Nyt fra tidsskrifterne
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
Klik på knappen for at kopiere eller tryk på linket nedenfor.
Kopieret til udklipsholder!
47 ud af 47 tidsskrifter valgt, søgeord (covid-19) valgt, emner højest 180 dage gamle, sorteret efter nyeste først.
1133 emner vises.
Infection, 10.03.2024
Tilføjet 10.03.2024
Infection, 10.03.2024
Tilføjet 10.03.2024
Plüss-Suard Catherine, Mueller Yolanda, Plate Andreas, Senn Oliver, Kronenberg Andreas
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
We have read with great interest the article published by Aghlmandi S. et al. regarding the \'Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic prescribing in high-prescribing primary care physicians in Switzerland\' [1]. This study presents the findings of a follow-up investigation following a national intervention trial on antibiotic prescription audit and feedback during the initial year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, compared with the pre-pandemic years (2017-2019). The authors utilized claims data from 2945 physicians, representing the upper 75% of antibiotic prescribers, in an interrupted time series analysis.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedChen, X., Norris, C., Whitten, T., Ho, C., Mann, B., Bakal, J.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
ObjectiveFatigue, headache, problems sleeping and numerous other symptoms have been reported to be associated with long COVID. However, many of these symptoms coincide with symptoms reported by the general population, possibly exacerbated by restrictions/precautions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the symptoms reported by individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 compared with those who tested negative. DesignObservational study. SettingThe study was conducted on adult residents in Alberta, Canada, from October 2021 to February 2023. ParticipantsWe evaluated self-reported symptoms in 7623 adults with positive COVID-19 tests and 1520 adults who tested negative, using surveys adapted from the internationally standardised International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC)-developed COVID-19 long-term follow-up tools. These individuals had an index COVID-19 test date between 1 March 2020 and 31 December 2022 and were over 28 days post-COVID-19 testing. Primary outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were to identify the symptoms associated with COVID-19 positivity and risk factors for reporting symptoms. ResultsFatigue was the top reported symptom (42%) among COVID-19-positive respondents, while headache was the top reported symptom (32%) in respondents who tested negative. Compared with those who tested negative, COVID-19-positive individuals reported 1.5 times more symptoms and had higher odds of experiencing 31 out of the 40 listed symptoms during the postinfectious period. These symptoms included olfactory dysfunction, menstruation changes, cardiopulmonary and neurological symptoms. Female sex, middle age (41–55 years), Indigeneity, unemployment, hospital/intensive care unit (ICU) admission at the time of testing and pre-existing health conditions independently predicted a greater number and variety of symptoms. ConclusionsOur results provide evidence that COVID-19 survivors continue to experience a significant number and variety of symptoms. These findings can help inform targeted strategies for the unequally affected population. It is important to offer appropriate management for symptom relief to those who have survived the acute COVID-19 illness.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedYuan, H.-Y., Wong, W. H., Khairunnasa, F., Ho, H. C., Chung, G. K.-K.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
ObjectiveTo estimate the impacts of demographic factors and income disparities on the case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, taking into account the influence of reporting delays (ie, the duration between symptom onset and case confirmation). DesignRetrospective observational longitudinal study. ParticipantsA total of 7406 symptomatic patients with residence information reported between 23 January 2020 and 2 October 2021. Main outcome measuresThe study examined the disparity in COVID-19 deaths associated with the factors such as age (≥65 vs 0–64 years old groups), gender and the income level of districts (low income vs non-low income). The severe reporting delay (>10 days) was considered as the mediator for mediation analysis. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was constructed. ResultsWe found that CFR was 3.07% in the low-income region, twofold higher than 1.34% in the other regions. Although the severe reporting delay was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of about 1.9, its mediation effect was only weakly present for age, but not for gender or income level. Hence, high CFR in Hong Kong was largely attributed to the direct effects of the elderly (HR 25.967; 95% CI 14.254 to 47.306) and low income (HR 1.558; 95% CI 1.122 to 2.164). ConclusionThe disparity in COVID-19 deaths between income regions is not due to reporting delays, but rather to health inequities in Hong Kong. These risks may persist after the discontinuation of test-and-trace measures and extend to other high-threat respiratory pathogens. Urgent actions are required to identify vulnerable groups in low-income regions and understand the underlying causes of health inequities.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedReder, S. R., Herrlich, N., Grauhan, N. F., Othman, A. E., Müller-Eschner, M., Brockmann, C., Brockmann, M. A.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
ObjectivesA hard lockdown was presumed to lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases, resulting in higher acuity at admission. This should be elaborated based on the estimated acuity of the cases, changes in findings during hospitalisation, age structure and biological sex. DesignRetrospective monocentric cross-sectional study. SettingGerman Neuroradiology Department at a . ParticipantsIn 2019, n=1158 patients were admitted in contrast to n=884 during the first hard lockdown in 2020 (11th–13th week). Main outcome measuresThree radiologists evaluated the initial case acuity, classified them into three groups (not acute, subacute and acute), and evaluated if there was a relevant clinical deterioration. The data analysis was conducted using non-parametric methods and multivariate regression analysis. ResultsA 24% decrease in the number of examinations from 2019 to 2020 (p=0.025) was revealed. In women, the case acuity increased by 21% during the lockdown period (p=0.002). A 30% decrease in acute cases in men was observable (in women 5% decrease). Not acute cases decreased in both women and men (47%; 24%), while the subacute cases remained stable in men (0%) and decreased in women (28%). Regression analysis revealed the higher the age, the higher the acuity (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedGonzalez Bravo, C., Sabree, S. A., Dukes, K., Adeagbo, M. J., Edwards, S., Wainwright, K., Schaeffer, S. E., Villa, A., Wilks, A. D., Carvour, M. L.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
ObjectivesTo understand patients’ experiences with diabetes care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on rural, medically underserved, and/or minoritised racial and ethnic groups in the Midwestern USA. DesignCommunity-engaged, semi-structured interviews were conducted by medical student researchers trained in qualitative interviewing. Transcripts were prepared and coded in the language in which the interview was conducted (English or Spanish). Thematic analysis was conducted, and data saturation was achieved. SettingThe study was conducted in communities in Eastern and Western Iowa. ParticipantsAdults with diabetes (n=20) who were fluent in conversational English or Spanish were interviewed. One-third of participants were residents of areas designated as federal primary healthcare professional shortage areas and/or medically underserved areas, and more than half were recruited from medical clinics that offer care at no cost. ResultsThemes across both English and Spanish transcripts included: (1) perspectives of diabetes, care providers and care management; (2) challenges and barriers affecting diabetes care; and (3) participant feedback and recommendations. Participants reported major constraints related to provider availability, costs of care, access to nutrition counselling and mental health concerns associated with diabetes care during the pandemic. Participants also reported a lack of shared decision-making regarding some aspects of care, including amputation. Finally, participants recognised systems-level challenges that affected both patients and providers and expressed a preference for proactive collaboration with healthcare teams. ConclusionsThese findings support enhanced engagement of rural, medically underserved and minoritised groups as stakeholders in diabetes care, diabetes research and diabetes provider education.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedCurtis, E., Jaung, R., Paine, S.-J., McLeod, M., Tamatea, J., Atkinson, J., Jiang, Y., Robson, B., Reid, P., Harris, R. B.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has had both direct and indirect impacts on the health of populations worldwide. While racial/ethnic health inequities in COVID-19 infection are now well known (and ongoing), knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on non-COVID-19-related outcomes for Indigenous peoples is less well understood. This article presents the study protocol for the Health Research Council of New Zealand funded project ‘Mā te Mōhio ka Mārama: Impact of COVID-19 on Māori:non-Māori inequities’. The study aims to explore changes in access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes for Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and non-Māori during the COVID-19 outbreak period across NZ. Methods and analysisThis observational study is framed within a Kaupapa Māori research positioning that includes Kaupapa Māori epidemiology. National datasets will be used to report on access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes between Māori and non-Māori during the COVID-19 pandemic in NZ. Study periods are defined as (a) prepandemic period (2015–2019), (b) first pandemic year without COVID-19 vaccines (2020) and (c) pandemic period with COVID-19 vaccines (2021 onwards). Regional and national differences between Māori and non-Māori will be explored in two phases focused on identified health priority areas for NZ including (1) mortality, cancer, long-term conditions, first 1000 days, mental health and (2) rheumatic fever. Ethics and disseminationThis study has ethical approval from the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC AH26253). An advisory group will work with the project team to disseminate the findings of this project via project-specific meetings, peer-reviewed publications and a project-specific website. The overall intention of the project is to highlight areas requiring health policy and practice interventions to address Indigenous inequities in health resulting from COVID-19 pandemic management (both historical and in the future).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPuoza Deo Gracious, Jerry Armah, Edward Appiah Boateng, Victoria Bam, Veronica Dzomeku, Joana Kyei-Dompim, Ampem Darko Oklodu-Abbey, Abigail Kusi Amponsah
