Assessment of patients'knowledge, attitude and practice of cross-infection control in the dental clinic during COVID-19 pandemic

Background:The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly contagious disease that causes viral respiratory illness, has changed the lifestyle of humans worldwide. Dental practitioners and patients are at high risk of infection during their routine practice due to their exposure to saliva, blood, and droplet production.Aim:To gain insight into the patient's viewpoint regarding the practice, altitude, and knowledge of COVID-19 and its transmission and cross-infection in dental clinics.Methods:This was cross­sectional analytic survey in dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aself-administered close-ended questionnaire consisting of 32 variables was distributed among the study participants. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. Results:The age of the participants varied from 20 - 58 years, with a mean age of 34.6 ±5. The majority (89.3%) felt COVID-19 was a highly contagious disease, while 50.0% of the respondents believed that the most common route of COVID-19 transmission in dentistry is through aerosols. The majority, 78.6%, recorded good knowledge of infection control following the COVID-19 outbreak. The number of married patients who had good knowledge of cross-infection control was 118, which was statistically significant.Conclusion:From the study, it is evident that the patients possess a good range of knowledge in both preventive and cross-infection protocols to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the same cannot be said about the practice

Manifestations oto-rhino-laryngologiques de la COVID-19 chez l' enfant à Brazzaville / Otorhinolaryngological manifestations of COVID-19 in Children in Brazzaville

Introduction.Les infections respiratoires hautes représentent environ 80% des affections ORL de l'enfant. L'objectif de ce travail était de contribuer à la connaissance des manifestations ORL de la covid-19 chez l'enfant afin d'en améliorer la prise en charge. Patients et méthodes. Il s'est agi d'uneétudedescriptive de 12 mois incluant les dossiers des enfants âgés de moins de 18 ans symptomatiques et testés positifs à la COVID-19 par RT-PCR. Il s'agissait des enfants reçus en consultation dans les services d'otorhinolaryngologie de l'hôpital de Référencede Talangaï et du CHU de Brazzaville. Tous les prélèvements étaient acheminés au laboratoire national de santé publique où le diagnostic était fait par RT-PCR. Résultats.Sur un total de 1080 enfants consultés pour une symptomatologie respiratoire ORL, seuls 21 étaient testés positifs à la COVID-19 représentant une prévalence de 1,9%. L'âge moyen était de 12,6 ans ± 5,7 (extrêmes: 3 ­17 ans) avec un ratio de 0,9 légèrement en faveur des filles. La tranche d'âge de 13 à 18 ans était la plus représentative (n=13, soit 61,8%) suivie de 9 à 13 ans (n=4, soit 19,1%) correspondant aux enfants ayant un antécédent personnel d'atopie (80,9%). La symptomatologie était dominée par l'angine érythémateuse (n=17, soit 80,9%) suivie de la rhinopharyngite (n=3, soit 14,4%) et du syndrome de Marschall (n=1, soit 4,7%). Tous les enfants étaient orientés auprès des services habiletés à la prise en charge mais seuls 13 d'entre eux (61,9%) étaient contre-référés et déclarés guéris après un contrôle RT-PCR négatif. Conclusion.Si l'angine érythémateuse domine la symptomatologie COVID-19 chez l'enfant, il en ressort que le syndrome de Marschall reste une exception clinique.

