Hesitancy towards Receiving a COVID-19 Vaccine: Concerns about Side Effects and Safety, Mistrust in Government and Health Authorities, and Perceived Susceptibility and Severity of the Virus

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (0) ◽  
pp. 163
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Perceived Susceptibility ◽  
Health Authorities

Anti-A/B and Free Light Chains Kappa and Lambda: Components In Intravenous Immunoglobulin Preparations

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4404-4404
Author(s):  
Lorenz Risch ◽  
Tom Schleis ◽  
Katja Matozan ◽  
Benjamin Sakem ◽  
Urs Nydegger
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Hemolytic Anemia ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Quantitative Estimation ◽  
Light Chains ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Immunoglobulin Preparations ◽  
Antiglobulin Test ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Critical Limits

Abstract Abstract 4404 Hemolytic anemia and renal failure are among the very rare side effects related to immunoglobulin transfusions. Anti-A/B antibodies are implicated in hemolytic events upon transfusion of high doses, given in short time. Recently several cases of IVIG induced hemolytic anemia have been published as case reports (MJ Thomas et al. Blood 1993; AG Brox et al. Am J Med 1987; Z Daw et al. Transfusion 2008; JR Wilson et al. Muscle Nerve 1997; J Coghill et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2006; RL Comenzo et al. J Pediatr 1992; F Yin et al. J Hematol 2008). One recent report describes the development of acute kidney injury related to hemoglobinuria as a result of IVIG induced hemolytic anemia (CC Welles et al. Am J Kid Dis 2009). In most cases, high cumulative doses 2gr/kg were administered. Most of the patients showed a positive direct antiglobulin test, and most were of non-O blood type. Various concentrations of anti-A, anti-B, and anti-D hemagglutinin were detected in the different IVIG products that were infused in each case. A systematic comparison of anti A/B and free-light chain content was performed in 5 different, commercially available IVIG preparations. The quantitative estimation of IgG anti-A/B in IVIG preparations is depending on choosing the appropriate method. Thus, hemagglutination, ABO-ELISA, and FACS all detect some form of anti-A/B albeit with different sensitivity and specificity. The immune complex which forms in A1-patients will activate complement and induce the IVIG-associated hemolytic anemia. In such patients the Direct Antiglobulin Test (Coombs Test) will turn reactive. In most countries, health authorities set a limit of anti-A RBC agglutination titers <32 or <64 which is arbitrary of this semi quantitative procedure. Here we subject a hemagglutination system to various cell suspension buffer conditions and look at variations. To achieve high sensitivity in the hemagglutination striking-pattern assay, two type A1 red blood cells (RBC) were selected and the assay performed using 4 different suspension conditions as a function of pH and molarity. Quantitative estimation of light chains was done using nephelometry with polyclonal antibodies against the hidden light chain determinant on free kappa and lambda light chains devoid of cross-reaction with the kappa and lambda epitopes on intact IgG (The Binding Site, Oxford). A BN prospect system was used to evaluate the information. To determine the anti-A/B content a series of dilutions was made and the last agglutinating concentration (mg/(ml) was taken as the final content. The last agglutinating concentration of immunoglobulin preparations 1 to 5 varied from 1.95 to 25 in NaCl. In NaCl+Liss (low ionic strength solution, which enhances antigen-antibody binding) variation was from 6.25 to 25, in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) it varied from 4.4 to 25 and in PBS+Liss it varied from 3.125 to 25. Preparation 2 was the strongest agglutinator and preparation 4 the lowest in all milieus. The 5 IgG preparations assessed contained < 0.3% free kappa of total IgG and < 0.28% free lambda light chains. It is likely that the induction of side effects under usual administration conditions by anti-A is improbable with trigger limits acknowledged by the health authorities; however, transfusions of high doses of IVIG during short times could reach critical limits. High anti-A content IVIG transfusions, especially to A-type recipients, could reach critical limits to cause hemolysis. The FLC content appears at trace concentrations. References on poster Disclosures: Schleis: octapharma USA Inc: Employment. Nydegger:octapharma AG: Consultancy.

