Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Engagement in Algeria: A Population-based Study with Systematic Review of Studies from Arab Countries of the MENA Region

Background The Algerian COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which started by the end of January 2021,is marked by a slowly ascending curvedespite thedeployed resources.To tackle the issue, we assessed the levels and explored determinants of engagement towards the COVID-19 vaccine among the Algerian population. Methods A nationwide, online-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March 27 and April 30, 2021.A two-stage stratified snowball sampling method was used to include an equivalent number of participants from the four cardinal regions of the country. A vaccine engagement scale was developed, defining vaccine engagement as a multidimensional parameter (5 items) that combined self-stated acceptance and willingness with perceived safety and efficacy of the vaccine. An Engagement score was calculated and the median was used to define engagement versus nonengagement. Sociodemographic and clinical data, perceptions about COVID-19 and levels of adherence to preventive measures were analyzed as predictors for nonengagement. Results We included 1,019 participants, 54% were female and 64% were aged 18-29 years. Overall, there were low rates of self-declared acceptance (26%) and willingness (21%) to take the vaccine, as well as low levels of agreement regarding vaccine safety (21%) and efficacy (30%). Thus, vaccine engagement rate was estimated at 33.5%, and ranged between 29.6-38.5% depending on the region (p>0.05).Nonengagement was independently associated with female gender (OR=2.31, p<0.001), low adherence level to preventive measures (OR=6.93p<0.001), private sector jobs (OR=0.53, p=0.038), perceived COVID-19 severity (OR=0.66, p=0.014), and fear from contracting the disease (OR=0.56, p=0.018).Concern about vaccine side effects (72.0%)and exigence for more efficacy and safety studies (48.3%) were the most commonly reported barrier and enabler for vaccine acceptance respectively; whereas beliefs in the conspiracy theory were reported by 23.4%. Conclusions The very low rates of vaccine engagement among the Algerian populationprobably explain the slow ascension of the vaccination curve in the country. Vaccine awareness campaigns should be implemented to address the multiple misconceptions and enhance the levels of knowledge and perception both about the disease and the vaccine, by prioritizing target populations and engaging both healthcare workers and the general population.

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Concerns in the Norwegian Population during the Initial Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18116119 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 6119

Author(s):

Inger Schou-Bredal ◽

Laila Skogstad ◽

Tine K. Grimholt ◽

Tore Bonsaksen ◽

Øivind Ekeberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Female Gender ◽

Population Based ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Financial Loss ◽

Next Of Kin ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Norwegian Population ◽

Gender And Age ◽

Response Alternatives

Although concern affects one’s welfare or happiness, few studies to date have focused on peoples’ concerns during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. The aim of the study was to explore concerns in the Norwegian populations according to gender and age, and identify which concerns were most prominent during the lockdown. A population-based cross-sectional online survey using snowball-sampling strategies was conducted, to which 4527 adults (≥18 years) responded. Questions related to concerns had response alternatives yes or no. In addition, they were asked which concern was most prominent. Nearly all the 4527 respondents (92%) reported that they were concerned: 60.9% were generally concerned about the pandemic, 83.9% were concerned about family and friends, 21.8% had financial concerns, and 25.3% expected financial loss. More women were concerned about family and friends than males, (85.2% vs. 76.2%, p < 0.001), whereas more men expected financial loss (30.4% vs. 24.4%y, p = 0.001). Younger adults (<50 years) had more financial concerns than older adults (25.9% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). Being concerned about family and friends was the most prominent concern and was associated with; lower age (OR 0.79), female gender (OR 1.59), and being next of kin (2.42). The most prominent concern for adults 70 years or older was being infected by COVID-19. In conclusion, women and younger individuals were most concerned. While adults under 70 years of age were most concerned about family and friends and adults 70 years or older were most concerned about being infected by COVID-19.

