Community-Based Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies following the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread globally, causing unprecedented effects on global health and economies. Community-based serological data are essential for understanding the true prevalence of infections, specifically the subclinical infections, as COVID-19 asymptomatic infections are common. Such data would also be important for decision making around choosing appropriate epidemiological control measures, as well as for the true estimation of mortality rates in the population. Further, determining the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the population would provide important information on herd immunity. In this study, we conducted a population-based age-stratified serological study to understand the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Out of 594 participants who were recruited from 29 August to 30 December 2020, just before the vaccination rollout program in Saudi Arabia, about 157 were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2, indicating an estimated seropositivity rate of 26%. Although no significant difference in seropositivity was seen between male and female participants, we found that lower seroprevalence was associated with the younger (below 18 years old) and older populations (older than 56 years) compared with other age groups (19–55 years). These data indicate a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies following the peak of COVID-19 spread in Jazan province; however, most of the population (three-quarters) remains susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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A Comprehensive Community-Based Prevalence Study on Nocturia in Hong Kong Male Adults

10.20944/preprints202108.0144.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

John Wai-Man Yuen ◽

Ivy Yuen-Ping Wong ◽

Peter Ka-Fung Chiu ◽

Jeremy Yuen-Chun Teoh ◽

Chi-Kwok Chan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hong Kong ◽

Age Groups ◽

Population Based ◽

Full Spectrum ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Younger Men ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

Older Populations

Background: Most prevalence surveys on nocturia have focused on older populations. This study aimed to measure the nocturia prevalence across the full spectrum of male adults living in Hong Kong, where severity and associated quality-of-life (QoL) were also explored. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted in men aged 18 or above using the ICIQ-NQoL Questionnaire. Results: With 1,239 respondents at age ranged 18-99, the overall nocturia prevalence were found to be 63.0% (ranged 41.6-84.6% at different age groups) and 31.2% (ranged 13.0-56.3% at different age groups), for ≥1 and ≥2 bedtime voiding episodes, respectively. The chance of nocturia was dramatically increased at age 60 or above while both prevalence and voiding frequency were increased with advancing age. About 83% of the nocturia men experienced 1-2 voiding episodes per night, but many of them had self-rated their QoL poor or very poor and indicated moderate-to-high bothersome. Younger men at age 18-39 were found to have high prevalence as 41.6% and almost 30% of them rated poor or very poor QoL. Conclusions: Nocturia was not only affecting the older populations but also caused significant bothersome and negative impacts on QoL in younger males.

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A Comprehensive Community-Based Prevalence Study on Nocturia in Hong Kong Male Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18179112 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (17) ◽

pp. 9112

Author(s):

John Wai-Man Yuen ◽

Ivy Yuen-Ping Wong ◽

Peter Ka-Fung Chiu ◽

Jeremy Yuen-Chun Teoh ◽

Chi-Kwok Chan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hong Kong ◽

Age Groups ◽

Population Based ◽

Full Spectrum ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Younger Men ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

Older Populations

Background: Most prevalence surveys on nocturia have focused on older populations. This study aimed to measure the nocturia prevalence across the full spectrum of male adults living in Hong Kong, where severity and associated quality-of-life (QoL) were also explored. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted in men aged 18 or above using the ICIQ-NQoL Questionnaire. Results: With 1239 respondents at age ranged 18–99, the overall nocturia prevalences were found to be 63.0% (ranged 41.6–84.6% at different age groups) and 31.2% (ranged 13.0–56.3% at different age groups), for ≥1 and ≥2 bedtime voiding episodes, respectively. The chance of nocturia was dramatically increased at age 60 or above while both prevalence and voiding frequency were increased with advancing age. About 83% of the nocturia men experienced one to two voiding episodes per night, but many of them had self-rated their QoL poor or very poor and indicated moderate-to-high bothersome. Younger men at age 18–39 were found to have high prevalence as 41.6% and almost 30% of them rated poor or very poor QoL. Conclusions: Nocturia was not only affecting the older populations but also caused significant bothersome and negative impacts on QoL in younger males.

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How Czecho-Slovakia Bounces Back: Population-Based Validation of the Brief Resilience Scale in Two Central European Countries

Psychological Reports ◽

10.1177/00332941211029619 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 003329412110296

Author(s):

Jana Furstova ◽

Natalia Kascakova ◽

Iva Polackova Solcova ◽

Jozef Hasto ◽

Peter Tavel

Keyword(s):