Assessing Mozambicans’ willingness and determinants to use pre-exposure prophylactic HIV medication

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 1954-1964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Germano Vera Cruz ◽  
Aniceto Mateus ◽  
Lídia Domingos ◽  
Etienne Mullet ◽  
Philip J Moore
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Large Majority ◽  
Perceived Susceptibility ◽  
Adverse Side Effects ◽  
Hiv Medication ◽  
Willingness To Use ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Administration Protocol

In anticipation of the introduction of the pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs as an additional HIV prevention tool, we mapped the different positions of Mozambicans’ willingness to use it. Overall, 507 adults indicated willingness to use under different conditions varying as a function of perceived susceptibility to and severity of infection, side effects, administration protocol, and cost. Three qualitatively different positions were found: Unwillingness irrespective of conditions (4%), depend on circumstances (76%), and unconditional willingness (8%). A large majority of participants were willing to use pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs, provided that the administration is not too constraining, and the adverse side effects can be minimized.

scholarly journals A high rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a large-scale survey on Arabs

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eyad A Qunaibi ◽  
Mohamed Helmy ◽  
Iman Basheti ◽  
Iyad Sultan
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Academic Education ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Care Workers

Background: Vaccine hesitancy can limit the benefits of available vaccines in halting the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Previously published studies paid little attention to Arab countries, which has a population of over 440 million. In this study, we present the results of the first large-scale multinational study that measures vaccine hesitancy among Arab-speaking subjects.Methods: An online survey in Arabic was conducted from 14-Jan-2021 to 29-Jan-2021. It consisted of 17 questions capturing demographic data, acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine, attitudes towards the need for COVID-19 vaccination and associated health policies, and reasons for vaccination hesitancy. R software- v.4.0.2 was used for data analysis and visualization.Results: The survey recruited 36,220 eligible participants (61.1% males, 38.9% females, mean age 32.6±10.8 years) from all the 23 Arab countries and territories (83.4%) and 122 other countries (16.6%). Our analysis shows a significant rate of vaccine hesitancy among Arabs in and outside the Arab region (83% and 81%, respectively). The most cited reasons for hesitancy are concerns about side effects and distrust in healthcare policies, vaccine expedited production, published studies and vaccine producing companies. We also found that female participants, participants 30-59 year-old, those with no chronic diseases, those with lower-level of academic education, and those who do not know the type of vaccine authorized in their countries are more hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccination. On the other hand, participants who regularly receive the influenza vaccine, health care workers, and those from countries with higher rates of COVID-19 infections showed more vaccination willingness. Interactive representation of our results is posted on our project website at https://mainapp.shinyapps.io/CVHAA.Conclusion: Our results show higher vaccine hesitancy and refusal among Arab subjects, related mainly to distrust and concerns about side effects. Health authorities and Arab scientific community have to transparently address these concerns to improve vaccine acceptance.Funding: This study received no funding.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Self-Medications in a Rural Community

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3-s) ◽  
pp. 128-132
Author(s):  
Raju Athira ◽  
G Govind ◽  
Mary Johns Irene ◽  
Cyriac Sachin ◽  
Sara Cheriyan Ritty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Common People ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Improper Use ◽  
The Common ◽  
Repeated Training

Background: The consumption of drugs without consulting healthcare professional regardless of side effects and duration of therapy is known as self-medication. This study was conducted to analyze the practice of self-medication and knowledge about the medicines among the common people of rural areas. Methods:  6 months Study was carried out by collecting the data with the help of questionnaire and thereby collecting their answers. The data was analyzed statistically in terms of actual numbers and percentage. Results:  As an outcome of our survey, majority of the population were unaware about proper usage of medicines. The survey also shows that NSAIDs are the most consumed medicines. 72.11% stop taking medications without the advice or without informing healthcare provider. 77.56% believe medication without prescription will help them. Conclusion: The survey that most of the common population in the rural areas don’t know about the indication for which they are taking medication and the study also emphasizes  the unawareness of common population towards proper usage of medication. Elderly people are on polypharmacy due to multiple and inter current diseases, with their improper use due to lack of knowledge of correct dose, side effects, and interactions would bring serious implications. Community pharmacists should get continuous education and repeated training programs because they are easy accessible to the common population. A proper statutory drug control must be implemented, rationally restricting the availability of drugs to the public. Self-medication is an area where governments and health authorities need to ensure that it is done in a responsible manner, ensuring that safe drugs are made available over the counter and the consumer is given adequate information about the use of drugs and when to consult a doctor. Keywords: Self-medication, irrational use, prevalence, pharmacist, drugs.

scholarly journals Phacoemulsification: Proposals for Improvement in Its Application

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1603
Author(s):  
Marta Benítez Martínez ◽  
David Baeza Moyano ◽  
Roberto Alonso González-Lezcano
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Visual System ◽  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Intraocular Lens ◽  
Surgical Procedure ◽  
Crystalline Lens ◽  
Ultrasonic Waves ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Mechanical Waves