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Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies six months into the vaccination campaign in Geneva, Switzerland

10.1101/2021.08.12.21261929 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Silvia Stringhini ◽

María-Eugenia Zaballa ◽

Nick Pullen ◽

Javier Perez-Saez ◽

Carlos de Mestral ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Age Groups ◽

Credible Interval ◽

Population Based ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Socioeconomically Disadvantaged ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Health Measures ◽

Random Samples

Background: Up-to-date seroprevalence estimates are critical to describe the SARS-CoV-2 immune landscape in the population and guide public health measures. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 15 months into the COVID-19 pandemic and six months into the vaccination campaign. Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional serosurvey between June 1 and July 7, 2021, recruiting participants from age- and sex-stratified random samples of the general population. We tested participants for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies targeting the spike (S) or nucleocapsid (N) proteins (Roche Elecsys immunoassays). We estimated the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies seroprevalence following vaccination and/or infection (anti-S antibodies), or infection only (anti-N antibodies). Results: We included 3355 individuals, of which 1814 (54.1%) were women, 697 (20.8%) were aged <18 years and 449 (13.4%) were aged ≥65 years, 2161 (64.4%) tested positive for anti-S antibodies, and 906 (27.0%) tested positive for anti-N antibodies. The total seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 66.1% (95% credible interval, 64.1-68.0). Considering the presence of anti-N antibodies, we estimated that 29.9% (28.0-31.9) of the population developed antibodies after infection; the rest having developed antibodies only via vaccination. Seroprevalence estimates were similar across sexes, but differed markedly across age groups, being lowest among children aged 0-5 years (20.8% [15.5-26.7]) and highest among older adults aged ≥75 years (93.1% [89.6-96.0]). Seroprevalence of antibodies developed via infection and/or vaccination was higher among participants with a higher educational level. Conclusions: Most adults have developed anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, while most teenagers and children remain vulnerable to infection. As the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant spreads and vaccination rates stagnate, efforts are needed to address vaccine hesitancy, particularly among younger individuals and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and to minimize spread among children.

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Relationship between dental fluorosis and quality of life: a population based study

Brazilian Oral Research ◽

10.1590/s1806-83242005000200014 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 150-155 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Edgard Michel-Crosato ◽

Maria Gabriela Haye Biazevic ◽

Edgard Crosato

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Water Supply ◽

Dental Fluorosis ◽

Female Gender ◽

Population Based ◽

Daily Activities ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significance Level ◽

The Impact

The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of dental fluorosis in schoolchildren aged 6 to 15 and its possible association with the impacts on their daily activities. This study is observational, cross-sectional and analytical. A total of 513 schoolchildren from the city of Pinheiro Preto, SC, took part in this study. The children were examined by three calibrated dentists, after obtaining a kappa > 0.80. To assess the prevalence of fluorosis, clinical examinations were performed according to the methodology set forth by the 4th edition of the WHO. To assess the impact of fluorosis on their daily activities, a modified OIDP (Oral Impacts on Daily Performance) was adopted. The statistical analysis used was the Chi-squared test with a 5% significance level. Of the total number of children examined, 262 (51.1%) were of the female gender and 251 (48.9%) were of the male gender. In regard to the prevalence of fluorosis, 94 (18.3%) of the children presented this condition, while 419 children (81.7%) presented a normal condition. In regard to the severity of fluorosis, few children presented severe alterations. No association was found between dental fluorosis and gender (p = 0.646), between fluorosis and socioeconomic status (p = 0.848) or between fluorosis and access to public water supply system (p = 0.198). The activities that most affected children's daily performance were: oral hygiene (40.9%) and food intake or enjoying food (40.4%). None of the daily activities could be associated with the occurrence of dental fluorosis. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was consonant with the standards found for locations with optimum fluoride content in the water supply. The questionable and very slight levels of fluorosis were the most frequently found, without influence in the quality of life of the schoolchildren participating in the study.

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Advice and Care for Headaches: Who Seeks it, Who Gives it?

