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Islam MM, Khanom H, Farag E, Mim ZT, Naidoo P, Mkhize-Kwitshana ZL, Tibbo M, Islam A, Soares Magalhaes RJ, Hassan MM. Global patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) prevalence and seroprevalence in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis. One Health 2023; 16:100561. [PMID: 37200564 PMCID: PMC10166617 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is one of the human coronaviruses that causes severe respiratory infection. Bats are considered to be the natural reservoir, where dromedary camels (DC) are the intermediate hosts of the virus. The current study was undertaken to provide an update on global distribution of the virus in camels, and to investigate the pooled prevalence and camel-associated risk factors of infection. After registration of the review protocol in the Open Science Framework, data searches were conducted on 18 April 2023 through Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Considering only natural MERS-CoV infection in camels, 94 articles were selected for data curation through blind screening by two authors. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence and to evaluate camel-associated risk factors. Finally, the results were presented in forest plots. The reviewed articles tested 34 countries, of which camels of 24 countries were seropositive and in 15 countries they were positive by molecular method. Viral RNA was detected in DC. Non-DC, such as bactrian camels, alpaca, llama, and hybrid camels were only seropositive. The global estimated pooled seroprevalence and viral RNA prevalence in DC were 77.53% and 23.63%, respectively, with the highest prevalence in West Asia (86.04% and 32.37% respectively). In addition, 41.08% of non-DC were seropositive. The estimated pooled prevalence of MERS-CoV RNA significantly varied by sample types with the highest in oral (45.01%) and lowest in rectal (8.42%) samples; the estimated pooled prevalence in nasal (23.10%) and milk (21.21%) samples were comparable. The estimated pooled seroprevalence in <2 years, 2-5 years, and > 5 years age groups were 56.32%, 75.31%, and 86.31%, respectively, while viral RNA prevalence was 33.40%, 15.87%, and 13.74%, respectively. Seroprevalence and viral RNA prevalence were generally higher in females (75.28% and 19.70%, respectively) than in males (69.53% and 18.99%, respectively). Local camels had lower estimated pooled seroprevalence (63.34%) and viral RNA prevalence (17.78%) than those of imported camels (89.17% and 29.41%, respectively). The estimated pooled seroprevalence was higher in camels of free-herds (71.70%) than confined herds (47.77%). Furthermore, estimated pooled seroprevalence was higher in samples from livestock markets, followed by abattoirs, quarantine, and farms but viral RNA prevalence was the highest in samples from abattoirs, followed by livestock markets, quarantine, and farms. Risk factors, such as sample type, young age, female sex, imported camels, and camel management must be considered to control and prevent the spread and emergence of MERS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamida Khanom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | | | - Zarin Tasnim Mim
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Pragalathan Naidoo
- Discipline of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Division of Research Capacity Development, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Zilungile Lynette Mkhize-Kwitshana
- Discipline of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Division of Research Capacity Development, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Markos Tibbo
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ricardo J. Soares Magalhaes
- Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4343, Australia
- Children Health and Environment Program, UQ Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
- Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4343, Australia
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Mostafavi E, Ghasemian A, Abdinasir A, Nematollahi Mahani SA, Rawaf S, Salehi Vaziri M, Gouya MM, Minh Nhu Nguyen T, Al Awaidy S, Al Ariqi L, Islam MM, Abu Baker Abd Farag E, Obtel M, Omondi Mala P, Matar GM, Asghar RJ, Barakat A, Sahak MN, Abdulmonem Mansouri M, Swaka A. Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2001-2018. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:1286-1300. [PMID: 33904695 PMCID: PMC9808364 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) are predisposed to highly contagious, severe and fatal, emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), and re-emerging infectious diseases (RIDs). This paper reviews the epidemiological situation of EIDs and RIDs of global concern in the EMR between 2001 and 2018. METHODS To do a narrative review, a complete list of studies in the field was we prepared following a systematic search approach. Studies that were purposively reviewed were identified to summarize the epidemiological situation of each targeted disease. A comprehensive search of all published studies on EIDs and RIDs between 2001 and 2018 was carried out through search engines including Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. RESULTS Leishmaniasis, hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are reported from all countries in the region. Chikungunya, Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), dengue fever, and H5N1 have been increasing in number, frequency, and expanding in their geographic distribution. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which was reported in this region in 2012 is still a public health concern. There are challenges to control cholera, diphtheria, leishmaniasis, measles, and poliomyelitis in some of the countries. Moreover, Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever (AHF), and Rift Valley fever (RVF) are limited to some countries in the region. Also, there is little information about the real situation of the plague, Q fever, and tularemia. CONCLUSION EIDs and RIDs are prevalent in most countries in the region and could further spread within the region. It is crucial to improve regional capacities and capabilities in preventing and responding to disease outbreaks with adequate resources and expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Mostafavi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abubakar Abdinasir
- Infectious Hazards Management, World Health Organization, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Seyed Alireza Nematollahi Mahani
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salman Rawaf
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Mostafa Salehi Vaziri
- Department of Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, Research Centre for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Gouya
- Centre for Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tran Minh Nhu Nguyen
- Infectious Hazards Management, World Health Organization, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Lubna Al Ariqi
- Infectious Hazards Management, World Health Organization, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Md. Mazharul Islam
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Doha, Qatar
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Majdouline Obtel
- Laboratory of Community Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Clinical Research, Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Peter Omondi Mala
- Infectious Hazards Management, World Health Organization, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ghassan M. Matar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut & Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana Jawad Asghar
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Global Health Strategists & Implementers (GHSI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Amal Barakat
- Infectious Hazards Management, World Health Organization, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Nadir Sahak
- Infectious Hazard Management Department, World Health Organization, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Mariam Abdulmonem Mansouri
- Communicable Diseases Control Department, Public Health Directorate Unit, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Alexandra Swaka
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
