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Assiri AM, Alsuraihi H, Alshahrani AMM, Alzaid SZ, Albarraq AM, Asiri S, Algwizani AR, Alotaibi A, Al-Tawfiq JA. Viral aetiology of severe acute respiratory illness among patients admitted during the 2022 peri-Hajj period. IJID REGIONS 2023; 8:28-30. [PMID: 37583481 PMCID: PMC10423662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) among pilgrims continues to be an important healthcare issue. The aim of this study was to describe the viral aetiology of patients admitted to hospitals in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during the 2022 peri-Hajj period. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to hospitals with SARI. Patients were tested with multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the most common viral aetiologies. Results In total, 179 cases of SARI were identified during the study period. Of these, 101 (56.4%) were males, 78 (43.6%) were females, and 78 (43.6%) were Saudi. The mean age was 58.60 years (standard deviation 20.5) years. The most common age group was ≥65 years (n=68, 36%), followed by 55-59 years (n=37, 19%). The most common comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (n=67, 36%), hypertension (n=65, 35%) and chronic lung disease (n=34, 18%). Eighty-five (47.5%) patients tested negative and 94 (42.5%) tested positive for various viral aetiologies. The most frequently detected viruses were severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) (n=28, 15%) and influenza (n=22, 12%); of the influenza cases, 16 were influenza A (6 (43%) were H3N2), and six were influenza B. The only case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was in a citizen, and none of the visitors or residents had MERS-CoV. Of the total cases, 27 (14%) died during the follow-up period. In a binary regression analysis, only age was associated with mortality (P=0.002). Conclusion The most commonly detected viruses among patients admitted to hospital with SARI were SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. It is important to continue surveillance of admitted and non-admitted patients in different Hajj periods to identify any shift in the aetiologic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sari Asiri
- Saudi Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, and Quality and Patient Safety Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Ayub S, Anugwom GO, Basiru T, Sachdeva V, Muhammad N, Bachu A, Trudeau M, Gulati G, Sullivan A, Ahmed S, Jain L. Bridging science and spirituality: the intersection of religion and public health in the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1183234. [PMID: 37275970 PMCID: PMC10236196 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1183234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had global impacts on social interactions and religious activities, leading to a complex relationship between religion and public health policies. This article reviews impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religious activities and beliefs in relation to the spread of the virus, as well as the potential of religious leaders and faith communities in mitigating the impact of the pandemic through public health measures and community engagement. Methods A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, with search terms including "religion," "COVID-19," "pandemic," "coronavirus," and "spirituality." We included English articles published between January 2020 and September 2022, focusing on intersection of religion and COVID-19. Results We identified two main themes emerging, with the selected 32 studies divided in 15 studies focused on the relationship between religious practices, beliefs, and the spread of COVID-19, while 17 studies explored the role of religious leaders and faith communities in coping with and mitigating the impact of COVID-19. Religious activities were found to correlate with virus spread, particularly in early days of the pandemic. The relationship between religiosity and adherence to government guidelines was mixed, with some studies suggesting increased religiosity contributed to misconceptions about the virus and resistance to restrictions. Religious beliefs were also associated with vaccine hesitancy, particularly conservative religious beliefs. On the other hand, religious leaders and communities played a crucial role in adapting to COVID-19 measures, maintaining a sense of belonging, fostering emotional resilience, and upholding compliance with public health measures. The importance of collaboration between religious leaders, institutions, and public health officials in addressing the pandemic was emphasized. Conclusions This review highlights the essential role of religious leaders, faith-based organizations, and faith communities in promoting education, preparedness, and response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Engaging with religious leaders and communities can improve pandemic control and prevention efforts. Collaboration between religious leaders, governments, and healthcare professionals is necessary to combat vaccine hesitancy and ensure successful COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. The insights from this review can guide future research, policy development, and public health interventions to minimize the impact of the pandemic and improve outcomes for individuals and communities affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahana Ayub
- Department of Psychiatry, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, Newburgh, NY, United States
| | - Gibson O. Anugwom
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tajudeen Basiru
- Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Vishi Sachdeva
- Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Nazar Muhammad
- Department of Psychiatry, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, Newburgh, NY, United States
