Personal Preventive Measures Research Articles

High Risk Areas of Covid-19 Pandemic in UK: An Epidemiological and Spatiotemporal Analysis

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 the humanity has faced great global health crisis. Covid-19 have affected all countries of the world, causing thousands of deaths and economic hardships. In United Kingdom as well as other regions of the world, the virus is infectious to people of all aspects of life, social, political, economic as well as moral. The objectives of this study was to ) to understand the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 pandemic in UK; 2) to understand the spatiotemporal characteristics of COVID-19 pandemic in UK, and 3) to map out the high risk areas/regions of COVID-19 pandemic in UK. To achieve these objectives, a quantitative study was conducted using secondary data collected from various sources. The data collected included Covid-19 statistics of tests, confirmed cases, and deaths in UK. The data analysis techniques applied comparative analysis, descriptive statistics and spatial autocorrelation using Moran’s I index (Local Indicators of Spatial Association). The findings of the study indicated that that England has the highest rates of confirmed Covid-19 case, deaths and conducted tests while Northern Ireland has the lowest rates of confirmed Covid-19 case, deaths and conducted tests. There were no correlation or relationship between the regions under study, in terms of Covid-19 reported cases, tests or deaths. For both year 2020 and 2021, the Covid-19 confirmed cases, tests and deaths among the four neighboring regions were significantly different from each other. The research recommends that each nation should bear its responsibility of adopting and implementing measures geared towards addressing and controlling the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. As well, individuals should take personal preventive measures to avoid being infected with Covid-19 virus, especially in the high risky areas.

Contrasting Perceptions, Knowledge, and Actions around Lyme Disease in an Urban Area of Emerging Lyme Disease and an Area of Endemic Lyme Disease in the Northeastern United States.

Lyme disease transmission dynamics in the northeastern United States vary by context. Periurban regions, including Block Island, RI, have experienced decades of endemic transmission. In urban areas, including Staten Island, a borough in New York City, NY, Lyme disease is an emerging issue. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices around Lyme disease evolve as an area progresses from emergent to endemic. We conducted focus group discussions and household surveys within Staten Island, NY and Block Island, RI to compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices surrounding Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Qualitative data were coded into themes, and survey data were used to provide more general context of the focus group discussions. Using item response theory, we developed an index of knowledge from relevant factors within the household survey. We identified a significant difference in knowledge scores between the two study areas. Additionally, we identified key differences across multiple domains. Participants from Block Island were more likely to report prior tick exposure and Lyme disease in themselves or household members and were more likely to express concerns about the environmental impact of mitigation strategies. Individuals on Staten Island were more likely to assign responsibility of prevention and control to local, state, and federal government than to take personal prevention measures. Prevention of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases must be tailored to the community context and monitored over time as perceptions and priorities may evolve as transmission dynamics transition from emergent to endemic.

Fire Safety Disparities in Sweden: Sociodemographic Influences and the Impact of Societal Protection on Personal Fire Prevention Measures

AbstractPrevious research has identified sociodemographic inequalities in fire prevention measures. This study examined whether sociodemographic differences persist in the Swedish population concerning fire prevention measures and particularly whether there remains an inverted u-curve related to age in protection habits. Additionally, it investigated whether fire protection practices are influenced by the level of societal protection. The research utilised survey data and register data from The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and Statistics Sweden. A latent class analysis was conducted, dividing respondents into four latent classes, followed by two binomial regression analyses. The study revealed three key findings regarding fire protection measures. First, certain demographic groups, namely the young, women, single and childfree households, low-income and low-education individuals, immigrants, and urban residents, are disproportionately lacking optimal fire safety measures. Second, although a safety maturity curve is still observed, older adults in Sweden today are considerably more protected compared to 15–20 years ago, indicating that safety practices employed during middle age continue into old age. Third, a trend is observed where individuals living in areas with more efficient professional rescue services tend to have lower levels of personal fire protection, suggesting a rational choice based on the perceived level of societal protection.