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Alrasheed M, Alrasheed S, Alqahtani AS. Impact of Social Media Exposure on Risk Perceptions, Mental Health Outcomes, and Preventive Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia. SAUDI JOURNAL OF HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH 2022. [PMCID: PMC9393791 DOI: 10.1159/000525209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Social media has played a key role in mediating the communication of information during the COVID-19 pandemic. The way information is shared through social media shapes people’s risk perceptions, which in turn affects their mental health and behaviors. This study aimed to assess social media’s impact on the public’s risk perceptions, mental health, and preventive behaviors during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A Web-based survey was developed to assess social media exposure, risk perceptions, mental health, and COVID-19-related preventive behaviors among adults in Saudi Arabia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between social media exposure and key measurements. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 1,500 individuals participated in the study; of those, 93.2% of participants reported using social media for COVID-19-related information. Twitter (68.3%) followed by Snapchat (25.1%) were the most used platforms. About 44.4% of participants were highly exposed to social media. High social media exposure was significantly associated with higher risks of anxiety (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.19–2.05) and depression (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.01–2.81) and higher levels of COVID-19 risk perception (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.08–1.89). However, social media has no significant impact on the adoption of preventive behaviors. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Our results were consistent with the other international studies that were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The anticipated future increase in social media use urges the need for longitudinal studies to investigate the psychological and behavioral effects of social media during emerging pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meshael Alrasheed
- Excutive Department of Research and Studies, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Meshael Alrasheed,
| | - Salman Alrasheed
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Salem Alqahtani
- Excutive Department of Research and Studies, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Vasilescu MD, Apostu SA, Militaru E, Hysa E. Public Opinion on European Health Policy, Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084813. [PMID: 35457679 PMCID: PMC9028759 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Often, global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, bring to light crucial weaknesses in political, economic, social and health systems. First, there are governments who formulate and implement policies and, second, there are the citizens who support them, thus contributing a great deal to their success. Our paper investigates the European citizens’ opinion on health policy, focusing on their preference for European health policy during the coronavirus pandemic. The paper uses bibliometric analysis, descriptive statistics, and logistic regression to discuss the public opinion on health policy, the factors of influence, the change in perspectives between 2020 and 2021, and the socio-demographic profile of those favorable for the development of a European health policy in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Our findings show that citizens from southern and central European countries are more likely to prioritize the development of a European health policy, as compared to Nordic countries. Between 2020 and 2021, pro-European health policy citizens profile changes and becomes clearer, from pensioners to young working age males with medium education. In general, people prioritizing a European health policy value health as the most important issue at a national level are generally satisfied with the European Union and do not trust their national government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Denisa Vasilescu
- The Faculty of Economic Cybernetics, Statistics and Informatics, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 15-17 Dorobanti Street, 010552 Bucharest, Romania;
- National Scientific Research Institute for Labor and Social Protection, 6-8 Povernei Street, 010643 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Simona Andreea Apostu
- The Faculty of Economic Cybernetics, Statistics and Informatics, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 15-17 Dorobanti Street, 010552 Bucharest, Romania;
- Institute of National Economy-Romanian Academy, 050711 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Eva Militaru
- National Scientific Research Institute for Labor and Social Protection, 6-8 Povernei Street, 010643 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Eglantina Hysa
- Department of Economics, The Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences, Epoka University, 1032 Tirana, Albania;
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Sharma S, Kumari B, Ali A, Yadav R, Sharma A, Sharma K, Hajela K, Singh G. Mobile technology: A tool for healthcare and a boon in pandemic. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:37-43. [PMID: 35309626 PMCID: PMC8930125 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1114_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare systems deal with disease prevention, early detection, diagnosis, investigation, and timely, affordable, and safe treatment. For the delivery of services in the health sector, communication is the key to linking the service provider and the patients. Mobile technology in the recent past has rendered various platforms of communications for the healthcare system. Thus, in health, mobile technology has greatly contributed to time management and cost reduction for healthcare at every level including hospital visits to individual appointments with doctors, hence the convenience. With advancements in mobile technologies and the growing number of mobile users, newer opportunities have opened up for the use of mobiles for patient care. Emerging information and communication technologies with the help of the Internet of Things (IoT) have been instrumental in integrating different domains of the health sector with mobile technology. Thus, the technology may have the potential to become powerful medical tools to support the health sector at all levels of care. In this review, the concept, applications, and advantages of mobile technology for health and the present pandemic have been discussed. It also discusses mobile health technology, as a support system for convenient and safer healthcare for public health, and the opportunities to improve its applications for unseen future health crises.
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Alathari MJA, Al Mashhadany Y, Mokhtar MHH, Burham N, Bin Zan MSD, A Bakar AA, Arsad N. Human Body Performance with COVID-19 Affectation According to Virus Specification Based on Biosensor Techniques. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:8362. [PMID: 34960456 PMCID: PMC8704003 DOI: 10.3390/s21248362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Life was once normal before the first announcement of COVID-19's first case in Wuhan, China, and what was slowly spreading became an overnight worldwide pandemic. Ever since the virus spread at the end of 2019, it has been morphing and rapidly adapting to human nature changes which cause difficult conundrums in the efforts of fighting it. Thus, researchers were steered to investigate the virus in order to contain the outbreak considering its novelty and there being no known cure. In contribution to that, this paper extensively reviewed, compared, and analyzed two main points; SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission in humans and detection methods of COVID-19 in the human body. SARS-CoV-2 human exchange transmission methods reviewed four modes of transmission which are Respiratory Transmission, Fecal-Oral Transmission, Ocular transmission, and Vertical Transmission. The latter point particularly sheds light on the latest discoveries and advancements in the aim of COVID-19 diagnosis and detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus associated with this disease in the human body. The methods in this review paper were classified into two categories which are RNA-based detection including RT-PCR, LAMP, CRISPR, and NGS and secondly, biosensors detection including, electrochemical biosensors, electronic biosensors, piezoelectric biosensors, and optical biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Jawad Ahmed Alathari
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (M.J.A.A.); (M.H.H.M.); (N.B.); (M.S.D.B.Z.); (A.A.A.B.)