Convergent Validity ◽

Factor Model ◽

Age Groups ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Well Being ◽

Population Based ◽

Resilience Scale ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Best Fit

Objective In recent years, resilience has become a focus of research in the medical and behavioral sciences. The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was developed to assess the individual ability to recover from stress (“to bounce back”) after experiencing adversities. The aim of the study was to validate the Czech and Slovak versions of the BRS. Methods A representative sample of the Czech and Slovak populations (NCZ = 1800, mean age MCZ = 46.6, SDCZ = 17.4, 48.7% of men; NSK = 1018, mean age MSK = 46.2, SDSK = 16.6, 48.7% men) completed a survey assessing their health and well-being. Several confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models of the BRS were compared to find the best fit. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients of reliability were evaluated. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating resilience (BRS), physical and mental well-being (SF-8) and psychopathology symptoms (BSI-53). Differences in gender and age groups were appraised. Results A single-factor model with method effects on the reverse items was evaluated to best fit the data in both the Czech and Slovak samples (χ2CZ(6) = 39.0, p < 0.001, CFICZ = 0.998, TLICZ = 0.995, RMSEACZ = 0.055, SRMRCZ = 0.024; χ2SK(6) = 23.9, p < 0.001, CFISK = 0.998, TLISK = 0.995, RMSEASK = 0.054, SRMRSK = 0.009). The reliability was high in both samples (αCZ = 0.80, ωCZ = 0.85; αSK = 0.86, ωSK = 0.91). The BRS was positively associated with physical and mental well-being and negatively associated with somatization, depression and anxiety. In both countries, a lower BRS score was associated with higher age. Czech men reported significantly higher BRS scores than women. No significant difference was found in the mean BRS scores between the two countries. Conclusion This study provides evidence of good psychometric properties, reliability and validity of the Czech and Slovak adaptations of the BRS.

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Serological surveillance of noroviruses in a community-based prospective cohort: a study protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043228 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e043228

Author(s):

Lu Wang ◽

Dongjie Xie ◽

Jingrong Yu ◽

Mark Momoh Koroma ◽

Mengsi Qiu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prospective Cohort ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Age Groups ◽

Northern China ◽

Oil Field ◽

Blood Collection ◽

Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽

Blood Group Antigens ◽

Community Based ◽

Serological Surveillance

IntroductionNoroviruses are the leading cause of viral acute gastroenteritis affecting all age groups. Since 2014, the previous rarely reported GII.P17-GII.17 and recombinant GII.P16-GII.2 norovirus emerged, replacing GII.4 predominant genotype, causing increased outbreaks in China and other countries. Meanwhile, GII.4/2012 Sydney strain has re-emerged as the dominant variant in many places in 2015–2018. The role of herd immunity as the driving force during these new emerging or re-emerging noroviruses is poorly defined. Serological surveillance studies on community-based prospective cohort on norovirus are highly needed.Methods and analysesThis study will include 1000 out of 9798 participants aged 18 years and above from Caofeidian district, Tangshan city, northern China. Baseline data on sociodemographic characteristics and blood samples were collected in 2013–2014. Blood collection will be replicated annually throughout the cohort until 2023. Saliva samples were also collected in 2016. The seroprevalence and seroincidence of blockade antibodies against norovirus genotypes of GII.P17-GII.17, GII.P16-GII.2, the re-emerged GII.4/2012 and potential novel pandemic variants will be evaluated by ELISA. Associations between genotype blockade antibodies and sociodemographic factors and human histo-blood group antigens will be evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. The dynamics of herd immunity duration will be estimated in this longitudinal surveillance.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Ethical Committees of the Staff Hospital of Jidong oil-field of China National Petroleum Corporation. This study will provide insight into the seroprevalence and seroincidence of noroviruses, and their relationships with sociodemographic characteristics and genetic susceptibility. It will also explain herd immunity of the emerged and re-emerged genotypes or variants. The study will further enable an understanding of the mechanism driving the replacement of norovirus genotypes. Research findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific meetings.

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Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Two Tertiary-Care Centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/501891 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 211-216 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Tariq A. Madani ◽

Nabeela A. Al-Abdullah ◽

Ali A. Al-Sanousi ◽

Tawfik M. Ghabrah ◽

Shadia Z. Afandi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Age Groups ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Total Mortality ◽