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Puoza Deo Gracious, Jerry Armah, Edward Appiah Boateng, Victoria Bam, Veronica Dzomeku, Joana Kyei-Dompim, Ampem Darko Oklodu-Abbey, Abigail Kusi Amponsah Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused several higher educational institutions to switch from traditional face-to-face to virtual learning medium. This abrupt shift came with new expectations, experiences and challenges to nursing/ midwifery students, particularly new users, and even more so when preparation, orientation, and support were lacking or ineffective. The present study therefore aimed at exploring the expectations, experiences and challenges of nursing students using the virtual learning medium during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a descriptive phenomenological design using 12 purposively sampled nursing and midwifery students from a public university in Ghana. With the aid of a semi-structured guide, individual face-to-face interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim at a later time and deductively analyzed into themes using the customer experience execution model. Results Participants were aged 22–36 years and involved equal number of males and females (n = 6), with majority being Christians (n = 11). Six themes were generated from the study: (1) “Initial thoughts and emotions” described participants initial reactions to the virtual educational medium during the pandemic; (2) \'Expectations with the virtual medium\' referred to the participants’ anticipations regarding the convenience offered by the virtual medium; (3) \'Experiences with the virtual medium\' depicted the participants’ recognition of both positive and negative encounters while using the virtual learning platform; (4) “Evaluation and recommendation” described participants’ reports of meeting expectations and recommendations they made to enhance virtual learning; (5) \'Challenges and limitations of the virtual medium\' typically represented the obstacles encountered by nursing/ midwifery students when they embraced the virtual medium; (6) “Prospects of the virtual medium” referred to participants’ views on the future of the virtual medium. Conclusion The study has brought to light that the virtual education environment comes with its own expectations, experiences and challenges to students. Provision of adequate support such as orientation and simulation laboratories by higher education institutions to satisfy students’ needs is necessary to enhance nursing education.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNilantha Karasinghe, Sarath Peiris, Ruwan Jayathilaka, Thanuja Dharmasena
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Nilantha Karasinghe, Sarath Peiris, Ruwan Jayathilaka, Thanuja Dharmasena Dengue poses a significant and multifaceted public health challenge in Sri Lanka, encompassing both preventive and curative aspects. Accurate dengue incidence forecasting is pivotal for effective surveillance and disease control. To address this, we developed an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model tailored for predicting weekly dengue cases in the Colombo district. The modeling process drew on comprehensive weekly dengue fever data from the Weekly Epidemiological Reports (WER), spanning January 2015 to August 2020. Following rigorous model selection, the ARIMA (2,1,0) model, augmented with an autoregressive component (AR) of order 16, emerged as the best-fitted model. It underwent initial calibration and fine-tuning using data from January 2015 to August 2020, and was validated against independent 2000 data. Selection criteria included parameter significance, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and Schwarz Bayesian Information Criterion (SBIC). Importantly, the residuals of the ARIMA model conformed to the assumptions of randomness, constant variance, and normality affirming its suitability. The forecasts closely matched observed dengue incidence, offering a valuable tool for public health decision-makers. However, an increased percentage error was noted in late 2020, likely attributed to factors including potential underreporting due to COVID-19-related disruptions amid rising dengue cases. This research contributes to the critical task of managing dengue outbreaks and underscores the dynamic challenges posed by external influences on disease surveillance.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSunpeng Duan, Yuedong Wang, Peter Kotanko, Hanjie Zhang
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Sunpeng Duan, Yuedong Wang, Peter Kotanko, Hanjie Zhang Background In-center hemodialysis entails repeated interactions between patients and clinic staff, potentially facilitating the spread of COVID-19. We examined if in-center hemodialysis is associated with the spread of SARS-CoV-2 between patients. Methods Our retrospective analysis comprised all patients receiving hemodialysis in four New York City clinics between March 12th, 2020, and August 31st, 2022. Treatment-level clinic ID, dialysis shift, dialysis machine station, and date of COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-PCR were documented. To estimate the donor-to-potential recipient exposure (“donor” being the COVID-19 positive patient denoted as “COV-Pos”; “potential recipient” being other susceptible patients in the same shift), we obtained the spatial coordinates of each dialysis station, calculated the Euclidean distances between stations and weighted the exposure by proximity between them. For each donor, we estimated the donor-to-potential recipient exposure of all potential recipients dialyzed in the same shift and accumulated the exposure over time within the ‘COV-Pos infectious period’ as cumulative exposures. The ‘COV-Pos infectious period’ started 5 days before COVID-19 diagnosis date. We deployed network analysis to assess these interactions and summarized the donor-to-potential recipient exposure in 193 network diagrams. We fitted mixed effects logistic regression models to test whether more donor-to-potential recipient exposure conferred a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results Out of 978 patients, 193 (19.7%) tested positive for COVID-19 and had contact with other patients during the COV-Pos infectious period. Network diagrams showed no evidence that more exposed patients would have had a higher chance of infection. This finding was corroborated by logistic mixed effect regression (donor-to-potential recipient exposure OR: 0.63; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.17, p = 0.163). Separate analyses according to vaccination led to materially identical results. Conclusions Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between in-center hemodialysis patients is unlikely. This finding supports the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as universal masking and other procedures to control spread of COVID-19.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedRebecca Rodin, Thérèse A. Stukel, Hannah Chung, Chaim M. Bell, Allan S. Detsky, Sarina Isenberg, Kieran L. Quinn
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Rebecca Rodin, Thérèse A. Stukel, Hannah Chung, Chaim M. Bell, Allan S. Detsky, Sarina Isenberg, Kieran L. Quinn Importance Physicians and their practice behaviors influence access to healthcare and may represent potentially modifiable targets for practice-changing interventions. Use of virtual care at the end-of-life significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its association with physician practice behaviors, (e.g., annual service volume) is unknown. Objective Measure the association of physicians’ annual service volume with their use of virtual end-of-life care (EOLC) and the magnitude of physician-attributable variation in its use, before and during the pandemic. Design, setting and participants Population-based cohort study using administrative data of all physicians in Ontario, Canada who cared for adults in the last 90 days of life between 01/25/2018-12/31/2021. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models measured the association between attending physicians’ use of virtual EOLC and their annual service volume. We calculated the variance partition coefficients for each regression and stratified by time period before and during the pandemic. Exposure Annual service volume of a person’s attending physician in the preceding year. Main outcomes and measures Delivery of ≥1 virtual EOLC visit by a person’s attending physician and the proportion of variation in its use attributable to physicians. Results Among the 35,825 unique attending physicians caring for 315,494 adults, use of virtual EOLC was associated with receiving care from a high compared to low service volume attending physician; the magnitude of this association diminished during the pandemic (adjusted RR 1.25 [95% CI 1.14, 1.37] pre-pandemic;1.10 (95% CI 1.08, 1.12) during the pandemic). Physicians accounted for 36% of the variation in virtual EOLC use pre-pandemic and 12% of this variation during the pandemic. Conclusions and relevance Physicians’ annual service volume was associated with use of virtual EOLC and physicians accounted for a substantial proportion of the variation in its use. Physicians may be appropriate and potentially modifiable targets for interventions to modulate use of EOLC delivery.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedEthan Simpson, William C. Miller, Julia Schmidt, Jaimie Borisoff, W. Ben Mortenson
