Behavioral Health
Abubakar Abdallah Kheir
Abstract
Background: People with Disabilities in rural areas have been denied access to basic needs like their urban counterparts, such as health care, food, proper housing, and care, resulting in continuous inequality in access to services and a loss of dignity; this has harmed their mental health. The study's ...
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Background: People with Disabilities in rural areas have been denied access to basic needs like their urban counterparts, such as health care, food, proper housing, and care, resulting in continuous inequality in access to services and a loss of dignity; this has harmed their mental health. The study's overarching goal was to establish a link between an increase in disability cases and poverty levels in rural areas.Methods: The study was carried out in Chakama, Kilifi County, across 40 communities, and data was collected quantitatively with a total of 265 impaired interviewed on their disability status, among other criteria. The findings of the disabled in Chakama were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and pie charts. Snowball sampling was used to choose respondents from Wazee wa mtaa (locally known seniors within a neighborhood of ten households who are considered to know every member of the ten-household neighborhood) and interview disabled.Results: At least 77% of the disabled people interviewed had serious disabilities that prevented them from working. There is a link between increased poverty and the development of serious disabilities such as mobility and vision.Conclusion: Failure to respond to disability needs increases the likelihood of economic degradation and poverty, particularly in marginalized communities; there is a need for collective engagement of society and relevant bodies to ensure disabled have access to prerequisite needs, improve medical services in health facilities in rural areas, and build resilience among disabled to reduce reliance on family and aid.
WHO
Semeeh Akinwale Omoleke; Yolanda V. Bayugo; Ukam Ebe Oyene; Jonathan Abrahams; Nina Gobat; Suvajee Good; Mary Manandhar; Samar Elfeky; Ana Gerlin Hernandez Bonilla; Nicole Valentine; Jackeline Alger; Qudsia Huda; Saqif Mustafa; Maria Isabel Echavarria; Ankur Rakesh; Taylor Warren; Jostacio Moreno Lapitan; Jana Deborah Mier-Alpano; Dayo Spencer-Walters; Meredith Del Pilar Labarda; Mihai Mihut; Aphaluck Bhatiasevi; Obinna I. Ekwunife
Abstract
Community Engagement (CE) plays a crucial role in successful public health actions, achieving universal health coverage, and the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It has emerged as an effective strategy across different settings through prevention, preparedness, readiness ...
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Community Engagement (CE) plays a crucial role in successful public health actions, achieving universal health coverage, and the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It has emerged as an effective strategy across different settings through prevention, preparedness, readiness and response, and recovery towards attaining community resilience, Primary Health Care (PHC) strengthening and universal health coverage (UHC), health security, and sustainable development. We reviewed the existing literature and various data sources and found that several CE training packages are available from international partners, focusing on the principles, theories, general questions, and CE techniques. However, there are still challenges because they are often fragmented, with little or no systematic procedures to guide the CE processes in different settings.In this light, WHO initiated a discourse on the CE Package (CEP) development in consultation with some selected international partners. The CEP Project will focus on developing a database, learning, and workshop packages based on curation of CE experiences in different settings using defined criteria. The CEP would harmonize CE processes and facilitate the reinforcement of the CE integration into public health. Further, the CEP Project serves as a collection of selected best practices for pre-service and in-service training packages for health professionals. Also, there is an anticipated inclusion into curricula of health training institutions and WHO staff capacity development. Finally, the database for compiling best practices is designed such that it can be periodically updated and becomes a compendium of CE for learning, research, and informing practice.
COVID-19
Samuel Olorunfemi Adams; Godwin Somto
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has claimed the lives of millions of people in Nigeria and around the world during the last two years. It is a recognized global health crisis of our day, as well as a persistent threat to the earth. The goal of this study was to examine the trend and fit an Error Trend and Seasonal ...
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Background: COVID-19 has claimed the lives of millions of people in Nigeria and around the world during the last two years. It is a recognized global health crisis of our day, as well as a persistent threat to the earth. The goal of this study was to examine the trend and fit an Error Trend and Seasonal (ETS) exponential smoothing and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to Nigeria's COVID-19 daily fatalities.Methods: A dataset of daily COVID-19 confirmed fatality cases was used in the investigation. Data was acquired from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) web database between the 10th of July 2020 and the 2nd of December 2021. The ARIMA model and twelve (12) ETS exponential smoothing techniques were investigated using a dataset of COVID-19 pandemic deaths in Nigeria. The ARIMA and ETS exponential smoothing algorithms were evaluated using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Hannan Quinn Information Criterion (HQC), and Average Mean Squared Error (AMSE) selection criteria.Result: The ARIMA (0,1,0) model was the best time series modeling for the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Nigeria since it had the lowest AIC=2863.51, BIC=2866.90, HQ = 2866.90, and AMSE = 0.55471 values.Conclusion: The ARIMA (0,1,0) model is preferred above the other thirteen (13) competing models based on daily confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Nigeria. This research would assist the Nigerian government in better understanding the pestilence's evolution pattern and providing adequate provisions, prompt mediation, and treatment to prevent additional deaths caused by the virus.