Control Measures ◽

Methicillin Resistant ◽

Mrsa Infection ◽

Tertiary Care Hospitals

AbstractObjective:To review clinical experience with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in tertiary-care hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Design:Retrospective review for the year 1998.Setting:Two tertiary-care hospitals.Methods:Results of MRSA-positive cultures of clinical specimens obtained as part of investigations for suspected infections were retrieved from the microbiology laboratories' records. Charts of patients were reviewed, with standardized data collection.Results:Of 673 S aureus isolates identified, 222 (33%, or 6.8 isolates/1,000 admissions) were MRSA Overall MRSA prevalence was 2% in 1988. Nosocomial acquisition occurred in 84.2% of cases. All age groups were affected, and 52% of patients had at least one comorbidity. MRSA prevalence was highest in the intensive care units (26.6% of all isolates), the medical wards (24.8%), and the surgical wards (19.8%). Seventy-three percent of isolates caused infection; the rest represented colonization. Surgical wounds (35.2%), the chest (29%), and central venous catheters (13%) were the most common sites of infection. Bacteremia occurred in 15.4% of patients. Local signs (84%) and fever (75.9%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Respiratory distress and septic shock occurred in 30.2% and 13.6% of cases, respectively. Of 162 patients with MRSA infection and 60 patients with MRSA colonization, 95.7% and 70% received antibiotics in the preceding 6 weeks, respectively (P<.0001). The total mortality of patients with MRSA infection was 53.7%: 36.4% as a result of MRSA infection and 17.3% as a result of other causes.Conclusions:The prevalence of MRSA is high and rapidly increasing in the two hospitals, as it is worldwide. Control measures to prevent die spread of MRSA in hospitals should continue, with reinforcement of hygienic precautions and development of policies to restrict the use of antibiotics.

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Prevalence of eczema among older persons: A population-based cross-sectional study

Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology ◽

10.25259/ijdvl_990_19 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Vijayan Neena ◽

Neelakandhan Asokan ◽

Rajany Jose ◽

A. Sarin

Keyword(s):

Older Persons ◽

Health Workers ◽

Age Groups ◽

Medical Knowledge ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Community Based Interventions ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Background: There are very few population-based studies on the prevalence of eczema among older persons Aims: To estimate the prevalence and types of eczema in those aged 65 years or more in the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based interventions for case finding. Methods: In the first stage of this cross-sectional survey, trained health workers of a non-governmental organization surveyed the eligible population and identified persons likely to have eczema. In the second stage, dermatologists examined such persons to ascertain the diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7. Prevalence of eczema was expressed in percentages. Chi-square test was used for comparing the difference in prevalence of eczema in various age groups and sex. Results: Health workers identified 98 persons as possible cases of eczema after interviewing 385 older persons in the community. Among them 95 persons were examined by dermatologists and 44 were confirmed to have eczema (diagnostic accuracy of health workers = 46.3%).Point prevalence of eczema was 11.4% (44/385). Prevalence was similar in males and females. It was greater (18.2 %) among persons aged 81 years or more. Asteatotic eczema, gravitational eczema and lichen simplex chronicus were the more common types of eczema. Limitations: Possible underestimation of the prevalence rates due to limited medical knowledge of health workers; limited facilities for examination and investigations at the medical camps and home visits. Conclusion: There appears to be a considerable burden of eczema among older persons in the community. A community-based approach involving non-governmental organizations has the potential to identify cases and offer care close to their homes.

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Serological Investigations of Brucellosis in Cattle, Farmers and Veterinarians in the Kars District of Turkey

Acta Veterinaria Brno ◽

10.2754/avb200877010117 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 77 (1) ◽

pp. 117-121 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

S. Otlu ◽

M. Sahin ◽

H. I. Atabay ◽

A. Unver

Keyword(s):

Control Measures ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Significant Difference ◽

High Prevalence ◽

History Of ◽

And Control

The prevalence of brucellosis was investigated in cattle, farmers and veterinarians in the Kars district of Turkey between 2004 - 2006. In order to achieve this, a total of 407 serum samples of cattle from 27 herds having history of abortions were examined for Brucella antibodies by RBPT and SAT. In addition, the sera collected from 246 farmers (130 males and 116 females) and 28 veterinarians in the same district were analysed serologically by RBPT, SAT and ELISA. Of the cattle sera analysed, 134 (32.92%) and 141 (34.64%) were determined as positive by RBPT and SAT, respectively. Thirty-two (13%), 35 (14.22%) and 44 (17.88%) of the farmers' sera were found positive for brucellosis by RBPT, SAT and ELISA, respectively. There was no significant difference between sexes for Brucella seropositivity. Of the 28 sera from veterinarians, 13 (46.42%) were positive by the three serological tests. The high prevalence of brucellosis both in cattle and humans suggests that brucellosis is common in this area. Preventive and control measures should be implemented and pursued more strictly to reduce and/or eradicate brucellosis from the area.

