Gastroesophageal reflux in lockdown.

Aim: This study examines the changes in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom frequency among patients with GERD throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed among 198 GERD patients. The questionnaire consisted of a demographic characteristic assessment, the GerdQ questionnaire, and a reflux symptom index (RSI) questionnaire. Result & conclusion: A statistically significant increase in GerdQ score was identified among participants during the COVID-19 pandemic (t = 7.055, df = 209, p < 0.001), who had experienced an increase in the frequency of positive predictors of GERD and a decrease in the frequency of negative predictors of GERD. The COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown countermeasures may have led to exacerbating and worsening GERD symptoms.

There is a lack of decisive research into the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown countermeasures on patients with GERD. We investigated the changes in symptomatic frequency among GERD patients in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cross-sectional study involving 198 GERD patients. A statistically significant number of participants experienced an increase in the frequency of positive predictors of GERD, and a decrease in the frequency of negative predictors of GERD. In addition, the impacts of GERD itself were also found to have increased during the pandemic, with patients struggling to sleep or attain additional medication to treat their condition.

Psychosocial and Behavioral Problems of Children and Adolescents in the Early Stage of Reopening of Schools after the Covid-19 Pandemic: A National Cross-Sectional Study in U. P

This study aims to explore the psychosocial and behavioral problems of children and adolescents in the early stage of reopening schools. In this national cross-sectional study, a total of 11072 students from U.P were naturally divided into two groups based on their schooling status: reopened schools (RS) and home schooling (HS) group. The psychosocial and behavioral functioning were measured by Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and compared in these two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the independent predictors associated with the psychosocial and behavioral problems. Our results showed that the students in the RS group had more adverse behaviors than that of HS group. The RS group had the higher rates of parent-offspring conflict, prolonged homework time, increased sedentary time and sleep problems (all p < 0.001). When separate analyses were conducted in boys and girls, the RS group had the higher scores for (1) overall behavioral problems (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01), internalizing (p = 0.02 and p = 0.02) and externalizing (p = 0.02 and p = 0.004) behaviors in the 6-11 age group;(2) externalizing (p = 0.049 and p = 0.006) behaviors in the 12-16 age group. Multivariable regression showed parent-offspring conflict and increased sedentary time were the most common risk factors, while physical activity and number of close friends were protective factors for behavioral problems in RS students (p < 0.01 or 0.05). The present study revealed that students' psychosocial and behavioral problems increased in the early stage of reopening of schools unexpectedly. These findings suggest that close attention must be paid and holistic strategies employed in the school reopening process of post-COVID-19 period. Copyright © 2023, Institute of Medico-legal Publication. All rights reserved.

Measuring a panic buying behavior: the role of awareness, demographic factors, development, and verification.

In this study, a new panic buying behavior (PBB) and awareness scales were established and verified during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The PBB scales measured the relationship between people's awareness about COVID-19 and PBB. Moreover, this study investigated the potential association of some demographic factors with PBB. The online descriptive cross-sectional survey was collected from 429 Jordanians who were selected using the snowball sampling technique. The online survey started from April 1st to April 10th, 2020. Pearson correlation coefficient, one-way analysis of variance, independent sample t-test, and linear regression were used in this study. Findings indicated that both established scales were valid and reliable for achieving the required level of validity and reliability. In the current study, participants' awareness of COVID-19 was high; but, their PBB was low. Single and young individuals were positively associated with PBB. Awareness about COVID-19 and age were found to be the main predictors of PBB. This study concluded that the higher the awareness level about COVID-19, the lower PBB. High PBB may affect the world economy, highlighting the importance of COVID-19 awareness.

A Variant Mutation in the gene encoding Mitochondrial Seryl-tRNA Synthetase Cause HUPRA Syndrome with Atypical Presentation-A Case Report (preprint)