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1111/j.1468-2982.2004.00751.x ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 24 (9) ◽

pp. 740-752 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

E Thomas ◽

HF Boardman ◽

H Ogden ◽

DS Millson ◽

PR Croft

Keyword(s):

Population Survey ◽

Female Gender ◽

Population Based ◽

Linkage Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Care Seeking ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

Using data from a cross-sectional survey and a prospective record linkage study the aims of this study were to: (i) determine sources of advice and care for headaches in a population survey of adults, and (ii) investigate prospectively the influences of headaches on general practice consultation in a 12-month follow-up of the responders to the population survey. A population based cross-sectional survey was mailed to 4885 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with an adjusted response rate of 56% ( n = 2662). The main outcome measures of interest were (i) self-report advice and care-seeking in the survey (ii) consultation with general practitioner for headache and for other conditions in 12-month period subsequent to the survey. Reporting a recent GP consultation for headache was associated with younger age (mean: 46 vs 48 years), female gender (68% vs 60%), and greater headache severity as measured by frequency, pain, and associated disability. The commonest sources of advice and care in the past were GPs (27%), opticians (21%), and pharmacists (8%). Consultations for headache were not common in the 12-months following the survey ( n = 144); however, those reporting a recent headache were almost 4 times more likely to consult subsequently with a headache than those not (relative risk; 95% CI: 3.7; 1.9, 7.0). Recent reporting of headache was also associated with an increased risk of consulting for mental disorders (1.7; 1.2, 2.6), diseases of the digestive (1.6; 1.1, 2.3) and respiratory system (1.4; 1.1, 1.8), and a decreased risk of consulting for circulatory diseases (0.8; 0.7, 1.0). Only a minority of headache sufferers consult their GP, regardless of severity, with opticians and pharmacists being other important sources of information. Headache appears to have an additional impact upon GP workload through increased rates of consultations for nonheadache conditions amongst headache sufferers. The interesting findings regarding rates of consultation for digestive and circulatory conditions amongst headache sufferers may be linked to the use of headache medication.

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Allergy and related clinical symptoms among medical students and interns

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.12669/pjms.35.4.1281 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Nahla Khamis Ibrahim ◽

Abeer Ali Alghamdi ◽

Mayar Majed Almehmadi ◽

Asma'a Abdulwahed Alzahrani ◽

Asraa Khairallah Turkistani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Family History ◽

House Dust ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Female Gender ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Creative Commons ◽

Awareness Campaigns ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

Allergic Disorders

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, types, clinical presentations, triggers, and predictors of allergic disorders among medical students and interns at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used for this study in which 600 medical students and interns were selected by a multistage stratified random sampling. A validated, confidential, selfadministered questionnaire was used during 2016 / 2017. It asked about the previous diagnosis of allergic disorders, associated factors, types, clinical symptoms and the triggering allergenic. Descriptive & inferential statistics were done and logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: The overall prevalence of diagnosed allergic disorder(s) among the participants was 36.2%.The commonest types of allergy were skin (33.8%) followed by respiratory (29.5%) presentations. The most frequently reported allergenic triggers were the house dust (45.6%) and smoke (30.4%). The first allergy predictor was family history of allergic disorders (aOR= 4.35, 95 % CI: 2.96-6.39), followed by female gender. Regarding the outcome of allergy on students’ life, 16.1% occasionally missed classes, and 28.6% had sleep disturbance during allergic attacks. Conclusion: Allergy represents an important problem among medical students and interns. Family history and female gender were the predictors of allergy. Skin and respiratory allergies were the most common types. House dust and smoke were the commonest allergenic triggers. Detection of allergens and management of cases of allergy among medical students and interns are needed. Education and conduction of awareness campaigns about allergy are needed. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.1281 How to cite this:Ibrahim NK, Alghamdi AA, Almehmadi MM, Alzahrani AA, Turkistani AK, Alghamdi K. Allergy and related clinical symptoms among medical students and interns. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.1281 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS EXPERIENCES OF INDIAN POPULATION DURING CORONAVIRUS DISEASE PANDEMIC SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2021.v14i7.41752 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 32-34

Author(s):

DIVYA GOEL ◽

MAJID FAROOQ

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Female Gender ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Difference ◽