Willingness and capacity of publicly-funded vector control programs in the USA to engage in tick management

BackgroundThe vast majority of vector-borne diseases in the USA are associated with mosquitoes or ticks. Mosquito control is often conducted as part of community programs run by publicly-funded entities. By contrast, tick control focuses primarily on individual residential properties and is implemented predominantly by homeowners and the private pest control firms they contract. We surveyed publicly-funded vector control programs (VCPs), presumed to focus mainly on mosquitoes, to determine what tick-related services they currently offer, and their interest in and capacity to expand existing services or provide new ones.MethodsWe distributed a survey to VCPs in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Pacific Coast states of the USA, where humans are at risk for bites by tick vectors (Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus) of agents causing Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The data we report are based on responses from 118 VCPs engaged in vector control and with at least some activities focused on ticks.ResultsDespite our survey targeting geographic regions where ticks and tick-borne diseases are persistent and increasing public health concerns, only 11% (12/114) of VCPs reported they took direct action to suppress ticks questing in the environment. The most common tick-related activities conducted by the VCPs were tick bite prevention education for the public (70%; 75/107 VCPs) and tick surveillance (48%; 56/116). When asked which services they would most likely include as part of a comprehensive tick management program, tick bite prevention education (90%; 96/107), tick surveillance (89%; 95/107) and tick suppression guidance for the public (74%; 79/107) were the most common services selected. Most VCPs were also willing to consider engaging in activities to suppress ticks on public lands (68%; 73/107), but few were willing to consider suppressing ticks on privately owned land such as residential properties (15%; 16/107). Across all potential tick-related services, funding was reported as the biggest obstacle to program expansion or development, followed by personnel.ConclusionsConsidering the hesitancy of VCPs to provide tick suppression services on private properties and the high risk for tick bites in peridomestic settings, suppression of ticks on residential properties by private pest control operators will likely play an important role in the tick suppression landscape in the USA for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, VCPs can assist in this effort by providing locally relevant guidelines to homeowners and private pest control firms regarding best practices for residential tick suppression efforts and associated efficacy evaluations. Publicly-funded VCPs are also well positioned to educate the public on personal tick bite prevention measures and to collect tick surveillance data that provide information on the risk of human encounters with ticks within their jurisdictions.Graphical

Psychological Responses of Chinese Medical Students to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Empirical Research Qualitative.

This study aims to explore the psychological reactions of medical students during the pandemic. A qualitative study. A purposive sampling technique was employed, and a qualitative approach was adopted. Semi-structured questionnaires were utilized, and online interviews were conducted. Forty medical students were selected as participants for the interviews. The interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method. The study identified five themes related to the psychological reactions of medical students during the pandemic. Firstly, COVID-19's influence on medical careers was characterized by increased interest and determination in pursuing medical professions, heightened admiration for frontline workers, reinforced commitment to a medical career due to the pandemic, and recognition of the significance of medical education. Secondly, challenges and concerns in medical career pursuit were identified, including negative sentiments towards medical careers during COVID-19 and hesitations and concerns about entering the medical field amidst the pandemic. Thirdly, the impact on mental well-being encompassed diverse anxieties expressed by participants regarding control, transmission, treatment, and intentional spreading of the virus. Participants experienced an emotional progression from calmness to fear and anxiety, with heightened anxiety when relatives or acquaintances contracted COVID-19. Academic delays also contributed to anxiety among medical students. Fourthly, changes in behaviors and mindset were observed, including altered behaviors and mindset in response to the pandemic, as well as increased attention to personal hygiene and disease prevention measures. Lastly, expectations of medical students from government, public, and parents were explored. Understanding the psychological reactions of medical students during public health emergencies is crucial for their well-being and professional development. The findings have implications for medical education and the development of strategies to enhance the psychological well-being of medical students during similar crises.