Background Hyperuricemia, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, and alkaline intoxication syndrome (HUPRA syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive mitochondrial disease with prevalence of less than one in a million. Due to mutations in the mitochondrial SARS enzyme encoding seryl-tRNA synthetase on chromosome 19 (19q13.2). Case–Diagnosis/Treatment We investigated two Palestinian girls from the same village presented with progressive renal failure in infancy were diagnosed with this multisystemic disease. presented with atypical clinical manifestations of HUPRA syndrome include leukopenia, anemia, salt wasting resulting in hyponatremia and hypochloremia, renal failure with elevated blood lactate, marked hyperuricemia, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia but  without  pulmonary hypertension or alkaline intoxication that distinguish them from the rest of the usual cases, instead they showed acidosis in routine follow up. By using single exome sequencing analysis, we identified a two homozygous pathogenic mutation c.1175A>G (p.D392G), c.1169A>G (D390G) in SARS2 gene. This sequence identified a new variant mutation of HUPRA syndrome c.1175A>G (p.D392G) with atypical presentation, that will be added to the literature. Conclusion SARS2 gene with pathogenic homozygous mutation variants were detected in our two patients c.1175A>G (p.D392G), c.1169A>G (D390G) in exon 13, with atypical clinical manifestations of HUPRA syndrome, expanding the spectrum of SARS2 pathogenic variants with its characteristic findings, describing the differences in clinical manifestations between homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations.

A Comprehensive Health Effects Assessment of the Use of Sanitizers and Disinfectants during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Survey (preprint)

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study through an electronic questionnaire. Results implied that detergents (67%), alcohol-based materials (56%), and chlorinated compounds (32%) were the most commonly used types of sanitizers and disinfectants. Most frequently reported health issues include skin complications 48.8% and respiratory complications 29.8%. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds with all possible health complications under investigation (p-value < 0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate regression analysis showed that alcohols-based materials were associated with skin complications (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87–2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye complications (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74–1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90–2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological complications (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92–2.44). The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics.

A Proposed Ethics Code for Online Learning During Crisis

The COVID-19 crisis affected the world globally in 2020 and caused school clo-sure around the world, which promptly embraced online learning and raised ethi-cal awareness for teachers and students. Online learning that is based on continu-ously gaining relevance in educational institutions, is challenged by lack of doc-umented ethics that maintain rights and encourage applying online learning. Un-fortunately, online learning ethics are still obscure at this moment. This study aims to propose online code of ethics for Palestinian schools. Applying the mixed methods approach: A focus group with teachers and a questionnaire that was built to explore the teachers' degree of agreement on the proposed online learning ethics. The code was finally being evaluated by online learning experts who have extensive expertise in the field. Results revealed principles of online learning eth-ics that were highly accepted by school teachers. The researchers recommended conducting future research on the impact of this code on learning and teaching.

Fear Of Covid-19, Along With Stress, Anxiety, And Depression, Is Associated With Biologic Usage In Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: During The Covid-19 Pandemic, The General Population Has Been Subject To Heightened Stress, Anxiety, Depression, And Fear Of The Virus. However, The Impact Of Covid-19 On These Psychometric Factors Have Not Been Formally Assessed In Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ibd), Specifically Those On Biologic Therapies. The Aim Of This Study Was To Examine The Relationship Between Fear Of Covid-19 And Biologic Usage In Ibd Patients. Methods: Adult Ibd And Non-Ibd Patients Were Recruited From An Academic Clinic And Via Social Media Outlets. Patients Were Administered A Qualtrics Survey Assessing Demographics Disease Characteristics, And Perceptions Around Covid-19. The Validated Fear Of Covid-19 Scale (Fcv-19s), Perceived Stress Scale (Pss), And Hospital Anxiety And Depression Scale (Hads) Were Used To Assess Fear Of Covid-19, Stress, Anxiety And Depression, Respectively. Analyses Evaluated The Associations Between These Psychological Experiences, Ibd Diagnosis, And Medication Usage. Results: There Were 399 Participants (17% Crohn’S Disease;43% Ulcerative Colitis;4% Ibd-Unclassified;36% Non-Ibd). Ibd Participants Had Higher Levels Of Stress (P<.01), Anxiety (P<.01), Depression (P<.01), And Fear Of Covid-19 (P<.01) Compared With Non-Ibd Participants. When Asked About Perceived Likelihood Of Contracting Covid-19, Ibd Participants More Often Responded With A “High” Or “Extreme” Likelihood (26.3% Vs. 9.1%;P<.01). Among The Risk Perception Screening Domains, 77.9% And 45.9% Of Ibd Participants On Biologics Responded “Very” Or “Extremely” Affirmatively To Questions Related To Perceived Level Of Precaution Needed To Avoid Contracting Covid-19 And Perceived Severity Of Infection If Contracted, Respectively. Additionally, 41.5% Of Ibd Participants On Biologics Were More Likely To Report Feeling That Their Ibd Medications Made Them “Extremely” Or “Very” Vulnerable, Compared With Only 20.3% Of Ibd Participants Not On Biologic Therapy. Use Of Biologic Therapy Was Associated With Higher Levels Of Stress (P=.011), Anxiety (P<.01), And Fear Of Covid-19 (P<.01). Due To Concerns Of Covid-19, 5.6% Decided To Defer Starting Biologic Treatment, While 2.0% Decided To Discontinue Biologic Medication. Conclusion: This Study Is One Of The First To Evaluate The Mental Health Of Ibd Patients During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Uniquely Evaluates Psychological Variables As They Relate To Biologic Usage. Fear Of Covid-19, Anxiety, And Perceived Stress Were Strongly Correlated With Biologic Usage In Ibd Patients, Suggesting That Participants Using Biologic Therapy Felt More Susceptible To Infection. Furthermore, These Findings Have Implications On Patient Adherence To Immunosuppressive Medications During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Which Should Be Considered During Therapy-Related Discussions Between Physicians And Ibd Patients (Table Presented)