A cataract is defined as opacity of the crystalline lens. It is currently one of the most prevalent ocular pathologies and is generally associated with aging. The most common treatment for cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery is a quick and painless process, is very effective, and has few risks. The operation consists of removing the opacified lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens. The most common intraocular lens removal procedure that is currently used is phacoemulsification. The energy applied in this process is generated by ultrasonic waves, which are mechanical waves with a frequency higher than 20 kHz. A great deal of research on the different ways to perform the stages of this surgical procedure and the analysis of the possible side effects of the operation has been published, but there is little information on the technical characteristics, the intensities applied, and the use of ultrasound-emitting (U/S) equipment for cataract removal. More studies on the method and depth of absorption of ultrasonic waves in our visual system when performing the phacoemulsification procedure are needed. It would be advisable for health authorities and medical professionals to develop guidelines for the handling and use of ultrasonic wave-emitting equipment, such as those that exist for ultrasound and physiotherapy. This could help us to reduce undesirable effects after the operation.

scholarly journals Parents intention to vaccinate their 5-11 years old children with the COVID-19: vaccine rates, predictors and the role of incentives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liora Shmueli
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Perceived Susceptibility ◽  
Parental Concerns ◽  
Cues To Action ◽  
Vaccine Availability ◽  
Do So

Background: On September 20, 2021, Pfizer announced encouraging effectiveness and safety results from their COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials in 5-11 years old children. This study aims to assess parents perceptions and intention to vaccinate their 5-11 years old children and to determine the socio-demographic, health-related and behavioral factors, as well as the role of incentives beyond these factors, in predicting this intention. Methods: A cross-sectional representative online survey among parents of children aged 5-11 years in Israel (n=1,012). The survey was carried out between September 23 and October 4, 2021, at a critical time, immediately after Pfizers announcement. Two multivariate regressions were performed to determine predictors of parents intention to vaccinate their 5-11 years old children against COVID-19 in the coming winter and how soon they intend to do so. Results: Overall, 57% of the participants reported their intention to vaccinate their 5-11 years old children against COVID-19 in the coming winter. This intention was higher for participants over the age of 40. Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and cues to action, as well as two incentives - vaccine availability and receiving a green pass - were all significant predictors of this intention. When asked about how soon they intend to vaccinate their 5-11 years old children, 27% of the participants responded immediately; 26% within three months; and 24% within more than three months. Participants having a family member suffering from a chronic disease as well as those whose children were vaccinated against influenza in the previous winter intend to vaccinate their children sooner. Perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and cues to action, were all found to be significant predictors of this sense of urgency. Similar to the intention to vaccinate children in the coming winter, while vaccine availability and receiving a green pass were found to be positive significant predictors of how soon parents intend to vaccinate their children, other incentives such as monetary rewards or monetary penalties were not found to be significant predictors. Parental concerns centered around the safety of the vaccine (64%), fear of severe side effects (60%), and fear that clinical trials and the authorization process were carried out too quickly (56%). Conclusions: This study provides up-to-date information on the rates of the intention of parents to vaccinate their 5-11 years old children, how soon they intend to do so, and the predictors of those intentions, which is essential for health policy makers and healthcare providers for planning vaccination campaigns. Moreover, as vaccine safety and side effects were found to be key parental concerns, it is important to release post-approval safety data regarding the vaccine to the public as soon as such is available. Finally, our findings underscore the important role of vaccine accessibility and receiving a green pass over other incentives in promoting parents intentions to vaccinate their children.

scholarly journals Herbal pharmacovigilance in Nepal: challenges and recommendations

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Shrestha ◽  
Krisha Danekhu ◽  
Binaya Sapkota ◽  
Nisha Jha ◽  
Bhuvan KC
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Pharmacovigilance Center ◽  
Health Organization

Traditional herbal medicine is widely used globally. Despite its extensive use, there are no proper regulations on standardization and use of herbal medicinal products. Nepal has a rich biodiversity and demography comprising of different socio-ethnic groups. Herbal medicines are utilized prominently in Nepalese communities. These herbal products may cause side effects and adverse effects, such as nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity with the heavy metal toxicity associated with their powdered dosage forms. The side effects of using herbal products have been documented, such as bleeding with use of Ginkgo biloba and increase in blood pressure with use of Ephedra. Regulation of herbal products is essential to promote their optimal and rational use. Standard tools are available for assessing adverse effects of herbal products from health authorities, like the World Health Organization. In Nepal, self-medication practice using traditional herbal medicines is common and includes the concomitant use of allopathic. There is no focal point to address the regulatory issues on herbal products currently in Nepal. The Department of Drug Administration in Nepal is nominated as a national pharmacovigilance center and there are no reports on adverse events from the use of herbal medicines so far. However, not having any reports does not ensure the absolute safety and effectiveness of herbal products, so vigilance is warranted. Herbal pharmacovigilance is needed for Nepal to ensure safe and effective use of herbal medicines as the current pharmacovigilance ecosystem does not capture those cases. In the Nepalese context, the absence of reporting mechanisms may have underreported adverse cases of herbal products. The present opinion article aims to discuss the use of herbal products in Nepal, the challenges associated with the adverse reaction due to herbal medicines, and recommendations to overcome these challenges

scholarly journals Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Strategies: The Possible Side Effects of Their Good Intentions

