The COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-regional cross-sectional survey of public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions

With over twelve months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, its morbidity and mortality continue to be a critical health threat despite various instituted preventive and control efforts. Information on the multi-regional public perspective of the diseases is limited. Therefore, this study investigated public knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and South Asia (SA) regions of the world. In an online pretested questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey, respondents (n = 2738) were recruited using a convenience sampling technique and data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The majority of respondents had bachelor's degrees or higher (91.1%) and were aged between 18 and 39 years (88%). Most of the respondents had satisfactory knowledge (73%, 15.4 ± 2.5), attitudes 76.8%, 7.1 ± 1.1, and perceptions (73.4%, 11±2.8). Participants with higher educational levels and scientific backgrounds were 1.71 times (95% CI: 1.44;2.03;p < 0.001) more likely to have a better knowledge of COVID-19. Respondents from the SA region were significantly more likely (OR: 1.4;95% CI: 1.16, 1.68;p < 0.001) to possess satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19. Meanwhile, respondents from the MENA region (OR: 7.81;95% CI: 6.12, 9.97;p < 0.001) have better attitudes and are more optimistic about ending the pandemic than those from the SSA. Despite the satisfactory knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards the regional efforts observed, we emphasize continued adherence by the public to the health regulations and safety measures of countries in these regions. There is a need for the low and middle-income countries to improve awareness of COVID-19 preventive practices.

FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Risk of emergence of Zoonotic Diseases

The 2022 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup will take place in Qatar and will be a one-of-a-kind mega-crowd gathering. this is the first time in history that people from all over the world would gather in such a concentrated place. there is a higher chance of spreading zoonotic illnesses from one community to another among those who travel internationally, therefore tourists should be aware of the dangers they may face and take precautions. the public health system of the country hosting the event must be equipped to avoid the spread of zoonotic diseases considering the current global climate. the potential for an increase in cases of COVID-19 and monkeypox is notably heightened by this event. Possible exotic diseases such as the Marburg virus disease could also be spread. Due to Qatar's inexperience in hosting such major events, it is crucial to invest heavily in training for the early identification of infectious illnesses and the prevention of their spread among event attendees. Visitors to Qatar 2022 should acquire the most up-to-date information available and be aware of the usual precautions that should be followed. Your immunization record must be up to date. Hospitals and other medical facilities in Qatar would be wise to increase their readiness for mass casualty occurrences given that this small location is hosting such an event for the first time. to better meet the health needs of its population, the government of Qatar should promote health advice materials in different languages and keep an adequate supply on hand. the potential for the emergence of zoonotic diseases is briefly reviewed here considering the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022. [ FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-regional cross-sectional survey of public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions.

With over twelve months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, its morbidity and mortality continue to be a critical health threat despite various instituted preventive and control efforts. Information on the multi-regional public perspective of the diseases is limited. Therefore, this study investigated public knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and South Asia (SA) regions of the world. In an online pretested questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey, respondents (n = 2738) were recruited using a convenience sampling technique and data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The majority of respondents had bachelor's degrees or higher (91.1%) and were aged between 18 and 39 years (88%). Most of the respondents had satisfactory knowledge (73%, 15.4 ± 2.5), attitudes 76.8%, 7.1 ± 1.1, and perceptions (73.4%, 11±2.8). Participants with higher educational levels and scientific backgrounds were 1.71 times (95% CI: 1.44; 2.03; p < 0.001) more likely to have a better knowledge of COVID-19. Respondents from the SA region were significantly more likely (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.68; p < 0.001) to possess satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19. Meanwhile, respondents from the MENA region (OR: 7.81; 95% CI: 6.12, 9.97; p < 0.001) have better attitudes and are more optimistic about ending the pandemic than those from the SSA. Despite the satisfactory knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards the regional efforts observed, we emphasize continued adherence by the public to the health regulations and safety measures of countries in these regions. There is a need for the low and middle-income countries to improve awareness of COVID-19 preventive practices.

Knowledge, risk perception, and prevention preparedness towards COVID-19 among a cross-section of animal health professionals in Nigeria.

Introduction: the on-going COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has imposed serious public health and economic threats on the entire world population. The SARS-CoV-2 has been identified from both domestic and wild animals constituting a threat to humans since most apparently healthy animals may potentially infect and cause the disease in humans, especially Animal Health Professionals (AHPs) who come directly in contact with animals. These professionals such as veterinarians play important roles among the One Health team in controlling the pandemic. This survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, risk perception, and prevention behaviors of AHPs in Nigeria who are important personnel in the control of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and infectious diseases. Methods: an online-based epidemiological cross-sectional pre-tested questionnaire survey was carried out from April to May 2020. A total of 427 AHPs joined this survey. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the data collected. Results: the respondents have a mean knowledge score of 7.34 ± 2.05 (from a total possible score of 11) with the majority (66.7%, n = 285) having satisfactory knowledge scores on COVID-19. A high proportion (240/353) of respondents reported bats to be the major wildlife incriminated in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus though other animals reported were tiger, monkey, lion, and pangolin. At least, a quarter 131 (30.7%) of respondents perceived that visiting live animal markets is of high zoonotic risk to the spread of coronavirus. Most respondents reported hands washing and sanitizing after handling animals, and using personal protective equipment when handling suspected animals. At p<0.05; respondents' age, marital status, professional status, and geopolitical zone were significantly linked with satisfactory knowledge. Veterinarians (OR=0.40; 95%CI: 0.22-0.75) were thrice less likely to possess unsatisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 than laboratory technologists. Conclusion: participants in this survey have a satisfactory level of COVID-19 knowledge and good mitigation measures instituted while working at their stations. However, AHPs need more enlightenment about the various zoonotic risk pathway contributing to the transmission of COVID-19.

