Humoral Immune Durability of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Southern Iran: A Population-Based Survey Study

Background: To promote mitigation strategies and public health response, this study aimed to evaluate the population-based seroprevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in Hormozgan province. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted within 10 districts of Hormozgan province with 1325 participants for three months by considering three-month successive follow-ups to evaluate the durability of humoral immunity. The participants completed the questionnaire, and blood samples were taken followed by immunoassay SARS-CoV-2 ELISA testing. Results: In general, 717 (54.1%) males and 596 (45.9%) females participated in this study. In phase one, 147 (11.1%) and 182 (14.7%) tested positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, respectively. Upon three months, 13.8% and 17.8% tested positive for IgG and at least for one of the antibodies. Based on the results, 606 (45.7%) cases reported no symptoms while 673 (50.8%) of them reflected at least one. Among 798 (60.2%) participants, the most common symptoms were headache (n = 244, 18.4%), sore throat (n = 186, 14.0%), weakness (n = 150, 11.3%), muscular pain (n = 139, 10.5%), and sputum cough (n = 134, 10.1%). The odds of the antibodies in females was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.82, P = 0.03). In phase 2, 43 (5.3%) participants persisted positive for IgG while 559 (73%) tested negative for IgG. Finally, 20% of the suffered participants tested positive for IgG until nine months. Conclusion: Although IgG antibodies decreased in the first six months, their titers persisted stable for nine months. It seems our population has not reached a desirable level of protection. It is stressed that mass vaccination is needed to prevent future epidemic waves.

ATTITUDE AND PERCEIVED RISK TOWARDS COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION

Several vaccines have been approved against COVID-19 infectious disease and are being given to pop-ulations in different regions of the world. But, the number of people getting vaccines are quite less than the targeted population for whom the vaccines are being kept for immunization purpose. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the attitude and perceived risk towards COVID-19 vaccination decision in Bangladesh. An exploratory population-based survey was conducted among 186 general individuals chosen purposively from the metropolitan area of Dhaka. The survey was conducted using a structured and self-administered questionnaire. Multiple linear regression technique was performed to determine the variables predicting immunization decision. The findings reflect a significant positive attitude along with insignificant risk-taking behaviour towards COVID-19 immunization decision among the general population in Bangladesh.

Digital Health Literacy as a Predictor of Awareness, Engagement, and Use of a National Online Personal Health Record: A Population-based Survey (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Online personal health records (PHR) have the potential to improve quality, accuracy, and timeliness of health care. However, uptake of online PHRs internationally has been slow. Populations experiencing disadvantages are also less likely to use online PHRs, potentially widening health inequities within and between countries. OBJECTIVE With limited understanding of the predictors of community uptake and utilization of online PHR, the aim of this study was to determine the predictors of awareness, engagement, and use of the Australian national online PHR, My Health Record (MyHR). METHODS A population-based survey of participants aged over 18 residing in regional Victoria, Australia was undertaken in 2018 using telephone interviews. Logistic regression, adjusted for age, was used to assess the relationship between independent variables including digital health literacy, health literacy, and demographic characteristics and 3 dependent variables of MyHR awareness, engagement, and use. Digital health literacy and health literacy were measured by multidimensional tools, using all 7 scales of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) and 4 out of the 9 scales of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). RESULTS A total of 998 responses were analyzed. Digital health literacy was found to be a strong statistical predictor of MyHR awareness, engagement, and use. A 1 unit increase in each of the 7 eHLQ scales was associated with a 2- to 4-fold increase in the odds of using MyHR: 1. Using technology to process health information (odd ratio [OR] 4.14, 95% CI 2.34-7.31); 2. Understanding of health concepts and language (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.08-4.69); 3. Ability to actively engage with digital services (OR 4.44, 95% CI 2.55-7.75); 4. Feel safe and in control (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.43-3.88); 5. Motivated to engage with digital services (OR 4.24, 95% CI 2.36-7.61); 6. Access to digital services that work (OR2.49, 95% CI 1.32-4.69); 7. Digital services that suit individual needs (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.97-6.15). The HLQ scales of health care support, actively managing health, and social support were also associated with a 1- to 2-fold increase in the odds of using MyHR. Using the internet to search for health information was another strong predictor but older people and people with less education were less likely to use MyHR. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the predictors of the use of an online PHR. The findings indicate that, while digital skills training is likely to increase uptake and use of online PHR, initiatives to provides access, develop responsive digital services, establish good health care, and social support are also important. Population groups that are likely to be non-users of online PHR were also identified. A holistic approach and targeted solutions are needed to ensure that online PHR can realize its full potential to help reduce health inequities. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable

Addressing Patients’ Alcohol Consumption–A Population-Based Survey of Patient Experiences

Objectives: To identify the proportion of the population that had experienced that alcohol was addressed in health care the previous year, to explore experiences and perceived effects of addressing alcohol, and to investigate the proportion of risky drinkers in the population.Methods: Cross-sectional national web-based survey with 1,208 participants. Socio-demographic data, alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C), and experiences with alcohol conversations were investigated.Results: Approximately four in five respondents had visited health care the past 12 months, and one in six reported having experienced addressing alcohol. Women and older respondents were less likely to report having experienced alcohol conversations compared to other groups. Risky drinkers were not more likely to have experienced an alcohol conversation, but reported longer duration of alcohol conversations and more frequently perceived addressing alcohol as awkward or judgmental. Almost a third of respondents were classified as risky drinkers.Conclusion: The proportion experiencing addressing alcohol in routine health care is low, also among risky drinkers, and risky drinkers more frequently experienced the conversations as judgmental. More sensitive and relevant ways of addressing alcohol in health care is needed.