| | - Anil Bachu
- Baptist Health – UAMS Psychiatry Residency Education Program, North Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Maxwell Trudeau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Gazal Gulati
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
| | | | - Saeed Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland, VT, United States
| | - Lakshit Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
- Quinnipaic University, Hamden, CT, United States
- Connecticut Valley Hospital, Middletown, CT, United States
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Ambrus M, Fodor E, Berki T, Müller V, Uhlár Á, Hornyák I, Lacza Z. Professional Athletes Maintain High TNF-Alpha or IFN-Gamma Related Inflammatory Status after Recovering from COVID-19 Infection without Developing a Neutralizing Antibody Response. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11050097. [PMID: 37234053 DOI: 10.3390/sports11050097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Professional athletes are endangered by COVID-19 and belong to the high-risk population due to their lifestyle. To obtain information on the behavior of COVID-19 in professional athletes, serological, cytokine, and virus neutralization capacities were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hungarian national teams participated in international sports events during the early phases of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. Altogether, 29 professional athletes volunteered to donate plasma. Their serological status was evaluated by IgA, IgM, and IgG ELISAs and the highest virus neutralization titer in an in vitro live tissue assay. Plasma cytokine patterns were analyzed with a Bioplex multiplex ELISA system. RESULTS Surprisingly, only one athlete (3%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, while IgA was more common (31%). Neither plasma showed direct virus neutralization in a titer over 1:10; hence, they were not suitable for reconvalescent treatment. The 'cytokine storm' markers IL-6 and IL-8 were at baseline levels. In contrast, either the TNF-alpha-related cytokines or the IFN-gamma-associated cytokines were elevated. There was a strong negative correlation between the TNF-alpha- or IFN-gamma-related cytokines. CONCLUSIONS Professional athletes are susceptible to the SARS-CoV-2 infection without developing long-term immunity through neutralizing immunoglobulins. Elevated secretory and cellular immunity markers indicate that these systems are probably responsible for virus elimination in this subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Ambrus
- Research Center for Sport Physiology, Hungarian University of Sports Sciences, 1123 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Fodor
- Research Center for Sport Physiology, Hungarian University of Sports Sciences, 1123 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Timea Berki
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Veronika Müller
- Clinic of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Uhlár
- Research Center for Sport Physiology, Hungarian University of Sports Sciences, 1123 Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Hornyák
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsombor Lacza
- Research Center for Sport Physiology, Hungarian University of Sports Sciences, 1123 Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
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Alzahrani OR, Alanazi AD, Kareinen L, Hawsawi YM, Alhadrami HA, Khogeer AA, Alatwi HE, Alharbi AA, Sironen T, Vapalahti O, Hepojoki J, Zakham F. Clinical and Serological Findings of COVID-19 Participants in the Region of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:1725. [PMID: 35885629 PMCID: PMC9318194 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Makkah in Saudi Arabia hosts the largest annual religious event in the world. Despite the many strict rules enacted, including Hajj cancellation, city lockdowns, and social distancing, the region has the second highest number of new COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia. Public health interventions that identify, isolate, and manage new cases could slow the infection rate. While RT-PCR is the current gold standard in SARS-CoV-2 identification, it yields false positive and negative results, which mandates the use of complementary serological tests. Here, we report the utility of serological assays during the acute phase of individuals with moderate and severe clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19). Fifty participants with positive RT-PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled in this study. Following RT-PCR diagnosis, serum samples from the same participants were analyzed using in-house ELISA (IgM, IgA, and IgG) and microneutralization test (MNT) for the presence of antibodies. Of the 50 individuals analyzed, 43 (86%) showed a neutralizing antibody titer of ≥20. Univariate analysis with neutralizing antibodies as a dependent variable and the degree of disease severity and underlying medical conditions as fixed factors revealed that patients with no previous history of non-communicable diseases and moderate clinical manifestation had the strongest neutralizing antibody response "Mean: 561.11". Participants with severe symptoms and other underlying disorders, including deceased individuals, demonstrated the lowest neutralizing antibody response. Anti-spike protein antibody responses, as measured by ELISA, showed a statistically significant correlation with neutralizing antibodies. This reinforces the speculation that serological assays complement molecular testing for diagnostics; however, patients' previous medical history (anamnesis) should be considered in interpreting serological results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Othman R. Alzahrani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (O.R.A.); (H.E.A.)
