minimise resistance. Although ASPs were implemented in governmental hospitals in Qatar since 2015, a formal evaluation of these programs has not been conducted. We aimed to assess the status of ASPs in Qatar and to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges (SWOC) to further enhance ASPs within Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). METHODS Lead stakeholders of ASPs in HMC filled a questionnaire adapted from the 2019 Centers for Disease Control Prevention checklist for ASPs. Notes were taken by research team to assist in formulating a SWOC analysis. KEY FINDINGS All hospitals (12/12) had an infectious diseases physician and pharmacist designated as an ASP leader (major strength identified). Almost all hospitals lack a financial statement and information technology resources to support ASPs (major weaknesses identified). Nine hospitals had an antibiotic pre-authorisation policy and adopted a prospective audit with feedback strategy. Among hospitals surveyed, 11 hospitals tracked antibiotic use by measuring the defined daily dose, and only four hospitals tracked rates of Clostridioides difficile infection. Qatar's rich economy supports the allocation of financial resources and budgeting to improve ASPs despite the increased emergence of resistant organisms and the limited resources currently available to expand ASPs across the country's healthcare settings. CONCLUSIONS Although ASPs were implemented in all governmental hospitals in Qatar, national efforts and more resources are needed to further develop and improve these programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad G Nasr
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Farah Jibril
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Elias B Chahine
- Palm Beach Atlantic University Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, West Palm Beach, FL, USA
| | - Afnan AlNajjar
- Palm Beach Atlantic University Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, West Palm Beach, FL, USA
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245
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Albahari D, Bashir M. Gender gap in mental health research productivity: Results from Qatar. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 54:102347. [PMID: 33271680 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Qatar's contribution to biomedical research has increased significantly in the past couple of decades, but the exact participation of women researchers remains obscure. This study aims to explore the gender gap in research production of Qatar in the field of mental health. METHODS The authors searched five databases for published articles from Qatar in the field of mental health from 2015 to 2019. The authors examined the retrieved articles for the gender gap in 1) the number of researchers. 2) the numbers of articles produced by men-only research teams vs. the research teams included women. 3) h-index. 4) foreign collaboration. 5) research design and themes. RESULTS The authors identified 152 published articles in the field of mental health. Men researchers outnumbered women researchers (124 vs. 81). Men had statistically significant higher h-index compared to women (14.6 ± 1.4 vs 4.6 ± 0.9; p < 0.001). Research teams that included women had produced fewer articles compared to men-only groups (41.4 %), they also had less foreign collaborators (68 % vs. 91 %, p = 0.001). They were less involved in experimental research and more involved in observational research compared to male-only research groups (15.90 % vs. 38.6 % and 47.6 % vs. 25 % respectively; p = 0.034). In articles with women authors, women were the first authors in 50.8 % of the articles, and men were the senior authors in 79.4 % of them. CONCLUSION The study identifies gender gaps in some aspects of research productivity in Qatar. This data will provide a benchmark for future research in the field.
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246
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Akber Abbasi S, Khalil AB, Arslan M. Extensive use of face masks during COVID-19 pandemic: (micro-)plastic pollution and potential health concerns in the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:3181-3186. [PMID: 33052188 PMCID: PMC7543712 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Face masks are primary line of defense to reduce the transmission risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). World Health Organization (WHO) has already updated the guidelines and advised the use of face masks in public areas essentially. This has dramatically increased the production and use of face masks in many parts of the world. Arabian Peninsula is comprised of six countries where the public perception of following WHO guidelines is high. In this study, we highlight the concerns relating to extensive use of face masks in this region, particularly in the context of (micro-)plastic pollution. We computed the number of face masks to be used in each of the countries of Arabian Peninsula for varying levels of acceptance rate and average number of daily usages. Accordingly, the amount of (micro-)plastic that could come into the terrestrial and marine environment is also reported. Saudi Arabia, being the most populated country in the region may contribute up to 32-235 thousand tons of (micro-)plastic which is nearly half of the amount in the whole Peninsula. On the other hand, an extremely high infection rate in Qatar (25.74%) may also lead to a significant increase of (micro-)plastic content due to high public acceptance rate and living standards. The high (micro-)plastic fraction is of significant concern because it ends up in the marine ecosystems. Further, it allows colonization of several pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungal filaments, and spores) and might serve as carriers of disease transmission finally affecting the living organisms habituating these ecosystems. It is suggested that appropriate regulations on face masks waste should be devised to avoid any unwanted consequences in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saddam Akber Abbasi
- Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amjad B. Khalil
- Life Sciences Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Arslan
- Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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247
