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Abed Alah M, Abdeen S, Bougmiza I, Selim N. COVID-19 lockdowns weigh heavily on youth: an analysis of the impact on BMI for Age Z scores in children and adolescents. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:209-222. [PMID: 38291903 PMCID: PMC11141597 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lifestyle and health of children and adolescents. This study aimed to assess the lifestyle changes brought about by COVID-19-related school closures and their impact on the Body Mass Index for Age Z (BAZ) scores of governmental school students in Qatar. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2022 targeting students aged 8-15 years. Data on lifestyle behaviors were gathered through telephone interviews with parents of selected students. The BAZ scores before and after school closures that were automatically calculated by the electronic health records system were extracted. RESULTS We completed 1546 interviews. We found a significant increase in unhealthy food categories, a reduction in physical activity and an increase in the screen time over the period of schools' closure. The BAZ increased significantly by 0.30 (95% CI 0.26-0.35). The increase in BAZ scores was significantly higher among male students and the younger age group compared to females and older counterparts, respectively. The student's age group, sex, nationality and change in physical activity were significant predictors of the change in BAZ scores. CONCLUSIONS School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the lifestyle of students in Qatar and resulted in a significant increase in the BAZ scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Abed Alah
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Sami Abdeen
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Nagah Selim
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Abed Alah M, Abdeen S, Bougmiza I, Selim N. From classrooms to controllers: how school closures shaped children's video gaming habits. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02635-z. [PMID: 38472654 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02635-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19-related school closures on screen time and video gaming habits among governmental school students in Qatar and explore the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) within this context. METHODS A cross-sectional approach was employed, spanning two months from June to August 2022. A random sample of students aged 8-15 years was drawn from the national electronic health record system of Qatar. Telephone interviews with parents were conducted to collect data. The Parental Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (PIGDS) was used for IGD assessment. RESULTS Of 428 parents, 257 (60%) confirmed their child's engagement in video gaming during school closures. Participants averaged 11 years in age with 92 (35.8%) females and 165 (64.2%) males. Nationality included 62.6% expatriates and 37.4% Qatari locals. Average weekly screen time increased significantly from 19.7 ± 10.1 h to 31.9 ± 12.6 h during closure (p < 0.001). Video gaming time rose from 8.6 ± 8.6 h to 13.0 ± 12.4 h per week (p < 0.001). The prevalence of IGD was 8.6% (95% CI 5.4-12.7). Male students, expatriates, and those reporting increased video gaming time were more likely to develop IGD than their female and local counterparts. CONCLUSION The observed associations between video gaming increase and IGD highlight the need for focused interventions to address potential risks and promote healthier digital habits among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Abed Alah
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar.
- Clinical Effectiveness Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Sami Abdeen
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Nagah Selim
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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El Bilali H, Ben Hassen T. Regional Agriculture and Food Systems Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Near East and North Africa Region. Foods 2024; 13:297. [PMID: 38254598 PMCID: PMC10815245 DOI: 10.3390/foods13020297] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic affected agri-food systems worldwide. However, while the impacts differed from one country/region to another, the scholarly literature seems to focus on developed countries in the Global North. Consequently, this review scrutinizes the literature on the pandemic's impacts in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. A search on the Web of Science in March 2023 generated 334 documents, of which 151 were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. According to the bibliometric analysis, the most active nations are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon. In general, the coverage of studies is better in the Gulf region than in the less developed countries of North Africa and those suffering from wars (cf. Libya, Syria, and Yemen). Studies generally focus on crop production and the downstream food chain (cf. distribution and consumption). While the pandemic influenced every pillar of food security, this research concentrates on access and utilization. Meanwhile, the lion's share of the literature deals with the pandemic's socio-economic effects, especially those linked to food (in)security and health. The pandemic, which laid bare the agri-food system vulnerabilities, should be seized to foster the transition towards more resilient agri-food systems in the NENA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy;
| | - Tarek Ben Hassen
- Program of Policy, Planning, and Development, Department of International Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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Almandoz JP, Xie L, Tejani S, Mathew MS, Schellinger JN, Morales-Marroquin E, Messiah SE. Impact of employment status and work setting on body weight and health behaviors among people with obesity. Work 2024; 78:1011-1020. [PMID: 38143405 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of employment and the work-from-home (WFH) setting on body weight among people with obesity is unknown. OBJECTIVE This study examined the relationship between employment status, WFH setting, and change in body weight among adults with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Patients from an obesity medicine clinic completed an online survey in 2022 to assess health, work, and lifestyle behaviors. Multiple regression models examined the association between WFH status and change in body weight. RESULTS The analytical sample included 380 patients (81.9% female, mean age 52.5 years, mean body mass index 43.25, 50.0% non-Hispanic White, 25.7% non-Hispanic Black, 18.7% Hispanic, 5.7% other ethnicity). During the pandemic, 28.7% were employed in a WFH setting (73.4% of this subgroup were in a WFH setting only), 36.1% were employed but not in a WFH setting, 11.8% were unemployed, and 23.4% were retired. Mean body weight change for participants who partially WFH during the pandemic was +5.4 (±7.2) % compared to those completely WFH -0.3 (±9.8) % (P = 0.006). After adjusting for key demographics, participants who were partially WFH gained 7.8% more weight compared to those completely WFH (β= 7.28, SE = 1.91, p < 0.001). The most significant predictors for weight gain after adjusting for WFH frequency (partially vs. completely) included overeating (aOR 11.07, 95% CI 3.33-36.77), more consumption of fast food (aOR 7.59, 95% 2.41-23.91), and depression (aOR 6.07, 95% CI 1.97-18.68). CONCLUSION These results show that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WFH hybrid (combination of office and WFH) setting is associated with greater weight gain compared to those who completely WFH in people with obesity. Risk factors include overeating, higher fast food consumption, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime P Almandoz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Luyu Xie