| | - Yousif Al Mashhadany
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Anbar, Anbar 00964, Iraq;
| | - Mohd Hadri Hafiz Mokhtar
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (M.J.A.A.); (M.H.H.M.); (N.B.); (M.S.D.B.Z.); (A.A.A.B.)
| | - Norhafizah Burham
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (M.J.A.A.); (M.H.H.M.); (N.B.); (M.S.D.B.Z.); (A.A.A.B.)
- School of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Saiful Dzulkefly Bin Zan
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (M.J.A.A.); (M.H.H.M.); (N.B.); (M.S.D.B.Z.); (A.A.A.B.)
| | - Ahmad Ashrif A Bakar
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (M.J.A.A.); (M.H.H.M.); (N.B.); (M.S.D.B.Z.); (A.A.A.B.)
| | - Norhana Arsad
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (M.J.A.A.); (M.H.H.M.); (N.B.); (M.S.D.B.Z.); (A.A.A.B.)
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Tagini S, Brugnera A, Ferrucci R, Mazzocco K, Compare A, Silani V, Pravettoni G, Poletti B. It won't happen to me! Psychosocial factors influencing risk perception for respiratory infectious diseases: A scoping review. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2021; 13:835-852. [PMID: 33855817 PMCID: PMC8250503 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the determinants of risk perception for COVID-19 might help to promote self-preventive behaviours. This scoping review aimed to map the extent, variety and characteristics of the evidence on the possible determinants of risk perception for COVID-like diseases. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for original, peer-reviewed English-written articles published up to March 2020 and investigating risk perception determinants for respiratory infectious diseases in adults. Titles and abstracts were screened, and full texts were analysed by the first author; when unsure, eligibility was discussed with the last author. Data were collected according to an extraction sheet developed by the first and last authors. The cross-sectional evidence covers a variety of diseases, countries and timings of testing. Mostly, questionnaires recorded socio-demographics, media exposure, trust in institutions, disease proximity and knowledge; psychological variables, including personality traits, distress and self-efficacy, were less investigated. A miscellaneous operationalization of risk perception emerged, including the likelihood of getting sick, perceived dangerousness, concerns or a combination of them. A comprehensive understanding of the substantial amount of evidence may be challenging due to methodological heterogeneity. Referring to uniform theoretical frameworks is recommended; also, longitudinal research may be implemented to probe causal relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Tagini
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of NeuroscienceIstituto Auxologico ItalianoIRCCSMilanItaly
| | - Agostino Brugnera
- Department of Human and Social SciencesUniversity of BergamoBergamoItaly
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- Department of Health SciencesAldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain TherapeuticsInternational Medical SchoolUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- ASST Santi Paolo e CarloNeurology Clinic IIIMilanItaly
- IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico HospitalMilanItaly
| | - Ketti Mazzocco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato‐OncologyUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Applied Research Division on Cognitive and Psychological SciencesEuropean Institute of OncologyMilanItaly
| | - Angelo Compare
- Department of Human and Social SciencesUniversity of BergamoBergamoItaly
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of NeuroscienceIstituto Auxologico ItalianoIRCCSMilanItaly
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation‘Dino Ferrari’ CenterUniversity of MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato‐OncologyUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Applied Research Division on Cognitive and Psychological SciencesEuropean Institute of OncologyMilanItaly
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of NeuroscienceIstituto Auxologico ItalianoIRCCSMilanItaly
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An active inference account of protective behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 21:1117-1129. [PMID: 34652601 PMCID: PMC8518276 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-021-00947-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Newly emerging infectious diseases, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19), create new challenges for public healthcare systems. Before effective treatments, countering the spread of these infections depends on mitigating, protective behaviours such as social distancing, respecting lockdown, wearing masks, frequent handwashing, travel restrictions, and vaccine acceptance. Previous work has shown that the enacting protective behaviours depends on beliefs about individual vulnerability, threat severity, and one’s ability to engage in such protective actions. However, little is known about the genesis of these beliefs in response to an infectious disease epidemic, and the cognitive mechanisms that may link these beliefs to decision making. Active inference (AI) is a recent approach to behavioural modelling that integrates embodied perception, action, belief updating, and decision making. This approach provides a framework to understand the behaviour of agents in situations that require planning under uncertainty. It assumes that the brain infers the hidden states that cause sensations, predicts the perceptual feedback produced by adaptive actions, and chooses actions that minimize expected surprise in the future. In this paper, we present a computational account describing how individuals update their beliefs about the risks and thereby commit to protective behaviours. We show how perceived risks, beliefs about future states, sensory uncertainty, and outcomes under each policy can determine individual protective behaviours. We suggest that these mechanisms are crucial to assess how individuals cope with uncertainty during a pandemic, and we show the interest of these new perspectives for public health policies.
