Hazlienor Mohd Hatta; Nik Mohd Hafiz Mohd Fuzi; Suhaiza Sulaiman; Abdul Haris Muhammad; Zaini Hussin
Abstract
Background and aims: Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks. Antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) are easily accessible and affordable, producing rapid results. They are an alternative to the limited gold-standard real-time reverse-transcription ...
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Background and aims: Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks. Antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) are easily accessible and affordable, producing rapid results. They are an alternative to the limited gold-standard real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) tests. This study assessed the performance of Ag-RDTs for COVID-19 outbreaks in institutional settings with high disease prevalence in Kelantan State, Malaysia. Methods: This study analyzed a total of 303 individuals from five institutional outbreaks with paired nasopharyngeal specimens tested for COVID-19 by Ag-RDTs and rRT-PCR. The diagnostic performance of Ag-RDTs was evaluated through rRT-PCR as the gold standard based on cycle threshold (Ct) value, disease prevalence, and manufacturers. Results: There was a moderate agreement between Ag-RDTs and RT-PCR (κ = 0.603; 95% CI: 0.520- 0.686; P < 0.001). The overall specificity was 97.9% (95% CI: 94.1%-99.6%), sensitivity was 63.3% (95% CI: 55.3%-70.8%), accuracy Ag-RDTs was 81.2% (95% CI: 76.4%-85.5%), while positive and negative predictive value was 96.6% (95% CI: 90.2%-98.9%) and 74.1% (95% CI: 70.0%-77.9%), respectively. Further, lower median Ct was reported in 100 (33.0%) true-positive cases compared to 58 (19.1%) false-negative cases (20.3 vs 31.4, P < 0.001). The sensitivity was higher (P < 0.001) in those with high viral load (Ct value ≤ 25.0) with better performance and a prevalence > 10%. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the studied manufacturers. Conclusion: The Ag-RDTs performed well in diagnosing COVID-19 among outbreaks with higher viral load and disease prevalence. High-risk cases tested negative by Ag-RDTs may have low viral load and require confirmation by rRT-PCR.
Mostafa Rahimi; Alireza Aghababa; Majid Mardaniyan Ghahfarrokhi; Mohammad Faramarzi
Abstract
Background and aims: Due to the widespread prevalence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to overcome and understand these conditions, it is necessary to survey the physical and psychological implications on individuals within the community to uncover effective solutions. This study aimed to ...
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Background and aims: Due to the widespread prevalence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to overcome and understand these conditions, it is necessary to survey the physical and psychological implications on individuals within the community to uncover effective solutions. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the level of physical activity and psychological well-being due to quarantine induced by COVID-19 in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study during the first peak of COVID-19 disease (April 10 to May 10, 2020). The International Online Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Short Mood Assessment Questionnaire were used to assess physical activity (before and during outbreak) and mood status (during outbreak), respectively, among 627 people in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Results: The samples consisted of male (20%) and female (80%) subjects. Upon comparing the physical activity before the disease outbreak and during the initial outbreak, it was demonstrated that the intensity (P < 0.001), duration (P < 0.001), and frequency (P < 0.001) of physical activity significantly decreased after the outbreak of COVID-19. However, there was no difference between men and women in intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity as well as psychological status (P = 0.099). Further, no significant relationship was observed between physical activity variables (intensity, P = 0.214, duration, P = 0.386, and repetition, P = 0.122) and psychological status. However, a significant positive relationship was found between adherence to quarantine and mental wellbeing (P = 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, the level of physical activity of the subjects decreased during the COVID-19 outbreak compared to before the outbreak, but the decrease in physical activity did not affect their mental state. However, the individuals who adhered to quarantine conditions experienced a worse negative mood compared to other groups. It seems that in addition to observing social distancing measures and adherence to quarantine, individuals’ overall health and physical activity levels are effective factors that can improve the body’s physiological systems and the psychological state and influence the positive mood of people.
Rohollah Fallah Madvari; Mahdi Jafari Nodoushan; Reyhane Sefidkar; Ziba Loukzadeh; Fahimeh Teimouri; Mohammad Hassan Basirinezhad; Moein Nemati; Mohadeseh Bagheshahi
Abstract
Background and aims: The prevalence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was associated with many psychological consequences among personnel of hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and depression, stress, and anxiety among administrative ...