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Ethan Simpson, William C. Miller, Julia Schmidt, Jaimie Borisoff, W. Ben Mortenson Study design Single-cohort longitudinal survey design. Objectives To identify what ongoing impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on functioning and health in individuals with SCI. Using the ICF model as a guide, outcome measures were chosen to explore potential constructs and aspects of health and functioning which may have been affected by regulations. Setting Online, Canada. Methods Participants provided demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline. They completed standardized online measures at three time points, each roughly one month apart (June, July, and August of 2020). The measures assessed mental health, resilience, boredom, social support, technology use, life space, and participation. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to identify longitudinal changes for each measure. Results We collected data from 21 participants with SCI (mean age 54 years, 12 male). We found a large effect size for participation (η2 = 0.20), which increased over time. We also found medium effect sizes in both anxiety (η2 = 0.12) and social network usage (η2 = 0.12). Anxiety decreased over time and social networking usage fluctuated slightly but with an increase from time point one to time point two. Conclusion The results indicate that individuals with spinal cord injury appear to be staying relatively stable during the pandemic with improvements in a few key aspects, such as potentially increased participation and decreased anxiety. The results also suggest that it is important to continue fostering ways for individuals with spinal cord injury to stay connected, engaged, and informed.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSuraj Singh Senjam, Souvik Manna, Garima Goel, Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Animesh Ray, Yashdeep Gupta, Neiwete Lomi, Vivek Gupta, Praveen Vashist, Jeewan Singh Titiyal, Nitin Kashyap, Rajesh Kumar
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Suraj Singh Senjam, Souvik Manna, Garima Goel, Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Animesh Ray, Yashdeep Gupta, Neiwete Lomi, Vivek Gupta, Praveen Vashist, Jeewan Singh Titiyal, Nitin Kashyap, Rajesh Kumar Background Conducting a study in rural pre-dominant areas will help to understand the penetration of the vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 health crisis. This study aimed to investigate vaccination coverage against COVID-19 among the rural adult population in India and to identify factors associated with vaccination coverage. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the rural population in one district of north India from January to February 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed on the SurveyMonkey digital platform for interviewing the participants, which consisted of questions related to socio-demographic profile, health problems, vaccination status, types of vaccine, re-infection after vaccination, and functional difficulties. The data regarding infection with COVID-19 was collected based on self-reported positive testing for SARS-CoV 2 on RT-PCR. Findings A total of 3700 eligible individuals were enumerated for the survey, out of which 2954 (79.8%) were interviewed. The infection rate of past COVID-19 infection, based on self-report of testing positive, was 6.2% (95%CI: 5.3–7.1). Covishield vaccine was received by most participants (81.3%, 2380) followed by Covaxin (12.3%, 361) and Pfizer manufactured vaccine (0.03,1). The coverage for first, second, and booster doses of the vaccine was 98.2% (2902), 94.8% (2802), and 10.7% (315) respectively. The risk of reinfection at 12 months or more among participants with two doses of vaccine was 1.6% (46/2802, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1). The coverage among those with severe functional difficulties was lesser as compared to those with some or no difficulties. Interpretation Vaccination coverage against COVID-19 in rural Haryana, India is not dependent on factors like gender or occupation but is dependent on age and education. Although the full and partial vaccination coverage is high, the booster dose coverage is poor. In addition, the presence of severe disability was significantly associated with reduced vaccination coverage.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTaylor Orwig, Shiv Sutaria, Ziyue Wang, Sakeina Howard-Wilson, Denise Dunlap, Craig M. Lilly, Bryan Buchholz, David D. McManus, Nathaniel Hafer
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Taylor Orwig, Shiv Sutaria, Ziyue Wang, Sakeina Howard-Wilson, Denise Dunlap, Craig M. Lilly, Bryan Buchholz, David D. McManus, Nathaniel Hafer Point-of-care technology (POCT) plays a vital role in modern healthcare by providing a fast diagnosis, improving patient management, and extending healthcare access to remote and resource-limited areas. The objective of this study was to understand how healthcare professionals in the United States perceived POCTs during 2019–2021 to assess the decision-making process of implementing these newer technologies into everyday practice. A 5-point Likert scale survey was sent to respondents to evaluate their perceptions of benefits, concerns, characteristics, and development of point-of-care technologies. The 2021 survey was distributed November 1st, 2021- February 15th, 2022, with a total of 168 independent survey responses received. Of the respondents, 59% identified as male, 73% were white, and 48% have been in practice for over 20 years. The results showed that most agreed that POCTs improve patient management (94%) and improve clinician confidence in decision making (92%). Healthcare professionals were most concerned with potentially not being reimbursed for the cost of the POCT (37%). When asked to rank the top 3 important characteristics of POCT, respondents chose accuracy, ease of use, and availability. It is important to note this survey was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve an even greater representation of healthcare professionals’ point of view on POCTs, further work to obtain responses from a larger, more diverse population of providers is needed.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Infection, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Ben Farhat, Jihane; TiendrebeogoMD, Thierry; Malateste, Karen; Poda, Armel; Minga, Albert; Messou, Eugène; Chenal, Henri; Ezechi, Oliver; Ofotokun, Igho; Ekouevi, Didier k; Bonnet, Fabrice; Barger, Diana; Jaquet, Antoine
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Objectives: Efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic have potentially compromised the availability and/or quality of HIV services. We aimed to assess the pandemic’s impact on ART initiation and HIV viral load (VL) monitoring in three West African countries. Methods: We used routinely collected data from five clinics contributing to the IeDEA collaboration in Burkina Faso, Côte d\'Ivoire and Nigeria. We included ART-naïve adults living with HIV (ALWH) initiating ART from 01/01/2018. We conducted regression discontinuity analysis to estimate changes in the number of ART initiations and VL measures per week, before and during the pandemic period in each country. Results: In clinics in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, ART initiations per week remained constant throughout the studied periods (-0.24 points (p) of ART initiations/week 95%CI -5.5, 5.9, -0.9 p 95%CI -8.5,8.6, respectively), whereas in Nigeria’s clinic, they decreased significantly (-6.3 p, 95% CI -10.8, -1.7) after the beginning of the pandemic. The volume of VL tests performed decreased significantly in all three countries (-17.0 p 95%CI -25.3, -8.6 in Burkina Faso, -118.4 p 95%CI -171.1, -65.8 in Côte d’Ivoire and -169.1p 95%CI-282.6, -55.6 in Nigeria). Conclusions: Access to ART was maintained for newly diagnosed ALWH despite pandemic-related physical/social distancing measures. However, VL monitoring was severely disrupted and did not return to pre-pandemic levels approximately one year after the beginning of the pandemic. While HIV services in West Africa appear rather resilient, the impact of disruptions in VL monitoring on virological and clinical outcomes should continue to be monitored. Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJuan M. Pericàs