HIV/AIDS
Samuel Olorunfemi Adams; Haruna Umar Yahaya; Tanimu Mohammed
Abstract
Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a negative impact on Sub-Saharan Africa's development and has contributed to discrimination against those on the margins of society or those who are at risk of contracting the virus due to their behaviors, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or social ...
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Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a negative impact on Sub-Saharan Africa's development and has contributed to discrimination against those on the margins of society or those who are at risk of contracting the virus due to their behaviors, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or social characteristics. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study is to examine the countries that could be considered in the same category and to investigate the concentration of diseases in relation to the socioeconomic status of Sub-Saharan African countries.Methods: HIV prevalence rates in Sub-Saharan African countries were studied using Cluster Analysis techniques. It was implemented using hierarchical (Agglomerative nesting) and partitioning methods (K-Means) in general. For cluster validation (a mechanism for evaluating the correctness of clustering), the relative type of validation was used.Results: HIV/AIDS prevalence increased steadily from 1990 (6.74) to 1995 (9.13), after which it began to fall to (2.60) in 2018. The analysis produced three clusters based on the 44 observations provided. After clustering, only Lesotho and Eswatini are in the third cluster. Over the course of the study, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Botswana had the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence. The rest of the world is classified as part of the first cluster.Conclusion: The high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan African countries has had a far-reaching impact. Understanding the variables that have influenced the path of the HIV/AIDS scourge is therefore critical, both from a humanitarian and economic standpoint, because it is a significant step toward eradicating the virus.
COVID-19
Virendra Mane; Poorva Bhalerao
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic was expected to affect India severely; cases rose exponentially from May-June 2020, but around mid-September reached their peak and started declining. It showed a sign of the wave’s completion by the end of January 2021. This decline was not predicted by any models ...
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic was expected to affect India severely; cases rose exponentially from May-June 2020, but around mid-September reached their peak and started declining. It showed a sign of the wave’s completion by the end of January 2021. This decline was not predicted by any models and the authors have not come across any explanation. Winter seasonality of influenza and similar viruses is well known and observed fact and that it has a direct correlation to the colder temperatures as well as lower humidity. Similarly, in low humidity, viruses are most viable, and they become ineffective as the humidity increases and reaches its maximum extent. This article hypothesizes and tries to explain the cause behind the first major decline and shows the subsequent rise of the second wave, and one short low humidity period followed by a high humidity period between the first and second waves. Methods: The humidity cycles in India were studied to find high and low relative humidity periods, which then corresponded to the daily cases in the country (macro-level), region (mid-level), and smaller regions (micro-level). Results: A definite correlation was observed between Monsoon-induced humidity and the incidence rate decline. This happens in 8 to 10 weeks. Incidence rates start declining about 4 weeks after the peak humidity is reached in a particular region. A decrease in humidity below 65% or 55% or lower causes an increase in the case increase/uptrend in about 3-4 weeks. Conclusion: COVID-19 has a seasonal peak in India, peaking in the middle of the monsoon season around mid-September and reaching its lowest levels in January-February. As humidity drops from February to June/July, a trend reversal and sharp rise are expected. The subsequent wave/case peak would be expected to be seen around mid-September 2021.
Epidemiology
Abdel-Hady El-Gilany
Abstract
Background: During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of epidemiologists and epidemiology as a science is becoming clear. An epidemiologist leads the team that deals with health emergencies and pandemics. Whatever type of epidemiologist they are, they must have specific competencies, skills, ...
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Background: During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of epidemiologists and epidemiology as a science is becoming clear. An epidemiologist leads the team that deals with health emergencies and pandemics. Whatever type of epidemiologist they are, they must have specific competencies, skills, functions, and ethics.Methods: PubMed and Google were searched for full texts of studies published in English using the key words "epidemiologist" in conjunction with definition, competencies, skills, functions, roles, types, and ethics. This narrative review included all of the literature that was retrieved. We only included the most recent and pertinent articles. Standard epidemiology textbooks were also screened for the relevant review heading.Results: We summarized the contributions of key epidemiologists from Hippocrates to Austin Bradford Hill, as well as their competencies or skills, functions, and 16 types of epidemiologists. Finally, epidemiologists' ethics were discussed.Conclusion: For early detection and prevention of epidemics and health disasters, effective liaison between epidemiologists, clinicians of various specialties, and policymakers is required. This is especially important in developing and developed countries where the number of epidemiologists is low and the majority work in teaching institutions where their contributions are undervalued.