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sanaa Tejani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - M Sunil Mathew
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Schellinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Sarah E Messiah
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX USA
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Abed Alah M, Abdeen S, Selim N, AlDahnaim L, Bougmiza I. Computer vision syndrome among students during remote learning periods: harnessing digital solutions for clear vision. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1273886. [PMID: 38026296 PMCID: PMC10666185 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1273886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among children and adolescents in Qatar during the period of remote learning and explore the associated factors and discuss some digital health remedies that might reduce the risk. Methods We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study between June and August 2022 by collecting data via telephone interviews with parents of selected students utilizing the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). Results We completed 1,546 interviews. The mean age of the students was (11 ± 2), male: female ratio was almost 1:1. About one quarter (368, 23.8%) of parents reported a previous diagnosis of visual disturbances among their children with over 88% of them wearing eyeglasses or medical contact lenses. The prevalence of CVS in our sample was about 8% (95%CI: 6.8-9.6). Mother's employment, having positive history of visual disturbances, and excess screen time were found to be significant predictors of CVS. Conclusion Health care providers in collaboration with teachers should provide parents with evidence-based strategies to prevent or minimize the digital eye strain among students. In the landscape of remote learning, the implementation of digital remedies emerges as a proactive approach to mitigate the risk of digital eye strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Abed Alah
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Sami Abdeen
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Nagah Selim
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Public health and preventive medicine Department, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Layla AlDahnaim
- School Health Services and Programs, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
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Kehyayan V, Yasin YM, Khraim F, Masaba A, Abed Alah M. Fear and stress related to COVID-19 and associated factors among undergraduate nursing students in Qatar. Appl Nurs Res 2023; 73:151727. [PMID: 37722795 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2023.151727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had an impact on nearly every human being with millions of related infections and deaths. The negative impact of the pandemic on individuals' mental health such as fear and stress, particularly among university students, have been reported. While the switch to online teaching and learning played an important mitigating role, it also had presented additional challenges to students' mental health. AIM To examine the prevalence of fear and stress among undergraduate nursing students in Qatar and the factors associated with fear of COVID-19. METHOD A cross-sectional design. An online survey was sent to students at the University of Calgary in Qatar. RESULTS 135 participants completed the survey. The findings showed differences in fear of COVID-19 and stress and satisfaction with the measures proposed by the academic institution based on participants' demographic and COVID-19 profiles. Furthermore, fear of COVID-19 was associated with the age group (26-35), academic year level, and satisfaction with the measures proposed by the academic institution. CONCLUSION The study found that switching teaching and learning online had a negative impact on participants' fear and stress. Several strategies were suggested to alleviate students' fear and stress and support them during future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe Kehyayan
- University of Doha for Science and Technology, P.O. Box 24449, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Yasin M Yasin
- University of Doha for Science and Technology, P.O. Box 24449, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Fadi Khraim
- College of Nursing, Qatar University, Qatar.
| | - Arlene Masaba
- University of Doha for Science and Technology, P.O. Box 24449, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Muna Abed Alah
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Abed Alah M, Abdeen S, Selim N, Tayar E, Al-Dahshan A, Kehyayan V, AlDahnaim L, Bougmiza I. A Sociodemographic Analysis of the Impact of COVID-19-Related Schools' Closure on the Diet and Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents in Qatar. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2023; 13:248-265. [PMID: 37140850 PMCID: PMC10157550 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-023-00101-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of the COVID-19-related closure of government schools in Qatar on children and adolescents' dietary habits and physical activities and associated sociodemographic factors. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2022 utilizing the national electronic health records system in Qatar to extract a sampling frame of students enrolled in governmental schools, specifically targeting students in 3rd to 9th grades, stratified by sex and developmental stage. A stratified sampling technique was employed to randomly select a proportionate number of students from each stratum, and data were collected through telephone interviews with the parents of selected students. RESULTS A total of 1546 interviews were completed by the end of the study. Of the included sample, 845 (54.7%) were between 8 and 11 years of age (middle childhood), while the rest were 12-15 years old (young teens and teenagers). Male to female ratio was almost 1:1. We found a significant decrease in the intake of vegetables, increases in the intake of soft drinks, fried food, fast food, and sweets, and a reduction in physical activity during schools' closure compared to before. Higher parental educational levels, maternal employment, and having a positive family history of obesity and/or overweight in first-degree relatives were significantly associated with adverse lifestyle changes during schools' closure. CONCLUSION The trends of lifestyle changes reported in this study during the periods of COVID-19-related schools' closure were found to be going in a health-compromising direction. These results underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to promote healthy lifestyles during such disruptions and emphasize the need to address lifestyle changes beyond emergencies and outbreaks to mitigate potential long-term health consequences, including the increased risk of non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Abed Alah
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar.
| | - Sami Abdeen
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Nagah Selim
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Elias Tayar
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayman Al-Dahshan
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Vahe Kehyayan
- Healthcare Administration Department, College of Business Management, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha, Qatar
| | - Layla AlDahnaim
- School Health Services and Programs, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
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