Risk Of COVID-19 Disease Research Articles

Coronavirus disease 2019 status and related anxiety levels in cases undergoing total laryngectomy.

This study aimed to evaluate rate of the COVID-19 disease, its severity, mortality rate and anxiety levels in subjects who underwent total laryngectomy. The subjects who underwent total laryngectomy were included in the study. The data were first obtained retrospectively and then a telephone survey was applied. Anxiety levels was evaluated by the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). A total of 54 subjects were included in the study. Nine (16.7%) males were reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. Five (55%) of them were hospitalized; 2 of them (22%) were taken to intensive care units, and one subject (11%) died. Although a tendency to increase risk of COVID-19 disease in the tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis users (23.1% vs 14.63%) was observed, statistically difference was not significant. The average total CAS score was significantly higher in those who had COVID-19. The data documented that people who underwent total laryngectomy developed more frequent and more severe COVID-19 disease and had a higher mortality rate. Although no obvious variable was found, our data suggest that using a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis may be somewhat effective. Besides, our subjects presented very low anxiety about COVID-19.

Association Between the “We Can Do This” Campaign and COVID-19 Booster Uptake, U.S., 2021–2022

IntroductionMonovalent COVID-19 boosters lower the risk of COVID-19 disease, infection, hospitalization, and death. This study examined associations between exposure to a booster public education campaign (the Booster Campaign) and increases in booster uptake and reduced length of time until booster uptake among U.S. adults. Methods: Data included a national survey panel of U.S. adults and Booster Campaign paid media (i.e., digital impressions and TV gross rating points [GRPs]) from September 2021 to May 2022. Multilevel logistic regression models examined the association between exposure to the Booster Campaign and the likelihood of booster uptake. A Cox proportional hazard model evaluated the association between the Booster Campaign and booster uptake timing. Interaction terms between the Booster Campaign media variables and first-dose COVID-19 vaccine date examined differential effects of the Booster Campaign based on when individuals received their first dose. Results: Interactions between first-dose vaccination date and the Booster Campaign were statistically significant for cumulative digital impressions (ß = 4.75e-08; CI = 5.93e-09; 8.90e-08) and TV GRPs (ß = 4.62e-05; CI = 5.09e-06; 8.73e-05), suggesting that booster uptake was strongest among those who received their first-dose COVID-19 vaccine later. Booster Campaign cumulative digital impressions and TV GRPs were associated with accelerated booster uptake among those with later first-dose vaccination dates (digital: ß = 9.98e-08; CI = 2.70e-08, 1.73e-07; TV: ß = 0.0001; CI = 2.80e-05, 0.0002), relative to those with earlier first-dose vaccination dates. Conclusions: The Booster Campaign may have increased monovalent booster uptake and reduced how long individuals waited until getting their booster. Public education campaigns show promise in stemming the tide of pandemic fatigue and increasing booster confidence.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, awareness creation and risk communication of Covid-19 pandemic amongst non-literate population in South-West Nigeria: Lessons for future health campaign.

Risk communication of Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria appeared to be urban-centered with the dominant use of social media, print communication and other controlled media. In such times of public health emergencies, non-literate population could be vulnerable as a result of their limited understanding of the nature of such health risk. Therefore, the study seeks to investigate the extent to which Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) communicated the risk of Covid-19 disease to non-literate population in its public health campaign during the pandemic in South-West Nigeria. The study adopts risk communication theory which advances the approach communication should take during public health emergencies. Using descriptive cross-sectional mixed methods research design, a sample of 420 respondents were purposively selected from 6 towns in the rural areas of Lagos, Oyo and Osun states to examine the level of awareness on Covid-19 pandemic among non-literates. In addition, NCDC risk communication on Covid-19 for non-literate population were analyzed from 3 Jingles in Yoruba language as well as 9 flyers designed for Covid-19 disease from NCDC websites. Results showed that NCDC awareness creation on Covid-19 disease for non-literates in Southwest achieved significant success as a result of the medium used in creating awareness. Specifically, radio was highly rated among majority of the respondents (60.4%) followed by health workers (19.8%) as channels that created understandable message on Covid-19 safety protocols. Further findings on Jingles content revealed that all Covid-19 safety protocols were communicated in Yoruba language for Southwest populace. However, NCDC fall short in communicating Covid-19 risk effectively for non-literates in Southwest as jingles only buttressed the Covid-19 safety protocols and symptoms as well as the need to comply, without educating the masses on the dreadful nature of the disease and its dynamics. Though flyers designed by the NCDC communicated risk to an extent, nevertheless, graphics and symbols on Covid-19 disease were complimented by words in English language only, which could be difficult for non-literates to decipher. Based on the findings, the study recommends that public health agencies need to educate non-literate population about the nature of a disease more than creating awareness about the outbreak of a disease, and such education should be strategic, context-specific, and evidence-based.