Epidemiology
Abdel-Hady El-Gilany
Abstract
This letter is concerned with the term stataphobia, which is an interesting and common among researchers of different disciplines but not well-known type of phobia. Definition, causes, effect on research productivity and how to combat stataphobia are briefly discussed. This letter is concerned with the ...
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This letter is concerned with the term stataphobia, which is an interesting and common among researchers of different disciplines but not well-known type of phobia. Definition, causes, effect on research productivity and how to combat stataphobia are briefly discussed. This letter is concerned with the term stataphobia, which is an interesting and common among researchers of different disciplines but not well-known type of phobia. Definition, causes, effect on research productivity and how to combat stataphobia are briefly discussed. This letter is concerned with the term stataphobia, which is an interesting and common among researchers of different disciplines but not well-known type of phobia. Definition, causes, effect on research productivity and how to combat stataphobia are briefly discussed. This letter is concerned with the term stataphobia, which is an interesting and common among researchers of different disciplines but not well-known type of phobia. Definition, causes, effect on research productivity and how to combat stataphobia are briefly discussed.
Epidemiology
Itse Olaoye; Akinola Ayoola Fatiregun; Stephen Fagbemi; Famokun Gboyega; Rosemary Onyibe
Abstract
Background: Acute gastroenteritis, a very common disease in humans affecting both children and adults, remains a major public health concern worldwide. Several groups of viruses have been reported as the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis. An outbreak of acute gastroenteritis with a high fatality ...
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Background: Acute gastroenteritis, a very common disease in humans affecting both children and adults, remains a major public health concern worldwide. Several groups of viruses have been reported as the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis. An outbreak of acute gastroenteritis with a high fatality rate was reported in Ondo State, Southwest, Nigeria, in September 2020. Methods: To provide a descriptive epidemiology of the outbreak, a field investigation was carried out in affected communities in September 2020. Results: Four Local Government Areas (LGA) were affected, with Odigbo LGA having the highest attack rate of 14.9 per 100,000 population. The epidemic curve was propagated in nature. 50 cases were reported with 21 deaths (42%). The outbreak primarily affected 15-year-olds (94%, n=47) and more males (58%, n=29). Conclusion: Poor sanitation, food, and water hygiene conditions in communities of the LGA visited were observed. The spread of the outbreak was probably facilitated by water sellers.
Patient Care
Zahra Noori; Parvaneh Khorasani; Habibollah Hosseini
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the status of diabetes management among elderly people living in Isfahan nursing homes using the Donabedian framework in three parts: structure, process, and outcome.Methods: In 2018, the current descriptive-cross-sectional approach was used in 13 ...
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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the status of diabetes management among elderly people living in Isfahan nursing homes using the Donabedian framework in three parts: structure, process, and outcome.Methods: In 2018, the current descriptive-cross-sectional approach was used in 13 nursing homes in Isfahan. Data was collected using a dependable and valid research-created checklist that evaluated diabetes management through three components: organizational structure (8 dimensions and 33 items), processes (3 dimensions and 23 items), and outcomes (2 dimensions and 7 items). Data was collected by observing the equipment and human resources, interviewing key informants and nurses, reviewing documents, and collecting blood and urine samples under standard conditions.Results: Structure, process, and outcome mean scores were 34.5±2.6, 38.5±5.9, and 65.6±13.9, respectively. The highest and lowest structure scores were associated with "referral system" and "trained personnel," respectively; process scores were associated with "counseling and risk factor reduction" and "immunization," and outcome scores with "physical examination and history taking" and "documentation of laboratory results." The mean score of structure was found to have a direct relationship with process and outcome (p < 0.05). There was also a direct relationship (p <0.05) between the mean process and outcome scores. Linear regression analysis revealed that structure was a significant predictor of outcome (p = 0.01).Conclusions: The findings revealed some issues with the structure, process, and outcome of providing appropriate diabetes management care in nursing homes. To achieve positive results in this area, it is necessary to focus on the human resources, facilities, and equipment required to manage diabetes in nursing homes.
