Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection: Analyses of risk factors and literature review of knowledge, attitude and practices.

The study aimed to explore the risk factors for MERS-CoV infection and systematic review of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) with regard to MERS-CoV among the health care workers (HCWs) and the general population. The World Health Organization's MERS-CoV line list (January 2013-January 2020) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was analysed. A Poisson regression model was used to calculate the univariate relative risk of outcomes to each potential risk factor, p-values and 95% confidence intervals. An electronic literature search was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of the HCWs and general population of the KSA, with regards to transmission of the infection, risk factors and preventative measures. The line list analysis shows that age, gender, comorbidity, exposure to camels and camel milk consumption were associated with an increased risk of fatality; however, year-wise analysis did not show any decline. Over the years, the mean durations between the symptom onset and hospitalization; the hospitalization and laboratory confirmation have reduced. The review of literature shows that the health care workers and the general population had inadequate knowledge about MERS-CoV, lacked motivation and were disconnected from the health authorities. The WHO line list provides information on risk factors for MERS-CoV, KAP analysis helps to know the potential underlying factors. The literature review shows that continuous education for HCWs and increasing public awareness can help effectively manage future MERS-CoV.

COVID-19 pandemic responses of Canada and United States in first 6 months: A comparative analysis

Abstract Introduction Canada and the United States have distinct health care and social policies, and it is important to see how they had been responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The study period was limited to the first 6 months of the pandemic and aimed to explore the responses by public health authorities, media, general population, and law makers during the initial phase of pandemic. Results Social disparity, underfunded pandemic preparation, and the initial failure to act appropriately have resulted in the rapid spread of infection in both countries. In the United States, prevailing social inequalities and racism, inaccessible health care, higher rates of preexisting medical conditions and disputed political leadership have further deteriorated the situation and enhanced public suffering, particularly for the black and Indigenous communities. In Canada, its poorly regulated services of long-term care facilities, initial restriction of testing and lack of access to epidemiological data have helped spread the infection and increased casualties in vulnerable populations. Conclusion Analysis of the pandemic responses of the United States and Canada has revealed how existing social disparity, underfunded pandemic preparation, and the initial failure to act appropriately have resulted in the rapid spread of infection.