Symptomatic MERS-CoV infection reduces the risk of future COVID-19 disease; a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe general human immune responses similarity against different coronaviruses may reflect some degree of cross-immunity, whereby exposure to one coronavirus may confer partial immunity to another. The aim was to determine whether previous MERS-CoV infection was associated with a lower risk of subsequent COVID-19 disease and its related outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study among all patients screened for MERS-CoV at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia between 2012 and early 2020. Both MERS-CoV positive and negative patients were followed up from early 2020 to September 2021 for developing COVID-19 infection confirmed by RT-PCR testing.ResultsA total of 397 participants followed for an average 15 months during COVID-19 pandemic (4.9 years from MERS-CoV infection). Of the 397 participants, 93 (23.4%) were positive for MERS-CoV at baseline; 61 (65.6%) of the positive cases were symptomatic. Out of 397, 48 (12.1%) participants developed COVID-19 by the end of the follow-up period. Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and major comorbidity showed a marginally significant lower risk of COVID-19 disease (hazard ratio = 0.533, p = 0.085) and hospital admission (hazard ratio = 0.411, p = 0.061) in patients with positive MERS-CoV. Additionally, the risk of COVID-19 disease was further reduced and became significant in patients with symptomatic MERS-CoV infection (hazard ratio = 0.324, p = 0.034) and hospital admission (hazard ratio = 0.317, p = 0.042).ConclusionsThe current findings may indicate a partial cross-immunity, where patients with symptomatic MERS-CoV have a lower risk of future COVID-19 infection and related hospitalization. The present results may need further examination nationally using immunity markers.

Diet quality and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 disease: a systematic review

Abstract Background The COVID-19 disease pandemic highlighted the importance of healthy diets in the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. Evidence suggests the influence of the diet and dietary patterns during post-COVID-19 disease, and the impact of the COVID-19 disease pandemic on dietary habits and quality. However, limited evidence exists on the association between a healthy diet, and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. Methods 5072 research articles from Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed and MEDLINE databases were identified for eligibility. Only studies that had prospective and cross-sectional study designs were included. Eight studies were extracted and were included in the current systematic review that explored Mediterranean diet and dietary components as dietary exposures, and SARS-CoV2 infection and COVID-19 disease as study outcomes. Results Amongst cross-sectional studies, a higher adherence to Mediterranean diet lowered the odds of COVID-19 disease between 12% (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.81-0.97) and 84% (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.08-0.32). Amongst prospective studies, a higher diet quality and adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with lower hazard ratio of 9% (HR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.88-0.94), and the odds of COVID-19 diseases by 36% (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.98) to 50% (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34-0.73), respectively. Conclusions Overall findings of the studies in this review support the concept that Mediterranean diet and other nutritious diets might lower the risk of COVID-19 disease. Awareness could be created by promoting nutrition education programmes. Finally, this review highlights the limited evidence, and requirement of further studies to explore the longitudinal associations between diet, and SARS-CoV2 infection and COVID-19 disease in order to make the findings more generalisable. Key messages • A nutritious diet is associated with lower risk of COVID-19 disease. • Longitudinal studies and nutritional awareness is required to promote the importance of diet quality to cautiously prevent the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection and COVID-19 disease.

Perception of Threat and Efficacy in Contracting COVID-19 Infection among Tobacco Users - A Cross-sectional Analytical Study from Four Indian States.

