Bishwajit Ghose; Josephine Etowa; Tanjir Rashid Soron
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the third coronavirus to emerge in the past decade after the 2010 SARS-CoV and 2012 MERS-CoV, which originated in China and Saudi Arabia, respectively. The virus is transmitted via small droplets which are produced during activities such ...
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the third coronavirus to emerge in the past decade after the 2010 SARS-CoV and 2012 MERS-CoV, which originated in China and Saudi Arabia, respectively. The virus is transmitted via small droplets which are produced during activities such as coughing, sneezing, and talking and spread through close human contact or touching infected surfaces. Since its first reported case in Wuhan, China in December 2020, the virus has proved to be highly infectious, reaching epidemic levels with about 2.8 million COVID-19 cases recorded globally. As a result, the World Health Organization was prompted to declare it as a public health emergency of international concern. The virus is of unknown aetiology and has no clinical countermeasures to date; therefore, prevention is the best strategy to prevent its spread. Many countries have enforced physical distancing, banned public gathering, and restricted mobility and transportation options. However, such preventive measures have side-effects which negatively impact healthcare and population health at various levels. Physicians and nurses treating COVID-19 patients are often required to be isolated from their family. Further, clinicians who are not well-versed in the complexities and risks of infectious diseases are facing new challenges. Patients requiring regular or urgent care (e.g., expectant mothers and patients awaiting elective/ emergency surgery) are experiencing limited access to care. Telehealth can ameliorate some of these side-effects and improve healthcare access along with the quality of life for both patients and practitioners.
Kamran Bagheri-Lankarani; Mohammad-Hadi Imanieh; Amir-Hossein Hassani; Hossein Molavi Vardanjani
Abstract
Background and aims: Public health policies and programs should be adapted to the level of public trust in the healthcare system, as an indicator of the public support level. Accordingly, the data about public trust level in the healthcare system is considered as a critical requirement for managing public ...
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Background and aims: Public health policies and programs should be adapted to the level of public trust in the healthcare system, as an indicator of the public support level. Accordingly, the data about public trust level in the healthcare system is considered as a critical requirement for managing public health crises. This study aimed to rapidly assess the public trust in the healthcare system during the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran, as well as to evaluate the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on this trust.Methods: This cross-sectional and web-based study which was conducted in Iran during the COVID-19 epidemic included adults aged 18-60 years. A probability proportional to size multistage random sampling was applied and performed in 15 provinces of the country. Data on the main sources of information about COVID-19, trust in healthcare system, fear level of COVID-19, and demographics were collected via an electronic questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was applied, and adjusted regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.Results: A total of 5250 adults (response rate: 76%) were included in the study. The mean of reported trust scores was 50.3 ± 22.8, and that of fear scores was 72.0 ± 17.8. The highest (65%) and lowest (28%) levels of trust were observed among participants from the lowest and highest SES, respectively. Gender (male) (P = 0.006), higher levels of education (P < 0.001), higher socio-economic status (P < 0.001), and higher fear scores (P < 0.001) were independently correlated with the lower level of ⦰ trust in healthcare system.Conclusion: It was found that the public trust in Iran’s healthcare system was not high enough at the time of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country, especially among higher social class population.
Mohammad Faramarzi; Majid Mardaniyan Ghahfarrokhi; Zahra Hemati Farsani; Zahra Raisi; Maryam Jamali; Julien S. Baker
Abstract
Background and aims: Decreased levels of physical activity (PA) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can cause physical and psychological problems for individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PA, body image, and eating disorders (EDs) ...
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Background and aims: Decreased levels of physical activity (PA) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can cause physical and psychological problems for individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PA, body image, and eating disorders (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic among high school girls in Farsan, Iran. Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, and the research population included female high school students from Farsan, Iran, who were studying in 2019-2020. In this regard, 535 high school girls (age: 15.95 ± 1.42, weight: 53.07 ± 10.01, BMI: 20.14 ± 3.48) were selected based on cluster-random sampling to participate in the study. Multidimensional Body Self-relation Questionnaire (MBSRQ), Baecke’s Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS) were used to collect data, and Pearson correlation coefficients were administered to establish statistical relationships. Results: The results indicated significant positive correlations between body image and PA levels (r = 0.304, P = 0.001). However, no significant correlations were observed between body image and anorexia nervosa (AN) (r = -0.035, P = 0.424), bulimia nervosa (BN) (r = -0.033, P = 0.446), and binge ED (r = -0.041, P = 0.339). Likewise, no relationships were observed between PA and AN (r = 0.084, P = 0.052), BN (r = 0.073, P = 0.092), as well as binge ED (r = 0.071, P = 0.099). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, PA was positively associated with body image but not with EDs. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that PA improved body image in adolescent girls during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arash Aliasghari; Marzieh Hossini; Fatemeh Rahimi; Kazhal Mobaraki; Jamal Ahmadzadeh
Abstract
As a result of the global crisis related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), confusion, anxiety, fear, and some psychological effects have been created among the general population in this global village. Unfortunately, these factors have provoked inappropriate behavior converting the infection to ...