- Genome and Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdullah D. Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 1040, Ad-Dawadimi 11911, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Lauri Kareinen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (L.K.); (T.S.); (O.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yousef M. Hawsawi
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, P.O. Box 40047, Jeddah 21499, Saudi Arabia;
- College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani A. Alhadrami
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80402, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Special Infectious Agent Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80402, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim A. Khogeer
- Plan and Research Department, General Directorate of Health Affairs Makkah Region, MOH, Mecca 24321, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hanan E. Alatwi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (O.R.A.); (H.E.A.)
- Genome and Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Amnah A. Alharbi
- Genome and Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (L.K.); (T.S.); (O.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (L.K.); (T.S.); (O.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Clinical Microbiology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Hepojoki
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (L.K.); (T.S.); (O.V.); (J.H.)
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Fathiah Zakham
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (L.K.); (T.S.); (O.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Lee M, Lim H, Xavier MS, Lee EY. "A Divine Infection": A Systematic Review on the Roles of Religious Communities During the Early Stage of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:866-919. [PMID: 34405313 PMCID: PMC8370454 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01364-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the roles that religious communities played during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic. Seven databases were searched and a total of 58 articles in English published between February 2020 and July 2020 were included in evidence synthesis. The findings of the literature showed diverse influences of religion as a double-edged sword in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Religious communities have played detrimental and/or beneficial roles as a response to COVID-19 pandemic. A collaborative approach among religious communities, health science, and government is critical to combat COVID-19 crisis and future pandemics/epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikyung Lee
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, KHS 307, 28 Division St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Heejun Lim
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, KHS 307, 28 Division St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Merin Shobhana Xavier
- School of Religion, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Gender Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Eun-Young Lee
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, KHS 307, 28 Division St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
- Department of Gender Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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6
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Bin Shalhoub HA, Hammad MA. The role of Saudi women in crisis management within the family: The COVID-19 pandemic as a model. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2021; 10:465. [PMID: 35233412 PMCID: PMC8827000 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_419_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women play a pivotal role in managing crises and diminishing their serious consequences both in the family and society. In the first place, the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the most severe crises in the world. Accordingly, many precautionary measures have been taken in many countries, including Saudi Arabia, such as border closures, lack of movement, and quarantine procedures, leading to an unprecedented impact on the daily lifestyle, and contributing significantly to increasing pressures on women because of her multiroles in family and work. This study aims at identifying the role of women in managing family crises during COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. An online survey was conducted using self-designed electronic questionnaire consisting knowledge about the role of Saudi women in managing family during COVID-19 crises. The questionnaire was applied to 324 Saudi working women in Riyadh and Najran, with an average age of 33 years. RESULTS The results indicate that the role of Saudi women during the COVID-19 crisis was approximately 82%. Moreover, results showed that the prevalence of the social, psychological, and professional role of Saudi women during crisis was 82.24%, 83.40%, and 78.80%, respectively, which indicates the importance of the role of Saudi women in managing family crises during COVID-19. CONCLUSION Based on these results, the study emphasizes the importance of urging responsible persons to provide a package of rescue and stimulus, including social protection measures. Furthermore, it empowers Saudi women in all sectors of society and provides them with all means of support to help them achieve their mandated role in society generally and in their families particularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub
- Department of Social Planning, Faculty of Social Services, Princess NourahbintAbdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Ahmed Hammad
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty and Leadership Development Center, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
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7