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Tagini S, Brugnera A, Ferrucci R, Mazzocco K, Pievani L, Priori A, Ticozzi N, Compare A, Silani V, Pravettoni G, Poletti B. Attachment, Personality and Locus of Control: Psychological Determinants of Risk Perception and Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19. Front Psychol 2021; 12:634012. [PMID: 34305708 PMCID: PMC8299752 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.634012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The understanding of factors that shape risk perception is crucial to modulate the perceived threat and, in turn, to promote optimal engagement in preventive actions. Methods: An on-line, cross-sectional, survey was conducted in Italy between May and July 2020 to investigate risk perception for COVID-19 and the adoption of preventive measures. A total of 964 volunteers participated in the study. Possible predictors of risk perception were identified through a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis, including sociodemographic, epidemiological and, most of all, psychological factors. A path analysis was adopted to probe the possible mediating role of risk perception on the relationship between the independent variables considered and the adoption of preventive measures. Results: Focusing on the psychological predictors of risk perception, high levels of anxiety, an anxious attachment, and an external locus of control predicted higher perceived risk. Conversely, high levels of openness personality and of avoidant attachment predicted a lower perception of risk. In turn, the higher was the perceived risk the higher was the adoption of precautionary measures. Furthermore, psychological factors influenced the adoption of preventive behaviors both directly and indirectly through their effect on risk perception. Conclusions: Our findings might be taken into high consideration by stakeholders, who are responsible for promoting a truthful perception of risk and proper compliance with precautionary measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Tagini
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Agostino Brugnera
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, International Medical School, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Clinic III, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Ketti Mazzocco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pievani
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Department of Health Sciences, Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, International Medical School, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Clinic III, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Compare
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
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10
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Chowdhury N, Khalid A, Turin TC. Understanding misinformation infodemic during public health emergencies due to large-scale disease outbreaks: a rapid review. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 31:553-573. [PMID: 33968601 PMCID: PMC8088318 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01565-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, impacted the flow of life and resulted in an immeasurable amount of socio-economic damage. However, not all of this damage is attributable to the disease itself; much of it has occurred due to the prevailing misinformation around COVID-19. This rapid integrative review will draw on knowledge from the literature about misinformation during previous abrupt large-scale infectious disease outbreaks to enable policymakers, governments and health institutions to proactively mitigate the spread and effect of misinformation. SUBJECT AND METHODS For this rapid integrative review, we systematically searched MEDLINE and Google Scholar and extracted the literature on misinformation during abrupt large-scale infectious disease outbreaks since 2000. We screened articles using predetermined inclusion criteria. We followed an updated methodology for integrated reviews and adjusted it for our rapid review approach. RESULTS We found widespread misinformation in all aspects of large-scale infectious disease outbreaks since 2000, including prevention, treatment, risk factor, transmission mode, complications and vaccines. Conspiracy theories also prevailed, particularly involving vaccines. Misinformation most frequently has been reported regarding Ebola, and women and youth are particularly vulnerable to misinformation. A lack of scientific knowledge by individuals and a lack of trust in the government increased the consumption of misinformation, which is disseminated quickly by the unregulated media, particularly social media. CONCLUSION This review identified the nature and pattern of misinformation during large-scale infectious disease outbreaks, which could potentially be used to address misinformation during the ongoing COVID-19 or any future pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashit Chowdhury
- Department of Family Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, G012F, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - Ayisha Khalid
- Department of Family Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, G012F, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - Tanvir C. Turin
- Department of Family Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, G012F, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
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11
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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak in Côte d'Ivoire: Understanding the Non-Compliance of Populations with Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094757. [PMID: 33946980 PMCID: PMC8124153 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, preventive measures seemed the most appropriate method to control its spread. We assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Ivorian public regarding preventive measures, conducting a hybrid survey across the country. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire online, by phone, or face-to-face. Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare the frequency of responses regarding compliance with preventive measures. Data were validated for 564 individuals. Over one-third of respondents believed that COVID-19 was related to non-natural causes. Though the disease was perceived as severe, respondents did not consider it to be highly infectious. Overall, 35.6% of respondents fully trust health officials in the management of the pandemic, and 34.6% trusted them moderately. Individuals who believed COVID-19 was a disease caused by a pathogen and the well-educated were likely to comply with preventive measures. About 70% of respondents stated that their daily expenses had increased due to preventive measures. The study concludes that beyond unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, the level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 and trust in the government/health system are more likely to influence compliance with preventive measures such as self-reporting, physical distancing, the use of face masks, and eventually the acceptability of vaccines.
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12
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Public Response, Anxiety and Behaviour during the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094628. [PMID: 33925408 PMCID: PMC8123873 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate public response attitude, anxiety, practices and trust in the authorities' mitigation plan during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. A national cross sectional phone survey was conducted among Saudi residents aged 16 years and above. A total of 90,421 (45.2%) individuals participated in the study. Of those, the overall rate of COVID-19 correct knowledge was 82% (mean: 9.84); social media was the most reported source of knowledge. Younger age, low levels of education and foreign residents were associated with poor knowledge. Overall, 49.5% scored 5 or more on the GAD-7 test, indicating anxiety symptoms, 19.2% of them scored 10 and above, suggesting moderate to severe anxiety. Majority of participants (>78%) trusted and supported the interventions implemented by the government to control COVID-19. Social distancing practices among participants was as following, 72.5% stayed at home and avoid going out for nonessential business and 49.5% avoided attending social events and family gatherings. Trust in authorities, being anxious, worry and levels of knowledge about the disease, were the most common factors affecting adoption of the recommended practices. Continuous evaluation of public response about COVID-19, and the effectiveness of protective measures is essential to better inform policy-makers and identify ways of encouraging behaviour change among public during pandemic.