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Background and aims: The prevalence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was associated with many psychological consequences among personnel of hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and depression, stress, and anxiety among administrative staff and nurses. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in January 2022. All 100 nurses and administrative staff of a hospital participated in this study. Demographic information questionnaires, Corona Disease Anxiety Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) were employed to collect data. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24. Results: The mean ± standard deviation age of participants was 33.53 ± 6.73 years. The median (interquartile range) disease anxiety in nurses and administrative staff was equal to 7 (4.25) and 10 (8), respectively. Further, COVID-19 anxiety was significantly higher in administrative staff (P = 0.001); moreover, a significant relationship was found between the history of COVID-19 disease and disease anxiety (P = 0.04). Nurses reported higher stress than administrative staff (P = 0.02), and no significant relationship was found between COVID-19 anxiety and components of DASS (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, COVID-19 anxiety was significantly higher in administrative staff. Therefore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to pay attention to all jobs. Nurses reported higher stress and depression. Therefore, it is suggested that the necessary psychological measures be taken to improve their psychological states. Increasing the number of nurses, improving working conditions, reducing workload, and training can be effective in improving the mental health of nurses.
Basant E. Katamesh; Moustafa E. Katamesh; W. A. Abdalrhman; Rawan Mohamed ElDeeb; Nourhan Mohamed Hareera; Ahmed Elsayed Raslan; Ahmed Ashraf Alabd; Ensanya A. Abou Neel
Abstract
Background and aims: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging transmissible infection that can be prevented by proper hygiene measures and vaccination. With the rise and rapid spread of the Omicron variant, vaccines are currently the best protective measure. This cross-sectional study aimed ...
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Background and aims: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging transmissible infection that can be prevented by proper hygiene measures and vaccination. With the rise and rapid spread of the Omicron variant, vaccines are currently the best protective measure. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess knowledge, practice, and attitude towards COVID-19 virus and vaccines, particularly Sinopharm, among medical students in Mansoura University, Egypt, from July to September 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a 35-item questionnaire covering demographic data. COVID-19 knowledge/practice and knowledge/attitude towards vaccines were distributed on medical students’ university Facebook group. A score was calculated for knowledge (KS), practice (PS), and attitude (AS). A 60% cutoff was considered satisfactory, and the statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA, linear regression, and Pearson’s coefficient. Results: A total of 837 students participated in this study. The majority (73.12%) of participants showed satisfactory COVID-19 KS and Sinopharm AS (54.77%) but unsatisfactory PS (68.99%) and Sinopharm KS (62.75%). Knowledge had a significant effect on Sinopharm vaccine acceptance. Moreover, females indicated higher COVID-19 KS and PS, whilst males showed higher Sinopharm KS and AS. Gender and year group had a strong correlation with PS. Furthermore, the majority (92.4%) accepted vaccination and believed it should be mandatory (80.41%). The selected vaccines were Pfizer (44.84%) > AstraZeneca (33.86%) > Sinopharm (15.56%) > others. Efficacy, safety, and country of production were the main predictors of vaccine choice. More than half (59.48%) stated that the country in which the vaccine is produced is important when choosing their intended vaccine, and 20.87% stated that their decision is based on vaccine efficacy. Conclusions: COVID-19 was a challenging pandemic; there are several available COVID-19 vaccines, but the most available in Egypt is the Sinopharm vaccine. The results of this study will provide a basis regarding the knowledge and attitude of medical students who play a crucial part in the cycle of infection. These results will help outline the main causes of misunderstandings that can be solved by providing educational needed interventions, implementing protective measures, and distributing scientifically correct data.
Farzin Bagheri Sheykhangafshe
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) originated in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, and soon spread as a pandemic throughout China and many other countries until March 11, 2020.The spread of the disease worldwide was so rapid that it became the biggest public health threat in 2020.COVID-19 has a wide ...