To trigger quit intention and practice of preventive measures for COVID-19 among tobacco users; it is imperative for them to be well aware of the fact that they are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and should be at higher efficacy to practice preventive measures for the disease as compared to nonusers of tobacco. This community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from April 2020 to May 2020 among 1203 adult participants to compare the threat and efficacy perception among users and nonusers of tobacco. Perception of threat was assessed using three questions on perceived threat and one question on perceived susceptibility; whereas perception of efficacy was assessed using four questions each on self-efficacy and response efficacy through telephonic interview. There was no significant difference in the overall threat perception among users and nonusers of tobacco. However, state-wise analysis showed that tobacco users had higher perception of threat for SARS-CoV-2 infection in all the states except Telangana. The overall perception of efficacy among tobacco users was significantly higher as compared to nonusers of tobacco. The study calls for active collaboration between tobacco control enthusiasts and the Government to promote awareness of a higher risk of COVID-19 disease among tobacco users. In essence, the study's implications extend beyond COVID-19 and can guide targeted efforts to promote awareness, behavior change, and collaboration in the context of other infectious diseases among tobacco users.

Analysis Implementation of Health Protocols in Controlling of Covid-19 to Children in Jambi City

The community, especially children, still need to implement health protocol to control Covid-19 optimally. Data from the Ministry of Education and Culture shows that 581 clusters of elementary school children have caused 6,908 cases of COVID-19 in children. This study aimed to determine the application of health protocols in controlling the risk of Covid-19 disease in children in Jambi City.
 This research is quantitative. The samples in this study were 40 children. Data analysis was descriptive-analytic. The results of the survey showed 1) 18 children (45%) had good knowledge about Covid-19 disease and 22 people (55%) had the wrong category. The risk of transmission of Covid-19 in children in the high class is 26 people (65%), and 14 people (35%) in the low category. Implementation of health protocols for children in the good category was 12 people (30%) and 28 people (70%) in the bad category. 2) There is a significant relationship between knowledge and implementation of health protocols (P=0.000) 3) There is a significant relationship between the implementation of health protocols and the risk of transmission of Covid-19 (P=0.001). The recommendation is that parents are expected to consistently supervise their children to implement health protocols, especially outside the home. In addition, there is a role for teachers in schools to continue to provide knowledge and supervision of school students in controlling Covid-19.

Unraveling the socio-environmental drivers during the early COVID-19 pandemic in China.

The effect of environmental and socioeconomic conditions on the global pandemic of COVID-19 had been widely studied, yet their influence during the early outbreak remains less explored. Unraveling these relationships represents a key knowledge to prevent potential outbreaks of similar pathogens in the future. This study aims to determine the influence of socioeconomic, infrastructure, air pollution, and weather variables on the relative risk of infection in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. A spatio-temporal Bayesian zero-inflated Poisson model is used to test for the effect of 13 socioeconomic, urban infrastructure, air pollution, and weather variables on the relative risk of COVID-19 disease in 122 cities of China. The results show that socioeconomic and urban infrastructure variables did not have a significant effect on the relative risk of COVID-19. Meanwhile, COVID-19 relative risk was negatively associated with temperature, wind speed, and carbon monoxide, while nitrous dioxide and the human modification index presented a positive effect. Pollution gases presented a marked variability during the study period, showing a decrease of CO. These findings suggest that controlling and monitoring urban emissions of pollutant gases is a key factor for the reduction of risk derived from COVID-19.

Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agent effects on immunization outcomes.