Introduction. Upper respiratory infections represent about 80% of ENT diseases in children. The objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of the ENT manifestations of covid-19 in children in order to improve their management.Patients and methods. This was a 12-month descriptive study including the files of symptomatic children aged 0 to 18 who tested positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR. These were children seen in consultation in Introduction. Upper respiratory infections represent about 80% of ENT diseases in children. The objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of the ENT manifestations of covid-19 in children in order to improve their management. Patients and methods. This was a 12-month descriptive study including the files of symptomatic children aged 0 to 18 who tested positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR. These were children seen in consultation in the otorhinolaryngology departments of the Talangaï Reference Hospital and the Brazzaville University Hospital. All the samples were sent to the national public health laboratory where the diagnosis was made by RT-PCR. Results. Out of a total of 1080 children consulted for ENT respiratory symptoms, only 21 tested positive for COVID-19, representing a prevalence of 1.9%. The average age was 12.6 years ± 5.7 (extremes: 3 ­17 years) with a ratio of 0.9 slightly in favor of girls. The age group of 13 to 18 years was the most representative (n=13, or 61.9%) followed by 9 to 13 (n=4, or 19%) corresponding to children with a personal history of atopy (80.9%). Symptoms were dominated by erythematous angina (n=17, or 80.9%) followed by nasopharyngitis (n=3, or 14.4%) and Marschall's syndrome (n=1, or 4.7%). All the children were referred to the care services but only 13 of them (61.9%) were cross-referred and declared cured after a negative RT-PCR control. Conclusion. If angina dominates the COVID-19 symptomatology, it emerges as Marschall's syndrome remains a clinical exception the otorhinolaryngology departments of the Talangaï Reference Hospital and the Brazzaville University Hospital. All the samples were sent to the national public health laboratory where the diagnosis was made by RT-PCR. Results. Out of a total of 1080 children consulted for ENT respiratory symptoms, only 21 tested positives for COVID-19, representing a prevalence of 1.9%. The average age was 12.6 years ± 5.7 (extremes: 3 ­17 years) with a ratio of 0.9 slightly in favor of girls. The age group of 13 to 18 years was the most representative (n=13, or 61.9%) followed by 9 to 13 (n=4, or 19%) corresponding to children with a personal history of atopy (80.9%). Symptoms were dominated by erythematous angina (n=17, or 80.9%) followed by nasopharyngitis (n=3, or 14.4%) and Marschall's syndrome (n=1, or 4.7%). All the children were referred to the care services but only 13 of them (61.9%) were cross-referred and declared cured after a negative RT-PCR control. Conclusion. If angina dominates the COVID-19 symptomatology, it emerges as Marschall's syndrome remains a clinical exception.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A survey of unvaccinated adults

Background: Concerns and misconceptions surrounding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines may account for vaccine hesitancy and low uptake. Aim: To determine prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, vaccine-related misconceptions, and predictors of vaccine hesitancy among South Africans. Setting: Community setting in five districts in KwaZulu- Natal province. Methods: Between August 20, 2021, and September 27, 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey, interviewing 300 unvaccinated adults amid the national vaccination campaign. Predictors of hesitancy were identified through multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Participants had a median age of 29 years (IQR: 23­39), 86.7% were Black African, 63.2% were male, 53.3% resided in rural communities, and 59.3% (95% CI: 53.8% ­ 64.9%) were classified as vaccine hesitant. The primary reason for not vaccinating was a lack of trust in the vaccine (62.1%). Factors associated with reduced vaccine hesitancy included age (participants aged 35­49 years: OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.18­0.64, p = 0.003; participants over 50 years: OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.07­0.47, p = 0.0004), previous COVID-19 infection (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11­0.87, p = 0.03), and receiving vaccine information from healthcare workers (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.10­1.0, p = 0.05). Unemployed (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.1­4.2, p = 0.03) and self-employed individuals (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.27­7.02, p = 0.01) were more likely to be vaccine hesitant. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rates are high in KwaZulu-Natal. Uptake could be enhanced by healthcare workers leading information campaigns with messages targeting younger individuals, the unemployed, and the self-employed. Contribution: This survey provides evidence to improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake in South Africa.

Risk factors of mortality among COVID-19 patients receiving non-invasive ventilation at Addis Ababa governmental COVID-19 treatment centers

