The Effects of Medications and the Roles of Pharmacists on the Recovery of Patients with COVID-19 Infection: An Epidemiological Study from the United Arab Emirates

Patients infected with coronavirus have new experiences and hence new needs from the healthcare sector. Acknowledging patients' experiences can exhibit promising outcomes in coronavirus management. Pharmacists are considered a vital pillar in managing patients' experiences during their infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the experiences of COVID-19-infected individuals and the roles of pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates. The survey was face- and content-validated after being developed. Three sections were included in the survey (demographics, experiences of infected individuals, and the roles of pharmacists). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The study participants (n = 509) had a mean age of 34.50 (SD = 11.93). The most reported symptoms among participants were fatigue (81.5%), fever (76.8%), headache (76.6%), dry cough (74.1%), muscle or joint pain (70.7%), and sore throat (68.6%). Vitamin C was the most used supplement (88.6%), followed by pain relievers (78.2%). Female gender was the only factor associated with symptom severity. About 79.0% agreed that the pharmacist played an important and effective role during their infection. The most reported symptom was fatigue, with females reporting more severe symptoms. The role of the pharmacist proved to be vital during this pandemic.

Determinants of healthcare workers perceptions, acceptance and choice of COVID-19 vaccines: a cross-sectional study from the United Arab Emirates

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among health-care workers (HCWs) is crucial for controlling the pandemic and ensuring HCW and patient safety. Information on the acceptance of different COVID-19 vaccines is lacking. Despite the United Arab Emirates (UAE) having vaccinated most of its population, vaccine acceptance still raises concerns. This study explores COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, vaccine choice, and associated factors among HCWs in the UAE. An online national cross-sectional study was conducted among 517 HCWs. Acceptance and choice of COVID-19 vaccines were assessed, and logistic regression analysis identified predictors for vaccine acceptance. More than half (58%) of HCWs were willing to take the vaccine and give it to their family. Reasons for taking the vaccine were concerns for families contracting COVID-19 (67%) and social responsibility (64%). Reasons for refusals included concerns with side-effects (61%). Most HCWs knew of the Pfizer (79%) and Sinopharm (57%) vaccines; however, acceptance was higher for Pfizer (35%) and AstraZeneca (21%) vaccines. Being male and being influenza vaccinated predicted willingness to take the vaccine (aOR: 2.34; 95% CI:1.34-4.08; p ≤ 0.001) and (aOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.29-3.51; p ≤ 0.001), respectively. HCWs who expressed concerns with inadequate safety data were less likely to take the vaccine (aOR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.10-0.30; p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, side effects, perception of risk, and level of trust of company and country of manufacture predicted acceptance and choice of vaccines. Effective vaccine policy campaigns to improve acceptance should target HCW's knowledge and awareness of perceived risks of COVID-19, safety data, social responsibility, and individual preferences for vaccine choice.

Web-Based Reporting of Post-Vaccination Symptoms for Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccines in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The perception of COVID-19 vaccines as being unsafe is a major barrier to receiving the vaccine. Providing the public with accurate data regarding the vaccines would reduce vaccine hesitancy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data on the side effects experienced by the vaccinated population to assess the safety of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine.

RESULTS

The majority of the study participants (n = 386) were female (71.9%), and 38.6% of them were under 30 years old. Around half of the participants (52.8%) reported side effects after receiving the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. Fatigue (85.1%), a sore arm at the site of the injection (82.1%), and discomfort (67.2%) were the most commonly reported side effects after the first dose. Reporting side effects was significantly associated with the female sex (p-value = 0.027). Significant associations between being female and experiencing chills, muscle or joint pain, anorexia, drowsiness, and hair loss were also found, as well as being above the age of 30 and experiencing a cough. Being a smoker was significantly associated with experiencing a cough, and a headache. Furthermore, chills, and a sore throat were significantly associated with individuals who had not been infected before.

CONCLUSION

Mild side effects were reported after receiving the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. Fatigue was the most commonly reported side effect. Females, older adults, smokers, and those who had never been infected with COVID-19 had a greater susceptibility to certain side effects.

Recent Updates on the Functional Impact of Kahweol and Cafestol on Cancer

Kahweol and cafestol are two diterpenes extracted from Coffea arabica beans that have distinct biological activities. Recent research describes their potential activities, which include anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties, among others. The two diterpenes have been shown to have anticancer effects in various in vitro and in vivo cancer models. This review aims to shed light on the recent developments regarding the potential effects of kahweol and cafestol on various cancers. A systematic literature search through Google Scholar and PubMed was performed between February and May 2022 to collect updates about the potential effects of cafestol and kahweol on different cancers in in vitro and in vivo models. The search terms “Kahweol and Cancer” and “Cafestol and Cancer” were used in this literature review as keywords; the findings demonstrated that kahweol and cafestol exhibit diverse effects on different cancers in in vitro and in vivo models, showing pro-apoptotic, cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory properties. In conclusion, the diterpenes kahweol and cafestol display significant anticancer effects, while remarkably unaffecting normal cells. Our results show that both kahweol and cafestol exert their actions on various cancers via inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell growth. Additionally, kahweol acts by inhibiting cell migration.

Evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of the influenza vaccine in healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional study from the United Arab Emirates

Background:

Influenza, a yearly epidemic, can present with a wide array of symptoms ranging from mild rhinorrhoea and cough to life-threatening superadded bacterial infections. It affects the lives of around 12.5% of the world’s population every year and accounts for almost half a billion deaths. With growing populations, these numbers will follow a similar growth resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Currently, the recommended method to prevent influenza is through the administration of a yearly vaccine that entails the suspected strains of the virus for the year and region.

Objective:

This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the health care professionals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding Influenza vaccination.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, was distributed amongst health care professionals in the four largest emirates in the UAE, via convenience sampling. 417 responses were completed and analysed using SPSS-24.

Results:

54.1% (n=225) of participants continue going to work while being sick despite 67.6% (n=282) reporting they are aware of the recommendations published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Multiple linear regression showed that age and profession were the only significant predictor of influenza vaccine knowledge. 54.2% (n=226) of the participants reported receiving the vaccine; of those, only 38.9% (n=88) receive it annually. One of the most commonly reported barriers to taking the vaccine was the uncertainty of its effectiveness. Those using a reminder system were 2.044 times more likely to take the vaccine regularly.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that the attitudes and practices towards taking the influenza vaccine as recommended are suboptimal. Campaigns targeting health care professionals regarding the influenza vaccine and the CDC recommendations would perhaps positively skew the results in the future.

Predictors of recycling behavior: a survey-based study in the city of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Purpose

Sharjah is the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) third largest city and third highest waste producer (9.9% of ˜26 million in 2012). A total of about ˜$1bn has been invested into programs pursuing zero-landfill waste by 100% recycling. Besides infrastructure, assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) are needed for effective waste management. The purpose of this study is to examine recycling KAP in Sharjah.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study, using pilot-tested questionnaires, was conducted among public venues during March and April 2016. A total of 400 residents (18–55 years) were selected via convenience sampling. SPSS-22 was used for analysis.

Findings

Mean age [28 years (±9.4)] with 56.5% females. Knowledge level [51.8% (±18.1)]; students reported the highest (53.7%, p = 0.007, 95% CI [51.4–56.1]). 22.9% knew recycling benefits, 31.2% knew how to correctly prepare items. Attitude level 92.6% (±16.5); 51.1% and 46.8% would recycle more with a financial reward or penalty, respectively. 70.4% reported practicing recycling; 16.0% always recycle. Logistic regression model indicated knowledge (OR = 1.013, 95% CI [1.001–1.025]) and attitude (OR = 1.014, 95% CI [1.001–1.028]) as the only significant predictors of recycling practice.

Research limitations/implications

Convenience sampling led to a biased sample (54.4% < 25 years).

Practical implications

Awareness programs and innovative methods, such as a reward system, are needed to strengthen recycling knowledge and practices, respectively.

Originality/value

This is the first study measuring recycling KAP in the UAE. Results could be starting points for improved local waste management and subsequently reduced public health concerns.

Knowledge and Awareness about Cervical Cancer Vaccine (HPV) Among Parents in Sharjah

Background and aim:

Cervical cancer (CC) is the 7th most common cancer worldwide. It is the 4th most common cancer in females causing 7.5% of all female cancer deaths. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of CC and other diseases worldwide. Despite several measures taken to reduce the risk of infection with HPV, the most effective method remains the HPV vaccine. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of parents in Sharjah towards HPV and whether or not they would vaccinate their daughters.

Methods and Material:

A quantitative, observational cross-sectional study of 400 subjects was conducted in public venues in Sharjah. Probability sampling method was used for selection of subjects (parents who have daughters). A self-administered 32-question questionnaire was distributed. SPSS 21 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used for entry and analysis of data. Frequency was calculated, Chi square test was used to conduct bivariate analysis and bar charts and tables were used to present the results.

Results:

78.3% of the population had heard of CC, 41.3 % of HPV, and 36.5% of the HPV vaccine. Among them, the percentages of the correctly answered knowledge-related questions were found to be 66.2%, 50.9% and 52.1% for CC, HPV and HPV vaccine, respectively. 76.6% of parents were willing to vaccinate their daughters. The percentage increased to 92.9%, if the ministry of health (MOH) recommended the vaccine. A significant correlation was found between the spouse’s level of education, HPV (Pearson-chi square value: 5.049 and p: 0.025) and HPV vaccine (Pearson-chi square value: 4.057 and p:0.044).

Conclusions:

Despite the public’s lack of knowledge, the study showed a noticeable increase in parent’s willingness to vaccinate their daughters if the government recommends and provides the HPV vaccine. However, proper evaluation of the vaccine’s efficacy from a socioeconomic point of view is needed before recommending its implementation in the UAE immunization schedule.