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Four years after the onset of COVID-19 as global public health threat that rapidly achieved pandemic proportions, it is has become commonplace both in layperson and expert circles to refer to it as a watershed. Its global reach, the attributable burden of deaths and morbidity, its enormous socioeconomic consequences, and the fact that SARS-CoV-2 has later joined the common pool of respiratory viruses considered in clinical practice, make COVID-19 special compared to its immediate precedents (e.g., SARS in 2002-2004, H1N1 influenza in 2009-2010, Ebola in 2014–2016 and 2018-2020, and Zola 2015-2016).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background Symptoms of COVID-19 including fatigue and dyspnea, may persist for weeks to months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study compared self-reported disability among SARS-CoV-2-positive and negative persons with mild to moderate COVID-19-like illness who presented for outpatient care before widespread COVID-19 vaccination. Methods Unvaccinated adults with COVID-19-like illness enrolled within 10 days of illness onset at three US Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Network sites were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by molecular assay. Enrollees completed an enrollment questionnaire and two follow-up surveys (7–24 days and 2–7 months after illness onset) online or by phone to assess illness characteristics and health status. The second follow-up survey included questions measuring global health, physical function, fatigue, and dyspnea. Scores in the four domains were compared by participants’ SARS-CoV-2 test results in univariate analysis and multivariable Gamma regression. Results During September 22, 2020 – February 13, 2021, 2712 eligible adults were enrolled, 1541 completed the first follow-up survey, and 650 completed the second follow-up survey. SARS-CoV-2-positive participants were more likely to report fever at acute illness but were otherwise comparable to SARS-CoV-2-negative participants. At first follow-up, SARS-CoV-2-positive participants were less likely to have reported fully or mostly recovered from their illness compared to SARS-CoV-2-negative participants. At second follow-up, no differences by SARS-CoV-2 test results were detected in the four domains in the multivariable model. Conclusion Self-reported disability was similar among outpatient SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative adults 2–7 months after illness onset.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background Immune dysregulation in individuals with long COVID has been detected. Differential diagnosis of diffuse infiltration on chest CT in long COVID is challenging. Case presentation A 62-year-old man presented with a 10-month history of dyspnea after COVID-19 infection. Dyspnea became worse in the one month preceding presentation. The chest CT showed multifocal, subpleural, bilateral opacities due to long-COVID, and infiltration around the bronchovascular bundle in the bilateral lower lung field. The pathology for the transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) first reported chronic inflammation (mainly interstitial pneumonia). The patient had positive results on tests for the antibody, RO-52+, EJ+. The presumptive diagnosis of connective tissue disease-interstitial lung disease was made. Prednisone and cyclophosphamide were given. At follow-up one month later, the chest CT showed new diffuse ground-glass infiltration. The previous TBCB specimen was re-evaluated. Foamy macrophages were found in the alveolar air space. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was performed. Numerous intracytoplasmic organisms were detected, with morphologic features consistent with those of Tropheryma whipplei. The patient recovered after intravenous ceftriaxone and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The final diagnosis was lung T. whipplei infection and long COVID-19. Conclusion This is the first case report of Tropheryma whipplei infection in the lung of a patient with long COVID-19. T. whipplei should be considered as a potential pathogen for diffuse lung infiltration in the post-COVID-19 era.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global health issue with various effects on the physical and mental state of the societies. The aim of this study was to identify the demographic characteristics and mental health condition of Tehran Municipality employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on Tehran Municipality employees in 2020–2021. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling and were divided into COVID-19 and uninfected groups. Demographic characteristics, COVID-19 risk behaviors, General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and Well- Being Social Inventory were filled for all participants. Results A total of 510 participants (363 uninfected participants and 147 participants with COVID-19) were evaluated. The prevalence of female gender was significantly higher in COVID-19 group compared to uninfected group (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background and objective Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the causative agent of monkeypox’s zoonotic infection and was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Studies from different countries have shown insufficient knowledge among the general public on MPXV. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the general public of Nepal on MPXV. Methods Three hundred people were interviewed in person in October 2022, and 282 complete responses were recorded. The questionnaire related to the knowledge of MPXV was derived from a previous study conducted among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Twenty-two questions were included that assessed the knowledge and attitude of Nepalese toward monkeypox. Statistical comparison between high and low knowledge was performed using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Logistic regression models were deployed to establish the relationship between participants’ knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Among the total respondents, 53.8% demonstrated high knowledge of monkeypox. People aged 18–25 years, unmarried people, and those living in urban areas had significantly higher levels of knowledge. Most respondents believed that MPXV is not a conspiracy or bioterrorism (63.1%) and agreed that it is likely to affect people’s social and economic life as COVID-19 did (67.0%). The history of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR: 2.980; 95%CI: 1.227, 7.236) and the younger age (aOR: 2.975; 95%CI: 1.097, 8.069) were found to be significant determinants of the knowledge of the participants on monkeypox. Conclusion We observed that most Nepalese populations had a high knowledge of monkeypox and that social media was the most valuable source of information.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTheodoros V. Giannouchos, Nicole L. Hair, Bankole Olatosi, Xiaoming Li
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Theodoros V. Giannouchos, Nicole L. Hair, Bankole Olatosi, Xiaoming Li In the United States, most real-world estimates of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness are based on data drawn from large health systems or sentinel populations. More data is needed to understand how the benefits of vaccination may vary across US populations with disparate risk profiles and policy contexts. We aimed to provide estimates of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against moderate and severe outcomes of COVID-19 based on state population-level data sources. Using statewide integrated administrative and clinical data and a test-negative case-control study design, we assessed mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits among adults in South Carolina. We presented estimates of vaccine effectiveness at discrete time intervals for adults who received one, two or three doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine compared to adults who were unvaccinated. We also evaluated changes in vaccine effectiveness over time (waning) for the overall sample and in subgroups defined by age. We showed that while two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were initially highly effective, vaccine effectiveness waned as time elapsed since the second dose. Compared to protection against hospitalizations, protection against emergency department visits was found to wane more sharply. In all cases, a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine conferred significant gains in protection relative to waning protection after two doses. Further, over more than 120 days of follow-up, the data revealed relatively limited waning of vaccine effectiveness after a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSally A. Sherman, Tyler D. Quinn, Beth C. Bock, Tosca D. Braun, Jessica L. Unick
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Sally A. Sherman, Tyler D. Quinn, Beth C. Bock, Tosca D. Braun, Jessica L. Unick Objectives While previous research has utilized remote delivery of yoga interventions, no research has specifically interrogated the effectiveness of remote yoga intervention delivery. In this secondary analysis of weight-maintenance trial data, we examined participant perceptions of essential yoga properties across in-person and remote formats, hypothesizing that perceptions would not differ following remote delivery. Methods 24 women with overweight or obesity (34.6±4.1 kg/m2, 48.2±9.9 years) received a 12-week Iyengar yoga intervention (2x/week) following a 3-month behavioral weight loss program. Of 23 participants who completed follow-up questionnaires, 12 received the planned in-person intervention and 11 received a remote intervention (delivered live) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire (EPYQ) was completed online by participants and by the instructors to measure the perceptions of the relative emphasis placed on the essential components of the yoga intervention via 14 subscales. Linear regression models were used to compare perceptions of each EPYQ dimension across in-person and remote delivery methods, as well as between participants and instructors, independent of delivery method. Results 13 of the 14 subscales did not differ between delivery modalities (p>0.05). Participants perceived more individual attention within in-person yoga (p = 0.003). For both delivery methods, instructors perceived breathwork, restorative postures, and body locks to be incorporated to a lesser degree compared to participants (β = -1.28, p = 0.003; β = -1.57, p = 0.019; β = -1.39, p = 0.036; respectively). No other significant differences across the participant and instructor scores were observed. Conclusions Findings provide preliminary support for the use of live remote delivery of yoga, effectively communicating most essential yoga properties when compared to in-person classes. However, participants perceived more individual attention with in-person versus remote delivery; thus, future remote-based yoga interventions may benefit from providing additional individualized feedback.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAnna Maj, Maria Matynia, Natalia Michalak, Aleksandra Bis, Gerhard Andersson
