ABSTRACT
Background: Studies related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were frequently published as pre-prints prior to undergoing peer-review. However, several publications were later retracted due to ethical concerns or study misconduct. Although these studies have been retracted, the availability of their corresponding pre-prints has never been formally investigated, and may result in the spread of misinformation if they are being used to inform decision-making. Methods: Our objective was to conduct a systematic survey of retracted COVID-19 publications listed on the Retraction Watch database as of August 15th, 2021. We assessed the availability of corresponding pre-prints for retracted publications, and documented the number of citations and online views. Results: Our study included 140 retracted COVID-19 publications, and we could not retrieve corresponding pre-prints for 132 retracted publications in our study (94%). Although we were unable to find the majority of pre-prints, they had already been disseminated, with a maximal citation count of 593 and Altmetric score of 558,928. Conclusion: While it is reassuring that most corresponding pre-prints could not be retrieved, our study highlights the need for online platforms and journals to employ quality assurance methods to prevent the spread of misinformation through citation of retracted papers.
ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a viral infection that spreads through different mediums and has a high rate of mortality. At its initial stages, there is no particular medicine that can cure patients of COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to understand the COVID-19 knowledge, perception, and its effects in terms of anxiety and depression among frontline health care workers of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from June to July 2021 in which data was collected from 200 hospital healthcare workers who have performed duties in COVID isolation wards through standard questionnaire. SPSS version 24.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Out of 200 participants in the study 100 (50.0%) were male. Regarding safety measures taken during COVID -19, 144 (72.0%) individuals reported that they have not been given training to handle known or suspected cases of COVID-19. Moderate anxiety and depression was found in 153 (76.5%) healthcare workers, mild in 25 (12.5%) and 22 (11.0%) had severe anxiety and depression at the time of COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: This study revealed that a significant anxiety and depression was found in frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, a more extensive study should be conducted which involves many other hospitals like Ayub Teaching Hospital.