Preferences of Medical Technology Students on COVID-19 Personal Preventive Behaviors and University Safety Protocols: A Conjoint Analysis

The increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines has created an alarming issue in high-density public places, such as schools and universities. Personal preventive behaviors that the students exercise play a big part in whether such behaviors prevent or only predispose them even more to contracting the virus. Several factors may influence the personal preventive behaviors of an individual. These include attitude, awareness, personal beliefs, and culture concerning the disease. Through outlining these several factors, the researchers aim to identify the main attributes that determine students’ preferred COVID-19 personal preventive behavior and implemented precautionary measures. The researchers used a two-part survey: socioeconomic and demographic followed by an orthogonal plan. The safety protocols implemented by the university were found to be the most important factor, followed by knowledge about the disease, communication channels, attitude, and social construct of the family. Thus, this follows that based on the attribute’s importance value, the students prefer safety protocols that are most implemented by the university while social construct of the family is the least preferred. These findings suggest that the safety protocols implemented by the university are the most important factor, hence, policy implementation and strengthening should be observed by the university. Keywords: COVID-19, preventive behavior, knowledge, perception, attitude

Intention and practice on personal preventive measures against COVID-19 among older adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: an epidemiological study using the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

Older adults aged 65 years and above are among the most vulnerable to adverse outcomes and death following a COVID-19 infection. The weekly epidemiological updates by the World Health Organisation show that the continued emergence of concerning subtypes of the virus indicates that the pandemic remains a public health concern and the public should continue to comply with personal preventive measures (PPMs). This study applies the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) which is rooted in the field of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Preventive Medicine to Saudi older adults to predict their health behaviour. This behavioural epidemiological study recruited older adult participants aged 65 years of age and above. A tool which consisted of sociodemographic and health-related questions, as well as questions regarding the components of the TPB, namely, Attitude, Subjective Norm, Perceived Behavioural Control was used. Bivariate analyses, followed by unadjusted and adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to derive odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The total number of participants was 502. The mean age was 70.34 years, with similar distributions between males and females. In total, 52.2% intended to practice PPMs, whereas only 48% had a good practice. Also, 56% had a favourable Attitude towards PPMs, 61.4% had a positive Subjective Norm and 39.8% had perceived they had a high control over their behaviour. Females, and high educational status were predictors for high intention to practice PPMs (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.01-2.52 and OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.44-5.16 respectively). Further predictors included Attitudes, Subjective Norm and Perceived Behavioural Control. Results also show that intention to practice was significantly associated with a lower odd of practicing PPMs (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.04-0.10). Current findings highlight the need to continue with public health efforts targeting vulnerable older adults. Also, the fact that intention negatively predicted practice highlights the need for further behavioural epidemiological studies addressing the intention-behaviour gap.

Tick bite risk factors and prevention measures in an area with emerging Powassan virus disease.

In the United States (U.S.), Powassan virus is primarily transmitted to humans by the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Rarely, infections can present as severe neuroinvasive disease. In 2019, four neuroinvasive disease cases were reported in Sussex County, New Jersey, U.S. We administered a survey to county residents to better understand tick bite risk factors and the performance of personal prevention measures. A survey was administered in October 2019 to adult residents of randomly selected households. Questions focused on tick bite prevention and risk factors. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for various outcomes. Of 274 participants, 25% were previously diagnosed with a tick-borne disease, and 42% reported finding an attached tick in 2019. Yardwork and gardening (OR = 7.38) and spending >50 hours outdoors per week (OR = 8.15) were associated with finding an attached tick. Finding an attached tick was inversely associated with the number of prevention measures used, indicating that a layered approach could reduce the risk of tick bites. Those who performed post-outdoor activity prevention measures (e.g., tick checks) were less likely to have a tick attached compared to finding a crawling tick. Compliance with prevention recommendations was low, despite a high prevalence of reported tick bites and significant outdoor exposures. Older adults and persons who spend significant time outdoors or engage in yardwork or gardening were at the highest risk of tick bites. Additional research is needed to further understand the barriers to tick bite prevention.

SARS-CoV-2 genome incidence on the inanimate surface of the material used in the flow of biological samples from the collection point to the testing unit.