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Anna Maj, Maria Matynia, Natalia Michalak, Aleksandra Bis, Gerhard Andersson Objective Migration is a profound life transition that may threaten migrants’ well-being and mental health. Results of several studies suggest that social self-efficacy beliefs may be beneficial for the psychological adjustment of migrants, buffering the effect of specific stressors related to migration, helping them reduce anxiety levels, and providing support in forming of new social bonds and better integration with a new community or culture. The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effectiveness of the New in Town internet-based self-efficacy intervention for internal migrants in Poland. Methods Participants were 158 internal adult migrants who had changed residence in the last 6 months. They were randomized into two groups: an experimental group (receiving an internet-based self-efficacy intervention), and a waiting list control group. We examined if the intervention was effective in enhancing participants’ social self-efficacy (primary outcome), general self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with life, and reduced reported loneliness (secondary outcomes). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline (Time 1) and 3-weeks later (Time 2). The dropout rate was 50.6%. Initially, we planned to gather follow-up data also 8-weeks after baseline (Time 3). However, due to health and safety reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to stop the trial. Finally, we included in our analysis only data gathered before the COVID-19 pandemic at Time 1 and Time 2. Results A total of 159 individuals who met the study’s inclusion criteria and completed the baseline assessment were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 80) or the waiting list control group (n = 79). Nevertheless, one participant assigned to the control group was excluded from the analyses because they withdrew their consent to participate after being randomized. The study results suggest that compared to the waitlist control group (n = 78), participants in the experimental group (n = 80) reported a higher level of general self-efficacy beliefs at Time 2 (Cohen’s d = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.15–0.79). However, there were no statistically significant effects on social self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with life, and loneliness. Conclusion The study offers preliminary support for the effectiveness of an internet-based self-efficacy intervention designed for internal migrants on general self-efficacy beliefs. Trial registration The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04088487) on 11th September 2019.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfectious Disease Modelling, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Publication date: Available online 6 March 2024 Source: Infectious Disease Modelling Author(s): Daihai He, Yael Artzy-Randrup, Salihu S. Musa, Tiago Gräf, Felipe Naveca, Lewi Stone
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHutchings, H. A., Rahman, M., Carter, K., Islam, S., O'Neill, C., Roberts, S., John, A., Fegan, G., Dave, U., Hawkes, N., Ahmed, F., Hasan, M., Azad, A. K., Rahman, M. M., Kibria, M. G., Rahman, M. M., Mia, T., Akhter, M., Williams, J. G.
BMJ Open, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
IntroductionCOVID-19 has caused severe disruption to clinical services in Bangladesh but the extent of this, and the impact on healthcare professionals is unclear. We aimed to assess the perceived levels of anxiety, depression and burnout among doctors and nurses during COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe undertook an online survey using RedCap, directed at doctors and nurses across four institutions in Bangladesh (The Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute & Hospital (SRNGIH), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Mugda Medical College Hospital (MMCH) and M Abdur Rahim Medical College (MARMC) Hospital). We collected information on demographics, awareness of well-being services, COVID-19-related workload, as well as anxiety, depression and burnout using two validated questionnaires: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). ResultsOf the 3000 participants approached, we received responses from 2705 (90.2%). There was a statistically significant difference in anxiety, depression and burnout scores across institutions (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTan, Daniel J.; Plasek, Joseph M.; Hou, Peter C.; Baron, Rebecca M.; Atkinson, Benjamin J.; Zhou, Li
Critical Care Explorations, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVES: COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high mortality and often necessitates invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Previous studies on non-COVID-19 ARDS have shown driving pressure to be robustly associated with ICU mortality; however, those studies relied on “static” driving pressure measured periodically and manually. As “continuous” automatically monitored driving pressure is becoming increasingly available and reliable with more advanced mechanical ventilators, we aimed to examine the effect of this “dynamic” driving pressure in COVID-19 ARDS throughout the entire ventilation period. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective, observational study cohort study evaluates the association between driving pressure and ICU mortality in patients with concurrent COVID-19 and ARDS using multivariate joint modeling. The study cohort (n = 544) included all adult patients (≥ 18 yr) with COVID-19 ARDS between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, on volume-control mode IMV for 12 hours or more in a Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA ICU. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 544 included patients, 171 (31.4%) died in the ICU. Increased dynamic ΔP was associated with increased risk in the hazard of ICU mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.035; 95% credible interval, 1.004–1.069) after adjusting for other relevant dynamic respiratory biomarkers. A significant increase in risk in the hazard of death was found for every hour of exposure to high intensities of driving pressure (≥ 15 cm H2O) (HR 1.002; 95% credible interval 1.001–1.003). CONCLUSIONS: Limiting patients’ exposure to high intensities of driving pressure even while under lung-protective ventilation may represent a critical step in improving ICU survival in patients with COVID-19 ARDS. Time-series IMV data could be leveraged to enhance real-time monitoring and decision support to optimize ventilation strategies at the bedside.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Octavio Paz, the late Mexican poet and Nobel laureate, viewed solitude as “the profoundest fact of the human condition… man is the only being who knows he is alone…in search for communion” [1]. Since the 2019 arrival of a novel coronavirus, consider solitude and isolation—the different encounters many faced. I contrast solitude as the self-imposed capture of time for reflection, for finding creativity, order, purpose, and identity versus isolation, the often externally circumscribed, disorienting loss of community, conversation, caring, and hope.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Abstract Purpose To explore occupational and non-occupational risk and protective factors for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods Serum specimens and questionnaire data were obtained between October 7 and December 16, 2021 from COVID-19-vaccinated HCWs at a quaternary care hospital in Munich, Germany, and were analyzed in the RisCoin Study. Results Of 3,696 participants evaluated, 6.6% have had COVID-19 at least once. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified working in patient care occupations (7.3% had COVID-19, 95% CI 6.4–8.3, Pr = 0.0002), especially as nurses, to be a potential occupation-related COVID-19 risk factor. Non-occupational factors significantly associated with high rates of the disease were contacts to COVID-19 cases in the community (12.8% had COVID-19, 95% CI 10.3–15.8, Pr