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As a result of the global crisis related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), confusion, anxiety, fear, and some psychological effects have been created among the general population in this global village. Unfortunately, these factors have provoked inappropriate behavior converting the infection to the virus to a social stigma, which can affect the dignity of people died due to COVID-19. In addition to the patient, the stigma can also affect interpersonal relationship among nurses, family members, friends, as well as social relationships. In this critical situation, we need to take care of each other with empathy, which is the key to successfully cope with the issue and prevent social stigma associated with COVID-19. This commentary evaluates the effects of social stigma related to COVID-19 and suggests some practical measures for the world communities to deal with this global public health problem.
Hamed Delam; Ahmadreza Eidi; Omid Soufi; Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan
Abstract
Background and aims: Today, with the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 in the world, the general population with excessive worry due to media reports has a higher level of psychological distress. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the state of anxiety among Instagram users in 2020. Methods: ...
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Background and aims: Today, with the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 in the world, the general population with excessive worry due to media reports has a higher level of psychological distress. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the state of anxiety among Instagram users in 2020. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted from June to July 2020 on 313 Instagram users. Coronavirus Anxiety Scale was used to measure anxiety caused by coronavirus in Iran. The subjects entered the study by availability sampling and filled out the questionnaire through the features of Instagram such as posts and stories. Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between independent and dependent variables according to the nature of the variable. The significance level was considered to be P < 0.05. Results: Out of 313 participants in the study, 218 (69.6%) were in the age range of 19-35 years. Additionally, 50.5% of them were male and the majority of the participants had academic education. Overall, 21.4% of the participants had moderate to severe anxiety. There was no significant relationship between the participants’ levels of anxiety and demographic variables (age groups, gender, and level of education) (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of chi-square test showed that no significant relationship was observed between the dimensions of anxiety based on the demographic characteristics of individuals such as age groups (P=0.256), gender (P=0.644), and level of education (P=0.415).
Roghayeh Sheervalilou; Jamal Ahmadzadeh; Sahel Alavi; Kazhal Mobaraki; Saman Sargazi; Milad Shirvaliloo; Ali Golchin; Ali Yekanlou; Sahar Mehranfar
Abstract
Background and aims: In late December 2019, a cluster of progressive pneumonia-like respiratory syndromes broke out in Wuhan, China. As the number of cases continued to rise, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a global public health emergency. The causative agent, i.e., SARS-CoV-2, ...
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Background and aims: In late December 2019, a cluster of progressive pneumonia-like respiratory syndromes broke out in Wuhan, China. As the number of cases continued to rise, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a global public health emergency. The causative agent, i.e., SARS-CoV-2, is a highly contagious strain, which has resulted in the rapid worldwide outbreak of COVID-19. COVID-19 is an overwhelmingly transmissible disease that requires early and accurate diagnosis for proper and timely treatment of suspected cases. Materials and Methods: In order to access the scientific documentation and evidence related to the subject published during 2019 to 2021, English keywords including “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “Diagnosis”, “Immunoglobulin G (IgG)”, “Immunoglobulin M (IgM)”, and ‘Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)” were searched in Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases and Persian versions of these keywords were also looked for in Jihad-e Daneshgahi’s Scientific Information Database (SID) and Iranian Journals database (Magiran) Results: With respect to diagnosis, serum antibody assays, nucleic acid sequencing, and radiologic evaluation are among the most reliable methods to rule out the disease in suspicious cases. This review is a synopsis of the pathogenesis of coronavirus, which will mainly focus on the diagnostic methods, as well as laboratory changes in immunoglobulins, polymerase chain reaction results, and computed tomography (CT) findings. Conclusion: Early diagnosis matters in that it not only contributes to the prevention of further transmission of the virus by asymptomatic carriers but also paves the way for clinicians to accurately choose the best therapeutic approach depending on the status of the patients.
Health Promotion
Pegah Mohaghegh; Ehsan Abedi; Masomeh Sofian; Fatemeh Rafiei
Abstract
Background and aims: The prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in health anxiety among general population and unreasonable referring to health centers. This study aimed to assess health anxiety related to COVID-19 in individuals referring to healthcare centers of Arak, Iran in 2020. Methods: ...
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Background and aims: The prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in health anxiety among general population and unreasonable referring to health centers. This study aimed to assess health anxiety related to COVID-19 in individuals referring to healthcare centers of Arak, Iran in 2020. Methods: Using convenient sampling method, the participants of this cross-sectional study were selected from 16 urban health centers of Arak. Salkovskis 18-item Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI-18) was completed by 392 participants. The collected data entered in SPSS software version 24 and was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Mean ± SD of total score of health anxiety was 28.96 ± 7.62. Most participants (74.7%) had medium anxiety and 19.1% had high anxiety. The mean of total score of health anxiety was higher in the 30-59 age range, higher education, single people and students. Participants with chronic diseases and symptoms of cold and people who referred to health centers due to COVID-19 screening had a higher anxiety level. Conclusion: Most people referring to health centers of arak had moderate anxiety. COVID-19-related health anxiety was higher in middle age range, higher education, students, people with chronic diseases, and people with symptoms of common cold.