Despite the undeniable effect of vaccination against COVID-19 in reducing disease severity, there is still a need to monitor and limit SARS-CoV-2 circulation and transmission. Thus, this study evaluated the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome on the surfaces of highly touched objects manipulated in the biological sample collection point and at the reception unit of the diagnostic laboratory. Surfaces were sampled once a week, for 6weeks, between September 18th and October 23rd, 2020. RT-qPCR was used for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The coolers for biological sample transportation and the envelope containing the patient form were the objects with the highest occurrence of viral genome detection, although it was detected in each object in only two of the 6 evaluations. And the SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected just once on the vehicle steering wheel, computer keyboard, bathroom door handle and disinfection bench. The virus genome was not detected in any object on three of the six evaluations. And eight was the largest number of surfaces contaminated by the virus genome on one occasion. The reduced incidence of object contamination by the SARS-CoV-2 genome can be explained by the exposure of the objects to environmental conditions and the adoption of virus-spread containment measures. It can also reflect the low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 during the study's development period. Despite the low frequency of SARS-CoV-2 genome detection, our findings show that the virus was present in the environment at some point. This highlights the importance of adopting personal preventive measures to reduce respiratory virus spread, especially during epidemics and outbreaks.

Differential practice and associated factors of COVID-19 personal preventive measures among the slum and estate communities of Uganda: A community-based cross-sectional survey.

Compliance with personal preventive measures (PPMs) remains essential in the prevention and control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and future infectious disease outbreaks. This study aimed at examining and comparing the practice of COVID-19 PPMs and associated factors in selected slum and estate communities of Uganda. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 1025 slum and estate residents in Uganda. The outcome variable was compliance with COVID-19 PPMs, including face mask use, hand washing/hygiene, and social distancing. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the associated factors, using SPSS (version 26). Of the 1025 participants, 511 and 514 were slum and estate residents, respectively. Compliance with PPMs was as follows; face mask use (slum 45.0% vs. estate 49.6%; P = 0.27), hand washing/hygiene (slum 38.4% vs. estate 44.9%; P = 0.04), and social distancing (slum 19.4% vs. estate 36.0%; P < 0.001). Compared to estate residents, slum residents had more knowledge related to COVID-19, perceived COVID-19 would have a longer timeline and larger impact on their life, had more depression and anxiety symptoms, and faced more difficulties to access information. Illness perceptions, infection risk, and severity perceptions were associated with higher odds of PPMs compliance in both groups, except for perceiving a high chance of contracting COVID-19, which was associated with lower odds of social distancing in the slum community. Depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with higher odds of PPMs compliance in both groups. Frequent exposure to COVID-19 information through health care workers and family members and friends was associated with higher odds of all the PPMs in both communities. Moreover, getting COVID-19 information from local channels was significantly associated with higher odds of mask use and hand hygiene, but only in the estate community. Our findings provided implications to improve PPMs compliance in future infectious disease outbreaks. To improve PPMs compliance rates, redesigning community education to focus on fostering positive perceptions and addressing the water and sanitation needs of slum communities are essential. Moreover, designing programs that provide free or subsidised face masks and soap to the most vulnerable and engaging religious leaders are also vital strategies.

Empowerment of Premenopausal women regarding knowledge on Cardiac Health in selected Self Help Women Groups Mangalore

Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women. Although 450000 women die annually from it, this fact is unknown to many women. Because heart disease is frequently preventable, increasing awareness of personal risk and preventative measures is a key element of healthcare for women. Nurse clinicians can evaluate, educate, and counsel women regarding their risk for this pervasive disease and promote behaviour changes that will decrease that risk. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of empowerment programme on cardiac health among the premenopausal women’s and to find out an association between pre-test knowledge scores with selected demographic variables among premenopausal women. The research design used in the study was pre–experimental one group pre-test post-test and non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to draw sample. The data was collected from 100 premenopausal women using the structured knowledge questionnaire. Empowerment programme was conducted and post-test was administered after 7days using the same structured knowledge questionnaire to find out the effectiveness of empowerment programme. The results revealed that the overall mean percentage knowledge score in the pre-test and post-test were 35.70% and 61.22% respectively. Enhancement mean percentage knowledge score was found to be 25.52%. The statistical paired ‘t’ test (t= 47.74) indicates that enhancement in the mean percentage knowledge score was found to be significant at 0.05 level for all the aspects under study. The association found to be significant between pre-test knowledge scores &amp; selected socio demographic variables such as age, educational status, occupation, history of diabetes mellitus and information about cardiac disease at 0.05 levels (P&lt; 0.05). There is no significant association between pre-test knowledge score and demographical variable such as religion, income, marital status and family history of cardiac disease.