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Nadukkandiyil N, Syamala S, Saleh HA, Sathian B, Ahmadi Zadeh K, Acharath Valappil S, Alobaidli M, Elsayed SA, Abdelghany A, Jayaraman K, Al Hamad H. Implementation of pressure ulcer prevention and management in elderly patients: a retrospective study in tertiary care hospital in Qatar. Aging Male 2020; 23:1066-1072. [PMID: 31608745 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2019.1670156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preventing pressure ulcers is an essential part of patient care and it is important to be aware of the best way to prevent it. Hence, the present study aims to look for the demographics, clinical characteristics, and risk factors in patients with and without pressure ulcer among elderly patients. METHODS A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in elderly (above 65 years) patients from a period of October 2014 to October 2015 in the medical ward under acute Geriatric care at Hamad General Hospital in Qatar. RESULTS Overall, a total of 90 patients were included with an average age of 79 ± SD 11.3 years of which 45 patients developed pressure ulcer. There was male (64.4%) preponderance in the study population. Most common comorbidity was hypertension (77.8%). Anemia correction (91%), high protein diet supplementation (1.5 g/kg body wt.) (100%), and 2 h repositioning (100%) were implemented for majority of the pressure ulcer patients as preventive intervention. CONCLUSIONS From the study finding, it is observed that, anemia correction, high protein diet supplementation and 2 h repositioning are the best practices for the management of pressure ulcer. Hence, these best practices are recommended for the early prevention of pressure ulcer among elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shirmila Syamala
- Geriatrics, Hamad Medical Corporation, Rumailah Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Brijesh Sathian
- Surgery, Trauma Surgery Section, Hamad Medical Corporation, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
- Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | | | - Sameer Acharath Valappil
- Geriatric Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Rumailah Höspital, HMC, Doha, Qatar
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | - Hanadi Al Hamad
- Geriatric Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Rumailah Hospital, Doha, Qatar
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248
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Dargham SR, Al-Sadeq DW, Yassine HM, Ahmed M, Kunhipurayil H, Humphrey JM, Abu-Raddad LJ, Nasrallah GK. Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus among Healthy Blood Donors from Different National Populations Residing in Qatar. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 103:502-506. [PMID: 33248245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.11.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the age- and nationality-specific West Nile virus (WNV) seroprevalence in select Middle East and North Africa (MENA) populations residing in Qatar. METHODS Sera were collected from male blood donors attending Hamad Medical Corporation. A total of 1,948 sera were tested for anti-WNV antibodies using Serion ELISA classic IgG and IgM kits. RESULTS Overall, seroprevalence estimates of WNV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies were 10.4% and 3.3%, respectively. Country-specific WNV-specific IgG seroprevalence was estimated to be 37.0% (34/92) in Sudanese, 33.0% in Egyptians (66/200), 13.0% (26/200) in Indians, 10.6% (11/104) in Iranians, 10.2% (14/137) in Yemenis, 9.2% (18/195) in Pakistanis, 7.0% (14/199) in Jordanians, 5.4% (6/111) in Filipinos, 2.5% (5/200) in Palestinians, 2.5% (5/200) in Syrians, 1.5% (3/200) in Qataris, and 0.9% (1/110) in Lebanese. Seroprevalence of WNV-specific IgM was lowest in Iranians (0/77), Lebanese (0/108), and Filipinos (0/107) at 0.0%, and was highest in Sudanese at 10.0% (8/80). While there seemed to be apparent trends in the prevalence of WNV-IgM and WNV-IgG antibodies, none of these trends were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION The findings support the circulation of WNV in human populations in different countries of the MENA region. Seroprevalence was highest in Sudanese and Egyptians and lowest in Qataris and nationals of the Levant. The findings call for further animal, vector, and human studies, such as studying the actual prevalence of the viral RNA in blood donors to assess the risk of viral transmission through blood donation and for a better characterization of the epidemiology of this infection in this part of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha R Dargham
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar; World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Duaa W Al-Sadeq
- College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muna Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hasna Kunhipurayil
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - John M Humphrey
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar; World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Butt AA, Kartha A, Asaad N, Azad AM, Bertollini R, Abou-Samra AB. Impact of COVID-19 upon changes in emergency room visits with chest pain of possible cardiac origin. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:539. [PMID: 33208182 PMCID: PMC7672168 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05381-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives A decrease in Emergency Department (ED) visits for cardiac conditions has recently been reported from the US and Western Europe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data are still scant, and the correlation between cardiac symptoms and confirmed diagnoses are not available. There are no reports on changes in ED volumes at a national level, or from countries in the Asia-Middle Eastern region. We report data from national referral centers for tertiary care and cardiac care centers in Qatar, which see > 80% of cardiac emergencies in the country. Results We analyzed 102,033 ED visits in the COVID-19-era (March–April 2020 and 2019) and determined the proportion presenting for cardiac symptoms and their confirmed diagnoses. We observed a 16–37% decline in ED volumes overall, with a 25–50% decline in patients presenting with cardiac symptoms in March and April 2020 compared with March and April 2019. Among those presenting with cardiac symptoms, we observed a 24–43% decline in cardiac diagnoses in March and April 2020 compared with March and April 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A Butt
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar. .,Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar. .,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Anand Kartha
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nidal Asaad
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aftab M Azad
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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Razok A, Ali MMB. Primary mediastinal hydatidosis successfully treated with combined medical therapy and VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). IDCases 2021; 23:e01008. [PMID: 33294371 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e01008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mediastinal involvement of hydatidosis is rare even in endemic areas. Isolated mediastinal without lung or liver involvement is even less commonly reported. We present the case of a young gentleman who was diagnosed with primary mediastinal hydatidosis based on clinical, radiological and pathological criteria. He underwent successful resection of the lesion by VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) preceded by two weeks of medical treatment with albendazole and had an excellent outcome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the state of Qatar.
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