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Comparative Analysis of Intestinal Helminth Infections in Colic and Non-Colic Control Equine Patients

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10101916 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 1916 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Heidrun Gehlen ◽

Nadine Wulke ◽

Antonia Ertelt ◽

Martin K. Nielsen ◽

Simone Morelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Helminth Infection ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Age Groups ◽

Study Groups ◽

Control Measures ◽

Anthelmintic Treatment ◽

Intestinal Helminth ◽

Intestinal Helminths ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference

All around the world, intestinal helminths constitute one of the most prevalent life-long occurring infections and re-infections affecting all horse age groups. A range of parasite species among strongyles, ascarids, and tapeworms is known to have the potential to cause colic in horses. However, there is a lack of current scientific evidence on the actual relevance of helminth infection levels in the context of colic in horses kept during prevailing epidemiological conditions. Thus, a prospective case-control study on the occurrence of intestinal helminths in a total of 620 mainly adult equine clinic patients was conducted to investigate the association between colic and helminth infection. For each horse, a range of copromicroscopic, serological, and clinical data was obtained, in addition to a questionnaire on relevant anamnestic data, including previous anthelmintic treatment and husbandry. Using a FLOTAC-based copromicroscopic diagnosis, the highest infection rates were seen for strongyles (41.8%), followed by Anoplocephala perfoliata and Parascaris spp. (both 0.8%), with no significant difference between the two study groups. Employing a real-time PCR a 1.1% S. vulgaris DNA prevalence was found. Considerably higher seroprevalences were observed using S. vulgaris and A. perfoliata ELISAs, with 32.3% and 10.7%, respectively. It was noteworthy that no association concerning either serologic status was encountered with colic status. The shedding of strongyle eggs was associated with a 1.8-times increased risk of S. vulgaris seropositivity. Recent anthelmintic treatment was associated with the onset of colic, as animals who had received an anthelmintic during the previous week had a 2.4-times higher risk of signs of colic compared to those who had been treated at least eight weeks prior. Another noteworthy observation was that ponies were significantly less often affected by colic than warmbloods. The high S. vulgaris and considerable A. perfoliata seroprevalences encountered in this investigation should prompt veterinarians, farm managers, and horse owners to maintain consequent and effective worm control measures.

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Existing comorbidities in people with osteoarthritis: a retrospective analysis of a population-based cohort in Alberta, Canada

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033334 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. e033334 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Deborah A Marshall ◽

Xiaoxiao Liu ◽

Cheryl Barnabe ◽

Karen Yee ◽

Peter D Faris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Analysis ◽

Age Groups ◽

Population Based ◽

Case Definition ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Age Group ◽

Case Definitions ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Physician Visits ◽

Significant Difference

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of comorbidities among people with osteoarthritis (OA) using administrative health data.DesignRetrospective cohort analysis.SettingAll residents in the province of Alberta, Canada registered with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan population registry.Participants497 362 people with OA as defined by ‘having at least one OA-related hospitalization, or at least two OA-related physician visits or two ambulatory care visits within two years’.Primary outcome measuresWe selected eight comorbidities based on literature review, clinical consultation and the availability of validated case definitions to estimate their frequencies at the time of diagnosis of OA. Sex-stratified age-standardised prevalence rates per 1000 population of eight clinically relevant comorbidities were calculated using direct standardisation with 95% CIs. We applied χ2 tests of independence with a Bonferroni correction to compare the percentage of comorbid conditions in each age group.Results54.6% (n=2 71 794) of people meeting the OA case definition had at least one of the eight selected comorbidities. Females had a significantly higher rate of comorbidities compared with males (standardised rates ratio=1.26, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.28). Depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension were the most prevalent in both females and males after age-standardisation, with 40% of all cases having any combination of these comorbidities. We observed a significant difference in the percentage of comorbidities among age groups, illustrated by the youngest age group (<45 years) having the highest percentage of cases with depression (24.6%), compared with a frequency of 16.1% in those >65 years.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the high frequency of comorbidity in people with OA, with depression having the highest age-standardised prevalence rate. Comorbidities differentially affect females, and vary by age. These factors should inform healthcare programme and delivery.

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Effects of nomophobia on anxiety, stress and depression among Saudi medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association ◽

10.47391/jpma.983 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Nusrat Bano ◽

Muhammad Anwar Khan ◽

Uzma Asif ◽

Jennifer de Beer ◽

Hawazen Rawass ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

Severe Anxiety ◽

Different Levels

Abstract Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress in medical students, and to analyse effects of demographics and nomophobia on depression, anxiety and stress. Method: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 1 to May 23, 2019, and comprised male and female medical students aged 19-25 years. Data was collected using a demographic information form, the 21-item depression, anxiety and stress scale and the 20-item nomophobia questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Of the 230 students, 108(47%) were boys and 122 (53%) were girls. The overall mean age was 21.93+1.80 years. Anxiety, depression and stress was reported in 168 (74.6%), 158 (70.2%) and 127 (55.9%) of the students. Extremely severe anxiety, depression and stress were self-reported by 92 (40.9%), 38 (16.8%) and 16 (7.04%) students. There was a significant difference in the distribution of subjects within different levels of anxiety across gender (p<0.05). Higher anxiety and stress scores were observed in 78 (33.9%) students with severe nomophobia. Differences in the levels of anxiety and stress with regards to type of residence and nomophobia levels were significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress associated with gender, nomophobia levels and residence type. Key Words: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Medical, Nomophobia.

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