Ebola Virus Disease Sensitization: Community-Driven Efforts in Sierra Leone.

The 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak was the largest in history, resulting in approximately 11,000 deaths. Despite the outbreak's eventual end, national and international health sensitization and containment efforts were subject to criticism. This study investigates disease-related knowledge and beliefs, as well as trusted sources of health information among EVD-survivors and their family members, highlighting the importance of community-informed public health responses. Participants (n = 134) were adults who were either EVD-infected, affected families/caregivers, or community leaders. In-depth interviews and focus groups explored EVD-related experiences, including health effects, stigma, and community relationships. Using a grounded theory and thematic content analysis approach, transcripts were coded for evidence of health sensitization, as well as compliance with mitigation measures and trusted sources of information. Participants displayed a high level of knowledge around EVD and reported compliance with mandated and personal prevention measures. Levels of health sensitization and subsequent reintegration of survivors were reported to be largely the products of community-based efforts, rather than the top-down, national public health response. Primary sources of trusted information included EVD survivors acting as peer educators; local leaders; and EVD sensitization by community health workers. This study highlights the importance of a community-based response for increasing the effectiveness of public health campaigns. Participants expressed that relying on the experiences of trusted cultural insiders led to a deeper understanding of Ebola compared to top-down public health campaigns, and helped infected and affected community members reintegrate. Future public health efforts should incorporate community-based participatory approaches to address infectious disease outbreaks.

Preventive Measures and Hygiene Habits of Apple Producers in the Prespa Region.

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries, both for the employees in that sector and for their families and the environment. The use of personal protective preventive measures and the maintenance of good hygienic practices are the basis for healthy production and healthy workers. The safety and hygiene of food products should be present during all stages of production. The study aimed to assess the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by apple growers during agricultural procedures as well as the hygiene habits of agricultural workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted including 101 farmers from the Prespa region in the Republic of North Macedonia by using a questionnaire with 34 questions. The questions were formulated in order to give us an insight into the protective preventive measures undertaken at work by apple producers and their hygiene. The study included 101 apple growers from the Prespa region. Wearing a completely tidy special PPE when using pesticides was registered in 78.2% of farmers, and when lawn mowing in 42.5%. 16% of the surveyed farmers during agricultural activities did not always wash their hands after going to the toilet, and almost 30% of them did not use soap when washing their hands. There is inadequate hygiene practice/personal hygiene during agricultural activities. In addition, the proper use of PPE is not at a satisfactory level and poses a risk to the health of apple growers.

Investigation of Personal Dosimeter Loss Case and Measures to Prevent Loss

Purpose: It is intended to improve the management efficiency of personal dosimeters by analyzing and sharing personal dosimeter loss cases and loss prevention measures. Materials and Methods: From 2017 to 2021, data on the number of lost personal dosimeters were collected at large hospitals, and the number of personal dosimeters issued and lost were investigated. Results: In order to prevent loss by institution, methods such as the use of auxiliary rings, contact stickers and dosimeter necklaces were implemented. Conclusion: Hospitals are a business that frequently changes clothes, such as surgical gowns and work clothes, so there is a lot of loss. In addition, it was confirmed that the loss rate increases as the number of personal dosimeters issued increases.

Nexus of pesticide exposure, personal preventive measures and farm workers’ health safety in cotton production

The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence and possible predictors of health hazards and their effects on health cost of pesticide applicators and non-applicators. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 580 farm households using multistage sampling technique. The pesticide applicators and non-applicators involved in cotton production were interviewers by the survey team. The prevalence of occupational hazards was higher among the pesticide applicators than non-applicators. Logit regression analysis revealed that the more educated, well trained workers were relatively less vulnerable. Similarly, personal protective measures such as wearing boots and protective handkerchief, and taking bath after pesticide application reduced probability of health risk. Prolonged exposure to pesticide, distance from hospital, and smoking habits were risk factors for development of occupational hazards among the pesticide applicators and non-applicators. The total mean score of health cost resulting from occupational hazards was significantly lower in pesticide non-applicators than pesticide applicators. Workers involved in pesticide application are at higher risk for developing occupational hazards that adversely affects general health and quality of life. The study urges policymakers to formulate programs for proper training of farm workers, encouraging the use of personal preventive measures and the provision of health facilities to farm workers. This will not only improve health of workers but also save undue expenses on medical treatment.