Epidemiology
Adisu Naga Mamo; Desta Hiko Gamada; Gamachu Chemeda Feyisa; Kadir Mude Wabe
Abstract
Background: Malaria-related morbidity and mortality are 94% concentrated in Africa. Ethiopia is one of ten African countries affected by malaria, with 60% of the population living in malaria-risk areas. Recently, seasonal outbreaks have been reported in all regions, including previously malaria-free ...
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Background: Malaria-related morbidity and mortality are 94% concentrated in Africa. Ethiopia is one of ten African countries affected by malaria, with 60% of the population living in malaria-risk areas. Recently, seasonal outbreaks have been reported in all regions, including previously malaria-free areas. Nationally, the Nensebo district of the west Arsi zone is classified as having very low transmission. During the 21st WHO week of 2021, Melka Denbi kebele reported an unusually high number of malaria cases to this district. The purpose of this study was to look into the magnitude of the malaria outbreak and the factors that contributed to it. Methods: A descriptive study was followed by an unmatched case-control study on 86 cases and 172 controls who were chosen at random. Malaria cases were those who were confirmed positive by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and were line-listed at a health facility, while controls were those who lived nearby and were confirmed negative by RDT. At a p-value of 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval, logistic regression was used to identify malaria contracting factors.Results: With a mean age of 22 (12.31SD), the overall attack rate was 20.2/1000. Plasmodium vivax (PV) 105 (52.8%) was the most common. Staying out at night (AOR=3.94; 95%CI: 2.18-7.37) and stagnant water/intermittent river within 1 km of the vicinity were risk factors. Screened houses were protective (AOR=0.49; 95%CI: 0.27-0.89), as was knowledge of malaria transmission (AOR=0.51; 95%CI: 0.28-0.93) and prevention and control methods (AOR=0.50; 95%CI: 0.27-0.93).Conclusion: The illness was caused primarily by PV species known for their relapsing characteristics. Risk factors included stagnant water near homes and sleeping outside at night. Malaria screening centers and increased public awareness reduce the risk of contracting the disease. Our recommendations included regular environmental monitoring, behavioral change communication, ensuring radical cure, and further research with a detailed entomological survey and climate variables.
COVID-19
Samira Zouhri; Mohcine El Baroudi
Abstract
A woman in her sixties with a normal medical history was admitted to a general medical floor with Neuropathic pain symptoms such as a burning sensation throughout her body (head, back, spine, throat, and tongue with dry mouth, chest, abdomen, kidneys, thighs, toes), inability to eat, urinary incontinence, ...
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A woman in her sixties with a normal medical history was admitted to a general medical floor with Neuropathic pain symptoms such as a burning sensation throughout her body (head, back, spine, throat, and tongue with dry mouth, chest, abdomen, kidneys, thighs, toes), inability to eat, urinary incontinence, difficulty wearing clothing, and difficulty leaning on the back. There was a difficulty and delay in diagnosing the patient's condition, which was confirmed to have severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with no respiratory symptoms. The patient's pain did not respond to the covid-19's first-line medications, but it did respond to neuropathic medication with Pregabalin and Alprazolam. Our study shows that Pregabalin could be helpful in relieving the patient’s pain and very effective for treating neuropathic pain with a safe profile, unlike Alprazolam, which interferes with the same stages of sleep, which made her sleep condition worse.
COVID-19
Tintu Tom; Sonymol K
Abstract
Background: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 manifested as a serious infectious disease that affected people of all ages and genders, particularly older patients with comorbidities. Patients who have recovered from COVID have serious restrictions. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the ...
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Background: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 manifested as a serious infectious disease that affected people of all ages and genders, particularly older patients with comorbidities. Patients who have recovered from COVID have serious restrictions. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of post-COVID-19 functional status (PCFS) in patients and the relationship between post-COVID-19 functional status and selected demographic characteristics.Methods: This study employed a descriptive survey research design and a quantitative, non-experimental research approach. Data were obtained from 190 COVID-19 recovered patients admitted to an Indian quaternary hospital who met the inclusion criteria utilizing an online survey approach and a mobile app. Prior to the study, the institutional scientific and ethical committees approved it. The study's findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square.Results: The percentage of demographic data is identified, and the post COVID functional limitation of samples shows that 58 percent have negligible functional limitation, 24 percent have no functional limitation, 16 percent have slight functional limitation, 1 percent have moderate functional limitation, and 1 percent have severe functional limitation. There was an association between PCFS and age, as well as PCFS and the COVID-19 group.Conclusion: Some COVID-19 survivors suffered functional difficulties after infection. The severity of the disease and its duration are important risk factors for the development of post-COVID-19 functional impairments. The study's findings assist healthcare professionals in improving their understanding of post-COPID functional status and providing appropriate care to post-COPID recovered patients.