Epidemiology
Sajad Bagherian; Majid Mardaniyan Ghahfarrokhi; Ebrahim Banitalebi
Abstract
Background and aims: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immediate self-quarantine is assumed as the best course of action for highly contagious diseases. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many individuals have become overweight and are also suffering from physical ...
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Background and aims: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immediate self-quarantine is assumed as the best course of action for highly contagious diseases. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many individuals have become overweight and are also suffering from physical problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on interest in home-based exercise. Methods: This digital epidemiological study used data sources outside the health system. This descriptive study with a comprehensive electronic systematic search in the Google Trends database using the keyword of “home-based exercise” retrieved the relevant data about the Internet search activity of Iranian community members. The data were accordingly obtained within two time intervals, i.e., from February 18, 2020 to October 18, 2020 and eight months prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 (June 18, 2019 to February 18, 2020). To analyze the data, the Wilcoxon test and the Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used. Results: The results showed significant increase in “home-based exercise” Google search in the eight-month time interval during COVID-19 compared with the same period before the pandemic (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between “home-based exercise” Google search and positive COVID-19 cases in the time intervals of February 18, 2020 to April 18, 2020 (r = 0.756, P = 0.0001), April 18, 2020 to June 18, 2020 (r = -461, P = 0.0001), but not June 18, 2020 to August 18, 2020 (r = 0.044, P = 0.737), August 18, 2020 to October 18, 2020 (r = 0.246, P = 0.056), and over time (r = -0.083, P = 0.0195). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of the COVID-19 pandemic and social constraints including self-quarantine seem to have raised people’s interest in doing exercises, especially home-based exercises.
Infectious Disease
Morteza Arab-Zozani; Hosein Ameri
Abstract
We have witnessed many advances in all fields of science over the years, especially in the field of health. However, various facts can be obtained in times of adversity. Although programs usually work well until a crisis occurs, they do not well continue during the crises. In addition, there are some ...
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We have witnessed many advances in all fields of science over the years, especially in the field of health. However, various facts can be obtained in times of adversity. Although programs usually work well until a crisis occurs, they do not well continue during the crises. In addition, there are some experiences in every crisis although they are insufficiently used in future plans. Accordingly, we frequently experience various problems in face of similar crises. The outbreak of coronavirus is considered as one of these crises.
The world has embraced a new unknown virus called the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) since late December 2019. The first outbreak of this virus was reported in Wuhan, China. Further, it has been reported in all countries worldwide as a pandemic. In the information era, conflicting news exists about the origin of the disease and there is still no general agreement in this respect although we do not intend to discuss it clinically in this article. Some helpful lessons on managing the condition are as follows.
From this point of view, the virus revealed some interesting facts about governments and health systems around the world. First, this pandemic showed us that we cannot claim that health systems are capable of responding to emergencies. There are several reasons regarding the inability of a system to respond to a crisis. The weaknesses of governance in health systems worldwide are considered among the substantial reasons. Many health systems do not yet have a clear arrangement, and health decisions are outside the purview of health professionals. For example, when it comes to quarantine a city, many factors affect it and different institutions have to consider it no matter whether they have a health professional.
Social Epidemiology
Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Hamed Delam
Abstract
Methods that people use to overcome problems are called coping strategies. The concept of coping was first introduced by Lazarus in 1966. He believed that stress involves three stages. First, there is the initial assessment, which is to observe a risk. The second stage involves the evaluation, which ...
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Methods that people use to overcome problems are called coping strategies. The concept of coping was first introduced by Lazarus in 1966. He believed that stress involves three stages. First, there is the initial assessment, which is to observe a risk. The second stage involves the evaluation, which is the search for an answer in the mind, and the third stage is to find the answer to the problem, which is called a coping strategy. Numerous studies have examined the causes of dangerous behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and self-harming behaviors in individuals; however, many people who are exposed to difficult psychological distress do not tend to engage in such dangerous behaviors. These people have abilities that other people do not. Therefore, the differences between people who engage in dangerous behaviors and those who do not show such reactions in facing the problems can be traced to the coping methods used by these individuals when faced with difficult psychological conditions. However, if the coping strategies that a person uses to face with problems are effective, it creates a sense of self-control and therefore the person can finally solve the problem or cope with it, and if the strategies are ineffective, it will eventually lead to the use of ineffective coping strategies and sometimes dangerous behaviors. In a study on COVID-19 in China, researchers found that many people who confronted with COVID-19 pandemic have experienced high levels of psychological distress and that many people have used negative coping strategies for adapting to this crisis. Finally, it can be stated that the occurrence of dangerous behaviors in such critical situations is not a behavior without introduction. Therefore, some of the characteristics of people could be deduced such as their inability to find solutions to the problems, lack of coping strategies to manage stressors, and inflexibility and limitation of the number of solutions provided by them. To conclude, strengthening effective defense mechanisms by mental health professionals can reduce the incidence of such destructive behaviors in community members.