Introduction: during the global COVID-19 pandemic, non-invasive ventilation has become a widely utilized method for treating patients experiencing acute respiratory failure. Noninvasive pressure ventilation is frequently employed as a standard approach for managing acute respiratory failure resulting from COVID-19 pneumonia, as opposed to invasive ventilation methods. However, there is a lack of research on its effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the risk of mortality among COVID-19 patients receiving non-invasive ventilation. Methods: a multi-centric retrospective cross sectional study was conducted on the records of 402 patients at the Eka Kotebe COVID-19 Center, St. Peter COVID-19 Care Center, and Millennium COVID-19 Treatment Center. The systematic random selection technique was employed in order to select the study unit, and data was extracted from patient charts using a pretested method and validated before being entered into Epi-data Manager 4.6 versions. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were performed using binary logistic regression in SPSS 25. In the multivariate logistic regression, a predictor variable was considered to have a significant connection if its p-value was less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence level. Results: four hundred and two patient records were reviewed during the study period and showed the mean patient´s age was 62.6 years, with male predominance. It revealed that 11.7% [CI: 8.7-15.2] of COVID-19 patients who received non-invasive positive pressure ventilation died, as being critical for COVID-19 patients was a main cause of noninvasive initiation. Patients over the age of 60 were more likely to die among those who received noninvasive ventilation for COVID-19 [AOR = 5.4 95% CI 1.32, 23.1]. Conversely, patients without diabetes were less likely to die [AOR = 0.23 95% CI 0.11, 0.48]. Moreover, patients with a tidal volume greater than 500 ml were more likely to pass away [AOR =2.2 95% CI 1.11,4.43], as were those who were on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for more than 8 days [AOR = 0.24 95% CI.08, 0.81]. Conclusion: the significance of patients who were given non-invasive ventilators ended up dying. Age, diabetes, and high tidal volumes are linked to a higher risk of death. Non-invasive ventilation for over eight days showed a protective effect. Removing factors that caused NIV and ventilated COVID-19 patients' deaths may reduce mortality.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women: a multicentre cross-sectional survey in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction: effective COVID-19 vaccines for the prevention of severe illness have been available for more than one year now. This study was carried out to ascertain vaccine hesitancy and its associations among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Port Harcourt, a large cosmopolitan town in Nigeria. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional online survey over 2 months among consenting pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the 3 largest obstetric service centers in Port Harcourt to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associations. Results: the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 669 (72.2%). Of the respondents, 27 (2.9%) had been infected or had a close family member infected with SARS-CoV-2, and 897 (96.8%) of them had heard of the COVID-19 vaccine; however, only 133 (14.4%) had been vaccinated against COVID-19. The safety of the mother in 260 (32.8%) and the safety of the unborn baby in 114 (14.4%) of the respondents were the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. A small proportion of women 7(0.9%) were hesitant on religious grounds. Tertiary education, use of childhood immunization for previous infants delivered, and availability of COVID-19 vaccine in the antenatal clinic at no cost to the women, were statistically significant predictors of vaccine uptake among the respondents. Conclusion: the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Port Harcourt was 72.2%. Higher academic achievement and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in the antenatal clinic were predictors of vaccine uptake, while reasons for hesitancy were mostly due to safety concerns for the mother and unborn baby.

Psychological distress among South African healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense pressure on healthcare workers (HCWs). Objectives: This study sought to find the prevalence and factors associated with psychological distress among HCWs in South Africa during the beginning phases of COVID-19 and make relevant recommendations. Method: The survey was administered online through a data-free platform. Data were benchmarked to the national population of over 500 000 healthcare professionals in South Africa. Multiple logistic regressions were used to determine association between psychological distress and potential explanatory variables. Results: A total of 7607 healthcare professionals participated in the study (1760 nurses, 2843 medical practitioners and 3004 other healthcare professionals). Half of the nurses, 41% of medical practitioners and 47% of other healthcare professionals were classified as psychologically distressed. Those who were of older age, provided with well-being support services and having a positive outlook on the healthcare system were significantly less likely to be distressed. Being female medical practitioners and female other healthcare professions, requesting routine counselling, being concerned about not having enough leave and that their life insurance policy did not cover COVID-19 were more likely to be distressed. Conclusion: Psychological well-being of HCWs in South Africa is at risk. We recommend that psychological distress of HCWs be routinely assessed and that routine counselling, well-being support services, appropriate hazardous leave and insurance be provided to all HCWs. Contribution: This study adds to the literature on the psychological distress faced by HCWs in South Africa during COVID-19.