Knowledge, risk perception, and prevention preparedness towards COVID-19 among a cross-section of animal health professionals in Nigeria

Introduction the on-going COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has imposed serious public health and economic threats on the entire world population. The SARS-CoV-2 has been identified from both domestic and wild animals constituting a threat to humans since most apparently healthy animals may potentially infect and cause the disease in humans, especially Animal Health Professionals (AHPs) who come directly in contact with animals. These professionals such as veterinarians play important roles among the One Health team in controlling the pandemic. This survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, risk perception, and prevention behaviors of AHPs in Nigeria who are important personnel in the control of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and infectious diseases. Methods an online-based epidemiological cross-sectional pre-tested questionnaire survey was carried out from April to May 2020. A total of 427 AHPs joined this survey. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the data collected. Results the respondents have a mean knowledge score of 7.34 ± 2.05 (from a total possible score of 11) with the majority (66.7%, n = 285) having satisfactory knowledge scores on COVID-19. A high proportion (240/353) of respondents reported bats to be the major wildlife incriminated in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus though other animals reported were tiger, monkey, lion, and pangolin. At least, a quarter 131 (30.7%) of respondents perceived that visiting live animal markets is of high zoonotic risk to the spread of coronavirus. Most respondents reported hands washing and sanitizing after handling animals, and using personal protective equipment when handling suspected animals. At p<0.05;respondents' age, marital status, professional status, and geopolitical zone were significantly linked with satisfactory knowledge. Veterinarians (OR=0.40;95%CI: 0.22–0.75) were thrice less likely to possess unsatisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 than laboratory technologists. Conclusion participants in this survey have a satisfactory level of COVID-19 knowledge and good mitigation measures instituted while working at their stations. However, AHPs need more enlightenment about the various zoonotic risk pathway contributing to the transmission of COVID-19.

Perceptions towards COVID-19 Vaccines and Willingness to Vaccinate in Nepal.

Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure of COVID-19 available at present, but its success depends on the global accessibility of vaccines and the willingness of people to be vaccinated. As the vaccination rollouts are increasing worldwide, it is important to assess public perception and willingness towards vaccination, so that the aim of mass vaccination will be successful. This study aimed to understand public perception towards COVID-19 vaccines and their willingness to get vaccinated in Nepal. This cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 1196 residents of Nepal in August 2021; most of the participants of this online survey were young adults (18-47 years) with university-level education. A total of 64.5% (771/1196) of the participants perceived COVID-19 vaccines to be safe and risk-free, while 68.6% (820/1196) agreed that vaccination would be efficient in the fight against this pandemic. Most of the participants (841/1196, 70.3%) disagreed that people are getting COVID-19 vaccines easily in Nepal, while they agree with the prioritization of older adults and healthcare workers for vaccination. A total of 61.1% (731/1196) of the participants had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Among the unvaccinated, 93.3% (434/465) were willing to get vaccinated when their turn came. The higher confidence of younger adults in vaccines and the vaccination process is encouraging, as that can help educate others who are hesitant or are not positive towards the idea of receiving vaccines. Dissemination of correct and current information, acquisition of enough doses of vaccines, and equitable distribution of vaccines will be required to achieve successful completion of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Nepal.

Innovating protectives gears for frontline health professionals in the COVID-19 pandemic at a low resource setting

We communicate briefly about the innovation of protective gear (such as Hazmat suit) and respirator mask that can be used by health care professionals as mouth and nose protection tools against the penetration of the microscopic particles containing highly contagious species into the body. As a research and development support to the local entrepreneurs willing to come up with innovative products, the structural and some surface functional properties of the polymeric materials available in local market were analyzed in comparison to the commercially available gears and masks. It has been found that the respirator masks, equivalent in structure and functional properties as the common commercially available protective gears could be developed that can be used by front-line health professionals for protection against contagious environment. The research has paved way to manufacture highly useful health care products at significantly lower costs under low resource setting.

Animal coronaviruses and coronavirus disease 2019: Lesson for One Health approach.

Coronaviruses are a group of enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses that are broadly classified into alpha, beta, gamma, and delta coronavirus genera based on the viral genome. Coronavirus was not thought to be a significant problem in humans until the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2002, but infections in animals, including pigs, cats, dogs, and poultry, have been problematic for a long time. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, drew special attention towards this virus once again. The intermediate host of this novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is yet to be determined, but it has a very close genomic relationship with the bat coronavirus (Bat-CoV), RaTG13 strain, and the pangolin coronaviruses. As veterinary medicine has a long-term experience dealing with coronaviruses, this could be helpful in better understanding and detecting the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and drive human medicine towards the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs through the collaborative and transdisciplinary approaches of One Health.