A Qualitative Exploration of University Students’ Perspectives on Distance Education in Jordan: An Application of Moore’s Theory of Transactional Distance (preprint)

The current study aimed at exploring university students’ perspectives on the emergency distance education strategy that was implemented during the COVID-19 crisis in Jordan, one of the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Utilizing a qualitative design supported by Moore’s theory of transactional distance, a total of 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with university students of various study levels and disciplines. Data were inductively analyzed using thematic analysis as suggested by Braun and Clarke. Seven themes have emerged, including, (i) Students’ psychological response to the sudden transition in educational process, (ii) Students’ digital preparedness, equality, and digital communication, (iii) Students’ and teachers’ technical competencies and technostress, (iv) Student-student and student-teacher interpersonal communication, (v)  Quality and quantity of learning materials, (vi) Students’ assignments, examinations, and non-reliable evaluation methods, and (vii) Opportunities with positive impact of distance learning. The study findings provide evidence that the sudden transition from traditional on-campus to online distance education was significantly challenging in many aspects and was not a pleasant experience for many participants. Various factors under the jurisdiction of academic institutions and decision-makers are considered main contributing factors to the students’ educational experiences amid the pandemic crisis. Therefore, better planning and more sustainable utilization of educational resources have paramount importance in providing a high-quality education. Additionally, more dedicated efforts in terms of equitable, reliable, and credible evaluation systems should be considered in Jordan’s distance education strategy.

Beliefs Toward Smoking and COVID-19, and the Pandemic Impact on Smoking Behavior and Quit Intention: Findings from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between smoking and coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still topical with mixed epidemiological evidence. However, the pandemic may affect people's beliefs toward smoking as well as their smoking behavior and quit intentions. Considering high smoking rates in Jordan, our current study aimed to assess the following domains in a community-based sample from Jordan: (i) the beliefs that surround smoking/vaping and COVID-19 and (ii) the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan from March 9 to March 16, 2021, utilizing a web-based structured questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 13 items on sociodemographic, health, and smoking profiles, 14 items to assess beliefs surrounding COVID-19 and the use of combustible cigarettes (CCs), waterpipe (WP), and electronic cigarettes (ECs), and 12 items to assess the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention. RESULTS: Of 2424 survey respondents who participated in our study, there were 1163 never-smokers, 1044 current smokers, and 217 ex-smokers. The mean age of participants was 35.2 years (SD: 11.06). Most participants have reported anti-smoking beliefs with around 72.9% believed that WP smoking is related to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Also, 71.7% believed that smoking CC may worsen the COVID-19 clinical course, while 74.1% of respondents believed that smoking has no protective effect against COVID-19. During the pandemic, about 28.1% and 19.3% of current smokers reported increased or reduced smoking, respectively. Besides, 459 current smokers have expressed their plans/intention to quit smoking during the pandemic, of whom 27.5% (n = 126) confirmed that the driving force for their decision is a COVID-19-related reason, such as self-protection (n = 123) and protection of family members (n = 121) which were the most cited reasons. Also, around 63 participants have successfully ceased smoking during the pandemic. However, only 22 of them reported that the main driving motivation of their successful quit attempt was the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Most participants' beliefs and attitudes were against smoking during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the double-edged effect of the pandemic on smoking habits should be carefully considered, and reliable anti-smoking measures should be strengthened and sustained in the country.