The function of competitive intelligence in South African insurance post-COVID-19 outbreak

Background: Competitive intelligence (CI) involves monitoring competitors and providing organizations with actionable and meaningful intelligence. Some studies have focused on the role of CI in other industries post-COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: This article aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the South African insurance sector and how the integration of CI and related technologies can sustain the South African insurance sector post-COVID-19 epidemic. Method: Qualitative research with an exploratory-driven approach was used to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the South African insurance sector. Qualitative secondary data analyses were conducted to measure insurance claims and death benefits paid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The research findings showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the South African insurance industry, leading to a reassessment of pricing, products, and risk management. COVID-19 caused disparities in death benefits and claims between provinces; not everyone was insured. Despite challenges, South African insurers remained well-capitalised and attentive to policyholders. Integrating CI and analytical technologies could enhance the flexibility of prevention, risk management, and product design. Conclusion: COVID-19 requires digital transformation and CI for South African insurers' competitiveness. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI), big data (BD), and CI enhances value, efficiency, and risk assessments. Contribution: This study highlights the importance of integrating CI strategies and related technologies into South African insurance firms' operations to aid in their recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. It addresses a research gap and adds to academic knowledge in this area.

Falciparum malaria is associated with risk markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus in individuals with or without COVID-19 exposure

Background: Scientific information on the impact of malaria on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after recovery from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is limited in the Ghanaian context. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between selected risk markers of T2DM in falciparum malaria patients post-COVID-19 or not at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional comparative study of 38-recovered COVID-19 adult participants with malaria and 40 unexposed COVID-19 adults with malaria at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Demographic, anthropometric and levels of glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein and lipid profiles were measured in the two groups of participants under fasting conditions. Parasitaemia was assessed microscopically but insulin resistance and beta-cell function were assessed by the homeostatic model. Results: The COVID-19 exposed participants were older (p=0.035) with lower parasitaemia (p=0.025) but higher mean levels of insulin, insulin resistance, and beta-cell function compared with their unexposed counterparts (p<0.05). Parasitaemia correlated positively with a number of the measured indices of diabetogenic risk markers in the COVID-19 exposed group only, and predicted (Adjusted R2=0.751; p=0.031) by beta-cell function, C-reactive protein and triglycerides with the model explaining about 75% of the observed variation. Parasitaemia could only be predicted (Adjusted R2=0.245; p=0.002) by C-reactive protein with the model explaining just about a quarter of the observed variation in the COVID-19 unexposed group. Insulin resistance and sub-optimal beta-cell function were detected in both groups of participants. Conclusion: Falciparum malaria is associated with risk markers for development of T2DM irrespective of COVID-19 exposure. Insulin resistance, inflammation and sub-optimal beta-cell secretory function may drive the risk. The observed diabetogenic risk is higher in the recovered COVID-19 participants.

Prevalence and determinants of burnout among South African doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Burnout, resulting from chronic workplace stress that has been unsuccessfully managed, has previously been documented in doctors. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased occupational challenges faced by doctors, potentiating their risk for burnout. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of burnout among medical doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Setting: Three public sector hospitals in Gqeberha, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 260 voluntary participants was conducted. Participants completed self-administered electronic questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the determinants of burnout. Results: The prevalence of burnout in this study was 78%. Burnout was significantly associated with being a medical intern or community-service medical officer (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 6.72, 1.71­26.40), being in the lowest income band (AOR = 10.78, 2.55­45.49), and using alcohol to manage work-related stress (AOR = 3.01, 1.12­8.04). Job-related factors associated with burnout were experiencing high conflict at work (AOR = 5.04, 1.92­13.20) and high role ambiguity and role conflict (AOR = 4.49, 1.98­10.18). Low support at work (AOR = 9.99, 3.66­27.23), medium job satisfaction (AOR = 5.38, 2.65­10.93) and medium support at work (AOR = 3.39, 1.71­6.73) were positively associated with burnout. Participants with medium (AOR = 0.28, 0.10­0.80) and high levels of resilience (AOR = 0.08, 0.03­0.25) were protected against burnout. Coronavirus disease 2019-related factors were not significantly associated with burnout. Conclusion: The burnout prevalence among South African medical doctors at public hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic was high and strongly associated with job stress factors. Contribution: Given the increased prevalence of burnout among doctors and the strong associations with job stress factors, mitigation of burnout requires targeted organisational interventions.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 skin manifestations among doctors working at Khartoum dermatology and venereology teaching Hospital, 2021

Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic caused by SARS_COV2. The symptoms of covid-19 include: fever, dyspnea, fatigue, a recent loss of smell and taste, sore throat, cough, and cutaneous lesions. In addition, some skin manifestations were reported to be associated with COVID-19. Methods: The study design is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study. The study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and practice about skin manifestations of COVID-19 among doctors working at Khartoum dermatology and venereology teaching hospital. A self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection after an informed consent was taken. Results: Among 140 doctors working in the dermatology and venereology teaching hospital, 75.7% of the doctors had knowledge that COVID-19 can present with skin manifestations. The study results showed that about half of the participants have poor knowledge about COVID-19 skin manifestations while 25% have no knowledge, and that 35 (25%) doctors have good knowledge. From a total of 140 doctors; 46.4% reported that when patients present with COVID-19 skin lesions, they will isolate them in separate rooms and call the epidemiology center, whereas, 61 doctors (43.6%) did not know if they have a protocol for COVID-19 suspected cases. This study reported a significant association between job category and level of knowledge toward COVID-19 skin manifestations measured by Chi-square test, the P-value was 0.003 (significant at 0.05), and the same significant association was found between the year of rotation and knowledge. Conclusion: Half of the doctors covered by this study had poor knowledge about COVID-19 skin manifestations, and therefore, educating doctors in dermatology hospitals about skin manifestations of COVID-19 is recommended, besides clear and precise guidelines and protocols for diagnosis and management.

Complications following COVID-19 infection or vaccination in Libyan International Medical University students and their Families

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel strain of coronavirus belonging to the genus Beta coronavirus named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged as a major pandemic worldwide. This contagious virus had spread in many different forms, and patients have demonstrated a wide range of symptoms, ranging from moderate to severe illness. This study aims to highlight the important associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, and possible complications at the Libyan International Medical University, Benghazi. This crosssectional survey was conducted among students and their families at Libyan International Medical University in Benghazi, Libya. Among the 100 participants, 72% were between the ages of 18 and 39. Up to (59%) of participants were men. As for the infection with COVID-19, 77% of participants were infected. Most of the participants had no chronic diseases (69%); however, the most common chronic disease was diabetes mellitus (13%). 82% of participants were vaccinated; the most common types of vaccines administered were Sinopharm and Sputnik V (24%). Following vaccination, 71% of participants had no COVID-19 infection, while 29% did get the infection. Regarding this study, after COVID-19 infection, 66% of participants had no complications; however, 17% had pulmonary complications, which was the most common complication among the participants. As for the complications following the vaccination, 81% of participants had none, while there were pulmonary and neurological complications in 7­6%. The results of the study showed that the most frequent complications noticed among the participants following the COVID-19 infection and vaccination were pulmonary and neurological complications.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV service interruptions amid COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused global disruptions in healthcare service delivery. The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) services were also interrupted, threatening the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3. This article describes the PMTCT service interruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tshwane healthcare facilities. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was used to explore and describe the experiences of healthcare providers offering PMTCT services during COVID-19 in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 participants, and Colaizzi's data analysis steps were followed in analysing the findings. Results: Participants reported interruptions in PMTCT service delivery during the pandemic. Non-adherence to scheduled visits resulted in patients defaulting or not adhering to treatment regimens, high viral loads and mother­infant pairs' loss to follow-up. Other features of service disruption included late antenatal bookings, low client flow and delays in conducting deoxyribonucleic acid-polymerase chain reaction (DNA-PCR) testing in HIV-exposed babies. In addition, staff shortages occurred because of re-assignments to COVID-19-related activities. Study participants were psychologically affected by the fear of contracting COVID-19 and worked in a frustrating and stressful environment. Conclusion: Improved community-based follow-up services are critical to enhance PMTCT service outcomes and prevent infant HIV infections. Contribution: The findings may influence policymakers in developing strategies to curb HIV infections among mothers and children during pandemics

