Health-Related Quality of Life for Jordanian-Recovered Individuals During Post-COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: This study aims to determine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that includes the physical and mental health of recovered patients of COVID-19 and examines the significant impact of variables such as period of infection, sample demographics characteristics, hospitalization past, and chronic disease past and the other variables on HRQoL of COVID-19-recovered patients. Methods: An exploratory, community-based, cross-sectional research layout was adopted, using an electronic self-reporting survey disseminated online to recovered COVID-19 patients in Jordan. Targeted COVID-19 patients were individuals who were 18 years old or above. They had a documented background of COVID-19 illness, as stated in the following inclusion requirements: Those who had not been formally proven to have been afflicted by COVID-19 were excluded. Results: The mean of the physical well-being of study participants during COVID-19 was M=68.00 (SD=6.95), representing medium physical well-being status. The mean of psychological well-being of study participants during COVID-19 was M=60.20 (SD=8.85), representing medium physical health. Multiple regression showed that female recovered patients who are not working, with a low level of income, married women, and who getting COVID-19 more than once are having lower health-related quality of life compared to other recovered patients. Conclusion: The HRQoL of COVID-19 patients was significantly impacted, independent of the period since hospitalization or rehabilitation. Policymakers and health workers should research strong ways to enhance the HRQoL of COVID-19 patients as soon as possible. Elderly patients and those who have been infected more than one time and being hospitalized have a greater probability of decreased HRQoL after infection.

Public Perception Toward COVID-19 Disease Nature, Susceptibility to Complication, and Relationship to Influenza: A Cross-Sectional Study from Yemen.

Background: Following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) declaration as a pandemic, Yemen has started applying preventive measures to prevent its spread. This study aims to identify the perception regarding the nature of the COVID-19 disease, susceptibility to severe forms of the disease, and its relationship to seasonal influenza among the population of Yemen. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of the public in Yemen. The relationship between participants' sociodemographic factors and their responses was assessed by the chi-square test. Results: A total of 748 participants agreed to participate in the study. Regarding the nature of the diseases, nearly half of the participants (48.8%, n=352) believed that COVID-19 is a naturally occurring human virus that is a serious and fatal disease (61.2%, n=448). The majority (74.9%; n=518) did not agree that bacteria cause COVID-19. More than half of the participants (57.5%, n=423) believed this disease is transmitted to humans through a host animal. Regarding the vulnerable groups to develop severe COVID-19 infection, most of the participants pointed out that the elderly (94.3%, n=705), people with chronic diseases (89.9%, n=669), and pregnant women (53%, n=365) were more susceptible to severe diseases. Regarding symptoms, the majority (61.9%, n=458) of the participants agreed that the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of seasonal influenza. Additionally, the majority (81.9%, n=579) agreed that some individuals develop more severe symptoms than seasonal influenza, particularly those with chronic illness. Gender, age, and education were found to be associated with participants' perceptions regarding the nature of the virus and susceptibility to severe disease. Conclusion: Participants demonstrate a good understanding of the nature and susceptibility to complications associated with COVID-19 disease and its relationship to influenza. However, the respondents with a lower level of education might require additional educational campaigns to improve their awareness of the disease.

Mental health of COVID-19 recovered individuals: A national study from Jordan

Aim: To investigate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and subsequent long-term mental consequences among patients recovering from the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional and survey-based study was conducted in Jordan using Google Forms during the period from March to July of 2022. The requirement to participate was that individuals be at least 18 years old and have at least one symptomatic COVID-19 infection. A total of 2,055 subjects recruited in the study. Mental health was assessed using mental health inventory-38 (MHI-38). Results: Females represent 64.8% (n=1,182) of the sample. The mean age of the participants was 39.9±14.4 years. Subjects who recovered from COVID-19 scored slightly higher than moderate on different scales of MHI-38. These include anxiety, depression, loss of behavioral and emotional control, general positive affect, emotional ties, and life-satisfactions. The prevalence of depression among participants was 46.3% (n=952). The prevalence of anxiety among participants was 45.8% (n=942). The prevalence of loss of physical and emotional control was 47.2% (n=970). Multiple regression showed that employment status, tobacco use, and severe COVID-19 infection were associated with mental illness. Not working, using tobacco, and having severe COVID-19 infection were more likely to develop mental illness (p<0.01). Conclusion: Individuals who recover from COVID-19 are susceptible to developing mental illnesses. Factors associated with such susceptibility include employment status, tobacco use and severity of infection. The current findings can be used in mental health interventions targeting individuals who recovered from COVID-19.

Sleep quality and sleep patterns among recovered individuals during post-COVID-19 among Jordanian: A cross-sectional national study.

This study aims to investigate sleep patterns and quality in patients who had SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection and to determine the sleep quality and pattern among patients. A cross-sectional design was used to assess sleeping patterns during the post-COVID-19 era for recovered individuals from April 1st, 2022, to June 1st, 2022. The participants had to meet the following requirements: both genders, ages 18 to 70, and previously infected with COVID-19. The prevalence of low sleep quality among the recovered individuals during post-COVID-19 era was 834 (40.6%), and the prevalence of disturbance in sleep quality was 1308 (63.6%). Lower economic status and younger ages in twenties and thirties experienced more disturbances in sleep patterns than other older ages. Many predictors were determined the quality of sleep. These predictors were age (B = .105, P = .00), income (B = .05, P = .035) and educational level (B = .20, P = .006). To sum up, our study found that the prevalence of low sleep quality among the recovered individuals during post-COVID-19 era was moderate, and the prevalence of disturbance in sleep quality was high. The predictors of quality of sleep were age, income, and educational level. Practitioners should be trained to evaluate and manage sleep disturbances, as this comprehensive approach has the potential to reduce mental distress and prevent the consequences of sleep disturbances.

Sleep quality and sleep patterns among recovered individuals during post-COVID-19 among Jordanian: A cross-sectional national study

This study aims to investigate sleep patterns and quality in patients who had SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection and to determine the sleep quality and pattern among patients. A cross-sectional design was used to assess sleeping patterns during the post-COVID-19 era for recovered individuals from April 1st, 2022, to June 1st, 2022. The participants had to meet the following requirements: both genders, ages 18 to 70, and previously infected with COVID-19. The prevalence of low sleep quality among the recovered individuals during post-COVID-19 era was 834 (40.6%), and the prevalence of disturbance in sleep quality was 1308 (63.6%). Lower economic status and younger ages in twenties and thirties experienced more disturbances in sleep patterns than other older ages. Many predictors were determined the quality of sleep. These predictors were age (B = .105, P = .00), income (B = .05, P = .035) and educational level (B = .20, P = .006). To sum up, our study found that the prevalence of low sleep quality among the recovered individuals during post-COVID-19 era was moderate, and the prevalence of disturbance in sleep quality was high. The predictors of quality of sleep were age, income, and educational level. Practitioners should be trained to evaluate and manage sleep disturbances, as this comprehensive approach has the potential to reduce mental distress and prevent the consequences of sleep disturbances.

The attitude of fully vaccinated individuals towards COVID-19 vaccine booster dose: a transverse study from Jordan

Objectives COVID-19 vaccines are efficient against serious infections, and those initiated by the various variants. Many high- and middle-income countries have decided to offer third-dose boosters to ensure their populations remain protected against novel COVID-19 variants before additional waves of COVID-19. This study aims to assess individuals' attitudes towards COVID-19 booster vaccination dose and to determine predictors of this attitude. Methods This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. The inclusion criteria for participants were Jordanian adults who had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. A quota sampling strategy based on the participant's, age and gender was used to ensure that the sample was broadly representative of the general population in Jordan. The instrument was distributed across popular social networking sites such as Facebook and WhatsApp. The study was conducted in October 2021. Key findings The response rate of this study was 63.5% (n = 952). The mean score of attitudes towards a booster dose of COVID-19 was 47.1 +/- 8.2, indicating that about half of the sample was supportive to the booster dose. There were differences in the acceptability of a booster dose for COVID-19 according to the demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants. Individuals with high income (B = 0.210, P = 0.000), high educational level (B = -0.076, P = 0.026), those who have suffered vaccine side effects (B = -0.081, P = 0.013) and follow the news about COVID-19 (B = 0.076, P = 0.043) were more likely to accept the booster dose than the other groups. Conclusions Participants had mixed attitudes towards the booster dose with about half of the participants willing to take the booster. Some factors associated with such attitude were identified. The findings are useful in developing and implementing effective vaccination strategies that target people who are not ready to take a booster dose.

Changes in dietary habits and eating behaviors during COVID-19 induced confinement: A study from Jordan

Objective This study aimed to evaluate dietary habits (DH) and eating behaviors (EB) among adults during confinement induced by COVID-19 in Jordan. Method In this cross-sectional study, an online survey designed to assess the change in DH and EB during April and May 2020 was distributed using various social media platforms. Results The survey was completed by a total of 1844 adult (18–72 years) participants from the public in Jordan. The results indicated an increase (42.5–61.8%) in most of the DH and EB examined in the current study in the majority of participants. Among these changes, they have increased (p < 0.05) the prevalence of fruit and vegetable, immune boosters, water, and hot beverage consumption, as well as decreased (p < 0.05) eating in restaurants and fatty food consumption, indicating a positive change. Conversely, a larger (p < 0.05) proportion of participants reported increased consumption of high-calorie food and late-night eating, indicating a risky behavior for obesity and subsequent chronic complications. Additionally, age, sex, obesity, education, income, and type of job appeared to contribute (p < 0.05) to changes in DH and EB. Overall, confinement caused by COVID-19 appears to compel adults to adopt a specific DH and EB. Although most of these changes were positive, some were negative. Conclusion This study provides essential information for designing subpopulation recommendations and developmental programs for adults under such conditions.

Sources of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Jordan: Self-reported approach.

Background: Understanding the dynamics of virus transmission is essential for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic factors could influence transmission of the virus in different communities. Herein, the sources of COVID-19 infection in Jordan were explored. In addition, the effects of demographic factors and the adherence to preventive measures on household transmission were investigated. Methods: The study recruited Jordanian adults who recovered from COVID-19 from March to July 2021. Using a questionnaire, information about participants' demographics, level of adherence to personal protective measures, and their perceived source of COVID-19 infection were collected. Crosstabs were used to test for differences in household transmission ratios between different demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict risk factors for household transmission. Results: The study recruited a total of 2313 participants. Household transmission was the most frequently reported source of infection (44.9%). Other sources of transmission were work/education related (16.0%), friends (8.6%), healthcare facilities (4.8%), social/event gathering (3.1%), shopping activities (2.2%), and public transport (1.6%). Significantly higher ratios of household transmission were reported by older adults (>60 years), college/university students, and female participants. No significant difference in household transmission was found between low-income and medium-high income groups. A significant increase in household transmission ratios was found with increased adherence to mask-wearing and social distancing. This could be a reflection of the reduced risk of community transmission with increased adherence to these preventive measures, coupled with the difficulty in adhering to these measures within the household setting. In multivariate logistic regression, females, young adults (18-30 years), older adults (>60 years), and those who adhere to mask-wearing most of the time were associated with an increased risk of infection in the household setting. Conclusion: The results reported in the current study provided an insight into the transmission dynamics of the virus in Jordan, as an example of the MENA region. These findings could be invaluable for the future design of public health policies to control COVID-19 and possibly future pandemics.

The public's attitude to and acceptance of periodic doses of the COVID-19 vaccine: A survey from Jordan.

AIMS: This study surveyed people regarding their acceptance of periodic doses (i.e., annual boosters) of the COVID-19 vaccine. Moreover, factors that correlate with attitudes toward periodic COVID-19 vaccines were assessed and identified. METHOD: The study employed a cross-sectional methodology. The study questionnaire was distributed using Google Forms. Data were collected during the last quarter of 2021, and 1,416 adults (18 years old and over) from Jordan responded. Acceptance of COVID-19 periodic vaccine doses was calculated as a percentage of the total number of study participants, and their attitudes were scored. A multiple regression model was used to determine the predictors of public attitudes toward the annual dose of COVID-19 vaccines. RESULTS: The acceptance rate for receiving periodic doses of the COVID-19 vaccine was low (19.3%). Additionally, 26% of participants were unsure about receiving additional doses of the vaccine. However, 54.7% had a negative attitude toward getting periodic doses. The mean score for attitudes toward periodic doses was 47.9 (range: 29-66). Among the identified factors leading to decisions not to receive periodic doses were side effects (49.1%), waiting for further clinical studies (38.8%), and perceived no risk of contracting COVID-19 (17.7%). Regression analysis showed that income, educational attainment, and following the news about COVID-19 were predictors of participants' attitudes toward the periodic COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION: Acceptance of periodic doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Jordan is low, and the public's attitude is generally negative. Health programs and educational interventions are needed to promote vaccine acceptance and positive attitudes.

Negative emotional symptoms during COVID19 confinement: The relationship with reading habits.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID19) is an ongoing pandemic, which forced governments across the globe to implement confinement measures to limit the spread of the disease. These measures have impacted the daily life and psychological status of people. However, no studies have examined the relationship between changes in psychological status with reading habits during the COVID19 pandemic. Objectives: The study aims at examining the relationship between changes in reading habits and negative emotional states. Method: The psychological status was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS). In addition, the participants reported changes in four types of reading experiences during COVID19 confinement. These reading types are specialized, general knowledge, story/novels, and religious material. An internet-based survey was used to collect the data among adults. Results: A total of 1711 individuals participated in the study. About 60.0%, 55.1%, 60.5% and 61.0% reported participating in scientific, religious, general, and novel reading, respectively. Additionally, the ANOVA revealed differences (p < 0.05) in DASS scores according to the changes in scientific, religious, newspaper, and novel/story reading. Subgroup post hoc comparisons showed that DASS scores were associated with a no-change or increase in all types of reading habits indicating a main effect of emotional state on all types of reading. Conclusions: Current results might suggest that the participants who experienced greater negative emotions, tended to either not change or increase their reading habits. Additionally, individuals with lower negative emotion scores reported a decrease in reading during the COVID19 pandemic.

Predictors of COVID-19 severity and hospitalization: A survey-based study from Jordan.

Objectives: To explore the possible predictors of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19 among Jordanians. Method: The study was cross-sectional, survey-based and was conducted from March to July of 2021. Individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 (n = 2148) were recruited in the study. Participants were categorized according to the severity of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization. The study sample was stratified according to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, family income, smoking status, and ABO blood groups. Risk factors were investigated using the Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Severe illness and hospitalization were associated with older age, males, individuals with comorbidities, higher BMI, and lower-income. No significant differences were found in the incidence of severe illness or hospitalization frequency between the ABO groups or between smokers and non-smokers. Multivariate logistic regression analyses predicted male gender, being older than 40, having a BMI of over 30, having 3 or more comorbidities, and low family income as risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Conclusion: Age was the strongest predictor for severe COVID-19 outcome, followed by having 3 or more comorbidities and to a lesser extent male gender and obesity. These results could help target at-risk groups with infection prevention measures including prioritizing primary COVID-19 vaccines, as well as booster doses.

Physical activity to ameliorate the negative mental health effects of COVID-19-induced confinement.

Mental health is strongly affected by physical (PA) and sedentary (SA) activity. In the current study, the relationships of PA and sedentary activity (SA) with mental status amid confinement caused by COVID-19 were examined. The study is self-reporting, survey-based, and cross-sectional in design. The study was conducted in Jordan and included 1744 participants (≥18 years old). The participants' mental status was obtained using the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS). The results showed involvement in both PA and SA during COVID-19-induced confinement. The involvement includes walking (77.2%), running (70.3%), cycling (84.9%), swimming (83.1%), sports (82.9%), weightlifting (86.4%), watching TV (79.4%), using electronics (86.3%), and logging to social media (85.1%). Lower DASS scores were associated (p < 0.05) with lower walking, running, and weightlifting but not (p > 0.05) with cycling and swimming PA. Additionally, DASS scores (p < 0.05) were associated with changes in television viewing but not (p > 0.05) with electronics and social media use during confinement. In conclusion, individuals who experienced higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were more likely to turn to more PA and less SA. These findings are important and suggest that individuals during confinement find PA a useful strategy to mitigate the negative mental effects of the pandemic.

COVID-19 Contact-Tracing Technology: Acceptability and Ethical Issues of Use.

BACKGROUND: The contact-tracing COVID-19 technology allows for tracing people that come in contact to individuals with COVID-19 wherever they are located. The number of tracing COVID-19 infection technology and devices is rapidly increasing. This has prompted many researchers to study the acceptability and ethical issues related to the implementation of such technology. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptability of COVID-19 contact-tracing technology and ethical issues of use. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was used. The target population was Jordanian adults (>18 years). The survey was distributed to a convenience sample of 2000 general public in Jordan. RESULTS: The results found that the number of people who accept to use COVID-19 contact-tracing technology was 71.6%. However, the percentage of people who were using this technology was 37.8. The main ethical concerns for many of participants were privacy, voluntariness, and beneficence of the data. Only income and living area were predictors for acceptability and use of tracing technology (p≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: The majority of Jordanians accept the implementation of contact-tracing technology for COVID-19 infection. Among ethical concerns of the implementation of such technology were privacy, beneficence and voluntariness. IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study would help in improving the state of science regarding acceptability to use contact-tracing technology for health purposes. Moreover, the present findings provide evidence of predictors of acceptance and ethical concerns among Jordanian population about COVID-19 contact-tracing technology.

Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Amid Confinement: The BKSQ-COVID-19 Project.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has compelled implementing confinement measure across the globe. These measures can potentially lead to many changes in lifestyle. However, no studies examined the effect of COVID-19-induced confinement on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). METHODS: During April and May of 2020, the current study surveyed changes in PA and SB induced by COVID-19 confinement. RESULTS: The participants of the study were 1844. Among the participants who were regularly involved in PA, the majority (41.8-42.2%) of the participants reported a "decrease" (p<0.05) in walking, jogging, and sports while the majority (46.3-53.1%) reported a "no change" (p<0.05) in swimming, cycling, and weight lifting. With regard to the SB, most of the participants reported an "increase" in watching TV (72.3%), using electronics (82.7%), and logging to social media (81.9%). Additionally, gender, job type, obesity, and being worried to contract the disease were associated (p<0.05) with changes in PA. On the other hand, age, gender, obesity, job type and income were related (p<0.05) to changes in SB. CONCLUSION: Results of the current study might enhance knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle, particularly PA and SB. Subsequently, it can also be used to establish strategies to enhance engagement in activities during the current and future pandemics.

Respiratory Infectious Diseases and Adherence to Nonpharmacological Interventions for Overcoming COVID-19 Pandemic: A Self-Reported Study.

Background: The aim of the study was to examine changes in the frequency of respiratory diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic and to correlate the changes with nonpharmacological interventions for overcoming the pandemic. In addition, the study explored the predictors of adherence to nonpharmacological interventions among the Jordanian public. Method: The study is survey-based and self-reported, using convenient sampling. The study was conducted during October-November of 2021. Results: The study included 1714 participants. About one-quarter of participants reported decreases in the incidence of cold (21.9%), influenza (24.7%), respiratory infections other than cold and influenza (23.3%), tonsillitis (23.0%), and oral ulcers (23.5%). On the other hand, the majority reported no change in the incidence of the above infections (62.0-64.4%). Adherence of the sample to nonpharmacological interventions of COVID-19 was moderate. The percentages of people who always wear a mask, follow social distancing, and use sanitizing procedures were 47.1%, 37.8%, and 68.8% respectively. ANOVA test showed a significant correlation between the incidence of respiratory/oral infections and adherence to nonpharmacological interventions. The multiple regression test showed that people who followed COVID-19 news, have children, have a job, and being married were more adhered to nonpharmacological measures compared to others. Conclusion: Implementation of nonpharmacological interventions used to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic can be applied to reduce other respiratory infections during their peak seasons.

Depression, stress, anxiety among jordanian people during COVID-19 pandemic: A survey-based study.

COVID-19 pandemic is associated with negative impacts on mental health. The study investigated mental health measures that include depression, stress, and anxiety, and their correlation with gender and age among Jordanians in the COVID-19 era. This investigation adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive design and included 1587 subjects recruited through a convenient sampling approach. Jordanians (≥18 years old) were recruited in the study. The total DASS score of the whole sample was 32.7 ± 0.67. The DASS scale showed significantly high scores for stress, anxiety, and depression in the groups that perceived a moderate-high probability of infection with COVID-19 (P < 0.05). The stress score was greater (P < 0.001) in the men (11.39 ± 0.469) compared to the women (10.74 ± 0.33). On the other hand, anxiety and depression scores were higher in women than men (8.13 ± 0.25, and 12.71 ± 0.30 respectively). Finally, DASS total score significantly decreased with the increasing age of the participants (P < 0.001). Many Jordanians experienced moderate to severe depression, stress, and anxiety during the COVID-19 era. Such experience was associated with the sex and age of subjects. The results of this study will benefit decision-makers in establishing a plan to prevent the consequences of these mental disorders during pandemics.

Jordanian views regarding sharing of medical data for research: A cross-sectional study during COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: In the current study, the views of Jordanian regarding sharing medical reports for research purposes were investigated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, motivators and barriers regarding sharing of medical records were examined. METHODS: This observational survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic (second half of 2020). The questionnaire link was disseminated through two social media platforms (WhatsApp and Facebook), targeting Jordanian adults (age >18 years). RESULTS: In this study, 1,194 participants agreed to complete the study survey. Results showed that 58.3% of them (n = 696) reported to be willing to share their medical data. while 17.6% of the participants (n = 210) showed hesitancy to share their medical information. The most important motivators as perceived by the study participants were helping other patients who have similar health conditions (n = 995, 83.3%). Moreover, fearing from stigma (n = 753, 63.1%), and the lack of confidence in data security and privacy (n = 728, 61.0%) were among the main barriers preventing participants from sharing their information. Finally, results showed that participants with higher educational level (bachelor or higher) (OR = 0.299, P<0.001), or those living in center of Jordan (OR = 0.270, P<0.001) showed a lower tendency to share their medical data. While participants those who have shared data before showed a higher tendency to share their medical data (OR = 2.524, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, many of the participants had a positive attitude towards sharing biomedical data for scientific research during the COVID-19 pandemic, many had doubts in the control over their data. Thus, policymakers and data users should address the concerns and values of patients and understand their preferences in favor of an ethically scrupulous use of data in research.

The impact of vitamin and mineral supplements usage prior to COVID-19 infection on disease severity and hospitalization.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global public health emergency. Nutritional status is suggested to be related to the severity of COVID-19 infection. Herein, we aimed to explore the impact of using vitamin and mineral supplements prior to COVID-19 infection on disease severity and hospitalization. In addition, the prior use of aspirin as an anticoagulant on the disease severity was investigated. A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was conducted between March and July 2021. Recovered COVID-19 individuals (age ≥ 18 years, n = 2148) were recruited in the study. A multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations of supplements and aspirin use with COVID-19 disease severity and hospitalization status. Among the participants, 12.1% reported symptoms consistent with severe COVID-19, and 10.2% were hospitalized due to COVID-19. After adjustment for confounding variables (age, gender, BMI, cigarette smoking status, and the number of comorbidities), the multivariate logistic regression model showed that the consumption of vitamin D supplements prior to COVID-19 infection was associated with a significant decrease in disease severity (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.50 - 0.92; P = 0.01), and a lower risk of hospitalization (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.45 - 0.89; P = 0.01). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the frequencies of severe illness and hospitalizations with the consumption of vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, zinc, iron, selenium, calcium, magnesium, omega 3, and aspirin before COVID-19 infection. Among the investigated nutrients, the use of vitamin D prior to COVID-19 infection was associated with reduced disease severity and hospitalization. However, more studies are required to confirm this finding.

Sleeping habits during COVID-19 induced confinement: A study from Jordan.

Sleep can significantly modulate the immune response to infectious agents. In the current study, changes in sleep quality during COVID-19-induced confinement among adults were investigated. This was a cross-sectional survey study of the public using social media. Participants (n = 1846) were recruited in the study, of which >92% reported a variety of confinement procedures such as self-quarantine, physical distancing, banning of public events, school closure, and lockdown. Majority of the participants (53-59%) reported an increase in most of the sleep parameters except a decrease (49.1%) in daytime sleep. Age was associated with changes in sleeping disturbances during COVID-19 confinement (p < 0.001). Young participants were more likely to experience sleeping disturbance than older ones (p < 0.05). In addition, gender (p < 0.001) is an independent predictor of nighttime sleeping. Being a male is associated with a "decrease" and being a female is associated with an "increase" in nighttime sleeping hours (p < 0.05). Moreover, change in daytime sleeping was related to age, gender, and job type (p < 0.05). In conclusion, changes in sleep quality during COVID-19-induced confinement were reported. Intervention programs and strategies are warranted to further improve sleep during the current and future disease-induced confinement.

Exploring perception and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccine: A study from Jordan.

Vaccination against COVID-19 may present the most effective strategy to control current viral pandemic. The success of delivering mass vaccination, on the scale of what would be applied to contain COVID-19, largely depends on the compliance of the public to programs mandated by public health officials. This study was aimed to evaluate the perception and possible hesitance of people in Jordan toward a tentative COVID-19 vaccine using self-administrated online survey. During the study period, a total of 1287 agreed to participate in the study. More than half of the participants (n = 734, 57%) were females and the majority (n = 893, 69%) had a University degree. Most of the participants (n = 871, 68%) believed that scientists have adequate tools to develop a safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccine and two-third of them (n = 861, 67%) believed that developing vaccines would end the pandemic. However, around half of them (n = 665, 52%) reported not having adequate information on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. Preference of study participants to achieve immunity against COVID-19 using natural way was the most commonly reported reason to refuse vaccination (n = 826, 64%), followed by their concern about adverse effects associated with the vaccine (n = 781, 61%). In conclusion, the sampled participants showed an overall positive attitude toward receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Educational campaigns using television and social media are recommended to better inform the public of the benefits of COVID-19 vaccine in reaching a "herd immunity" based strategy to control the current pandemic.