Mental Health Programs

Objective: The sudden emergence of wide spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to adoption of physical distancing or lockdown all over the globe to curtail the viral transmission. Although lockdown plays an important role, at the same time, it can adversely affect the psychological health of the population. In addition, because of stay at home order, people are more inclined to use the media which can further aggravate the mental health issues in population. This study was planned to study the perceived psychological issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods: An online social survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaire, participants were added through snowball sampling technique. Results: A total of 455 people (264 females and 191 males) participated in the study. Majority of participants 228 (50.1%) felt stressed out during coronavirus lockdown period. Female gender was associated with greater negative psychological impact of lockdown. Most participants 263 (57.8%) were worried about the health of the loved ones. Most of the participants tried to seek information from different media. The difference between the stress level was highly significant (p=0.04639∗) between the participants depending on the duration for which they explore the information on different media. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic was associated with stress in the majority of people in our sample, and media has a role to modulate the psychological impact of this lockdown. As COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, we need to verify these findings on larger population and policy-makers need to strengthen our mental health programs to mitigate the psychological impact of this pandemic.

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Are normoglycaemic individuals at risk of depression? The depression-dysglycaemic phenotype from a European population-based cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.2.19240/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Cuschieri ◽

Julian Mamo

Keyword(s):

Communicable Disease ◽

Population Level ◽

Female Gender ◽

Educational Status ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Depression is an ever more common chronic non communicable disease and its control constitutes a growing public health concern given its links with a number of co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression at a population level across groups of different glycaemic status, whilst establishing its socioeconomic phenotypic characteristics.Methods A nationally representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Malta between 2014 and 2016. Participants were categorized into different sub-populations according to their glycaemic status. Depression prevalence rates and socio-economic characteristics for each sub-population were established. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify links with depression.Results Depression was prevalent in 17.15% (CI 95%: 16.01 – 18.36) with a female predominance. The normoglycaemic sub-population had the highest depression rates. However, persons with known diabetes had a higher probability of having a history of depression (OR:2.36 CI 95%:1.12 – 4.96), as well as with being of the female gender, having lower educational status, having a history of smoking tobacco and having established cardiovascular disease.Conclusions Depression was highly prevalent among the normoglycaemic population especially as age progress. Physicians in primary care should implement a depression screening tool as part of their routine health check-ups, with special attention to those with cardiovascular co-morbidities and any signs of psycho-socio-economic burden.

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Psychological problems associated with coping strategies: a web-based study in Peruvian population during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/uarwz ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rita Judith Ames-Guerrero ◽

Ayme Barreda Parra ◽

Julio Cesar Huamani Cahua ◽

Jane Banaszak Holl

Keyword(s):

Latin American ◽

Online Survey ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Psychological Disorders ◽

Female Gender ◽

Educational Status ◽

Psychological Problems ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Crisis

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease has quickly spread to all corners across Latin-American countries. Its exponential capacity has overwhelmed even the most resilient health systems (1). The already significant impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the global scale is worsened by psychological responses that may aggravate the health crisis. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at collecting demographic information, prevalence of psychological morbidities and associated coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic on Peruvian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through online survey using snowball sampling techniques after the state of emergency was declared in Perú. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ -28) identify somatic symptom, anxiety/ insomnia, social misfunctioning and depression prevalence and the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (COPE-28) maps strategies addressing recent stress. RESULTS: We collected data from 434 self-selected participants within 18-68 years old (ME =33.87), by analysing the socio-economic information in which the majority of the respondents were women (61.3%), aged between 18 and 28 (41.7%), from well-educated groups (>=85.0 %), Peruvian (94.2%), working citizen (57.4%) and single (71.20 %). Nearly 40.8% rated psychological problems, expressing fear of being infected by coronavirus (71.43%). Regression analysis shows that female gender is associated to higher somatic (p<0.001*, C.I: -2.75 to -.99) and anxiety/insomnia symptoms (p=0.00*, C.I: -2.98 to 0.84). Depression and social dysfunction are experienced at any age. Educational status is protective against developing psychological disorders (p<0.05). While active responses (Acceptance and Social support) are scarcely used by individuals with psychological problems; Passive strategies are commonly reported (Denial, Self-Distraction, Self-Blame, Disconnection, and Emotional discharge).CONCLUSION: These findings provide a better understanding of psychological disorders resulting from the current pandemic in Peruvian population. This evidence informs the need to strengthen mental health programs, especially in less privileged groups after the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Awareness Regarding Preventive Measures of Avian Influenza Among the Adult People of Thimi Municipality, Nepal