1539 Background: Oncologists face a challenge in advising patients on the infection risk associated with antineoplastic and immunomodulating medications, as the extent of risk posed by each medication is not well understood. The rapid administration of COVID-19 immunizations across the population provides an opportunity to assess the influence of immunosuppressing medications on infection outcomes post-vaccination. This study evaluated the effect of antineoplastic and immunomodulating medications as classified by the World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (WHO ATC) on post-vaccination risk of COVID-19 infection and antibody response to multiple SARS-CoV-2 epitopes using serial serologic assessments. Methods: At a large, tertiary healthcare system in San Diego, we conducted an observational cohort study from December 11, 2020, to September 22, 2022, comparing vaccinated adult patients taking WHO ATC-classified immunosuppressing medications (“immunosuppressed” group) with matched control patients not prescribed these medications (“immunocompetent” group) for the outcome of PCR+ COVID-19 infection. A subset of immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals was consented to provide serial assessments of antibody response to multiple SARS-CoV-2 epitopes using the Genalyte serologic platform. Results: 12,709 vaccinated immunosuppressed patients and 197,151 immunocompetent controls were identified for matched analysis. Receiving an immunosuppressing medication conferred increased risk of COVID-19 infection post-immunization (HR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.38 – 1.63, p < 0.0001). Among immunosuppressing medications, PD1/PD-L1 inhibiting monoclonal antibodies and calcineurin inhibitors were associated with increased risk of COVID-19 infection (HR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.35 – 4.04, p = 0.0038; HR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.78 – 4.16, respectively). Receiving three and four COVID-19 immunizations reduced this risk, except in patients taking calcineurin inhibitors. Among 87 consented participants, 218 samples from multiple timepoints revealed a decreased antibody response to both spike S1 and S2 subunits following third and fourth immunization. Despite decreased seroconversion, this study found medications like CD20 inhibiting monoclonal antibodies and folic acid analogs did not increase the post-immunization risk of COVID-19. Conclusions: These results help elucidate the relationship between antineoplastic and immunomodulating medications and COVID-19 immunization outcomes. In our patients, seroconversion efficacy did not always correspond to post-immunization infection, consistent with COVID-19 disease risk being multifactorial. The findings of this study inform oncologists’ shared decision-making process in advising patients of the risk of infection associated with immunomodulating medications and the potential impact on their vaccination response.

High engagement in nonpharmaceutical interventions and their associations with reduced COVID-19 among US college students

BackgroundNonpharmaceutical interventions, including face mask-wearing, physical distancing, and avoidance of crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, have been widely recommended to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2. To date, there is little data available on engagement in nonpharmaceutical interventions and COVID-19 in college students. Using a large sample of college students, we estimate the prevalence of engagement in mask-wearing, physical distancing, and avoidance of crowds/poorly ventilated spaces and their associations with COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted (February–March 2021) using a college-wide online survey among students (n = 2,132) in California. Multiple modified poisson regression models assessed associations between mask-wearing indoors, physical distancing (both indoors or public settings/outdoors), avoidance of crowds/poorly ventilated spaces and COVID-19, controlling for potential confounders.ResultsFourteen percent (14.4%) reported a previous COVID-19 illness. Most students reported wearing masks consistently indoors (58%), and 78% avoided crowds/poorly ventilated spaces. About half (50%) reported consistent physical distancing in public settings/outdoor and 45% indoors. Wearing a mask indoors was associated with 26% lower risk of COVID-19 disease (RR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.60,0.92). Physical distancing indoors and in public settings/outdoors was associated with a 30% (RR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.56,0.88) and 28% (RR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58,0.90) decrease risk of COVID-19, respectively. No association was observed with avoidance of crowds/poorly ventilated spaces. The risk of COVID-19 declined as the number of preventive behaviors a student engaged in increased. Compared to those who did not engage in any preventive behaviors (consistently), students who consistently engaged in one behavior had a 25% lower risk (RR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.53,1.06), those who engaged in two behaviors had 26% lower risk (RR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.53,1.03), those who engaged in three behaviors had 51% lower risk (RR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.33,0.74), and those who consistently engaged in all four behaviors had 45% lower risk of COVID-19 (RR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.40,0.78).ConclusionsWearing face masks and physical distancing were both associated with a lower risk of COVID-19. Students who engaged in more nonpharmaceutical interventions were less likely to report COVID-19. Our findings support guidelines promoting mask-wearing and physical distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19 on campuses and the surrounding communities.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 in Persons Living with HIV Complicated by Tuberculosis