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) originated in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, and soon spread as a pandemic throughout China and many other countries until March 11, 2020.The spread of the disease worldwide was so rapid that it became the biggest public health threat in 2020.COVID-19 has a wide variety of symptoms such as high fever, dry cough, body aches, shortness of breath, and high transmission power, and it has affected the physical health and psychological states of many people in the world.The COVID-19 pandemic has caused fear, stress, and anxiety in many parts of the world.The lack of effective treatment for COVID-19 has posed a difficult challenge to all countries across the world. In this regard, several solutions were proposed, including home quarantine, social distancing, masking, closure of schools, universities, and high-risk jobs by governments to control and prevent the outbreak of COVID-19, but provided that a significant number of people around the world are vaccinated, one cannot expect the global COVID-19 pandemic to decrease dramatically. Finally, after much effort, the Food and Drug Administration licensed Pfizer- BioNTech vaccines from December 11 and Moderna from December 18. According to studies, these two vaccines are 95% effective against COVID-19 for people over 16 years of age.
Samaneh Torkian; Vahid Khosravi; Reza Etesami; Zahra Jaafari; Mohammad Ali Morowatisharifabad; Ali Ahmadi; Narges Khanjani
Abstract
Background and aims: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic has far been the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. Protective measures are still one of the most effective methods for controlling COVID-19. Practicing hygiene and control measures are largely influenced by knowledge and attitude ...
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Background and aims: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic has far been the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. Protective measures are still one of the most effective methods for controlling COVID-19. Practicing hygiene and control measures are largely influenced by knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Iranians towards COVID-19 as well as the demographic factors related to it in April and May, 2020.Methods: The study population in this cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical, and web-based study included 3736 Iranian individuals who were collected via convenience sampling method. A validated Iranian knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) Questionnaire about COVID-19 was used for collecting the required data. Ordinal multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were applied to analyze data.Results: The majority of participants (88.1%) had considerable knowledge, the right attitude (91%), and good practices (90.3%). In the multivariate models, factors related to greater knowledge were age > 20 years (P < 0.001), living in the urban area (P = 0.030), holding a master’s or doctoral degree (P = 0.044), and a moderate financial status (P = 0.001). Females displayed mor positive attitude (P = 0.035). Variables related to more favorable practices were age > 20 years (P < 0.001), and having a good (P = 0.003) or moderate (P = 0.038) financial status.Conclusion: It was concluded that the participants had good knowledge and a positive attitude, as well as adopted sound practices regarding COVID-19. However, this conclusion might not have been generalizable to entire Iranian community; therefore, it was recommended that preventive measures against COVID-19 should receive continued monitoring and emphasis.
Manu Mathews; Ramesan K; Harikrishnan Mohan; Simi Kurian; Farha Ahmed Payyanil Karlath; Binoo Divakaran; Balakrishnan Valliot; Sudeep K
Abstract
Background and aims: India has seen a two-wave pattern of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. The comparative characteristics of these two waves remain largely unknown. Changing trends in the demographic and clinical characteristics of the deceased COVID-19 patients in these two waves helped ...
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Background and aims: India has seen a two-wave pattern of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. The comparative characteristics of these two waves remain largely unknown. Changing trends in the demographic and clinical characteristics of the deceased COVID-19 patients in these two waves helped to identify the vulnerable population and guide public health interventions to decrease mortality. Methods: We obtained COVID-19 death summaries from the medical records of a large tertiary healthcare centre in North Kerala, India. Two groups of COVID-19 deaths were selected: the first group included patients who died in the first wave between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2020 (n = 311), and the second group included those who died in the second wave between 1 March 2021 and 30 June 2021 (n = 431). Results: The mortality in the second wave in young patients (≤50 years) was 2.2% higher (11.8% vs. 9.6%, P = 0.346) and that in elderly patients (≥80 years) was 7.7% higher (19.95% vs. 12.2%, P = 0.005) compared to the first wave. The average duration from symptom onset to death also significantly decreased in the second wave. Further, there was an increased proportion of COVID-19-related deaths in patients with diabetes in the second wave (59.3% vs. 51.7%, P = 0.025). The main cause of death was respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia in both waves. Conclusion: The second COVID-19 wave was different from the first wave with more deaths in the young and elderly, a shorter duration from symptom onset to death, and an increase in the proportion of deaths with diabetes, maternal deaths, and deaths in those without any pre-existing comorbidities.
Sajad Bagherian; Simin Nafian; Julien S Baker
Abstract
Physical activity is a broad term that encompasses all human motion at home, school, the workplace, and the community. As indicated in the Bangkok Declaration of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH), physical activity benefits both individuals and society, contributing to ...