Epidemiology
Farshad Kakian; Arman Jobeiri; Zahra Hashemizadeh; Babak Shirazi Yeganeh; Mohammad Motamedifar
Abstract
Introduction: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. In terms of appropriate therapeutic options, antimicrobial drug resistance among bacterial pathogens is a major source of concern. The purpose of this study was to provide local information on ...
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Introduction: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. In terms of appropriate therapeutic options, antimicrobial drug resistance among bacterial pathogens is a major source of concern. The purpose of this study was to provide local information on antibiotic resistance patterns in Faghihi Hospital located in Shiraz, Southwest Iran.Methods: The frequency and antibiogram patterns of blood culture bacterial isolates were studied from January 2018 to December 2019. For antibacterial susceptibility testing, the disk diffusion method was used, which met the standard criteria of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing 28th edition.Results: During the study period, 576 (9.7%) of the 5935 blood cultures tested positive. Gram positive bacteria made up 340 (59.1%) of the positive cultures, while gram negative bacteria made up 236 (40.9%). S. aureus was the most common isolate (26.2%), followed by S. epidermidis (15.1%) and E. coli (14.2%). Vancomycin was the most effective antibiotic against gram positive bacteria, but no antibiotic was available for gram negative bacteria. Amikacin was most effective against E. coli isolates, while Imipenem was most effective against P. aeruginosa isolates.Conclusion: Our findings suggest and emphasize the importance of observing resistance patterns that affect empirical therapy and infection control methods on a yearly basis by monitoring blood culture isolates and susceptibility patterns.
COVID-19
Fazlollah Keshavarzi; Berry Wei Qi Ting; Betty Zhi Xin Tang; Kai Xin Chang; Fei San Chee; Kar Mey Chen
Abstract
Background. The worldwide economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is comparable with the largest disastrous events of modern human history, such as the first and second world wars. This study investigated the nationwide impact of the pandemic on the local Malaysian firms.Methods. A cross-sectional, ...
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Background. The worldwide economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is comparable with the largest disastrous events of modern human history, such as the first and second world wars. This study investigated the nationwide impact of the pandemic on the local Malaysian firms.Methods. A cross-sectional, online survey was carried out in East and West Malaysia by inviting the Malaysian firms’ executives to fill in a questionnaire that was adopted from previous similar studies in other countries. The final questionnaire included 16 questions distributed in three categories. The executives of firms were contacted through email and social media. SSPS was used to analyse the collected data.Results. A total of 379 responses were received. Nearly 42% of firms reported a small impact with some difficulties in business operations but overall stability. Approximately 32% of businesses were severely impacted, and operations were barely maintained. Six percent of the firms had no significant difficulties and 5.3% reported that the pandemic provided new opportunities for development.Conclusion. Almost one-third of the Malaysian firms are affected significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic. The business operation of half of the Malaysian firms is also affected to some extent. Supportive policies are needed to reduce the companies’ manufacturing costs and assist them in surviving and eventually returning to normal business operations.
COVID-19
Joseph Oyepata Simeon; Joseph Opeyemi Tosin; Sabastine Aliyu Zubairu
Abstract
Background and Objective: COVID-19 has had a worldwide impact in a variety of ways since its discovery in China. As a result, it's critical to maintain a constant eye on the virus's impact around the world. The goal of this research is to compile a global assessment of COVID-19 demographics and distribution, ...
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Background and Objective: COVID-19 has had a worldwide impact in a variety of ways since its discovery in China. As a result, it's critical to maintain a constant eye on the virus's impact around the world. The goal of this research is to compile a global assessment of COVID-19 demographics and distribution, as well as a COVID-19 update report till February 17th, 2022.Methods: Data was provided by the United Nations Geochem database from 151 nations and areas throughout the world. The results were compiled and compared to the figures obtained for the United States.Result: When compared to the United States, the American continent has a lower incidence but the same fatality rate. When compared to the United States, most European and Asian countries have the same cumulative incidence and mortality rates as the United States, except for a few countries such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. When compared to the United States, the African continent has an extremely low incidence and fatality rate.Conclusion: The development of the Omicron variety seems to make COVID-19's approach and comprehension more complicated. As a result, the virus has had a long-term impact all over the world. Africa, on the other hand, is not particularly afflicted by all the virus's strains. As a result, the rest of the world must research the cause of this "African exception" and maybe comprehend its ramifications in terms of potential immunity.