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Mbachi Ruth Msomphora ◽  
Anette Iren Langås Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Norms And Values ◽  
Population Strategy ◽  
Prevention And Health Promotion ◽  
Promotion Strategies

The public health policies are principally implemented using two main strategies, namely, the population strategy and the high-risk strategy. The purpose of this article is to discuss possible side effects of the good intentions of these two main strategies. The discussions herein are made based on our perspectives and literature study methodology. Main findings portray that the disease prevention and health strategies are applied on a skewed basis, and more so, they are mainly based on medical culture and take little account of human culture. This implies that in order for individuals to comply with the health authorities&rsquo; demands, they must give up their own lifestyle coping-strategies that are contradictive to the demands. Hence, the possible side effects of the disease prevention and health promotion strategies&rsquo; good intentions; as the strategies have no explicit mandate to change the cultural norms and values. Therefore, we argue that adaptations to make the strategies more inclusive may promote public healthcare in the sense that it can work for everyone&rsquo;s lifestyle, as individuals can easily take healthy actions in the normal course of their lives.

scholarly journals do patients choose to consume Ayurvedic Medicines in Nepal? An exploratory study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 250-257
Author(s):  
Gandhiv Kafle ◽  
Indira Bhattarai (Sharma) ◽  
Arjun Kumar Shrestha ◽  
Mohan Siwakoti
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Eastern Himalayas ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Alpine Zone ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
Ease Of Access

Ayurvedic medicines are believed to bring harmony and balance in mind, body, spiritual well-being and social welfare of human. The reasons for preference for these medicines are of great interest for exploration. This study was carried out in Nepal in 2017 to explore the reasons for choosing to consume Ayurvedic medicines, with support of a separate survey focusing on these medicines containing Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora. An online survey (n=58) and face to face interviews (n=406) were administered using structured questionnaires to explore those reasons for choice. Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D. Y. Hong (Scrophulariaceae) is a perennial alpine herb found in the subalpine as well as alpine zone of the eastern Himalayas comprising Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and China. Its rhizomes are medicinally important and in trade. Fewer or no side effects, preference to natural way of healing, belief regarding healing of disease, ease of access (availability and cost), and advertisement and recommendation from others were the major reasons that the patients chose to consume Ayurvedic medicines for own's healing. In case of Ayurvedic medicines containing Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, majority of the patients believed that these medicines have fewer or no side effects, can cure illness particularly for long run of chronic diseases, were cheaper than allopathic medicines, were easily available to purchase and were recommended by family members. Healing was not successful in past from allopathic and other types of medicines of majority of the patients who preferred to consume Ayurvedic medicines containing Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora. Further scientific studies and interventions are recommended for concerned health authorities and nursing practitioners of Nepal to test and validate the safety and effectiveness of the consumption of Ayurvedic medicines.  

Gastric Ulcers Produced by Cisplatin

1981 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 582-583
Author(s):  
S.K. Aggarwal ◽  
J. San Antonio
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Antitumor Agent ◽  
Gastric Ulcers ◽  
Enzyme Cytochemistry ◽  
Intestinal Toxicity ◽  
Ovarian Cancers ◽  
Inner Surface

Cisplatin (cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II)) a potent antitumor agent is now available for the treatment of testicular and ovarian cancers. It is however, not free from its serious side effects including nephrotoxicity, gastro intestinal toxicity, myelosuppression, and ototoxicity. Here we now report that the drug produces peculiar bloating of the stomach in rats and induces acute ulceration.Wistar-derived rats weighing 200-250 g were administered cisplatin(9 mg/kg) ip as a single dose in 0.15 M NaCl. After 3 days the animals were sacrificed by decapitation. The stomachs were removed, the contents analyzed for pepsin and acidity. The inner surface was examined with a dissecting microscope after a moderate stretching for ulcers. Affected areas were fixed and processed for routine electron microscopy and enzyme cytochemistry.The drug treated animals kept on food and water consistently showed bloating and lesions (Fig. 1) with a frequency of 6-70 ulcers in the rumen section of the stomachs.

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