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Abstract Background Immune dysregulation in individuals with long COVID has been detected. Differential diagnosis of diffuse infiltration on chest CT in long COVID is challenging. Case presentation A 62-year-old man presented with a 10-month history of dyspnea after COVID-19 infection. Dyspnea became worse in the one month preceding presentation. The chest CT showed multifocal, subpleural, bilateral opacities due to long-COVID, and infiltration around the bronchovascular bundle in the bilateral lower lung field. The pathology for the transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) first reported chronic inflammation (mainly interstitial pneumonia). The patient had positive results on tests for the antibody, RO-52+, EJ+. The presumptive diagnosis of connective tissue disease-interstitial lung disease was made. Prednisone and cyclophosphamide were given. At follow-up one month later, the chest CT showed new diffuse ground-glass infiltration. The previous TBCB specimen was re-evaluated. Foamy macrophages were found in the alveolar air space. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was performed. Numerous intracytoplasmic organisms were detected, with morphologic features consistent with those of Tropheryma whipplei. The patient recovered after intravenous ceftriaxone and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The final diagnosis was lung T. whipplei infection and long COVID-19. Conclusion This is the first case report of Tropheryma whipplei infection in the lung of a patient with long COVID-19. T. whipplei should be considered as a potential pathogen for diffuse lung infiltration in the post-COVID-19 era.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global health issue with various effects on the physical and mental state of the societies. The aim of this study was to identify the demographic characteristics and mental health condition of Tehran Municipality employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on Tehran Municipality employees in 2020–2021. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling and were divided into COVID-19 and uninfected groups. Demographic characteristics, COVID-19 risk behaviors, General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and Well- Being Social Inventory were filled for all participants. Results A total of 510 participants (363 uninfected participants and 147 participants with COVID-19) were evaluated. The prevalence of female gender was significantly higher in COVID-19 group compared to uninfected group (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Abstract Background and objective Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the causative agent of monkeypox’s zoonotic infection and was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Studies from different countries have shown insufficient knowledge among the general public on MPXV. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the general public of Nepal on MPXV. Methods Three hundred people were interviewed in person in October 2022, and 282 complete responses were recorded. The questionnaire related to the knowledge of MPXV was derived from a previous study conducted among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Twenty-two questions were included that assessed the knowledge and attitude of Nepalese toward monkeypox. Statistical comparison between high and low knowledge was performed using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Logistic regression models were deployed to establish the relationship between participants’ knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Among the total respondents, 53.8% demonstrated high knowledge of monkeypox. People aged 18–25 years, unmarried people, and those living in urban areas had significantly higher levels of knowledge. Most respondents believed that MPXV is not a conspiracy or bioterrorism (63.1%) and agreed that it is likely to affect people’s social and economic life as COVID-19 did (67.0%). The history of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR: 2.980; 95%CI: 1.227, 7.236) and the younger age (aOR: 2.975; 95%CI: 1.097, 8.069) were found to be significant determinants of the knowledge of the participants on monkeypox. Conclusion We observed that most Nepalese populations had a high knowledge of monkeypox and that social media was the most valuable source of information.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedXin Hu, Bo Zhu, Bokai Zhang, Lidan Zeng
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
by Xin Hu, Bo Zhu, Bokai Zhang, Lidan Zeng The linkages between the US and China, the world’s two major agricultural powers, have brought great uncertainty to the global food markets. Inspired by these, this paper examines the extreme risk spillovers between US and Chinese agricultural futures markets during significant crises. We use a copula-conditional value at risk (CoVaR) model with Markov-switching regimes to capture the tail dependence in their pair markets. The study covers the period from January 2006 to December 2022 and identifies two distinct dependence regimes (stable and crisis periods). Moreover, we find significant and asymmetric upside/downside extreme risk spillovers between the US and Chinese markets, which are highly volatile in crises. Additionally, the impact of international capital flows (the financial channel) on risk spillovers is particularly pronounced during the global financial crisis. During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine 2022 war, the impact of supply chain disruptions (the non-financial channel) is highlighted. Our findings provide a theoretical reference for monitoring the co-movements in agricultural futures markets and practical insights for managing investment portfolios and enhancing food market stability during crises.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMamadou Saliou Sow, Josue Togo, Lacy M. Simons, Souleymane Taran Diallo, Mohamed Lamine Magassouba, Mamadou Bhoye Keita, Anou Moise Somboro, Youssouf Coulibaly, Egon A. Ozer, Judd F. Hultquist, Robert Leo Murphy, Almoustapha Issiaka Maiga, Mamoudou Maiga, Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
by Mamadou Saliou Sow, Josue Togo, Lacy M. Simons, Souleymane Taran Diallo, Mohamed Lamine Magassouba, Mamadou Bhoye Keita, Anou Moise Somboro, Youssouf Coulibaly, Egon A. Ozer, Judd F. Hultquist, Robert Leo Murphy, Almoustapha Issiaka Maiga, Mamoudou Maiga, Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo SARS-CoV-2 has claimed several million lives since its emergence in late 2019. The ongoing evolution of the virus has resulted in the periodic emergence of new viral variants with distinct fitness advantages, including enhanced transmission and immune escape. While several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern trace their origins back to the African continent—including Beta, Eta, and Omicron–most countries in Africa remain under-sampled in global genomic surveillance efforts. In an effort to begin filling these knowledge gaps, we conducted retrospective viral genomic surveillance in Guinea from October 2020 to August 2021. We found that SARS-CoV-2 clades 20A, 20B, and 20C dominated throughout 2020 until the coincident emergence of the Alpha and Eta variants of concern in January 2021. The Alpha variant remained dominant throughout early 2021 until the arrival of the Delta variant in July. Surprisingly, despite the small sample size of our study, we also found the persistence of the early SARS-CoV-2 clade 19B as late as April 2021. Together, these data help fill in our understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 population dynamics in West Africa early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
Abstract Background Immunocompromised patients (ICPs) have an increased risk for a severe and prolonged COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were extensively used in these patients, but data from randomized trials that focus on ICPs are lacking. We evaluated the clinical and virological outcome of COVID-19 in ICPs treated with mAbs across SARS-CoV-2 variants.Methods In this multicenter prospective cohort study, we enrolled B-cell– and/or T-cell–deficient patients treated with casirivimab/imdevimab, sotrovimab, or tixagevimab/cilgavimab. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was quantified and sequenced weekly, and time to viral clearance, viral genome mutations, hospitalization, and death rates were registered.Results Two hundred and forty five patients infected with the Delta (50%) or Omicron BA.1, 2, or 5 (50%) variant were enrolled. Sixty-seven percent were vaccinated; 78 treated as outpatients, of whom 2 required hospital admission, but both survived. Of the 159 patients hospitalized at time of treatment, 43 (27%) required mechanical ventilation or died. The median time to viral clearance was 14 days (interquartile range, 7–22); however, it took >30 days in 15%. Resistance-associated spike mutations emerged in 9 patients in whom the median time to viral clearance was 63 days (95% confidence interval, 57–69; P < .001). Spike mutations were observed in 1 of 42 (2.4%) patients after treatment with 2 active mAbs, in 5 of 34 (14.7%) treated with actual monotherapy (sotrovimab), and 3 of 20 (12%) treated with functional monotherapy (ie, tixagevimab/cilgavimab against tixagevimab-resistant variant).Conclusions Despite treatment with mAbs, morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in ICPs remained substantial. Combination antiviral therapy should be further explored and may be preferred in severely ICPs.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedGhannam, A. B., Ibrahim, H. A., Hammoud, B., Hamam, R.
BMJ Open, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis and the Beirut explosion on the training and work of ophthalmology residents and faculty in Lebanon. DesignThis is an observational cohort survey-based research conducted between January and December 2022. SettingThe study targeted all ophthalmology residents and core faculty in Lebanon. ParticipantsA total of 52 participants, including 27 residents and 25 core faculty members, completed the survey. Primary outcome measurePrimary outcomes comprised the subjectively reported effect of the three major external stressors on the training and well-being of ophthalmology trainees and educators in Lebanon. ResultsThe study found that the majority of ophthalmology residents and core faculty members were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Beirut explosion and the economic crisis in Lebanon. Significant percentage reported financial burden, decrease in outpatient and surgical load and educational activities. Furthermore, most participants reported higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression during the time of crises. ConclusionsThis study emphasises the need to support healthcare professionals during times of crisis, as they are on the frontlines and can experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. By providing support and resources to healthcare professionals, they can better cope with the challenges they face and continue to provide essential care to their patients.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSamtlebe, P., Niemann, J., Markert, J., Knöchelmann, A., Bernard, M.