Relevance. At present, three infections – HIV infection, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 - are spreading simultaneously in the world. Of great practical importance is the assessment of clinical and epidemiological features of COVID-19 in HIV-infected patients with tuberculosis, COVID-19. Aim. To study the risk of COVID-19 disease and identify clinical and epidemiological features in and population of patients with HIV infection complicated by tuberculosis in comparison with patients with HIV infection and the population without these diseases.Materials and methods. Since 13.03.2020 by 31.12.2021 in the Kemerovo Region-Kuzbass, a continuous prospective analytical epidemiological study of the case-control type was performed. Of those with COVID-19, two observation groups were formed: group I (HIV +), group II (HIV/TB) and comparison group III (persons without either HIV or tuberculosis). All patients underwent: determination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, standard examination methods in accordance with the temporary methodological recommendations «Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)», relevant at the time of treatment.Results. The incidence of COVID-19 among patients with HIV infection complicated by tuberculosis exceeded the incidence of COVID-19 among HIV-infected by 14%. There were no gender differences between patients I (HIV +) and II (HIV/TB) groups. In the comparison group, the incidence of COVID-19 was 1.26 times higher in women compared to men. COVID-19 disease in patients with co-infection (HIV/TB) was predominantly mild. Viral pneumonia developed 1.86 times less often, oxygenotherapy was required only in 18.75% of cases, which is 2.5 times lower than in group I (HIV +) and 2.47 times less than in the comparison group (III). In labeled pairs, clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in all groups occurred with the same frequency. Metabolic disorders were evident in all groups. Co-infected patients (HIV/TB) had higher levels of D-dimer, ESR, total bilirubin.Conclusion. Active tuberculosis in HIV-infected people is a factor that increases the risk of COVID-19 disease without affecting the severity of the infectious process.

Development of a COVID-19 Disease Risk Perception Scale

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several areas of society, such as social life, the economy, education, and the provision of health services. The need to evaluate individuals’ risk perception has assumed particular importance in this situation in which people find themselves. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a “COVID-19 Disease Risk Perception Scale” for determining COVID-19 risk perceptions in the adult patient group during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The proposed scale form was established once the content validity of the item pool created by the research team had been evaluated by experts. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity, item-total correlation, Cronbach alpha coefficients, and the test-retest method were employed to determine criterion-dependent validity and reliability in a group of 564 individuals aged 18-73. Results: Following exploratory factor analysis, a nine-factor structure explaining 61.733% of variance was established. Confirmatory factor analysis results were found within the values defined in the literature. The Cronbach alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.906, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.881 (P<0.001). Conclusion: The developed scale is a valid and reliable inventory capable of using in the examination and evaluation of risk perception of COVID-19 disease in the adult age group.

Integrative profiling of CEACAM1 in different malignancies with implications on the SARS-CoV-2 infection genes ACE2 and TMPRSS2

Increasing number of evidence demonstrated increased SARS-CoV-2 infection risk in cancer. Despite various studies shed light on SARS-CoV-2 mediated pathways upregulated in cancer, there is still ongoing efforts to reveal underlying mechanisms of elevated risk for COVID-19 disease in cancer. Given critical role of CEACAM1 in immune exhaustion and immune deregulation observed both in cancer and COVID-19, systematic characterization of CEACAM1 in different malignancies was performed with an ultimate aim to identify the involvement of CEACAM1 in enhanced COVID-19 susceptibility in cancer patients. Here we show that CEACAM1 expression was upregulated in a number of TCGA samples. In addition, CEACAM1 expression was positively correlated with SARS-CoV-2 infection genes in TCGA samples. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis results of COVID-19 positive patients indicated upregulation of CEACAM1 expression. Furthermore, CEACAM1 expression was associated with HAVCR2, an immune checkpoint marker, and there was a correlation between CEACAM1 and HAVCR2 levels in different TCGA samples. Collectively, CEACAM1 might provide increased susceptibility of COVID-19 disease in cancer patients which might be explained with its interaction with HAVCR2.

Cellular and humoral immunogenicity of the COVID-19 vaccine and COVID-19 disease severity in individuals with immunodeficiency.