Prevalence of COVID-19 among blood donors: The Jordan University of Science and Technology experience.

ABSTRACT: The corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, had health and economic results that profoundly affected communities worldwide. Investigating the seroprevalence of SARS-Cov-2 in blood donors is of a significant clinical and scientific value as it adds to knowledge about local herd immunity levels.To study the prevalence of SARS-Cov-2 infection among blood donors at a tertiary referral hospital in the north of Jordan.This is a prospective study that included all blood donors between September 2020 and March 2021. Donors' IgG antibodies were qualitatively immunoassayed to determine the antibody status against SARS-CoV-2. The Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 technique was utilized.One thousand samples were tested by total antibody against SARS-CoV-2. The median age was 29 years, 96.7% were males. The seroprevalence was 14.5%, and 80% of the positive participants did not report previous COVID-19 infection. The seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibodies was less among smokers and those with an O blood group and higher among donors with an AB blood group.The prevalence of COVID-19 among healthy young blood donors at a tertiary teaching health facility in the north of Jordan was 14.5%. Smokers and those with an O blood group were less likely to be seropositive, as opposed to donors with an AB blood group.

Pharmacy and Pharm.D students' knowledge and information needs about COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates collaborative teamwork by all healthcare providers including pharmacists. Since Pharmacy and Pharm. D students represent the future pharmacists, it is necessary to ensure that they have a good awareness about COVID-19 or any other pandemic that could happen in the future. OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to evaluate Pharmacy and Pharm.D students' knowledge and information needs about COVID-19. METHOD: A cross-sectional web-based design survey was used to assess socio-demographics and knowledge about COVID-19 amongst Pharmacy and Pharm. D students. After being validated, the questionnaire was formatted into Google forms and distributed amongst undergraduate Pharmacy and Pharm. D students in accredited Universities in Jordan. RESULTS: A total of 860 Pharmacy and Pharm.D students completed the questionnaire. Results revealed moderate students' knowledge about COVID-19 (mean knowledge score was 5.6 out of 10). Students had high correct response rates in questions asking about transmission method, treatment, zoonotic transmission and medications to be avoided. However, the students demonstrated low knowledge in questions asking about the incubation period and degree of contagion scores. Several factors were associated with students' level of knowledge including the field of study and academic year. Few students relied on their faculty as the main source of information about the infection and most of them relied on self-reading and social network. CONCLUSION: The results of this study clearly demonstrate unsatisfactory level of knowledge and a lot of information needs about COVID-19 amongst Pharmacy and Pharm. D students. More efforts should be deployed to educate pharmacy students about COVID-19, with an emphasis on the need for more active role by the universities to achieve this goal.

A preliminary clinico-epidemiological portrayal of COVID-19 pandemic at a premier medical institution of North India.

CONTEXT: The outbreak and spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has led to a global exigency of colossal and monstrous proportions in terms of public health and economic crisis. Till date, no pharmaceutical agent is known to manage in terms of prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by a novel virus. AIMS: The aim of the present work was to understand the underlying disease profile and dynamics that could provide relevant inputs and insight into pathophysiology and prevent further spread and evolve management strategies of COVID-19 patients from data-driven techniques. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A retrospective observational descriptive study was conducted on 29 COVID-19 patients admitted at a premier medical institution of North India in the months of February and March 2020. METHODS: The patients were diagnosed with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. RESULTS: The mean age of population was 38.8 years with male preponderance, of which two patients were residents of Italy, and others hailed from semi-arid and Western sandy arid regions of Rajasthan (urban population). The major presenting symptom complex of said COVID-19 sample population included fever (48%), cough (31%), and shortness of breath (17%). Most of the patients (83%) had no comorbidity. No clinical correlation (r) could be appreciated between the duration of test positivity and age of afflicted COVID-19 patients (r = -0.0976). CONCLUSIONS: The present evaluation of various facets of the ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19 is an attempt to portray early clinical and epidemiological parameters of the menace of COVID-19 patients admitted at SMS Medical College and Attached Hospitals, Jaipur.