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Hassan S, Amuda YJ, Chikhaoui E, Dhali M. Exploring health impact and safety measures against transmission of COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. J Public Health Res 2021; 11. [PMID: 34619857 PMCID: PMC8859720 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of Covid-19 at the global level cannot be underestimated. Arab world including Saudi Arabia is affected with the pandemic of Covid-19. More importantly, the surge of the numbers of infected individuals in Iran has brought fear and anxiety in the whole region in general and Saudi Arabia in particular. Several studies have investigated the prevalence of the virus in different countries from various perspectives. Nonetheless, little focus is given to academic research on health challenge of the virus resulting to fear and anxiety in the recent time in the context of Saudi Arabia. This study primarily aims at exploring the health effect of Covid-19 in Saudi Arabia despite the fact that, the World Health Organization (WHO) has clamored for preventive measures in addressing global health effect of the virus. The methodology of the study is systematic literature review (SLR) and content analysis of the secondary data on health impact of Covid-19 and preventive measures against its transmission in the country are critically analyzed. The results of secondary data of the study indicated that a number of confirmed cases, active cases and deaths in Saudi Arabia manifested negative impact of Covid-19 on citizens' health especially fear and anxiety despite the fact that records have showed steady recovered cases in the country. More specifically, the findings indicated that, health impact of Covid-19 are as follows namely: fear or anxiety, negative attitude among health workers and women in health workforce. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has put in place various preventive measures such as: preventive measures against transmission of Covid-19 which are as follows: institutional preparedness and strengthening mechanism, curfews and lockdowns and suspension of activities and order of social distancing. In conclusion, this paper has lucidly highlighted the health effect of Covid-19 and safety measures against the transmission of Covid-19 have been elaborated in the context of Saudi Arabia. It is thereby suggested that, the outcome of this study can be helpful to the health workers and policymakers in the country to be acquainted with the magnanimity of the novel coronavirus as well as putting effective safety mechanisms in place in curtailing the spread of Covid-19 in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mohsin Dhali
- College of Law, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh.
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Csulak E, Petrov Á, Kováts T, Tokodi M, Lakatos B, Kovács A, Staub L, Suhai FI, Szabó EL, Dohy Z, Vágó H, Becker D, Müller V, Sydó N, Merkely B. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Preparation for the Tokyo Olympics: A Comprehensive Performance Assessment of Top Swimmers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9770. [PMID: 34574691 PMCID: PMC8472124 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Olympic preparation of athletes has been highly influenced by COVID and post-COVID syndrome. As the complex screening of athletes is essential for safe and successful sports, we aimed to repeat the 2019-year sports cardiology screening of the Olympic Swim Team before the Olympics and to compare the results of COVID and non-COVID athletes. METHODS Patient history, electrocardiogram, laboratory tests, body composition analysis, echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were performed. We used time-ranking points to compare swimming performance. RESULTS From April 2019, we examined 46 elite swimmers (24 ± 4 years). Fourteen swimmers had COVID infection; all cases were mild. During CPET there was no difference in the performance of COVID (male: VO2 max 55 ± 4 vs. 56.5 ± 5 mL/kg/min, p = 0.53; female: VO2 max 54.6 ± 4 vs. 56 ± 5.5 mL/kg/min, p = 0.86) vs. non-COVID athletes (male VO2 max 56.7 ± 5 vs. 55.5 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min, p = 0.50; female 49.6 ± 3 vs. 50.7 ± 2.6 mL/kg/min, p = 0.47) between 2019 and 2021. When comparing the time results of the National Championships, 54.8% of the athletes showed an improvement (p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS COVID infection with short-term detraining did not affect the performance of well-trained swimmers. According to our results, the COVID pandemic did not impair the effectiveness of the preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emese Csulak
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Árpád Petrov
- Hungarian Coaches Association, 1146 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Tímea Kováts
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Márton Tokodi
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Bálint Lakatos
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Attila Kovács
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
- Department of Sports Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Ferenc Imre Suhai
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Erzsébet Liliána Szabó
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Zsófia Dohy
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Hajnalka Vágó
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
- Department of Sports Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Becker
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Veronika Müller
- Pulmonology Clinic, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Nóra Sydó
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
- Department of Sports Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (E.C.); (T.K.); (M.T.); (B.L.); (A.K.); (F.I.S.); (E.L.S.); (Z.D.); (H.V.); (D.B.); (B.M.)