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Physical activity is a broad term that encompasses all human motion at home, school, the workplace, and the community. As indicated in the Bangkok Declaration of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH), physical activity benefits both individuals and society, contributing to many of the United Nations sustainable developmental goals. Physical activity is associated with positive health outcomes in children and adolescents, whereas excessive time spent on sedentary activities is related to negative health outcomes. Concerns about diminishing levels of physical activity and their impact on health outcomes have driven various national and international regulatory bodies to create guidelines with recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and individuals over the last three decades. Therefore, the World Health Assembly has established two goals: a 10% decrease in worldwide physical inactivity by 2025; and a 15% decrease by 2030. Due to the health advantages of regular physical activity, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that individuals aged 5–17 years engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity every day throughout the week. In addition, vigorous-intensity activities, including aerobic and activities that strengthen bones and muscles, should be performed at least three days a week.
Soleiman Kheiri
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, there has been an explosion of statistics and information about the disease, the number of cases, the number of deaths, and the number of recoveries. During this period several statistical and mathematical models have been developed and used to predict ...
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Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, there has been an explosion of statistics and information about the disease, the number of cases, the number of deaths, and the number of recoveries. During this period several statistical and mathematical models have been developed and used to predict the disease. Much of this information has been helpful and paved the way for disease control; however, inaccurate or ambiguous information has been published in some cases, which can briefly be divided into three main categories. The first category is related to the publication of official statistics by governmental centers in countries, which has faced many errors. Although some of these errors are unintentional due to the definition of the disease based on definitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, death within 28 days of infection, or due to the similarity of the disease outcomes with other diseases, in many cases, the statistics regarding the disease and its consequences have been presented by governments with a manipulation, mainly on the small number of patients with COVID-19. The second category contributes to incorrect or incomplete use of statistical indexes. During this period, some information has occasionally been published by some public media in which statistical indexes have not been used correctly and appropriately. The third category belongs to the challenges of epidemiological modeling in COVID-19. With the advent of COVID-19, many models emerged to predict its incidence and consequences. Although many of the predictions were true, some of them were incorrect or inaccurate. The main reasons for the inaccuracy of these predictions were the consideration of incorrect or weak assumptions, the existence of incomplete data, the short-term view, the use of point estimates instead of interval estimates, and the lack of a multidimensional view of the problem. Accordingly, considering the above-mentioned points and findings from the observed problems in predicting the course of the disease and the resulting mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, one can hope for the ability to model the prediction of similar diseases in the future.
Samaneh Torkian; Ali Ahmadi; Vahid Khosravi; Narges Khanjani; Zahra Jaafari; Mohammad Ali Morowatisharifabad; Neda Malek Mohammadi
Abstract
Background and aims: Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are important factors for adherence to protection strategies. The aim of this study was to construct and validate a questionnaire about the KAP of Iranians regarding COVID-19. Methods: Initially, ...
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Background and aims: Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are important factors for adherence to protection strategies. The aim of this study was to construct and validate a questionnaire about the KAP of Iranians regarding COVID-19. Methods: Initially, a questionnaire about the KAP with regard to COVID-19 was constructed in this cross-sectional study. The initial questionnaire was prepared based on a review of the extensive research literature and global and national guidelines. This researcher-made questionnaire was developed using the COVID-19-KAP questionnaire, which was originally used in China in 2020, and the influenza epidemic KAP Questionnaire (2015), the MERS KAP Questionnaire (2015), the H1N1 flu KAP questionnaire (2017), and the WHO KAP questionnaire about COVID-19. The applied questionnaire consists of three parts including knowledge- (n = 26), attitude- (n = 8), and practice-related (n = 11) questions, respectively. Then, the face, content, and construct validity and the reliability of the questionnaire was determined, and analyzes were performed using SPSS v. 26 and AMOS v. 24 software. Results: In the face validity stage, 2 questions with an impact score of less than 1.5 were excluded from the questionnaire. In the content validity check, all questions had a content validity index (I-CVI) of more than 0.7. However, the content validity ratio (CVR) for 6 questions was less than 0.51, and these questions were removed accordingly. The compliance of the CVI with the chance agreement was close to one for all questions, indicating the lack of a chance agreement. In the exploratory factor analysis stage, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of 0.90 was obtained, implying the adequacy of the sample size for factor analysis. The significance of the Bartlett test (chi-square: 5820.06, df: 630, P<0.001) indicated a strong correlation between the questions and the appropriateness of factor analysis. Finally, 34 items in 4 domains remained in the questionnaire. Conclusion: The validity and reliability of this questionnaire were confirmed based on the findings. This Farsi KAP questionnaire can be used to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of people about COVID-19.