Clinical features and severe outcome predictors of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infection among hospitalized patients: results from Egypt severe acute respiratory infections sentinel surveillance, 2021–2022

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccines are effective against infections and outcomes; however, breakthrough infections (VBT) are increasingly reported, possibly due to waning of vaccine-induced immunity or emerging variants. Most studies have focused on determining VBT rate based on antibody levels. This study aims at describing clinical features, risks, time trends, and outcomes of COVID-19 VBT among hospitalized patients in Egypt.MethodsData of SARS-CoV-2 confirmed patients hospitalized in 16 hospitals was obtained from the severe acute respiratory infections surveillance database, September 2021-April 2022. Data includes patients’ demographics, clinical picture, and outcomes. Descriptive analysis was performed and patients with VBT were compared to not fully vaccinated (UPV). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Epi Info7 with a significance level < 0.05 to identify VBT risk factors.ResultsOverall, 1,297 patients enrolled, their mean age 56.7 ± 17.0 years, 41.5% were males, 64.7% received inactivated, 25.% viral vector, and 7.7% mRNA vaccine. VBT was identified in 156(12.0%) patients with an increasing trend over time. VBT significantly was higher in (16–35 years) age, males, in those who received inactivated vaccine compared to corresponding groups of UPV (14.1 vs. 9.0%, p < 0.05 and 57.1 vs. 39.4%, p < 0.001 and 64.7 vs. 45.1, p < 0.01 respectively). Whereas receiving mRNA vaccine was significantly protective against VBT (7.7 vs. 21.6%, p < 001). VBT patients tend to have shorter hospital stays and lower case fatality (mean hospital days = 6.6 ± 5.5 vs. 7.9 ± 5.9, p < 0.01 and CFR = 28.2 vs. 33.1, p < 0.01 respectively). MVA identified younger ages, male gender, and inactivated vaccines as risks for VBT.ConclusionThe study indicated that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce hospital days and fatality. VBT trend is on the rise and males, young ages, and inactivated vaccine receivers are at higher risk. Caution regarding relaxation of personal preventive measures in areas with higher or increasing incidences of COVID-19, particularly for the at-risk group even if they are vaccinated. The vaccination strategy should be revised to reduce VBT rate and increase vaccine effectiveness.

Parental COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy for Children and Its Influencing Factors: A Riyadh-Based Cross-Sectional Study

It is well known that vaccination is the best clinical approach for successfully controlling COVID-19 infection. Understanding the disparities in COVID-19 vaccination apprehension among parents in different societies is crucial for effectively implementing COVID-19 vaccination programs. This observational cross-sectional study was carried out in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia between February and April 2022. The validated questionnaire was shared with parents who had children between the ages of five and eleven years. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Multinomial regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors significantly affecting vaccine-use decisions. Of the 699 participants, 83% of the mothers were between the ages of 35 and 44 years, 67% were university educated, and only 14% were healthcare workers. A large proportion of parents, with an age range of 18-34 years (p = 0.001), and those with a higher income group (p = 0.014), demonstrated significant vaccine hesitancy. Further, parents who received one or two vaccination doses were significantly (p = 0.02) more hesitant than those who received more than two doses of the vaccine. Furthermore, a significantly (p = 0.002) high percentage of parents who follow the Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines for personal preventive measures were hesitant about their children's vaccination. Concerns about side effects (31.4%) and a lack of safety data (31.2%) on the COVID-19 vaccines were the two most significant reasons for parents to develop vaccine hesitancy. Social media (24.3%), poor perceived immunity (16.3 %), and news articles (15.5%) were the top three contributors to this hesitancy. Vaccinated parents were 8.21 times more likely to be vaccination-hesitant than non-vaccinated parents. Additionally, parents with less education and a COVID-19-positive child at home increased the odds of vaccine hesitancy by 1.66 and 1.48 times, respectively. Overall, one-third of the parents were not prepared to vaccinate their children, and one-quarter of the respondents had not decided about vaccination. This study shows that parents in Riyadh are generally reluctant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. As social media is a primary source of information for parents, public health professionals should utilize the platform to encourage parents to support vaccine acceptance.