Kathmandu University Medical Journal ◽

10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11026 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 45-49

Author(s):

K Manandhar ◽

J Chataut ◽

K Khanal ◽

A Shrestha ◽

S Shrestha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Avian Influenza ◽

Large Scale ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Adult Population ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Population Based ◽

Poultry Meat ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Cross Sectional

Background Avian influenza is considered as a threat to global public health. Prevention and control depends on the awareness of the general population as well as high risk-groups. The avian influenza should be viewed more seriously because it may lead to pandemic influenza when the virus mutates its strain with the common human influenza. Thus, this study aims to explore the awareness regarding preventive measures of avian influenza among the adult population of Thimi Municipality. Objective The objective of this study was to explore awareness regarding preventive measures of avian influenza among the adult population of Thimi Municipality. Methods It is a cross-sectional, population based study. It was carried out in Thimi Municipality from May 15 to June 15, 2012. Pre tested structured questionnaire was used for face to face interview with randomly selected 250 subjects. Results Out of 250 subjects, 123 (49.2 %) were males. The mean age of subjects was 36 ± 11.8 year. Among total subjects, 94.4 percent had heard about avian influenza. The main source of information was television (94.1%). Majority of subjects (84.9 %) thought that keeping infected birds and poultry as the mode of transmission followed by eating not well cooked poultry meat (82.8 %). Out of total study subjects, 165 (66.0 percent) mentioned fever and 138 (55.2 percent) thought fatigue as the signs and symptoms. As for knowledge about preventive measures, majority (85.6%) stated that cleaning the surfaces that had come in contact with the poultry could prevent the disease and 83.2 % had knowledge that the infection could be prevented by washing hands with soap and water after poultry handling. Awareness regarding preventive measures was found significantly low in females, middle adults, illiterates, and house wives. Conclusion The awareness regarding avian influenza was quite satisfactory among the adult people of Thimi Municipality. However level of awareness was seen lower in female, illiterate and middle adult. So that along with large scale mass education, there should be specific health education program for the specific group of population. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11026 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2013: 45-49

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The food choice determinants and adherence to Mediterranean diet in Iranian adults before and during COVID-19 lockdown: population-based study

Nutrition & Food Science ◽

10.1108/nfs-01-2021-0044 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 51 (8) ◽

pp. 1299-1307

Author(s):

Mahsa Mohajeri ◽

Fatemeh Ghannadiasl ◽

Sajad Narimani ◽

Ali Nemati

Keyword(s):

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Food Choice ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Weight Control ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Population Based Study ◽

Content Type

Purpose During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some changes in dietary intake were observed. However, the determinants of food choice and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in this period were not studied so far for Iranian adults. This study aimed to assess the food choice determinants changes and Adherence to the MD of Iranian adults. Design/methodology/approach This study was a cross-sectional study that was conducted from April 2019 to May 2020, based on the snowball sampling, and a total number of 2,540 adults from all the regions of Iran participated. The Food Choice Questionnaire was used to analyze food choice determinants, and the validated ten-item MD adherence screener was used to assess the adherence to the MD. Findings Before the COVID-19 quarantine, sensory appeal and price were the most important factors in Iranian food choice (with the highest scores), but during the COVID-19 pandemic the important food choice determinants were health and weight control. Consumption of vegetables (71.85% vs 40.07%), fruits (60.70% vs 38.74%), legumes (24.72% vs 12.38%) and nuts (14.33%) increased significantly after the outbreak of quarantine.

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