Razieh Rayanpour; Majid Movahed Majd; Mohammad Taghi Iman; Darius Zifonun
Abstract
Background and aims: Although female family caregivers, especially those who belong to the sandwich generation, are at the forefront of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) battle, little is known about their experiences. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the female sandwich generation’s ...
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Background and aims: Although female family caregivers, especially those who belong to the sandwich generation, are at the forefront of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) battle, little is known about their experiences. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the female sandwich generation’s experiences of multigenerational caregiving under the COVID-19 pandemic in Shiraz located in the southwest of Iran. Methods: Situational analysis (SA) was used as a methodological approach. It is a constructivist grounded theory (GT) developed by Adele Clark as one of the innovative extensions of the GT. In the current study, the multigenerational caregiving by the female sandwich generation under the COVID-19 pandemic is identified as “the situation” which is the key unit of analysis and the salient and diverse elements of this situation (e.g., the major human, non-human, discursive, cultural, political, and other elements) were laid out by the messy and ordered maps. In addition, each element on the messy map was analyzed in relation to all other elements, and the nature of the relations among them was examined by the relational map. These maps are derived from qualitative data including the ethnographic observations, discourse materials, and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 middle-aged female double caregivers of both dependent children and the elderly above 70 years old within the family. Three sampling methods were used across the full trajectory of the research, including purposeful, snowball, and theoretical sampling. Results: The analysis of the multigenerational caregiving situation showed that this situation consists of 95 elements classified under 15 categories and 2 situational maps, along with 2 relational maps that have been drawn from the qualitative data analysis. Based on the organized situational map, this situation occurred as a result of the power of the main discourses, as well as the existing cultural, traditional, and religious elements, and continues after interconnecting to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The first relational map displayed caregivers’ adopted information and communications technology (ICT) tool-based strategies such as remote caregiving, telehealth, online visiting, and online shopping, along with the voluntarily double quarantine in order to protect the elderly from COVID-19 infection. Finally, the second relational map depicted that emotional exhaustion is rampant among the caregivers influenced by the experiences that are related to the ICT tools and the voluntarily double quarantine. Conclusion: Overall, some strategies are suggested concerning the necessity of maintaining the mental and physical health of double caregivers and reduction of the negative consequences of the pandemic in them. They include accessibility of ICT tool-based strategies to all, the alternative approaches to severe social isolation, creation of a balance between work-home life and the care demands of two generations, early assessment of the psychological status along with the extensive support by the government, and formal care services to them.
Nadia Shigaeff; Marcus Vinicius Mariano de Souza; Ana Cristina Viana Campos
Abstract
Background and aims: In December 2019, the disease associated with SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The older population is regarded as the greatest risk group. The objective of the present study was to investigate the epidemiological aspects of COVID-19 during 2020 in the ...
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Background and aims: In December 2019, the disease associated with SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The older population is regarded as the greatest risk group. The objective of the present study was to investigate the epidemiological aspects of COVID-19 during 2020 in the older adults in the Brazilians Amazon region. Methods: The present study is a longitudinal study based on a national database from the Website of the State Department of Health of Para from January to December 2020. Medical, socio-demographic, and geographical data were analyzed to assess the epidemiological data to verify whether there was an association between these variables using logistic regression. Results: Official data published until December 31 indicated 293 802 confirmed cases and 7199 deaths from COVID-19 in the state of Para, as well as a 12.5% rate of fatality. Para has demonstrated a linear curve in relation to the number of deaths since August. More cases of COVID-19 were found among the older people, men, and people who declared themselves brown, and a greater chance of death was observed among indigenous and yellow people. Conclusion: Brazil is among the five countries with the highest number of infected cases and deaths resulting from COVID19, possibly due to poor planning concerning social isolation and the lack of public health policies and guidance by government leaders, especially in this specific context.
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.