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13
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Matterne U, Egger N, Tempes J, Tischer C, Lander J, Dierks ML, Bitzer EM, Apfelbacher C. Health literacy in the general population in the context of epidemic or pandemic coronavirus outbreak situations: Rapid scoping review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:223-234. [PMID: 33109429 PMCID: PMC7547635 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this rapid scoping review, for which only studies from the general population were considered, was to describe the extent of existing research on HL in the context of previous coronavirus outbreaks (SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2). METHODS We searched major databases and included publications of quantitative and qualitative studies in English and German on any type of research on the functional, critical and communicative domains of HL conducted in the context of the three outbreaks in the general population. We extracted and tabulated relevant data and narratively reported where and when the study was conducted, the design and method used, and how HL was measured. RESULTS 72 studies were included. Three investigated HL or explicitly referred to the concept of HL, 14 were guided by health behaviour theory. We did not find any study designed to develop or psychometrically evaluate pandemic/epidemic HL instruments, or relate pandemic/epidemic or general HL to a pandemic/epidemic outcome, or any controlled intervention study. Type of assessment of the domains of HL varied widely. CONCLUSION Theory-driven observational studies and interventions, examining whether pandemic-related HL can be improved are needed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The development and validation of instruments that measure pandemic-related HL is desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Matterne
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Medical Faculty, Otto Von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Nina Egger
- Department of Public Health and Health Education, Freiburg University of Education, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jana Tempes
- Department of Public Health and Health Education, Freiburg University of Education, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christina Tischer
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Medical Faculty, Otto Von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Lander
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Dierks
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Bitzer
- Department of Public Health and Health Education, Freiburg University of Education, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Apfelbacher
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Medical Faculty, Otto Von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
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14
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Fischer F, Kleen S. Possibilities, Problems, and Perspectives of Data Collection by Mobile Apps in Longitudinal Epidemiological Studies: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e17691. [PMID: 33480850 PMCID: PMC7864774 DOI: 10.2196/17691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The broad availability of smartphones and the number of health apps in app stores have risen in recent years. Health apps have benefits for individuals (eg, the ability to monitor one’s health) as well as for researchers (eg, the ability to collect data in population-based, clinical, and observational studies). Although the number of health apps on the global app market is huge and the associated potential seems to be great, app-based questionnaires for collecting patient-related data have not played an important role in epidemiological studies so far. Objective This study aims to provide an overview of studies that have collected patient data using an app-based approach, with a particular focus on longitudinal studies. This literature review describes the current extent to which smartphones have been used for collecting (patient) data for research purposes, and the potential benefits and challenges associated with this approach. Methods We conducted a scoping review of studies that used data collection via apps. PubMed was used to identify studies describing the use of smartphone app questionnaires for collecting data over time. Overall, 17 articles were included in the summary. Results Based on the results of this scoping review, there are only a few studies that integrate smartphone apps into data-collection approaches. Studies dealing with the collection of health-related data via smartphone apps have mainly been developed with regard to psychosomatic, neurodegenerative, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as malign neoplasm. Among the identified studies, the duration of data collection ranged from 4 weeks to 12 months, and the participants’ mean ages ranged from 7 to 69 years.
Potential can be seen for real-time information transfer, fast data synchronization (which saves time and increases effectivity), and the possibility of tracking responses longitudinally. Furthermore, smartphone-based data-collection techniques might prevent biases, such as reminder bias or mistakes occurring during manual data transfers. In chronic diseases, real-time communication with physicians and early detection of symptoms enables rapid modifications in disease management. Conclusions The results indicate that using mobile technologies can help to overcome challenges linked with data collection in epidemiological research. However, further feasibility studies need to be conducted in the near future to test the applicability and acceptance of these mobile apps for epidemiological research in various subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Fischer
- Institut of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Gerontological Health Services and Nursing Research, Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences, Weingarten, Germany.,Department of Population Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Sina Kleen
- Department of Population Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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15
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Shahrajabian MH, Sun W, Cheng Q. Product of natural evolution (SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2); deadly diseases, from SARS to SARS-CoV-2. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:62-83. [PMID: 32783700 PMCID: PMC7872062 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1797369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the order Nidovirales, family Coronaviridae, and subfamily Coronavirinae. SARS-CoV-2 entry to cellsis initiated by the binding of the viral spike protein (S) to its cellular receptor. The roles of S protein in receptor binding and membrane fusion makes it a prominent target for vaccine development. SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence analysis has shown that this virus belongs to the beta-coronavirus genus, which includes Bat SARS-like coronavirus, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. A vaccine should induce a balanced immune response to elicit protective immunity. In this review, we compare and contrast these three important CoV diseases and how they inform on vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenli Sun
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Cheng
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, China
- Global Alliance of HeBAU-CLS&HeQiS for BioAl-Manufacturing, Baoding, Hebei, China
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16
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Zhang MWB, Chow A, Ho RCM, Smith HE. An Overview of Commercially Available Apps in the Initial Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:557299. [PMID: 33935816 PMCID: PMC8081980 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.557299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: It has been 4 months since the discovery of COVID-19, and there have been many measures introduced to curb movements of individuals to stem the spread. There has been an increase in the utilization of web-based technologies for counseling, and for supervision and training, and this has been carefully described in China. Several telehealth initiatives have been highlighted for Australian residents. Smartphone applications have previously been shown to be helpful in times of a crisis. Whilst there have been some examples of how web-based technologies have been used to support individuals who are concerned about or living with COVID-19, we know of no studies or review that have specifically looked at how M-Health technologies have been utilized for COVID-19. Objectives: There might be existing commercially available applications on the commercial stores, or in the published literature. There remains a lack of understanding of the resources that are available, the functionality of these applications, and the evidence base of these applications. Given this, the objective of this content analytical review is in identifying the commercial applications that are available currently for COVID-19, and in exploring their functionalities. Methods: A mobile application search application was used. The search terminologies used were "COVID" and "COVID-19." Keyword search was performed based on the titles of the commercial applications. The search through the database was conducted from the 27th March through to the 18th of April 2020 by two independent authors. Results: A total of 103 applications were identified from the Apple iTunes and Google Play store, respectively; 32 were available on both Apple and Google Play stores. The majority appeared on the commercial stores between March and April 2020, more than 2 months after the first discovery of COVID-19. Some of the common functionalities include the provision of news and information, contact tracking, and self-assessment or diagnosis. Conclusions: This is the first review that has characterized the smartphone applications 4 months after the first discovery of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvyn W B Zhang
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aloysius Chow
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger C M Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Helen E Smith
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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17
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Khan S, El Morabet R, Khan RA, Bindajam A, Alqadhi S, Alsubih M, Khan NA. Where we missed? Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) epidemiology in Saudi Arabia; 2012-2019. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 747:141369. [PMID: 32791417 PMCID: PMC7398055 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
MERS-CoV first case was reported on 23rd November 2012 in Saudi Arabia, Since, then MERS has remained on World Health Organization (WHO) Blueprint list and declared pandemic. This study was conducted on MERS lab confirmed cases reported to Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia and WHO for year 2012-2019. The epidemiology was investigated based on infection rate, death rate, case fatality rate, Gender, Age group, and Medical conditions (Comorbid and Symptomatic). The overall median age of infected male was 58 years and of female was 45 years. While average mortality age in male was 60 years and of female was 65 years which is greater than the global average of 50 years. The results also report that specially after age of 40 years in both men and women, chances of infection are more while comorbidities increase the infection rate. The men are more susceptible to infection than women. In case of asymptomatic distribution trend was vice versa with 69.4% women and 30.6% in men. Second, most infected age group was reduced by 20 years in case of men with 47.37% infection for age group of 20-39 years. This was also observed in age-group of 20-39 years for no comorbid cases (men (50%) & women (79%)). This explains MERS-CoV prevalence in Saudi Arabia, as young and healthy population were infected, and acted as carrier and on coming in contact with vulnerable population (Elderly, chronic and comorbid) transferred the infection. Hence, MERS-CoV outbreak kept on happening from time to time over past years. This finding might very well explain the exponential spread of Novel CoV-19 globally, as initial control measures required older people to stay indoors while younger generation brought infection from outside. Further studies are required for epidemiology analysis based on clusters, travel history and specific disease related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Khan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Rachida El Morabet
- Department of Geography, LADES Lab, FLSH, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia, Morocco
| | - Roohul Abad Khan
- Department of Civil Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmad Bindajam
- Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Alqadhi
- Department of Civil Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Alsubih
- Department of Civil Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadeem Ahmad Khan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India
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18
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Parsons Leigh J, Fiest K, Brundin-Mather R, Plotnikoff K, Soo A, Sypes EE, Whalen-Browne L, Ahmed SB, Burns KEA, Fox-Robichaud A, Kupsch S, Longmore S, Murthy S, Niven DJ, Rochwerg B, Stelfox HT. A national cross-sectional survey of public perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic: Self-reported beliefs, knowledge, and behaviors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241259. [PMID: 33095836 PMCID: PMC7584165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Efforts to mitigate the global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) have largely relied on broad compliance with public health recommendations yet navigating the high volume of evolving information can be challenging. We assessed self-reported public perceptions related to COVID-19 including, beliefs (e.g., severity, concerns, health), knowledge (e.g., transmission, information sources), and behaviors (e.g., physical distancing) to understand perspectives in Canada and to inform future public health initiatives. Methods We administered a national online survey aiming to obtain responses from 2000 adults in Canada. Respondent sampling was stratified by age, sex, and region. We used descriptive statistics to summarize responses and tested for regional differences using chi-squared tests, followed by weighted logistic regression. Results We collected 1,996 eligible questionnaires between April 26th and May 1st, 2020. One-fifth (20%) of respondents knew someone diagnosed with COVID-19, but few had tested positive themselves (0.6%). Negative impacts of pandemic conditions were evidenced in several areas, including concerns about healthcare (e.g. sufficient equipment, 52%), pandemic stress (45%), and worsening social (49%) and mental/emotional (39%) health. Most respondents (88%) felt they had good to excellent knowledge of virus transmission, and predominantly accessed (74%) and trusted (60%) Canadian news television, newspapers/magazines, or non-government news websites for COVID-19 information. We found high compliance with distancing measures (80% reported self-isolating or always physical distancing). We identified associations between region and self-reported beliefs, knowledge, and behaviors related to COVID-19. Discussion We found that information about COVID-19 is largely acquired through domestic news sources, which may explain high self-reported compliance with prevention measures. The results highlight the broader impact of a pandemic on the general public’s overall health and wellbeing, outside of personal infection. The study findings should be used to inform public health communications during COVID-19 and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanna Parsons Leigh
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Kirsten Fiest
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Kara Plotnikoff
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrea Soo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emma E. Sypes
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Liam Whalen-Browne
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sofia B. Ahmed
- Department of Medicine and Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karen E. A. Burns
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Unity Health Toronto–St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alison Fox-Robichaud
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelly Kupsch
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shelly Longmore
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Srinivas Murthy
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel J. Niven
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bram Rochwerg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Henry T. Stelfox
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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19
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Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Practices among Domestic Hajj Pilgrims: Implications for Future Mass Gatherings Amidst COVID-19. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5040160. [PMID: 33081118 PMCID: PMC7709701 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5040160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined Hajj pilgrims' knowledge and reported practice of hand hygiene. In Hajj 2019, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Mina, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, of domestic Saudi pilgrims aged ≥18 years by using a self-administered Arabic questionnaire that captured data on pilgrims' socio-demographics, hand hygiene knowledge, and reported practices of hand cleaning following certain actions. A total of 348 respondents aged 18 to 63 (median 32) years completed the survey, of whom 200 (57.5%) were female. The mean (±standard deviation (SD)) hand hygiene knowledge score was 6.7 (±SD 1.9). Two hundred and seventy one (77.9%) and 286 (82.2%) of respondents correctly identified that hand hygiene can prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections respectively, but 146 (42%) were not aware that it prevents hand-foot-mouth disease. Eighty-eight (25.3%) respondents erroneously reported that hand hygiene prevents HIV. Washing hands with water and soap was the most preferred method practiced before a meal (67.5% (235/348)), after a meal (80.2% (279/348)), after toilet action (81.6% (284/348)), when hands were visibly soiled (86.2% (300/348)), and after waste disposal (61.5% (214/348)). Hajj pilgrims demonstrated a good knowledge and practice of hand hygiene, but there are gaps that are vital to control outbreaks such as COVID-19.
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A Review of Mobile Health Applications in Epidemic and Pandemic Outbreaks: Lessons Learned for COVID-19. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid.103649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Context: Using smart mobile devices, called mobile health (mHealth), facilitates providing health services, speeds up the process, and reduces the costs and complications of direct services. Also, mHealth has many capabilities and applications in epidemic and pandemic outbreaks. This study aimed to identify mHealth applications in epidemic/pandemic outbreaks and provide some suggestions for tackling COVID-19. Methods: To find the relevant studies, searches were done in PubMed and Scopus by related keywords during 2014 - 2020 (March 10). After selecting the studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were collected by a data-gathering form. Results: Of the 727 retrieved studies, 17 studies were included. All studies emphasized the positive effect of mHealth for use in epidemic/pandemic outbreaks. The main applications of mHealth for epidemic/pandemic outbreaks included public health aspects, data management, educational programs, diagnosis, and treatment. Conclusions: mHealth is an appropriate method for encountering epidemic/pandemic outbreaks due to its extensive applications. In the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19, mHealth is one of the best choices to use in the patient-physician relationship as tele-visits, using in fever coach, providing real-time information for healthcare providers, population monitoring, and detecting the disease based on obtained data from different locations.
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21
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Li W, Liao J, Li Q, Baskota M, Wang X, Tang Y, Zhou Q, Wang X, Luo X, Ma Y, Fukuoka T, Ahn HS, Lee MS, Chen Y, Luo Z, Liu E. Public health education for parents during the outbreak of COVID-19: a rapid review. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:628. [PMID: 32566565 PMCID: PMC7290608 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background It is well-known that public health education plays a crucial role in the prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases, but how health providers should advise families and parents to obtain health education information is a challenging question. With coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreading around the world, this rapid review aims to answer that question and thus to promote evidence-based decision making in health education policy and practice. Methods We systematically searched the literature on health education during COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) epidemics in Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data from their inception until March 31, 2020. The potential bias of the studies was assessed by Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool. Results Of 1,067 papers found, 24 cross-sectional studies with a total of 35,967 participants were included in this review. The general public lacked good knowledge of SARS and MERS at the early stage of epidemics. Some people’s knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of COVID-19 had been improved, but the health behaviors of some special groups including children and their parents need to be strengthened. Negative emotions including fear and stigmatization occurred during the outbreaks. Reliable health information was needed to improve public awareness and mental health for infectious diseases. Health information from nonprofit, government and academic websites was more accurate than privately owned commercial websites and media websites. Conclusions For educating and cultivating children, parents should obtain information from the official websites of authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and national Centers for Disease Control, or from other sources endorsed by these authorities, rather than from a general search of the internet or social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Jing Liao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Qinyuan Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Muna Baskota
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xingmei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Yuyi Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xufei Luo
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yanfang Ma
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Toshio Fukuoka
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Department of General Medicine, Department of Research and Medical Education, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan.,Advisory Committee in Cochrane Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hyeong Sik Ahn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Korea Cochrane Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.,University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yaolong Chen
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Lanzhou University, an Affiliate of the Cochrane China Network, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Chinese GRADE Center, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Evidence-Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhengxiu Luo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Enmei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
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Willman M, Kobasa D, Kindrachuk J. A Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing Two Outbreaks of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Saudi Arabia and South Korea. Viruses 2019; 11:v11121119. [PMID: 31817037 PMCID: PMC6950189 DOI: 10.3390/v11121119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2012, an emerging viral infection was identified in Saudi Arabia that subsequently spread to 27 additional countries globally, though cases may have occurred elsewhere. The virus was ultimately named Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and has been endemic in Saudi Arabia since 2012. As of September 2019, 2468 laboratory-confirmed cases with 851 associated deaths have occurred with a case fatality rate of 34.4%, according to the World Health Organization. An imported case of MERS occurred in South Korea in 2015, stimulating a multi-month outbreak. Several distinguishing factors emerge upon epidemiological and sociological analysis of the two outbreaks including public awareness of the MERS outbreak, and transmission and synchronization of governing healthcare bodies. South Korea implemented a stringent healthcare model that protected patients and healthcare workers alike through prevention and high levels of public information. In addition, many details about MERS-CoV virology, transmission, pathological progression, and even the reservoir, remain unknown. This paper aims to delineate the key differences between the two regional outbreaks from both a healthcare and personal perspective including differing hospital practices, information and public knowledge, cultural practices, and reservoirs, among others. Further details about differing emergency outbreak responses, public information, and guidelines put in place to protect hospitals and citizens could improve the outcome of future MERS outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie Willman
- High Containment Respiratory Viruses, Special Pathogens, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; (M.W.); (D.K.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- High Containment Respiratory Viruses, Special Pathogens, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; (M.W.); (D.K.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Jason Kindrachuk
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-204-789-3807
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Diagnostic delays in 537 symptomatic cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in Saudi Arabia. Int J Infect Dis 2017; 62:47-51. [PMID: 28728926 PMCID: PMC7110630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the literature indicates that patient delays in seeking medical support for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections are associated with poor clinical outcomes, delays in the diagnosis itself remain poorly understood in these patients. This study aimed to determine the median time interval from symptom onset to a confirmed diagnosis and to identify the potential predictors of this interval in Saudi Arabian MERS patients. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients with confirmed MERS who were publicly reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Results Five hundred and thirty-seven symptomatic cases of MERS-CoV infection were included. The median time interval between symptom onset and confirmation of the MERS diagnosis was 4 days (interquartile range 2–7 days), ranging from 0 to 36 days. According to the negative binomial model, the unadjusted rate ratio (RR) of delays in the diagnosis was significantly higher in older patients (>65 years) (RR 1.42), non-healthcare workers (RR 1.74), patients with severe illness (RR 1.22), those with an unknown source of infection (RR 1.84), and those who had been in close contact with camels (RR 1.74). After accounting for confounders, the adjusted rate ratio (aRR) of delays in the diagnosis was independently associated with unknown source of infection (aRR 1.68) and close contact with camels (aRR 1.58). Conclusions The time interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was greater in older patients, non-healthcare workers, patients with severe illness, patients with an unknown source of infection, and patients who had been in close contact with camels. The findings warrant educational interventions to raise general public awareness of the importance of early symptom notification.
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Alqahtani AS, Bondagji DM, Alshehari AA, Basyouni MH, Alhawassi TM, BinDhim NF, Rashid H. Vaccinations against respiratory infections in Arabian Gulf countries: Barriers and motivators. World J Clin Cases 2017; 5:212-221. [PMID: 28685134 PMCID: PMC5480069 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v5.i6.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To study the uptake, barriers and motivators of influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal and pertussis vaccines among members of public in Arabian Gulf countries.
METHODS A cross-sectional survey among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries’ residents. Data collected electronically through a smartphone app. The survey variables aimed to investigate the respondents’ awareness about vaccines against influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal and pertussis infections. Collected data concerning the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, their perception toward vaccine uptake and the factors that motivate or demotivate them from taking influenza vaccine. The data were analysed statistically using the SPSS v.23.0. Differences in the characteristics of users from different countries were quantified through bivariate analysis. Other important variables and controlling factors were studied using logistic regression.
RESULTS A total of 1812 respondents participated in the study. Their mean age was 27 years, 82% were male and 24% had ≥ 1 chronic diseases. The overall uptake of influenza vaccine was 17% (21% among “at risk” people) and ranged from 15% in Saudi Arabia to 24% in Qatar. Doctor’s advice (23%) and a perception of having low body immunity (21%) were the main cited reasons for being vaccinated, whereas unawareness about the vaccine (43%) was the main barrier. The overall uptake of pneumococcal vaccine in the preceding three years was 22% (25% among “at risk” individuals) and ranged from 0% in Bahrain to 79% in Kuwait. The overall uptake of pertussis vaccine was 16% (31% among “vulnerable” people), and ranged from 7% in Saudi Arabia to 75% in Oman. The overall uptake of meningococcal vaccine was 20% (29% among the “at risk” people) and ranged from 3% in Oman to 50% in Bahrain.
CONCLUSION The vaccination uptake across GCC countries is suboptimal and varies widely across the countries. Further research is needed to unearth the reasons and formulate action plan.
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Eifan SA, Nour I, Hanif A, Zamzam AM, AlJohani SM. A pandemic risk assessment of middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2017; 24:1631-1638. [PMID: 29062261 PMCID: PMC5643837 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the initial emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, a high incidence rate has been observed in Saudi Arabia. This suggests that the country is at continuous risk. The epidemic level of MERS-CoV infection was examined in Saudi Arabia by the Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SIR) model using a Bayesian approach for estimation of time dependent reproduction number (R) across a two-year interval (May, 2013-May, 2015) in five defined clusters, followed by sensitivity analysis of the most significant clusters. Significant MERS-CoV peaks were detected in the period between March and May of each year. Moreover, MERS-CoV infection was highlighted in western (40.8%) and central (31.9%) regions, followed by eastern region (20%). The temporal-based Bayesian approach indicated a sub-critical epidemic in all regions in the baseline scenario (R: 0.85-0.97). However, R potential limit was exceeded in the sensitivity analysis scenario in only central and western regions (R: 1.08-1.12) that denoted epidemic level in those regions. The impact of sporadic cases was found relatively insignificant and pinpointed to the lack of zoonotic influence on MERS-CoV transmission dynamics. The results of current study would be helpful for evaluation of future progression of MERS-CoV infections, better understanding and control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A. Eifan
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author at: Botany and Microbiology Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, P.O.B. 2455, Saudi Arabia.Botany and Microbiology DepartmentKing Saud UniversityRiyadh 11451P.O.B. 2455Saudi Arabia
| | - Islam Nour
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atif Hanif
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sameera Mohammed AlJohani
- Division of Microbiology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King AbdulAziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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