Experiences of schizophrenia patients with treatment buddy support during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Schizophrenia is a major psychiatric disorder affecting physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functioning. Treatment includes pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. Adherence to prescribed medication is critical but reportedly low, because of side effects, failure to understand instructions, a lack of insight about the condition, cognitive deficits, and financial difficulties. Interventions to promote adherence to medication are required. This study introduced a treatment buddy to provide the patient with virtual support in adherence to medication. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the participants' lived experiences of a treatment buddy support. Setting: A specialised psychiatric clinic in a resource-constrained district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative study design, using semi-structured one-on-one interviews, was used to collect in-depth data from 24 participants, suffering from schizophrenia and who had been offered virtual treatment buddy support for 6 months. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The intervention improved adherence to medication. Participants indicated that the text messages served as reminders to take their medication daily. An alleviation of associated problems such as sleeping difficulties was observed. Participants were willing to encourage other patients suffering from schizophrenia to join 'treatment buddy services'. Conclusion: The virtual treatment buddy support increased awareness of the importance to adhere to antipsychotic medications among patients suffering from schizophrenia and helped to resolve other schizophrenia-related problems experienced by the participants. Contribution: The study has provided a supportive intervention that can be utilised by mental health institutions to address poor adherence to medication by patients suffering from schizophrenia.

In-Hospital continuous medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease as it is spread by contact with infected surfaces and inhalation of droplets. Several measures have been put in place to prevent the COVID-19 infection one of which is social distancing and physical distancing. Some in-hospital continuous medical education was suspended during the pandemic.Objective of Study: The objective of the study is to investigate the impact of social distancing on In-hospital continuous professional development during the COVID-19 pandemic.Research methodology:This is a cross-sectional study conducted among doctors working in Nigeria irrespective of their cadre or location. Aself-administered online questionnaire was used to generate data for this study. There was no risk of participating in the study. Results:The respondents in this study were 62. The majority 51(82.3%) had different in-hospital continuous medical education (CME) activities during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a ban in Nigeria on the gathering of more than 20 persons; the CME activities were via Zoom video conferencing 44 (71%) App. The majority of the respondents however preferred a face-to-face (physical) meeting [40(74.2%)] and also learnt better during a face-to-face meeting [46(74.2%)]. Conclusion:CME is very important in healthcare so COVID-19 did not stop it although it went through a lot of transformation in the mode it was delivered

Apport du scanner thoracique dans le dépistage des cas suspects de COVID-19 au Service d'imagerie médicale du Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire (CHU) de Libreville - Gabon / Contribution of chest ct-scan in the screening of suspected cases of COVID-19 at the Medical Imaging Department

Objectifs.Evaluer l'apport de la TDM thoracique dans le diagnostic de la COVID-19 chez les patients suspects en prenant comme référence le Test RT ­PCR et secondairement déterminer les anomalies scanographiques caractéristiques associés au Test RT ­PCR.Matériels etméthodes.Il s'est agi d'une étude rétrospective, descriptive à visée analytique, menée au service d'imagerie du CHU de Libreville. Aux vues de la disponibilité des dossiers nous avons exploité ceux de la période d'activité de mars à juin 2020, soit une période quatre mois. Cette étude a inclus tous les patients ayant une infection à COVID-19 confirmée par la réaction de polymérase en chaine en temps réel (RT ­PCR), après écouvillonnages nasal et/ou pharyngé et / ou les signes typiques de la pneumonie à COVID-19. Pour déterminer les anomalies scanographiques caractéristiques de la COVID-19 associées au test RT ­PCR nous avons comparé 25 patients avec un test RT ­PCR négatifs et 119 patients avec un test RT ­PCR positifs. Une valeur de p < 0,05 était considérée comme significative. La sensibilité de la TDM thoracique a été calculée à l'aide de la relation, Sensibilité=VP/ (VP+FN), (VP : vrai positif de la TDM : TDM positive et test RT PCR positif ; et le FN : Faux négatif de la TDM : TDM négative et test RT PCR positif). L'analyse statistique a été rendu possible grâce au logiciel SPSS 25. Résultats. En régression logistique multivariée, les anomalies scanographiques caractéristiques de la COVID-19 positivement associés à un test RT ­PCR positif étaient :verre dépoliOR = 33,236, IC95% [6,939 ­59,192], p=0,0001), la condensation alvéolaire (OR = 8,093 [1,488 ­44,013]; p=0,016). La sensibilité du scanner thoracique pour le diagnostic de la COVID-19, chez les patients suspects était de 93,2%, la spécificité de 64,2% avec une valeur prédictive positive de 90,2% et une valeur prédictive négative de 73,0%.Conclusion.Le diagnostic scanographique de la COVID-19 chez les patients suspects est aisé avec une bonne sensibilité et spécificité. La présence des anomalies scanographiques caractéristiques à type de verre dépoli et de condensation alvéolaire est associéeà un test RT ­PCR positif