Herbal immunity booster against Covid-19- A review

This review focused on the use of nutrients and herbs for enhancing the immunity against COVID‐19. In humans, corona viruses are causing the common cold and, recently, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). This presents a major threat to public health. The novel coronavirus has spread rapidly to multiple countries and has been declared a pandemic by the WHO. COVID‐19 is usually caused by a virus to which most probably the people with low immunity response are being affected. Herbal plants increase the intestinal beneficial bacteria which are helpful and make up the immune system. In addition to the well-known personal hygiene and preventive measures against the new coronavirus (COVID-19), we can also follow some simple recommendations regarding our nutrition that strengthen our immune system and could better prepare us for an epidemic. The virus rapidly spreads too many people within a short period of time. Good nutrition is crucial for health, particularly in times when the immune system might need to fight back. It can also potentially lead to an increased consumption of highly processed foods, which tend to be high in fats, sugars and salt. Nonetheless, even with few and limited ingredients, one can continue eating a diet that supports good health. Various studies investigated that a powerful antioxidant glutathione and a bioflavonoid Quercetin may prevent various infections including COVID‐19. In conclusion, the Nutrition and Herbal plants play a vital role to enhance the immunity of people to control of COVID‐19.

Comparative Performance Evaluation of Personal Protective Measures and Antiviral Agents Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants: A Narrative Review.

Scientists identified SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China. Soon after its identification, Covid-19 spreads almost everywhere. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Countries are facing multiple waves due to the different variants of the coronavirus. Personal preventive measures, vaccines, and antiviral drugs are the approaches to control Covid-19. However, these approaches are being implemented in different countries at different levels because of the availability of personal protective measures and antiviral agents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of practicing measures to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Here we searched relevant literature from PubMed and Scopus using the keywords such as personal protective measures, antiviral agents, and vaccine effectiveness. According to the present findings, protective measures were found comparatively less effective. Nevertheless, these measures can be used to limit the spreading of Covid-19. Antiviral agents can reduce the hospitalization rate and are more effective than personal protective measures. The most effective strategy against Covid-19 is early vaccination or multiple vaccination dose. The respective authorities should ensure equal distribution of vaccines, free availability of antiviral drugs, and personal protective measure in poor and developing countries. We recommend more studies to describe the effectiveness of practicing preventive measures and antiviral agents against recent variants of the coronavirus.

A cross-sectional study on coping strategies of frontline healthcare workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a developing country.

Frontline healthcare workers encountered a heightened susceptibility to negative psychological symptoms and behavioral shifts in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study determined the coping strategies adopted by frontline healthcare workers in Ghana as well as assessed any differences based on demographics, job title, and ranking in four coronavirus disease 2019-designated centers in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Using a hospital-based, mixed-method approach, the study was conducted between May 2021 and September 2021. A total of 94 frontline healthcare workers were randomly sampled and given a self-administered questionnaire, while 13 healthcare workers took in-depth interviews. Data from the survey were analyzed using both IBM SPSS and IBM AMOS and the interview data were transcribed verbatim and coded using thematic analysis. The study revealed that coronavirus disease 2019 has affected the psycho-social life of frontline healthcare workers mainly in the form of depression, anxiety, and stress. The three main coping strategies adopted by frontline healthcare workers include personal preventative measures (most dominant), seeking external expert support, and obtaining institutional support. While healthcare workers within the age group 30-39 years were found most compliant with the adoption of personal preventive measures and those below 30 years were found least compliant. This study concludes that frontline healthcare workers have been affected by a considerable level of anxiety, stress, and depression during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The study recommends a robust psychological support system at various levels of health care and an Employee Assistance Program with access to a 24-h hotline counseling service for frontline healthcare workers, continuous personal protective equipment provision, regular evidence-based updates on the management of coronavirus disease 2019 patients, and increased commitment from the government in addressing the medical needs of infected frontline healthcare workers.