A well-coordinated adaptive immune response is crucial for limiting COVID-19 disease. Some individuals with immunodeficiency are at a high risk of developing severe COVID-19. Therefore, the development of standardized methods for measuring different arms of the vaccine response in the setting of immunodeficiency is of particular interest. In this study, we compared the vaccine response of individuals living with immunodeficiency with healthy controls in terms of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production and spike protein-specific antibody level post primary COVID-19 vaccination and booster vaccines. Additionally, the disease severity of those individuals who contracted COVID-19 was assessed. Whole blood was stimulated overnight from 71 participants and 99 healthy controls. Commercially available PepTivator® peptide pool and trimeric spike protein stimulation were used. ELISA was used to analyze IFN-γ levels. The total SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody titre was measured using a Roche Elecsys® S total antibody assay. Patient characteristics, COVID-19 infection status and IDDA 2.1 'Kaleidoscope' scores were recorded. Vaccine responses were scored from zero to three. 99% of healthy controls, 89% of individuals with IEI and 76% with secondary immunodeficiency (SID) had an IFN-γ level above the validated reference range after peptide mix stimulation following primary vaccination. There was an increase in IFN-γ levels in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) following the booster vaccine (p = 0.0156). 100% of healthy controls, 70% of individuals living with IEI and 64% of individuals living with SID had detectable spike protein-specific antibody levels following the primary vaccination. 55% of immunodeficiency patients who had mild COVID-19 and 10% with moderate/severe COVID-19 had detectable antibody and IFN-γ levels post vaccine. The mean pre-infection IDDA 2.1 scores were higher in individuals who developed moderate/severe COVID-19 (25.2 compared to 9.41). Covid whole-blood IGRA is a highly accurate, straightforward and robust assay and can be easily adapted to measure cellular response to COVID-19. A complete evaluation of the vaccine response may be particularly important for individuals living with immunodeficiency. A clinical immunodeficiency score and a validated vaccine response score may be valuable tools in estimating COVID-19 disease risk and identifying individuals living with immunodeficiency who may benefit from enhanced vaccination schedules.

Effect of a Fourth Dose of mRNA Vaccine and of Immunosuppression in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infections in Heart Transplant Patients

Patients with heart transplantation (HT) have an increased risk of COVID-19 disease and the efficacy of vaccines on antibody induction is lower, even after three or four doses. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of four doses on infections and their interplay with immunosuppression. We included in this retrospective study all adult HT patients (12/21-11/22) without prior infection receiving a third or fourth dose of mRNA vaccine. The endpoints were infections and the combined incidence of ICU hospitalizations/death after the last dose (6-month survival rate). Among 268 patients, 62 had an infection, and 27.3% received four doses. Following multivariate analysis, three vs. four doses, mycophenolate (MMF) therapy, and HT < 5 years were associated with an increased risk of infection. MMF ≥ 2000 mg/day independently predicted infection, together with the other variables, and was associated with ICU hospitalization/death. Patients on MMF had lower levels of anti-RBD antibodies, and a positive antibody response after the third dose was associated with a lower probability of infection. In HT patients, a fourth dose of vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 reduces the risk of infection at six months. Mycophenolate, particularly at high doses, reduces the clinical effectiveness of the fourth dose and the antibody response to the vaccine.

Upaya Dukungan Keluarga Terhadap Pencegahan Covid-19

The tragedy of the mysterious emergence of the coronavirus continues in several countries in the world. The spread of the covid 19 virus has become an outbreak that is very troubling for the community to causes respiratory infections. The implementation of health education with efforts to involve family and community support for covid-19 prevention aims to improve the ability of the community to apply hand washing with soap using running water or hand sanitizer. Proper hand washing techniques are one of the measures in preventing the risk of covid-19 disease, as well as improving the community's healthy lifestyle, which is emphasized in the smallest unit in the community, namely the family. The method carried out in preventing covid-19 disease is community service in the form of counseling, demonstrations, and role play. The results of community service in an effort to increase family support for the prevention of covid-19 disease can be absorbed and accepted by families and communities with the psychomotor ability to demonstrate hand washing up to 80% of participants can repeat how to wash their hands properly and correctly. This service activity can be improved by the puskesmas with family and community support.

Confidence in COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and safety and its effect on vaccine uptake in Tanzania: A community-based cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT COVID-19 is a major public health threat associated with increased disease burden, mortality, and economic loss to countries and communities. Safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccines are key in halting and reversing the pandemic. Low confidence in vaccines has been one of the factors leading to hesitancy. We aimed to assess the COVID-19 vaccine confidence (safety and effectiveness), associated factors, and its effects on vaccine uptake among general community members in Tanzania. This was a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from December 2021 to April 2022 in six regions of Tanzania mainland and two regions in Zanzibar. Participants were interviewed using an electronic questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for factors associated with vaccine confidence. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0. The study enrolled 3470 general Tanzanian community members; their mean age was 40.3 (standard deviation ±14.9) years, and 34% were males. The proportion of COVID-19 vaccine confidence was 54.6%. Geographical region, residence area, COVID-19 disease risk perception, and good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Confidence in COVID-19 vaccines was associated with over three times higher odds of vaccine uptake. Confidence in COVID-19 vaccines was low in Tanzania. Innovative community engagement strategies and region-specific interventions are needed to improve comprehensive knowledge and address community perceptions and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines.