Objective. Evaluate the contribution of Thoracic CT in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in suspected patients by taking the RT ­PCR Test as a reference and secondarily determine the impact of the RT ­PCR Test on characteristic scan abnormalities, in the service of thoracic imaging at Libreville University Hospital.Materials and methods. This was a retrospective, descriptive study with an analytical aim. In view of the availability of files, we used those from the period of activity from March to June 2020, i.e. a four-month period. To determine the impact of the RT ­PCR test on characteristic scan abnormalities, we compared 25 patients with negative RT ­PCR and 119 patients with negative RT ­PCR. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. The sensitivity of chestCT was calculated using the relationship, Sensitivity=VP/(VP+FN), (VP: true positive of CT: positive CT and positive RT PCR test; and FN: False negative CT: negative CT and positive RT PCR test). Statistical analysis was made possible using SPSS 25 software.Results. In multivariate logistic regression, CT abnormalities characteristic of COVID-19 were positively associated with a positive RT ­PCR: ground glass, (OR = 33.236, 95% CI [6.939 ­59.192], p = 0.0001), condensation alveolar (OR = 8.093 [1.488 ­44.013]; p = 0.016). The sensitivity of chest CT for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in suspected patients was 93.2%, the specificity of 64.2% with a positive predictive value of 90.2% and a negative predictive value of 73. 0%.Conclusion. CT diagnosis of COVID-19 in suspected patients is easy with good sensitivity and specificity. The presence of characteristic scan abnormalities such as ground glass and alveolar condensation is associated with a positive RT ­PCR tes

Attitudes and practices of travelers regarding COVID-19 vaccine and adverse reactions

Objective.In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccines were made available to different countries. This study aimed to assess travelers' attitudes and practices toward the COVID vaccine and adverse events. Methods. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire from April 1 to June 30, 2021, among travelers who came for their COVID-19 test at the Institut Pasteur of Côte d'Ivoire.Results. A total of 527 travelers agreed to participate in this study, including 336 men and 161 women. Overall, 26% of respondents had already received their COVID-19 vaccine, while 76% of respondents responded they did not want to be vaccinated. The age of those most vaccinated (116) ranged from 25 to 64 years with a small proportion for those over 65 years (0.8%). Travelers (41) to France were the most vaccinated. All vaccinated persons (135) had a high level of education and were either Christian (89 persons), Muslim (45 persons) or animist (1 person). Adverse events related to the COVID vaccination were reported in seven individuals. These included muscle pain, fever and nausea. Conclusion.Negative attitudes towards vaccines are a major public health concern. In view of these results, for awareness raising, vaccination campaign may be focused on youthand people over 65 years of age. Public health messages containing information about vaccine safety should be tailored to address this vaccine hesitancy

Association of acute COVID-19 with 24 hours-pulse wave velocity in cameroonian workers

Introduction. COVID-19appears to have a vascular tropism responsible for diffuse vasculitis-like cell damage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of Sars-Cov-2 infection on arterial stiffness.Material and methods. This was a cross-sectional analytical case-controlstudy with 1:1 matching (1 case to 1 control) over a six-month period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021 at the medical-social centerof the autonomous port of Douala. We measured the pulse wave velocity (PWV) in two groups of patients (group 1: COVID-19and group 2: non-COVID-19) using a MOBIL-O-GRAPH 24h PWA MonitorTM. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.Result. A total of 122 patients (61 COVID-19and 61 non-covid) were included in this study, among which 68 (55.7%) male. The mean age was 41±11 years. PWV as well as POV adjusted for age and mean BP were similar in both groups. The mean 24-hour, diurnal and nocturnal PWV were slightly higher in COVID-19patients than in controls by 0.1 m/s (p=0.67), 0.2m/s (p=0.37) and 0.2m/s (p=0.25) respectively. COVID-19infection was not significantly associated with PWV (p=0.082).Conclusion. PWV were slightly higher in COVID-19patients and increased arterial stiffness was not significantly associated with COVID-19status in the acute phase of infection.