Clinical Epidemiology
Abdel-Hady El-Gilany
Abstract
Background: Disease, illness, and sickness are all overlapping terms that are not entirely synonymous. Illness, disease, and sickness all characterize different aspects of morbidity and must be treated as distinct entities. Changes in one aspect may have no bearing on changes in another. Despite their ...
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Background: Disease, illness, and sickness are all overlapping terms that are not entirely synonymous. Illness, disease, and sickness all characterize different aspects of morbidity and must be treated as distinct entities. Changes in one aspect may have no bearing on changes in another. Despite their widespread use, these terms are used incorrectly and ambiguously, leading to confusion in the representation of medical knowledge. Medical personnel and epidemiologists misuse these terms, and there is little literature on the subject.Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were used to conduct a literature search. The search terms "definition," "disease," "illness," "sickness," "morbidity," "syndrome," "disorder," "predisease," and "co-morbidity" were used in various combinations. A manual search was conducted in public health, community medicine, and epidemiology textbooks. The review included the most recent and relevant literature.Results: This mini review summarizes the definition, limitations, overlap, and differences between disease, illness, and sickness, as well as other related terms.Conclusion: A measurable operational definition of disease, illness, sickness, and other related terms that is appropriate for epidemiologists and clinicians and applicable in both hospital and community settings is required.and community settings.
Pharmacoepidemiology
Kourosh Zali
Abstract
The presence of a placebo arm is certainly a substantial element in randomized control trials (RCTs) because the effectiveness or efficacy of a new therapy can be evaluated through a direct comparison between the test treatment and the placebo arm. Conducting a placebo-controlled RCT is often very difficult ...
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The presence of a placebo arm is certainly a substantial element in randomized control trials (RCTs) because the effectiveness or efficacy of a new therapy can be evaluated through a direct comparison between the test treatment and the placebo arm. Conducting a placebo-controlled RCT is often very difficult or even impossible. To solve this problem, the availability of standard treatments and ethical concerns have led scientists to consider an active or positive control treatment as a comparator to assess the treatment effect without a placebo arm. Such an assessment is often made under a so-called “non-inferiority trial” (NIT) design. Non-inferiority margin (NIM) is the most important part of an NIT. Because there is no well-established method to determine the NIM, it is very important that this margin be pre-specified and the criteria for how it was established well defined prior to conducting the study. All methods of determination of NIM rely upon subjective judgment with unverifiable assumptions. This article demonstrates six simple methods to calculate NIM.
COVID-19
Moslem Taheri Soodejani; Seyyed Mohammad Tabatabaei
Abstract
A "prevention paradox," according to Thompson, is a type of prevention that has many benefits for the entire population but may not be as beneficial to each individual as it is to the entire community. COVID-19 is one of the most mysterious developing viruses in history, capable of being transmitted ...
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A "prevention paradox," according to Thompson, is a type of prevention that has many benefits for the entire population but may not be as beneficial to each individual as it is to the entire community. COVID-19 is one of the most mysterious developing viruses in history, capable of being transmitted from one person to another mostly through breathing. If we do not follow specific advice, such as wearing a face mask, we will all become infected very rapidly. To save the lives of a small percentage of the population, millions of people should wear face masks.
COVID-19
Virendra Mane; Priya Prabhu; Poorva Bhalerao
Abstract
Background: The first wave of COVID-19 in India began to decline suddenly in September 2020 and appeared to be nearly over by the end of January 2021. At the time, no models or papers predicted or explained this decline. The authors hypothesized in their previous study that the cases decreased due to ...
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Background: The first wave of COVID-19 in India began to decline suddenly in September 2020 and appeared to be nearly over by the end of January 2021. At the time, no models or papers predicted or explained this decline. The authors hypothesized in their previous study that the cases decreased due to increased Relative Humidity during Monsoon and forecasted that another wave would begin with the dry season in February 2021 and would be contained by monsoon humidity. The current study was carried out to put the seasonality hypothesis to the test in 2021-22. The study also included findings about the effectiveness of policy control measures on case decline.Methods: Humidity cycles in India were studied to determine the most humid periods, which corresponded to changes in daily cases across the country, on a zone-by-zone basis, and in smaller regions. The enforcement date and subsequent case decline (if any) were observed for the effectiveness of policy control measures.Results: In low humidity periods, there was a clear relationship between relative humidity and case decline and case increase. Policy controls have been found to be effective in reducing and halting case increase, resulting in a subsequent decline.Conclusion: In India, COVID-19 increases during the dry season around February and decreases during the monsoon season. Policy controls (lockdowns) are an effective way to halt the virus's exponential spread. The findings may be useful in planning local control and prevention activities.