BMJ Open, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of resilient, modern, and well-equipped public health administrations from national to communal levels. In Germany, the surveillance, contact tracing, and local adaptions went through local health offices, revealing both their important role and also their lack of equipment and general preparation for health crises. Research on the mode of operation of the public health service (PHS), especially in a time of crisis, is rare. The present study aims to qualitatively and quantitatively assess problem areas, conflict potentials, and challenges that have become apparent for the PHS of Saxony-Anhalt during the pandemic. It focuses on the individual insight of employees of the PHS of Saxony-Anhalt and its 14 health offices to derive concrete needs and fields of action for increasing pandemic preparedness. Furthermore, the prospective personnel and resource-based requirements as well as the necessary structural and organisational changes of the public health departments are to be considered. Methods and analysisThe study will follow a sequential mixed-methods approach. Introductory expert interviews (n=12) with leading staff of Saxony-Anhalt’s PHS will be conducted, followed by focus group interviews (n=4) with personnel from all departments involved in the pandemic response. Thereafter, a quantitative survey will be carried out to validate and complement the results of the qualitative phase. Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained by the Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg ethics commission (Ref number 2023-102). The authors will submit the results of the study to relevant peer-reviewed journals and give national and international oral presentations to researchers, members of the PHS, and policymakers.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTurnbull, S. L., Dack, C., Lei, J., Aksu, I., Grant, S., Lasseter, G., Silarova, B., Ainsworth, B.
BMJ Open, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
ObjectivesTo explore how healthcare practitioners (HCPs) made decisions about the implementation of digital health technologies (DHTs) in their clinical practice before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignA multimethods study, comprising semistructured interviews conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, supplemented with an online survey that was conducted during the pandemic with a different sample, to ensure the qualitative findings remained relevant within the rapidly changing healthcare context. Participants were recruited through HCP networks, snowballing and social media. Data were analysed thematically. SettingPhone interviews and online survey. ParticipantsHCPs represented a range of professions from primary and secondary care across England, with varied socioeconomic deprivation. Results24 HCPs were interviewed, and 16 HCPs responded to the survey. In the interviews, HCPs described three levels where decisions were made, which determined who would have access to what DHTs: health organisation, HCP and patient levels. These decisions resulted in the unequal implementation of DHTs across health services, created barriers for HCPs using DHTs in their practice and influenced HCPs’ decisions on which patients to supply DHTs with. In the survey, HCPs described being provided support to overcome some of the barriers at the organisation and HCP level during the pandemic. However, they cited similar concerns to pre-pandemic about barriers patients faced using DHTs (eg, digital literacy). In the absence of centralised guidance on how to manage these barriers, health services made their own decisions about how to adapt their services for those who struggled with DHTs. ConclusionsDecision-making at the health organisation, HCP and patient levels influences inequalities in access to DHTs for HCPs and patients. The mobilisation of centralised information and resources during the pandemic can be viewed as good practice for reducing barriers to use of DHTs for HCPs. However, attention must also be paid to reducing barriers to accessing DHTs for patients.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedZhao, Q., Dong, L., Wang, L., Zhao, H., Zhu, X., Zhang, Z., Liu, J.
BMJ Open, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
ObjectiveMedication non-adherence to immunosuppressants threatens allograft survival and function maintenance among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of immunosuppressant medication non-adherence and associated factors during the COVID-19 reopening period among Chinese SOT recipients. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingSouth-central China. PopulationAdult patients who received SOT with functioning graft. MethodsSociodemographic questionnaire and scales to measure physical activity, depression and medication non-adherence were used to collect data. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with medication non-adherence. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed to examine the potential mechanisms influencing medication behaviour during the pandemic reopening period using SPSS PROCESS macro 4.3 software. ResultsA total of 1121 participants were recruited and the prevalence of medication non-adherence was 36.3% in this study. Recipients who were men, had a higher monthly income, lived alone, had received transplantation for a minimum of 3 years, had received COVID-19 vaccination and experienced depressive symptoms exhibited an increased risk of non-adherence. Contrarily, those who engaged in high-intensity physical activity exhibited a decreased risk. Physical activity was negatively associated with medication non-adherence (r=–0.124, p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPriya Venkatesan
The Lancet Microbe, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
The estimated number of global malaria cases in 2022 exceeded pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels in 2019, according to WHO’s 2023 World malaria report. Several threats to the malaria global response are highlighted in the report, including climate change.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSimon Feys, Sam Vanmassenhove, Sirima Kraisin, Karen Yu, Cato Jacobs, Bram Boeckx, Seppe Cambier, Cristina Cunha, Yves Debaveye, Samuel M Gonçalves, Greet Hermans, Stephanie Humblet-Baron, Sander Jansen, Katrien Lagrou, Philippe Meersseman, Johan Neyts, Marijke Peetermans, Joana Rocha-Pereira, Rogier Schepers, Valérie Spalart, Marick R Starick, Karin Thevissen, Thomas Van Brussel, Tina Van Buyten, Pierre Van Mol, Christophe Vandenbriele, Lore Vanderbeke, Els Wauters, Alexander Wilmer, Johan Van Weyenbergh, Frank L Van De Veerdonk, Agostinho Carvalho, Paul Proost, Kimberly Martinod, Diether Lambrechts, Joost Wauters
The Lancet Microbe, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
Qualitative and quantitative disturbances in monocyte, macrophage, B-cell, and T-cell populations could predispose patients with severe COVID-19 to develop CAPA. Hybrid neutrophils form a specialised response to CAPA, and an adequate neutrophil response to CAPA is a major determinant for survival in these patients. Therefore, measuring bronchoalveolar lavage NETs could have diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with CAPA. Clinicians should be wary of aspergillosis when using immunomodulatory therapy that might inhibit NETosis to treat patients with severe COVID-19.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMeagan Carney, Tiana Maria Pelaia, Tracy Chew, Sally Teoh, Amy Phu, Karan Kim, Ya Wang, Jonathan Iredell, Yoann Zerbib, Anthony McLean, Klaus Schughart, Benjamin Tang, Maryam Shojaei, Kirsty R Short, PREDICT-19 consortium
The Lancet Microbe, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
These data raise the possibility that host transcriptomics at the time of clinical presentation, together with machine learning, can forward predict the risk of secondary bacterial infections and allow for the more targeted use of antibiotics in viral infection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSoojeong ChangKwang-Soo ShinBongju ParkSeowoo ParkJieun ShinHyemin ParkIn Kyung JungJong Heon KimSeong Eun BaeJae-Ouk KimSeung Ho BaekGreen KimJung Joo HongHyungseok SeoErik VolzChang-Yuil KangaResearch & Development Center, Cellid Co., Ltd., Seoul 08826, Republic of KoreabScience Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul 08826, Republic of KoreacNational Primate Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk 28116, Republic of KoreadKorea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of KoreaeLaboratory of Cell & Gene Therapy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of KoreafDepartment of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 121, Issue 10, March 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedApirak Bumyut, Sasithorn Thanapop, Ni Made Utami Dwipayanti