Life Satisfaction of Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland

Health care practitioners are at highest risk of COVID-19 disease. They experience an enormous overload of work and time pressures. The objective of the study was to assess nurses' life satisfaction. The study included professionally active nurses. The research method was an author's questionnaire and a standardized questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The study group included 361 working nurses. The mean raw score and the sten score of the nurses' responses to the statements on the SWLS questionnaire were 21.0 (SD ± 5.6, range = 5-35) and 5.73 (SD ± 1.94, range = 1-10), respectively. It was shown that lower life satisfaction was experienced by nurses aged 51 to 60 (raw score: p = 0.003, sten score: p = 0.005), as well as nurses with secondary and undergraduate nursing education (raw score: p = 0.061, sten score: p = 0.043). Nurses who had a higher self-evaluation of the level of knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced greater life satisfaction (raw score: p = 0.008, sten score: p = 0.022). The majority of Polish nurses surveyed during the COVID-19 pandemic had a low or medium level of life satisfaction. The low response rate to the survey was most likely due to work overloads during the pandemic. Working in a public service profession, a nurse is exposed to stressful conditions related to protecting human health. Constant difficult and stressful situations and total fatigue experienced by nursing professionals can be the cause of a lack of motivation, occupational burnout, listlessness and mental and physical disease. Further research is necessary to assess the factors positively influencing the level of life satisfaction.

Effects of air pollution and weather on the initial COVID-19 outbreaks in United States, Italy, Spain, and China: A comparative study.

Contrasting effects have been identified in association of weather (temperature and humidity) and pollutant gases with COVID-19 infection, which could be derived from the influence of lockdowns and season change. The influence of pollutant gases and climate during the initial phases of the pandemic, before the closures and the change of season in the northern hemisphere, is unknown. Here, we used a spatial-temporal Bayesian zero-inflated-Poisson model to test for short-term associations of weather and pollutant gases with the relative risk of COVID-19 disease in China (first outbreak) and the countries with more cases during the initial pandemic (the United States, Spain and Italy), considering also the effects of season and lockdown. We found contrasting association between pollutant gases and COVID-19 risk in the United States, Italy, and Spain, while in China it was negatively associated (except for SO2 ). COVID-19 risk was positively associated with specific humidity in all countries, while temperature presented a negative effect. Our findings showed that short-term associations of air pollutants with COVID-19 infection vary strongly between countries, while generalized effects of temperature (negative) and humidity (positive) with COVID-19 was found. Our results show novel information about the influence of pollution and weather on the initial outbreaks, which contribute to unravel the mechanisms during the beginning of the pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among older adults: A qualitative study in New South Wales, Australia

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on people across the world, particularly older adults who have a higher risk of death and health complications. We aimed to explore older adults’ intention towards COVID-19 vaccination and factors that influenced their motivation to get vaccinated. Study designA qualitative study was conducted in New South Wales, Australia (April 2021), involving interviews with older adults (aged 70 years and older). MethodsIn-depth interviews were carried out with 14 older adults on their perceptions around COVID-19 vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccination program had just commenced at the time of data collection. We thematically analysed interviews and organised the themes within the Behavioural and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BeSD) Framework. ResultsWe found that most participants were accepting of COVID-19 vaccination. Participants’ motivation to get vaccinated was influenced by the way they thought and felt about COVID-19 disease and vaccination (including perceptions of vaccine safety, effectiveness, benefits, COVID-19 disease risk, and vaccine brand preferences) and social influences (including healthcare provider recommendation, and influential others). The uptake of COVID-19 vaccination was also mediated by practical issues such as access and affordability. ConclusionsEfforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination acceptance in this population should focus on highlighting the benefits of vaccination. Support should be given to immunisation providers to enhance efforts to discuss and recommend vaccination to this high-risk group.