Health Practice
Shima Heidary; Haydeh Heidari; Roya Choopani
Abstract
Introduction: Mothers of preterm infants, as the primary caregiver, need to learn more about their infants and the complex environment of neonatal intensive care. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the educational module for the mothers of premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care ...
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Introduction: Mothers of preterm infants, as the primary caregiver, need to learn more about their infants and the complex environment of neonatal intensive care. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the educational module for the mothers of premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Iran.Method: The online databases (SID, Magiran, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Elsevier, and Scopus) were accessed from 2009 to 2019, using the keywords ‘mother’, ‘neonatal intensive care’, ‘program’, ‘intervention education,’ and ‘empowerment’. In general, 275 articles were retrieved and a total of 12 studies was retained for appraisal, after screening the titles, abstracts, and full-text reviews. Finally, the qualitative module validity and face validity were determined, using the opinions of 11 experts and 10 mothers of premature infants, respectively.Results: Eight themes were identified based on thematic analysis, including orientation with the NICU, characteristics of premature infants, premature infants’ problems, needs of premature infants, preparation of premature infant’s environment, behavioral symptoms of premature infants, the positioning of premature infants, and preparation for discharge and measures were developed after the discharge of the premature infant. Considering all acquired interventions for all items, a content validity ratio of 0.59 and content validity index of 0.79 based on the opinions of experts at two levels of specialists and mothers.Conclusion: Due to the lack of enough nursing staff and a high workload in the NICU, this review offers nurses to spend less time educating mothers and focusing more on premature infants. Moreover, supporting mothers can help to provide better care. The educational module can help nurses and mothers have more effective care for premature infants.
COVID-19
Farnoosh Rashvand; Bahareh Yousefi; Omid Taherkhani; Ali Mahmoudi
Abstract
Introduction: It is vital to identify psychological disorders and their effective elements among nurses working in acute wards. As a result, the current study was carried out with the goal of determining the link between COVID-19-related anxiety and nurse resilience.Methods: At 2021, 249 nurses working ...
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Introduction: It is vital to identify psychological disorders and their effective elements among nurses working in acute wards. As a result, the current study was carried out with the goal of determining the link between COVID-19-related anxiety and nurse resilience.Methods: At 2021, 249 nurses working in Qazvin teaching hospitals participated in this descriptive cross-sectional survey. A three-part tool was used to gather information: a demographics questionnaire, the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale.Results: The mean resilience and COVID-19-related anxiety scores were 66.28 ± 14.12 and 9.81 ± 9.74 (p0.001), respectively. Resilience, job tenure in corona wards, work experience in corona wards, and workplace are the most effective and significant factors on nurses' COVID-19-related anxiety, while marital status and workplace are the most effective and significant factors on nurses' resilience, according to the results of univariate regression analysis.Conclusions: COVID-19-related anxiety was reduced in the wards by nurses with higher resilience levels. This discovery can be used in management planning to help nurses feel less anxious.
COVID-19
Sarah Cuschieri; Elizabeth Grech
Abstract
Background: Medical research dynamics are complex, and stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic make them even more so.Aims: The purpose of this article was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on medical students' willingness to become doctors and their goals. It also investigated how COVID-19 affects ...
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Background: Medical research dynamics are complex, and stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic make them even more so.Aims: The purpose of this article was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on medical students' willingness to become doctors and their goals. It also investigated how COVID-19 affects students' mental health and well-being.Methods: A literature-based anonymous online survey was created to assess students' future career goals, willingness to become doctors, and various aspects of their mental health. There was descriptive and univariate regression analysis.Results: Males enrolled in medical school at a higher rate than females. After the pandemic, a minority of students changed their initial specialty choice, but there was no statistical significance in their willingness to become a doctor (p =0.45). Only students who had long COVID-19 symptoms showed significant variation in their sleep patterns (p =0.01). Female students had significantly higher anxiety levels than male students, with 11.21% (CI95%:6.34 - 18.74) experiencing severe anxiety.Conclusion: Enrolling in medical school is a deeply personal decision that should not be taken lightly. Workplace conditions should be improved in order to attract the next generation of health-care providers. It is thus recommended that medical schools consider establishing a pre-entry course to inform and expose potential medical students to the working lives of doctors. All medical schools must ensure that mental and psychological support is easily accessible and non-stigmatizing.