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by Apirak Bumyut, Sasithorn Thanapop, Ni Made Utami Dwipayanti Community-based tourism (CBT) in Thailand faces challenges in adapting to COVID-19 prevention measures. The purpose of the study was to evaluate levels of knowledge, practice, and compliance regarding safety and health measures of the entrepreneur in managing CBT under the Safety and Health Administration (SHA) standard in the new normal situation. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on twenty-one entrepreneurs from three CBTs in three districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat, in the months of February—May 2021. Levels of knowledge and practice were evaluated by questionnaires and compliance level was evaluated by SHA standard checklist. The level of knowledge and practice were categorized sufficient and insufficient, while compliance level was categorized as high or low if scores met or exceeded 80%, based on Bloom’s cut-off point. Information on sociodemographic characteristics was also gathered. Fisher’s exact test with a 95% confidence level (α < 0.05) was used for statistical analysis. The findings revealed that 66.7% and 38.1% of the establishments in the study had sufficient knowledge (Mean ± SD: 46.9 ± 7.2, Max: 55.0, Min: 33.0) and sufficient practice (Mean ± SD: 40.4 ± 9.2, Max: 55.0, Min: 29.0), respectively. In addition, the study found that knowledge level was significantly associated with practice level at a p-value of 0.018. However, compliance level was not related to knowledge and practice. In conclusion, the low level of compliance was due to a lack of understanding and motivation to comply with the standard, and the budget of small establishments in CBT for bringing them up to the SHA standard was quite limited. Therefore, the related organizations should use a variety of strategies to encourage entrepreneurs, such as partnership building and resource support.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMoira Cruickshank, Miriam Brazzelli, Paul Manson, Nicola Torrance, Aileen Grant
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by Moira Cruickshank, Miriam Brazzelli, Paul Manson, Nicola Torrance, Aileen Grant Background Long COVID is a devastating, long-term, debilitating illness which disproportionately affects healthcare workers, due to the nature of their work. There is currently limited evidence specific to healthcare workers about the experience of living with Long COVID, or its prevalence, pattern of recovery or impact on healthcare. Objective Our objective was to assess the effects of Long COVID among healthcare workers and its impact on health status, working lives, personal circumstances, and use of health service resources. Methods We conducted a systematic rapid review according to current methodological standards and reported it in adherence to the PRISMA 2020 and ENTREQ statements. Results We searched relevant electronic databases and identified 3770 articles of which two studies providing qualitative evidence and 28 survey studies providing quantitative evidence were eligible. Thematic analysis of the two qualitative studies identified five themes: uncertainty about symptoms, difficulty accessing services, importance of being listened to and supported, patient versus professional identity and suggestions to improve communication and services for people with Long COVID. Common long-term symptoms in the survey studies included fatigue, headache, loss of taste and/or smell, breathlessness, dyspnoea, difficulty concentrating, depression and anxiety. Conclusion Healthcare workers struggled with their dual identity (patient/doctor) and felt dismissed or not taken seriously by their doctors. Our findings are in line with those in the literature showing that there are barriers to healthcare professionals accessing healthcare and highlighting the challenges of receiving care due to their professional role. A more representative approach in Long COVID research is needed to reflect the diverse nature of healthcare staff and their occupations. This rapid review was conducted using robust methods with the codicil that the pace of research into Long COVID may mean relevant evidence was not identified.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKonstantinos S. Kechagias, Joshua D. Laleye, Jan Drmota, Georgios Geropoulos, Georgios Kyrtsonis, Marina Zafeiri, Konstantinos Katsikas Triantafyllidis, Dimitra Stathi
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by Konstantinos S. Kechagias, Joshua D. Laleye, Jan Drmota, Georgios Geropoulos, Georgios Kyrtsonis, Marina Zafeiri, Konstantinos Katsikas Triantafyllidis, Dimitra Stathi Background The newly developed COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and safe. However, a small portion of vaccine recipients experience a wide range of adverse events. Recently, glomerular disease, including the development of Minimal Change Disease (MCD), has been observed after administration of different COVID-19 vaccines, although causality remains a matter of debate. Aim The aim of this systematic review was to comprehensively examine the available literature and provide an overview of reported cases of MCD following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Results We identified 46 eligible articles which included 94 cases with MCD following COVID-19 vaccination of which one case was reported twice due to a second relapse. Fifty-five participants were males (59.1%, 55/93) and 38 (40.9%, 38/93) were females with a mean age of 45.02 years (SD:20.95). From the included patients 50 (50/94, 53.1%) were described as new-onset and 44 (46.9%, 44/94) as relapse. On average, symptomatology developed 16.68 days (SD: 22.85) after the administration of the vaccine irrespective of the dose. Data about symptoms was reported in 68 cases with the most common being oedema (80.8%, 55/68), followed by weight gain (26.5%, 18/68) and hypertension (16.1%, 11/68). In terms of outcome, more than half of the patients went into remission (61%, 57/94), while 18 recovered or improved post treatment (19.1%, 18/94). Two people relapsed after treatment (2.1%, 2/94) and two cases (2.1%, 2/94) were reported as not recovered. Conclusion MCD is possibly a condition clinicians may see in patients receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Although this adverse event is uncommon, considering the limited published data and the absence of confirmed causality, increased clinical awareness is crucial for the early recognition and optimal management of these patients.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMarina Charquero-Ballester, Jessica Gabriele Walter, Astrid Sletten Rybner, Ida Anthonj Nissen, Kenneth Christian Enevoldsen, Anja Bechmann
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by Marina Charquero-Ballester, Jessica Gabriele Walter, Astrid Sletten Rybner, Ida Anthonj Nissen, Kenneth Christian Enevoldsen, Anja Bechmann During the Covid-19 crisis, citizens turned to Twitter for information seeking, emotional outlet and sense-making of the crisis, creating ad hoc social communities using crisis-specific hashtags. The theory of ambient affiliation posits that the use of hashtags upscales the call to affiliate with the values expressed in the tweet. Given the deep functional tie between values and emotions, hashtag use might further amplify certain emotions. While emotions in crises-hashtagged communities have been previously investigated, the hypothesis of amplification of emotions through hashtag use has not yet been tested. We investigate such effect during the Covid-19 crisis in a scenario of high-trust Nordic societies, focusing on non-hashtagged, crisis hashtagged (e.g., ‘#Covid-19’) and threat hashtagged (e.g., ‘#misinformation’) tweets. To do so we apply XLM-RoBERTa to estimate Anger, Fear, Sadness, Disgust, Joy and Optimism. Our results revealed that crisis-hashtagged (#Covid-19) tweets expressed more negative emotions (Anger, Fear, Disgust and Sadness) and less positive emotions (Optimism and Joy) than non-hashtagged Covid-19 tweets for all countries except Finland. Threat tweets (#misinformation) expressed even more negative emotions (Anger, Fear, Disgust) and less positive emotions (Optimism and Joy) than #Covid-19 tweets, with a particularly large effect for Anger. Our findings provide useful context for previous research on collective emotions during crises, as most Twitter content is not hashtagged, and given the faster spread of emotionally charged content, further support the special focus on specific ad hoc communities for crisis and threat management and monitoring.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMay Oo Lwin, Anita Sheldenkar, Pei Ling Tng
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by May Oo Lwin, Anita Sheldenkar, Pei Ling Tng The prevalence of health myths is increasing with the rise of Internet use. Left unaddressed, online falsehoods can lead to harmful behaviours. In times of crisis, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the circulation of many myths is exacerbated, often to varying degrees among different cultures. Singapore is a multicultural hub in Asia with Western and Asian influences. Although several studies have examined health myths from a Western or Eastern perspective, little research has investigated online health falsehoods in a population that is culturally exposed to both. Furthermore, most studies examined myths cross-sectionally instead of capturing trends in myth prevalence over time, particularly during crisis situations. Given these literature gaps, we investigated popular myths surrounding the recent COVID-19 pandemic within the multicultural setting of Singapore, by examining its general population. We further examined changes in myth beliefs over the two-year period during the pandemic, and population demographic differences in myth beliefs. Using randomised sampling, two online surveys of nationally representative samples of adults (aged 21–70 years) residing in Singapore were conducted, the first between October 2020 and February 2021 (N = 949), and the second between March and April 2022 (N = 1084). Results showed that 12.7% to 57.5% of the population were unable to identify various myths, such as COVID-19 was manmade, and that three of these myths persisted significantly over time (increases ranging from 3.9% to 9.8%). However, belief in myths varied across population demographics, with ethnic minorities (Indians and Malays), females, young adults and those with lower education levels being more susceptible to myths than their counterparts (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that current debunking efforts are insufficient to effectively counter misinformation beliefs during health crises. Instead, a post-COVID-19 landscape will require targeted approaches aimed at vulnerable population sub-groups, that also focus on the erroneous beliefs with long staying power.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMed