Pandemic Era Research Articles

Rotavirus trends and distribution of genotypes before and during COVID-19 pandemic era: Bangladesh, 2017-2021.

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is accountable for an estimated 128 500 deaths among children younger than 5 years worldwide, and the majority occur in low-income countries. Although the clinical trials of rotavirus vaccines in Bangladesh revealed a significant reduction of severe rotavirus disease by around 50%, the vaccines are not yet included in the routine immunization program. The present study was designed to provide data on rotavirus diarrhea with clinical profiles and genotypes before (2017-2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2021). Fecal samples were collected from 2% of the diarrheal patients at icddr,b Dhaka hospital of all ages between January 2017 and December 2021 and were tested for VP6 rotavirus antigen using ELISA. The clinical manifestations such as fever, duration of diarrhea and hospitalization, number of stools, and dehydration and so on were collected from the surveillance database (n = 3127). Of the positive samples, 10% were randomly selected for genotyping using Sanger sequencing method. A total of 12 705 fecal samples were screened for rotavirus A antigen by enzyme immunoassay. Overall, 3369 (27%) were rotavirus antigen-positive, of whom children <2 years had the highest prevalence (88.6%). The risk of rotavirus A infection was 4.2 times higher in winter than in summer. Overall, G3P[8] was the most prominent genotype (45.3%), followed by G1P[8] (32.1%), G9P[8] (6.8%), and G2P[4] (6.1%). The other unusual combinations, such as G1P[4], G1P[6], G2P[6], G3P[4], G3P[6], and G9P[6], were also present. Genetic analysis on Bangladeshi strains revealed that the selection pressure (dN/dS) was estimated as <1. The number of hospital visits showed a 37% drop during the COVID-19 pandemic relative to the years before the pandemic. Conversely, there was a notable increase in the rate of rotavirus positivity during the pandemic (34%, p < 0.00) compared to the period before COVID-19 (23%). Among the various clinical symptoms, only the occurrence of watery stool significantly increased during the pandemic. The G2P[4] strain showed a sudden rise (19%) in 2020, which then declined in 2021. In the same year, G1P[8] was more prevalent than G3P[8] (40% vs. 38%, respectively). The remaining genotypes were negligible and did not exhibit much fluctuation. This study reveals that the rotavirus burden remained high during the COVID-19 prepandemic and pandemic in Bangladesh. Considering the lack of antigenic variations between the circulating and vaccine-targeted strains, integrating the vaccine into the national immunization program could reduce the prevalence of the disease, the number of hospitalizations, and the severity of cases.

Factors correlating to decisions for prescribing pharmacological treatment and referrals in suspected peripheral neuropathy cases in chat consultation-based application

IntroductionSince the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increasing use ofchat-based telemedicine, including for patients with neuropathy complaints. It is imperative to learn how to effectively use telemedicine. This study describes the characteristics of patients with neuropathy complaints in chat-based telemedicine services in Indonesia and their influence on treatment decisions and referrals. MethodsThis is a retrospective cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic era (March 2020 to December 2021) using anonymous secondary data from patient chat databases on Indonesian application-based telemedicine services (Halodoc, Alodokter, Good Doctor, and Milvik). We applied bivariate and multivariate analysis. ResultsWe obtained 1051 patients with suspected peripheral nerve complaints (4 per 10,000) from a total of 2,199,527 user consultations, with the majority being 40–64 years old females and diabetes mellitus was the leading comorbid (90.7%). Most patients received treatment (90.7%) and only 11.4% patients were referred. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment was more likely to be given by a neurologist (p < 0.01). Chronic symptoms (p < 0.01) and previous laboratory/other tests (p = 0.01) decreased the likelihood of medication prescription. Referrals were more likely to be given to chronic onset (p = 0.02), hypertension and heart disease (p < 0.01), and previous laboratory/other tests (p = 0.02). The opposite was true for age≥65 years, female (p = 0.04), and neurologists or other specialists as responders (p < 0.01). ConclusionWe identified several factors that influence the treatment decision such as female patients and onset. Meanwhile, age, sex, chronic symptoms, history of hypertension and heart disease, and previous laboratory/other tests may influence the referral decisions. General practitioners were more likely to refer the patients whereas neurologists or other specialists were more likely to give treatment. Chat-based telemedicine services can still be developed in the future to be better.

Teachers’ Strategies in Supporting School Readiness and Transition to Primary School after Pandemic Era

According to some early childhood education experts, a child is ready for school if they have the specific information and abilities they need to do so. They define readiness in this sense as a state that must be achieved before studying at school. Previous research has linked sustained academic performance across life to preparation for school. In this study, the researchers examined the strategies used by kindergarten teachers to support children's school readiness and transition to elementary school after the pandemic. Specifically, this research aims to find out the learning strategies implemented by kindergarten teachers when children return to school. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) for nineteen kindergarten teachers were used by researchers to collect narrative data, which was then studied using thematic analysis. Based on the results of qualitative data, researchers obtained information about various strategies implemented by teachers and the challenges they faced when accompanying children to learn. It is expected that the results of this research will provide enlightenment for early childhood teachers in general about the various strategies that need to be implemented to motivate children to learn so that they are ready for school and have a successful transition to elementary school. Keywords: early childhood, kindergarten teachers‘ strategy, school readiness, transition to elementary school

Game changer: Cloud‐based classroom interactions powered by Google Sheets

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic forced instruction into remote formats, rendering active learning efforts in business classrooms infeasible. In response, we adopt a novel model for interactive classroom activities by hosting classroom games on Google Sheets, the free and widely used cloud‐based spreadsheet application. First developed for a synchronous Zoom class during the COVID‐19 pandemic, this approach was integrated into face‐to‐face courses in two countries. Due to its instructional flexibility, minimal need for resources, and tendency for student acceptance, using Google Sheets for classroom interaction has far‐reaching educational applications beyond the pandemic era. To illustrate this approach, we introduce three operations and supply chain management activities created on Google Sheets: the Virtual Assembly Line (VAL) activity, the Just‐in‐time Game, and the Dice Game. An in‐depth examination of implementing these activities in the classroom offers practical insights into the benefits of utilizing cloud‐based classroom games in teaching. Furthermore, a comparison of test results between students who played the game and a control group showed significantly improved learning outcomes. We also discuss how this approach could foster active learning adoption in environments traditionally less conducive to such practices, such as remote instruction and large enrollment classes.

Examining the Factors Influencing Teleconsultation Adoption During the Pandemic Using the TAM Model

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand patients' behavior in adopting teleconsultation services during the pandemic which has accelerated technology adoption in various sectors and regions in unnatural ways through experimentation in the wide-spread adoption of telemedicine specifically in teleconsultation. Design/methodology/approach: The study is cross-sectional quantitative research with purposive sampling that was analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) with data gathered from 100 patients who used tele-consultation services during the pandemic. The technology adoption model (TAM) was used to frame the phenomenon as previous study revealed that TAM is most suitable to understand technology adoption in the healthcare industry. Findings: The analysis revealed that trust, ease of use, and privacy are significant latent variables that influence the intention and actual use of the tele-consultation services, while the usefulness of the services insignificantly influences the intention to use. The study revealed that trust is the dominant factor despite the emergency and experimentation state of patients to get healthcare services during the pandemic. Self-preservation, and the patients accumulated experience they had with the healthcare services provider are the determinants of this behavior based on theory and confirmative interview. Research limitations/implications: The implication of this research opens interdisciplinary future research and practical action on the relationship between healthcare provider, patient experience, self-preservation, and technology adoption during the emergency and pandemic era. Research Limitation: Early system usage and adopter focused, limited system quality and reliability, and generalization are the limitation of this research. Originality/value: The study provides insight into factors that influence the adoption and usage of tele-consultation experimentation health services during a pandemic.

Trends in Preoperative Outcome Measures From 2013 to 2021 in Patients Undergoing Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

The prevalence of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) continues to increase exponentially. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to define clinical and quality-of-life improvement and for reimbursement. Temporal trends of preoperative PROMs and specifically how COVID-19 has affected these PROMs is lacking. This study evaluated preoperative PROMs over time, whether medical factors affected preoperative PROMs, and what correlations the COVID-19 pandemic had with these trends in PROMs. A total of 3,014 patients who underwent primary total hip total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty from 2013 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed for covariates and preoperative PROMs. Commonly reported preoperative PROMs were evaluated in univariate and multivariate models. Preoperative activity level steadily increased from 2015 to 2021 for THAs and steadily increased from 2015 to 2019 for TKAs, followed by a decrease in 2020. Preoperative KOOS JR scores increased from 2016 to 2019 and then decreased in 2020 and 2021. Preoperative knee pain with level walking and climbing stairs steadily increased from 2013 to 2019, with additional increases in 2020. The COVID-19 era was significantly associated with higher activity levels for THAs, higher levels of pain with level walking, and lower KOOS JR scores. Preoperative PROM scores demonstrated correlations with postoperative PROM scores, which differed from that during the COVID era (rho range 0.105 to 0.391) at a mean of 2.0 years postoperatively. Surgical delays because of COVID-19 were associated with increased preoperative disability as evidenced by lower activity levels. Aside from this pandemic era, patient activity levels increased over time, indicating that modern TJA patients are more active preoperatively and likely to demand higher levels of function after surgery. Additional studies should evaluate the clinical effect of these statistically significant findings. Providers should consider the trends in preoperative PROMs over time when counseling patients on expectations after TJA.

Hubungan Pengetahuan dan Sikap Ibu Hamil Tentang Antenatal Care dengan Kunjungan K4 Pada Masa Pandemi COVID-19 Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Seririt I

Background: Antenatal Care (ANC) is the most important component of maternal health services to reduce maternal and child mortality. K4 visits of pregnant women are one of the indicators to find out the number of pregnant women who have received antenatal services according to the minimum standards available. In 2020, the coverage of K4 visits at the Seririt I Health Center was recorded to be below the average coverage in the Regency. Purpose: This study aims to find out the relationship of knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women about Antenatal Care with K4 Visits during the Covid 19 pandemic. Method: This study used a type of correlational quantitative analytical research with a crossesctional approach to 118 respondents who were purposively tucked according to inclusion criteria. The analysis was conducted using the Chi Square Test. Results: the results of this study showed that there is a relationship of knowledge about antenatal care with K4 visits with a p value of 0.001 and there is a relationship between pregnant women's attitudes about antenatal care and K4 visits with p value 0.001. Conclusion: the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women is very related to the level of k4 visits in pregnant women in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic, the better the knowledge of pregnant women about antenatal care, the attitude of pregnant women to visit will be more positive so that the target of K4 visits from the government can be achieved.

Features of the Course of Arterial Hypertension in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Common Pathogenetic Links Between Hypertension and SARS-CoV-2

The aim of this review was to present the mechanism of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its possible effect on the course of arterial hypertension. Another aim was to evaluate the relationship of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system with the pathogenetic stages of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The Culture of Resource Production and the Production of Cultural Resources: A Preliminary Conceptual Reflection on Cultural Resource Management Pandemic Era

The Culture of Resource Production and the Production of Cultural Resources: A Preliminary Conceptual Reflection on Cultural Resource Management Pandemic Era

Successful Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD During COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Case Report

Successful Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD During COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Case Report

Hotel Selection Attributes and Booking Intention: Challenges of Hotel Industry in the Post COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the influence of hotel selection attributes, CHSE (clean, health, safety, and environment) practice, and brand credibility on hotel booking intention. Additionally, this study investigates the role of CHSE practices, together with brand credibility, as moderating factors in the relationship between hotel selection attributes and hotel booking intention among travelers. Design/methodology/approach: With an incidental sampling technique, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, data were collected from 157 travellers over 20 years old who had stayed in a CHSE-certified hotel in Bali, Indonesia. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was utilized to assess the relationship model. Findings: This study reveals that hotel selection attributes, CHSE practice, and brand credibility positively influence on hotel booking intention. CHSE practice weakens the positive influence of hotel selection attributes on booking intention. While brand credibility reinforces the said influence. In the framework of signaling theory, CHSE practice can be seen as an internal signal that can influence hotel booking intention. While brand credibility is an external signal. Research limitations/implications: This finding cannot be generalized to other contexts and countries. Another limitation is that respondents filled out the questionnaire when they were not on the spot of the hotel due to potential disturbing leisure and location permit constraints. Future studies could pay attention to collecting data while the respondent is still at the hotel to obtain more updated questionnaire responses. The outcome of this study has practical implications for hotel management in designing strategic plans to improve hotel booking intentions. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature on the moderating variable in the positive influence of travellers' hotel selection attributes on booking intention, which has never been explored before. In actuality, the post-COVID-19 pandemic will never be identical to the pandemic period, especially in terms of how travellers make considerations when booking hotels.

Korelasi Pengetahuan Tentang Covid-19 Dengan Self-Management Pasien Penyakit Kardiovaskular

&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Background&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: Self-management was essential part of health care in maintenance health status of patients with cardiovascular disease actually in the pandemic era. As the vulnerable population in the COVID-19 pandemic, they need an adequate knowledge of COVID-19 to prevent the infection. Knowledge of COVID-19 in line with the implementation of self-management in maintenance their health status.This study aimed to examine the correlation of knowledge of COVID-19 and self-management in patients with cardiovascular disease as vulnerable population in the pandemic era. &lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This was cross-sectional study of 374 of patients with cardiovascular disease from Cardiovascular Centre in West Sumatera. We collected the knowledge of COVID-19 and self management using the Covid Related Cardiovascular Knowledge Questionnaire and the Cardiovascular Self Management related COVID-19 Questionnaire. Data were analysis with Spearman’s Rank Correlation. &lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The results showed that mean of knowledge of COVID-19 in patients with cardiovascular disease was 41,28 (SD=3,524) and mean of total self-management in cardiovascular patients was 77.7 (SD = 9.96). The further analyses showed that there was a significant correlation between knowledge of COVID-19 and self-management in cardiovascular patients (r = 0,215; p &amp;lt; 0,001). &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The degree of knowledge of COVID-19 was related to self-management in patients with cardiovascular disease. Patients with higher knowledge of COVID-19 have better implementation of self management in continuation care. Adequate education programme of COVID-19 infection and prevention was essential in patients with cardiovascular disease as vulnerable population to maintain their health status&lt;/em&gt;

The use of Virtual Private Network in the Context of “Bring Your Own Device” in the Post Covid-19 Remote Workplace

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for remote work provides an added layer of security by encrypting the internet connection. It helps protect sensitive data and prevents unauthorized access. With a VPN, employees can securely access company resources and files from anywhere in the world. This allows for greater flexibility in work arrangements and enables employees to collaborate seamlessly. Implementing a VPN as a remote workplace solution can lead to cost savings for businesses. It eliminates the need for physical office space and reduces expenses associated with commuting and travel. While VPNs offer numerous benefits for remote work, it is crucial for organizations to implement proper security measures and educate employees on best practices to realize this technology's full potential. This article explores the change in the use of VPNs during and after the Covid-19 pandemic era. A short literature review precedes the opinion of the information security community about the usage and role of VPNs in efficiently securing information and information systems.

Physical Education Teachers’ Strategies and Challenges in Instructional Delivery in the Post Pandemic Era

The study explores the physical education teachers’ strategies and challenges in instructional delivery in the post-pandemic era. The study used qualitative research design using phenomenological approaches. Ten physical education teachers participated in the survey to share their experiences delivering instructions in the post-pandemic era. Codes and themes were transcribed in the study. Based on the study, the following themes have emerged: technology-based instructions, differentiated teaching strategies, socio-emotional preparedness, and engagement of students. Based on the findings, as part of the change, teachers are expected to develop their instructional practices further and keep up with the trend of delivering quality education services. As teachers improve and enhance their practices in providing instructions, they experience challenges that serve as an avenue of learning and upskilling their strategies as well as their mechanisms of teaching in the post-pandemic era. Thus, integrating technology and upskilling the knowledge and skills in instructional delivery must be prioritized in the ever-changing educational landscape.

The pattern of neurological disorders requiring hospitalization during the COVID-19 era: an experience from Fayoum University Hospital, Egypt

BackgroundCoronavirus was primarily discovered in December 2019, causing pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome. It was reported several neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19. Both the central and peripheral nervous systems could be affected which might result in a higher mortality rate in hospitalized patients. This study aimed to determine the spectrum of neurological clinical presentations among patients admitted to Fayoum University Hospital before, during, and after the COVID-19 era and to examine the influence of COVID-19 vaccines mandated by the Egyptian government on neurological disorders.MethodsThis is a historical cohort study that was conducted on patients admitted to the Neurology Department at Fayoum University Hospital before, during, and after COVID-19 outbreaks from January 1st, 2018, to July 31, 2022. All participants had undergone thorough history taking and neurological examination and the necessary investigations according to the suspected diagnosis. All hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were positive for the virus, as determined by either a positive rapid antigen test or a positive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).ResultsIt was shown that the patients hospitalized during the COVID-19 era were notably older, smokers, and diabetic in comparison to other groups. Cerebrovascular disorders were more prevalent in the COVID-19 pandemic. Surprisingly, compared to prior times, individuals with autoimmune-mediated neurological diseases had higher hospitalization rates than those with other neurological disorders. Patients who were not vaccinated reported more vascular complications than those who got them. However, patients who received vaccination exhibited significantly higher neurological complications as regards, exacerbation of paroxysmal disorders.ConclusionIt was concluded that the frequency of hospitalizations with cerebrovascular disorders and autoimmune-mediated illnesses was significantly influenced during the pandemic era. Although COVID-19 vaccinations have potential adverse effects, they have played a crucial role in preventing serious neurological problems.

Investors’ Psych and Stock Return in Nigeria during the Covid-19 Pandemic Era

Investors’ attitudes were severely altered by the Covid-19 crisis, which had an intolerable effect on volatile returns in Nigerian stock market and other stock markets worldwide. Psychological trauma was experienced by stock investors due to the inability to foresee returns following the worldwide shock of Covid-19 and the subsequent drop in stock investments brought on by the unpredictability of macroeconomic behavior. This study analyzed the link effect of investor psyche on stock returns in Nigeria between March 2019 and December 2022. For this research, Sentiment Index (SMI) model was employed for the connection between investors psyche and returns on the Nigerian stock market. It was found that, investors psyche during Covid-19 pandemic negatively affected stock returns, resulting from negative concerns about their survival and financial security than the stock market, thus triggered sharp decline in stock investment. Thus, study concluded that Covid-19 outbreak impacted stock returns negatively. The research recommends that the Nigerian stock exchange commission should increase disclosure of market information, which is related to the magnitude and potentials of stock returns and degree of volatility at all times. The concerned volatility and potentials during the Covid-19 era were also influential to enhance investors’ confidence.

Dynamics of Indonesian stock market interconnection: Insights from selected ASEAN countries and global players during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

This study investigates the evolving dynamics of the Indonesian stock market in relation to selected ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines) and global economic players (the US, Japan, and China) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing weekly data for the pandemic era (January 2020 – December 2021) and the post-pandemic period (January 2022 – December 2023), the ARDL technique reveals intricate relationships among these capital markets. Long-term analyses indicate that Singapore and the Philippines positively influenced Indonesia’s market during the pandemic. At the same time, China had a negative impact, highlighting heightened sensitivity and interconnectedness during crises. Since the pandemic, Malaysia, Singapore, the US, China, and Japan emerged as key positive influencers, with other countries showing insignificance. In the short term, during the pandemic, Malaysia, Thailand, and China had a significant positive impact on Indonesia’s capital market. However, only Malaysia continued to exert a significant influence on Indonesia after the pandemic. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamic interactions shaping Indonesia’s stock market performance amidst global economic fluctuations and crises.

Managing an epidemic within a pandemic: orthopedic opioid prescribing trends during COVID-19.

In response to the opioid epidemic, a multitude of policy and clinical-guideline based interventions were launched to combat physician overprescribing. However, the sudden rise of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted all aspects of healthcare delivery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how opioid prescribing patterns changed during the Covid-19 pandemic within a large multispecialty orthopedic practice. A retrospective review of 1,048,559 patient encounters from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2022 at a single orthopedic practice was performed. Primary outcomes were the percent of encounters with opioids prescribed and total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) per opioid prescription. Differences in outcomes were assessed by calendar year. Encounters were then divided into two groups: pre-Covid (1/1/2019-2/29/2020) and Covid (3/1/2020-12/31/2022). Univariate analyses were used to evaluate differences in diagnoses and outcomes between periods. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess changes in outcomes during Covid after controlling for differences in diagnoses. Statistical significance was assessed at p < 0.05. The percentage of encounters with opioids prescribed decreased from a high of 4.0% in 2015 to a low of 1.6% in 2021 and 2022 (p < 0.001). MMEs per prescription decreased from 283.6 ± 213.2 in 2015 to a low of 138.6 ± 100.4 in 2019 (p < 0.001). After adjusting for diagnoses, no significant differences in either opioid prescribing rates (post-COVID OR = 0.997, p = 0.893) or MMEs (post-COVID β = 2.726, p = 0.206) were observed between the pre- and post-COVID periods. During the Covid-19 pandemic opioid prescribing levels remained below historical averages. While continued efforts are needed to minimize opioid overprescribing, it appears that the significant progress made toward this goal was not lost during the pandemic era.

Designing User Interface Of Travel Mobile Application Based On Artificial Intelligence

Indonesia is a country with many potential places that can be used as tourist destinations. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) states that as of 2021 Indonesia has a total of 2,552 destinations in the tourism industry. The development of the tourism industry in Indonesia was hampered by the pandemic that had hit the country for approximately 2 years, which caused a narrow space for tourists to move. On the other hand, the use of digital technology has increased during the pandemic era. Artificial intelligence is one of the technologies that also developed during the pandemic. This technology allows for a program to think like a human and help facilitate daily activities and work. This design has the aim of creating an application display design that can implement artificial intelligence in a mobile application for the needs of the tourism industry. The method used in this design is the Design Thinking method popularized by Kelley and Brown from IDEO, consisting of the Emphatize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Testing stages. The result of this design is a design of a mobile application interface for the tourism industry, with the implementation of artificial intelligence and various features, and contains information about various tourist destinations, as well as designing its trials easily by users.

Stewards or Manipulators? Knowledge Brokers’ Complex Positionality in Combating the COVID-19 Infodemic in Malawi

ABSTRACT In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of misinformation has become a significant challenge, undermining public health efforts and causing confusion among the general population. Amidst this infodemic, knowledge brokers have emerged as crucial figures in combating the proliferation of false and misleading information. These individuals serve as vital intermediaries, bridging the gap between the scientific community and the broader society, ensuring that accurate and reliable information reaches the public. The paper explored 72 knowledge brokers’ experiences and challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine science communication through the qualitative descriptive exploratory method, in Malawi. The findings revealed ineffective government engagement with communities, which side-lined knowledge brokers, enabled vaccine doubts; religious and political figures’ worldviews shaped COVID-19 narratives; and digital illiteracy overwhelmed brokers. These deficiencies left brokers vulnerable to myths about the pandemic and vaccines, which they propagated. Key challenges arose for knowledge brokers trying to navigate conflicting information needs. For instance, political interference and digital noise obstructed brokers from analysing issues fairly to serve their communities. Still, knowledge brokers became vital as local fact-checkers. Their unique position bridging online/offline spheres was core to brokers’ positionality, blending interpersonal credibility with virtual content interpretation. This paper proposes guidelines for community-rooted communication intermediaries to strengthen crisis resilience by diagnosing systemic constraints, mitigation strategies, and ethical imperatives. It reveals potential amidst pitfalls for contextual knowledge brokers promoting sound interpretations of science. Ultimately, substantive broker training and mentoring are essential to optimize roles while avoiding the spread of inadvertent misinformation.