ABSTRACT
In Pakistan, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported on 26 February 2020, having the travel history from Iran. Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also been affected by COVID-19 epidemic. On 23 March 2020, the Government of Pakistan has declared smart lockdown all over the country including Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The aim of the study was to identify the status of the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among the general population of the twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) in Pakistan during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted from 5 to 19 May 2020, the week during smart lockdown in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Demographic characteristics were compared with independent-samples t-test, one-way, or Chi-square test. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with low knowledge score. Data analyses were conducted with SPSS version 21.0. A total of 1,282 participants completed the questionnaire. Among this final sample, the average age was 30.65 years. Among the survey respondents, 680 (53%) were women, 1096 (86%) held a bachelor's degree or above, 634 (50%) were engaged with the government and private sector and 606 (47%) were married. The overall correct rate of knowledge was 70%. The majority of the respondents agreed that COVID-19 will finally be successfully controlled (59%). Most of the participants had not visited any crowded place (74%) and 95% responded that they have reduced their outdoor activities. In response to precaution measures, 86% stated that they would isolate themselves if they ever felt a fever or cough. The study findings suggest that residents of the two cities have reasonable levels of knowledge on COVID-19. However, it is necessary to launch health education and awareness campaigns to improve the knowledge and practices about COVID-19, to control its transmission. © 2022 The Author(s).
ABSTRACT
The study aimed to develop and validate a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) anxiety scale. Three independent studies were done to achieve the stated aim of the research. Study I explored the factor structure of the scale. Study 2 aimed at confirming the factor structure and establishing test-retest reliability of NCAS. Study 3 aimed to test the incremental validity of the new scale over two most widely used scale (FCV-19S & CAS). EFA resulted in a three-dimensional factor structure with 4, 3, 5 items in 'anxiety pertaining to threat posed by COVID-19', 'Anxiety pertained to public policies' and 'Anxiety pertaining to societal consequences' respectively. CFA confirmed the findings of EFA and a higher order of 'COVID-19 anxiety' was also established. The test-retest reliability was found to be 0.91. NCAS shared 48% variance with FCV-19S (fear of COVID-19 scale) and 27% with CAS (Coronavirus anxiety scale). NCAS has significant incremental validity over FCV-19S and CAS in predicting self-reported mental health and life satisfaction. The scale would help in identifying people's specific anxiety related to COVID-19, which would further help in their intervention/treatment.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the accuracy of high-resolution computed tomography of chest for diagnosis of pneumonia related to corona virus disease taking Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction as gold standard. Study Design: Cross Sectional survey Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Jinnah Medical Diagnostic Center, Sialkot Pakistan, for 6 months from 1st April 2020- 30th September 2020. Materials and Methods: 200 patients were included with symptoms of coronavirus pneumonia were included. HRCT chest was done and findings were recorded. Then RT-PCR assays was applied and findings were recorded. Patients were labeled as positive or negative. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.20. Diagnostic accuracy of HRCT Chest was calculated taking RT-PCR as gold standard. Results: The mean age of patients was 35.69 ± 12.95 years. There were 103 (51.5%) males and 97 (49.5%) females. On HRCT Chest, 121 (60.5%) had ground glass appearance and 108 (54%) had consolidation. The sensitivity of HRCT Chest was 70.1%, specificity was 60.3%, positive and negative predictive values were was 79.3% and 48.1% and diagnostic accuracy was 67%. Conclusion: HRCT Chest is highly accurate to diagnose the COVID-19 in symptomatic patients and can replace RT-PCR which is expensive than HRCT Chest and not readily available in all set-ups