- Department of Sports Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
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Rocha ICN, Pelayo MGA, Rackimuthu S. Kumbh Mela Religious Gathering as a Massive Superspreading Event: Potential Culprit for the Exponential Surge of COVID-19 Cases in India. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 105:868-871. [PMID: 34460415 PMCID: PMC8592171 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kumbh Mela is a significant religious gathering of millions of Hindu devotees in India. It is celebrated on certain auspicious days in the Hindu calendar and attracts millions of pilgrims across the country. Despite the religious intention of millions of Hindu devotees, it raised public health concerns as it became a massive superspreading event for COVID-19. Being the second most populous country, India became the second most affected country during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the arrival of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and the presence of the double mutated variant, which was first identified in India, the Kumbh Mela probably aggravated the country's COVID-19 situation which resulted in an uncontrollable second wave. Several cases of COVID-19 across India had been contact-traced to returnees from the event who acted as a nidus to help spread the infection. As a consequence, India's healthcare system was severely challenged as a result of the overwhelming hospitalizations and increasing fatalities resulting in an acute manpower shortage in healthcare along with the depletion of drugs and medical supplies despite being one of the largest pharmaceutical hubs globally. Leaders and governments around the world should learn from India's experience and thereby take preventive measures to manage potential superspreading events to curb the spike of COVID-19 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sudhan Rackimuthu
- Department of Medicine, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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10
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Al-Tawfiq JA, Petersen E, Memish ZA, Perlman S, Zumla A. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus - The need for global proactive surveillance, sequencing and modeling. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 43:102118. [PMID: 34144180 PMCID: PMC8205546 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Infectious Disease Division, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Infectious Disease Division, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Eskild Petersen
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Aarhus, Denmark; European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases [ESCMID] Task Force for Emerging Infections, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Ziad A Memish
- King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, And Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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11
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Al-Tawfiq JA, Memish ZA. The Emergence, Persistence, and Dissemination of Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Environmental Hajj Settings and Implications for Public Health. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:33. [PMID: 33802167 PMCID: PMC8005974 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is causing the loss of what was once considered the miracle cure. The transmission of antimicrobial resistance during mass gathering is a potential threat in addition to other infectious diseases. Here, we review the English language literature on the rate and the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance during the Hajj. There is a variable incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacteriaceae. There had been no report of multi-drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance coupled with public health measures are needed to decrease the rate of emergence of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine and Quality Division, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia;
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21093, USA
| | - Ziad A. Memish
- Director Research and Innovation Center, King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 12746, Saudi Arabia
- Al-Faisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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12
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Alnasser AHA, Al-Tawfiq JA, Al-Kalif MSH, Shahadah RFB, Almuqati KSA, Al-Sulaiman BSA, Alharbi KKS, Alabbad FYM, Alabbad JYM, Alquwaiz IAI, Almashama IKI. Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice towards COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey. Med Sci (Basel) 2021; 9:11. [PMID: 33669208 PMCID: PMC7931095 DOI: 10.3390/medsci9010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: COVID-19 has become a worldwide public health problem. No previous study has investigated factors associated with COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) after completely lifting the curfew in all Saudi Arabia regions and cities. Therefore, adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and correct control of COVID-19 are essential to eradicate the disease. Hence, this study aims to assess factors associated with KAP of COVID-19; (2) Methods: This cross-sectional web-based survey was performed with the participation of 4305 individuals aged over 15 years living in Saudi Arabia from 11 to 19 August 2020. They were included using the snowball sampling method; (3) Results: Of the 4305 participants, 94.9% were Saudis, 60% females, and 45.4% were in the age group of 20-34 years, 61.7% married, and 49.3% from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Most of the participants demonstrated good KAP levels (89.6%, 87.2%, and 87.2%) towards the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. In addition, most of the participants (85.8%) used the internet and social media as a source for COVID-19 information (4) Conclusions: The finding showed that most of the participants demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19, positive attitudes, and demonstrated good practices for preventing the spread of disease infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hassan A. Alnasser