Behavioral Health
Mojtaba Senmar; Ali Razaghpoor; Faezeh Safarali; Faeze Ramezani; Neda Fallah; Saeideh Hosseini; Hossein Rafiei
Abstract
Background: While evidence-based practice (EBP) should be considered by all of midwifery and nursing groups, it is more important to midwives and nurses working with neonates and infants. Due to the limited number of available studies in this area, the objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, ...
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Background: While evidence-based practice (EBP) should be considered by all of midwifery and nursing groups, it is more important to midwives and nurses working with neonates and infants. Due to the limited number of available studies in this area, the objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitude, and intention of midwives and nurses of pediatrics and neonatal units regarding EBP.Methods: This study was taking place in 2019 in Iran. A descriptive analytical study was carried out with 125 midwives and nurses working in pediatrics and neonatal units. The knowledge, attitude, and intention were assessed through a 34-item Rubin and Parrish questionnaire. Of these 34 items, 10, 14, and 10 items could assess the knowledge, attitude, and intention of the participants, respectively.Results: The total average knowledge score was 36.7 with a standard deviation of 5.6. The overall average of attitude score was 45.4 with a standard deviation of 4.7. The overall average of intention score was 38.1 with a standard deviation of 5.4. Two factors of “participating in EBP workshops” and “participating in research projects and having published articles” were the two factors that resulted in an increase in the level of knowledge, positive attitude, and a rise in the level of intention regarding EBP (p <0.05). Moreover, higher education has significantly increased the intention to use EBP (p <0.05).Conclusion: Participants in this study had a moderate level of knowledge, moderate intention, and a relatively positive attitude toward EBP. It is recommended that this situation be improved by providing training courses and workshops on EBP and involving clinical nurses and midwives in research projects.
COVID-19
Sarah Cuschieri; Tamara Attard Mallia; Elaine Piscopo; Anneka Pace; Daniela Chatlani; Karl Mifsud; Nicole Mifsud; Jake Vella; Andrea Cuschieri
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has impacted the European microstates of Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, the Republic of San Marino, and Vatican City. Even though they have similar population sizes, they are rarely studied. The goal was to summarize the COVID-19 situation (January 2020–July 2021) for ...
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Background: COVID-19 has impacted the European microstates of Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, the Republic of San Marino, and Vatican City. Even though they have similar population sizes, they are rarely studied. The goal was to summarize the COVID-19 situation (January 2020–July 2021) for these microstates, as well as the outcome and immunization roll-out throughout the first 18 months. While researching COVID-19 incidence and mortality trends among microstates and their land bordering nations,Methods: Epidemiological data was gathered from the database "Our World in Data," whereas COVID-19-related tactics were based on Ministry of Health webpages and local newspapers. Using COVID-19 data (where applicable), the six microstates and their adjacent nations were compared.Results: From the start of COVID-19 until August 1, 2021, the microstates reported a total of 60,174 positive cases and 730 deaths. Andorra had the greatest rates of COVID-19 infection (190 per 1,000) and mortality (1.66 per 1,000). The microstates had similar COVID-19 results, but their bordering nations shared the most striking similarities. COVID-19 cases, fatality rates, and vaccine doses all have a bidirectional link.Conclusion: Whether land borders exist, timely mitigation measures and vaccination rollouts appear to be the keys to pandemic containment. The greatest pandemic impact on a country, however, appears to be dependent on cross-border transmission rates.
COVID-19
Joseph Oyepata Simeon; Joseph Opeyemi Tosin
Abstract
Retracted article
Background and Objective: Scientists and world leaders are still trying to understand COVID-19 and its potential global consequences. While there have been some successes, there are still many that remain unknown. This study provides an update report on the virological and immunological ...
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Retracted article
Background and Objective: Scientists and world leaders are still trying to understand COVID-19 and its potential global consequences. While there have been some successes, there are still many that remain unknown. This study provides an update report on the virological and immunological distribution and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world from January 28th to February 3rd, 2022..Material and Method: The United Nations geoscheme was used to obtain data from 196 countries and regions around the world. The results were compiled and compared to the values obtained for the United States.Results: When available data was compared to that of the United States, the American continent had a higher mortality comparison factor than infection cases, whereas the European continents had a higher infectious comparison value than mortality value. With the exception of South Africa and Botswana, the African continents appear unconcerned about the value of mortality and infectivity.Conclusion: The new wave and virus variant have caused a resurgence in its global impact. There is a need to understand how Africa has survived all variants of the virus despite having few medical resources.