Knowledge and practices toward COVID-19 preventive measures and symptoms: A case-control study in Benin

Introduction. Following communication and awareness actions related to COVID-19, we assessed the knowledge and practices about COVID-19 in Benin. Methods. A case-control survey was conducted from 14 September to 20 October 2020 in Benin. Questions relatingto knowledge and practices on COVID-19 were collected through a questionnaire survey. A total of 312 respondents (104 cases and 208 controls) were included in the study. Logistic regression and Spearman correlation tests were used to examine the relation between participants knowledge and practice at a 5% significance level. Results. From the survey, 65.4% of cases and 68.3% of controls knew about COVID-19 transmission via air droplets. Most of the cases (67.31%) and control (79.81%) participants reported cough as a symptom of COVID-19. Handwashing with soap and water was the most protective measure known by 87.5% of cases and 90.87% of controls. Concerning practice, the cloth mask was the type mostly worn by cases (54.81%) and controls (58.65%). Wearing a face mask in public areas was significantly associated with the COVID-19 health status of respondents (OR = 2.98, CI95% [1.16-7.67]; p = 0.022). Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation exists between knowledge of the COVID-19 protective measures and hand hygiene practices when leaving a public place (r = 0.184, p=0.001). Conclusion. Through this study, we observed some discrepancies between the knowledge and practices related to COVID-19 among cases and controls surveyed. Therefore, efforts should be directed toward raising awareness about the disease to improve their knowledge and practices

ARIMA model in predicting of COVID-19 epidemic for the Southern Africa region

Background: Coronavirus pandemic, a serious global public health threat, affects the Southern African countries more than any other country on the continent. The region has become the epicenter of the coronavirus with South Africa accounting for the most cases. To cap the deadly effect caused by the pandemic, we apply a statistical modelling approach to investigate and predict COVID-19 incidence. Methods: Using secondary data on the daily confirmed COVID-19 cases per million for Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) member states from March 5, 2020, to July 15, 2021, we model and forecast the spread of coronavirus in the region. We select the best ARIMA model based on the log-likelihood, AIC, and BIC of the fitted models. Results: The ARIMA (11,1,11) model for the complete data set was finally selected among ARIMA models based upon the parameter test and the Box­Ljung test. The ARIMA (11,1,9) was the best candidate for the training set. A 15-day forecast was also made from the model, which shows a perfect fit with the testing set. Conclusion: The number of new COVID-19 cases per million for the SADC shows a downward trend, but the trend is characterized by peaks from time to time. Tightening up of the preventive measures continuously needs to be adapted in order to eradicate the coronavirus epidemic from the population.

Recovering from COVID lockdowns: Routine public sector PHC services in South Africa, 2019 - 2021

Background. In a previous article on the impact of COVID-19, the authors compared access to routine health services between 2019 and 2020. While differential by province, a number of services provided, as reflected in the District Health Information System (DHIS), were significantly affected by the pandemic. In this article we explore the extent to which the third and fourth waves affected routine services. Objectives. To assess the extent to which waves 3 and 4 of the COVID-19 pandemic affected routine health services in South Africa, and whether there was any recovery in 2021.Methods. Data routinely collected via the DHIS in 2019, 2020 and 2021 were analysed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and extent of recovery. Results. While there was recovery in some indicators, such as number of children immunised and HIV tests, in many other areas, including primary healthcare visits, the 2019 numbers have yet to be reached ­ suggesting a slow recovery and continuing impact of the pandemic. Conclusions. TheCOVID-19 pandemic continued to affect routine health services in 2021 in a number of areas. There are signs of recovery to 2019 levels in some of the health indicators. However, the impact indicators of maternal and neonatal mortality continued to worsen in 2021, and if interventions are not urgently implemented, the country is unlikely to meet the Sustainable Development Goals targets