- Department of Laboratory, Dhahran Eye Specialist Hospital, Ministry of Health, Dhahran 31942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Mohammed Sheker H. Al-Kalif
- College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
- Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, Riyadh 11472, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Khulud Khalid S. Alharbi
- College of Applied Medical Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
- The Panuska College of Professional Studies, The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510, USA
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13
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Hashim HT, Babar MS, Essar MY, Ramadhan MA, Ahmad S. The Hajj and COVID-19: How the Pandemic Shaped the World's Largest Religious Gathering. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:797-799. [PMID: 33432907 PMCID: PMC7941851 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is held in Saudi Arabia in the second week of Dhu’l-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings, constituting more than 2.5 million Muslim pilgrims from more than 180 countries. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant public health threat for such mass gatherings. Thus, a health risk assessment for the 2020 Hajj was held by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, which concluded that foreign pilgrims should be excluded from the 2020 Hajj and that the number of pilgrims should be significantly reduced. Timely decisions allowed the Saudi government to conduct the Hajj, despite an initial postponement. However, the number of pilgrims was significantly downscaled, and extensive new protocols were set in place because of the pandemic. This article aims to shed light on the challenges faced and efforts made by Saudi Arabia to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the religious proceedings of the Hajj.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Yasir Essar
- Medical Research Center, Kateb University, Kabul, Afghanistan.,Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
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14
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Hoang VT, Al-Tawfiq JA, Gautret P. The Tokyo Olympic Games and the Risk of COVID-19. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2020; 7:126-132. [PMID: 33145147 PMCID: PMC7596810 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-020-00217-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review We reviewed the occurrence of outbreaks at past Olympics and discuss the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic at the Tokyo Games. Recent Findings Evidence for large respiratory tract infection outbreaks at past Olympics is scant. Nevertheless, in order to control the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were postponed for 2021. Given the high contagiousness of the disease and the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Japan, this decision was appropriate and important in order to safeguard athletes and the public. However, it is a major problem for Japan, involving massive financial losses and a lost opportunity for athletes, coaches, and instructors. Summary Up-to-date epidemiological data is needed on which to base an appropriate decision regarding the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. The actual effect of cancellations of such events in reducing the spread of COVID-19 needs to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Thuan Hoang
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France.,Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, Vietnam
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA.,Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Philippe Gautret
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France
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15
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Al-Tawfiq JA, Sattar A, Al-Khadra H, Al-Qahtani S, Al-Mulhim M, Al-Omoush O, Kheir HO. Incidence of COVID-19 among returning travelers in quarantine facilities: A longitudinal study and lessons learned. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 38:101901. [PMID: 33049360 PMCID: PMC7547317 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had resulted in an unpresented global pandemic. In the initial events, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia implemented mandatory quarantine of returning travelers in order to contain COVID-19 cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a longitudinal study of the arriving travelers to Quarantine facilities and the prevalence of positive SARS-CoV-2 as detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS During the study period, there was a total of 1928 returning travelers with 1273 (66%) males. The age range was 28 days-69 years. Of all the travelers, 23 (1.2%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Of the first swab, 14/1928 (0.7%) tested positive. The positivity rate was 0.63% and 0.92% among males and females, respectively (P = 0.57). The second swab was positive in 9 (0.5%) of the other 1914 who were initially negative with a positivity rate of 0.39% and 0.62% among males and females, respectively (P = 0.49). There was no statistical difference in the positivity rates between first and second swab (P = 0.4). Of all travelers, 40 (n = 26, 1.3%) were admitted from the quarantine facility to the hospital due to COVID-19 related positive results or development of symptoms such as fever, cough, and respiratory symptoms; and 14 (0.7%) were admitted due to non-COVID-19 related illness. CONCLUSION This study showed the efforts put for facility quarantine and that such activity yielded a lower incidence of positive cases. There was a need to have a backup healthcare facility to accommodate those developing a medical need for evaluation and admission for non-COVID-19 related illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine and Quality Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Amar Sattar
- Primary Care Division, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Husain Al-Khadra
- Primary Care Division, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Al-Qahtani
- Primary Care Division, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Omar Al-Omoush
- Primary Care Division, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatim O Kheir
- Primary Care Division, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Yezli S, Khan A. COVID-19 social distancing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Bold measures in the face of political, economic, social and religious challenges. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 37:101692. [PMID: 32330561 PMCID: PMC7172679 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Social distancing at its various levels has been a key measure to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. The implementation of strict measures for social distancing is challenging, including in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) due to its level of urbanization, its social and religious norms and its annual hosting of high visibility international religious mass gatherings. KSA started introducing decisive social distancing measures early before the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the Kingdom. These ranged from suspension or cancelations of religious, entertainment and sporting mass gatherings and events such as the Umrah, temporary closure of educational establishments and mosques and postponing all non-essential gatherings, to imposing a curfew. These measures were taken in spite of their socio-economic, political and religious challenges in the interest of public and global health. The effect of these actions on the epidemic curve of the Kingdom and on the global fight against COVID-19 remains to be seen. However, given the current COVID-19 situation, further bold and probably unpopular measures are likely to be introduced in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Yezli
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Anas Khan
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Almaghlouth I, Islam T, Alamro N, Alsultan A, Alfadda A, Al-Muhsen S, Almasry A, Almadi MA, Hersi A, BaHammam A. Mapping COVID-19 related research from Saudi Arabia, a scoping review. Between reality and dreams. Saudi Med J 2020; 41:791-801. [PMID: 32789418 PMCID: PMC7502955 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2020.8.25163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To map research production by Saudi-affiliated investigators in order to identify areas of strength and weakness. Method: We followed the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework. Medline and Cochrane databases were searched with a focus on identifying articles related to COVID-19 and Saudi Arabia following the PRISMA protocol. The study was conducted at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between March and May 2020. Results: A total of 53 articles were ultimately included. Most of the research production from Saudi Arabia was opinion and narrative reviews related to the clinicopathological features of COVID-19 as well as control and prevention of virus spread. Conclusion: The results of this scoping review identify a relative deficiency in original research, which requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Almaghlouth
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail.
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Atique S, Bautista JR, Block LJ, Lee JJ, Lozada-Perezmitre E, Nibber R, O'Connor S, Peltonen LM, Ronquillo C, Tayaben J, Thilo FJS, Topaz M. A nursing informatics response to COVID-19: Perspectives from five regions of the world. J Adv Nurs 2020; 76:2462-2468. [PMID: 32420652 PMCID: PMC7276900 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Suleman Atique
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - John R Bautista
- School of Information, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Lorraine J Block
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jung Jae Lee
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | | | - Raji Nibber
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Siobhan O'Connor
- School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jude Tayaben
- College of Nursing, Benguet State University, Benguet, Philippines
| | - Friederike J S Thilo
- Applied Research and Development in Nursing, Department of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maxim Topaz
- School of Nursing and Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA
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19
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viroj Wiwanitkit
- Dr DY Patil University, Pune, India.,Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
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20
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Al-Tawfiq JA, Memish ZA. COVID-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Saudi Arabia: prevention and therapeutic strategies. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 55:105968. [PMID: 32259576 PMCID: PMC7271262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Prevention strategies for SARS-CoV-2 infection in Saudi Arabia. Therapeutic options for COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine and Quality Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziad A Memish
- King Saud Medical City, Research Center, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia; Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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21
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Ahmed QA, Memish ZA. The cancellation of mass gatherings (MGs)? Decision making in the time of COVID-19. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 34:101631. [PMID: 32184129 PMCID: PMC7102544 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Our recommendation, as experts who have monitored health hazards at the Hajj for over 15 years, especially if the situation with COVID-19 continues to escalate globally is that Hajj 2020 will be at risk of being suspended and a means for Muslims to fulfill their rights in the future either personally or even by proxy need to be announced. The same holds true for the Summer 2020 Olympics in Japan and for many other MGs and large gatherings. Decisions in the time of COVID-19 will be closely followed and will be a blueprint for other mass gatherings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qanta A Ahmed
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, NYU- Winthrop Hospital, NYU-Langone Health, Mineola, NY, USA.
| | - Ziad A Memish
- Research & Innovation Center, King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health and College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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