ABSTRACT
Burnout encompassed a host of medical, psychological, emotional and performance-related issues that can always be affected by individual and coach factors in elite athletes;therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perfectionism and burnout, mediated by perceived coaching style in the context of the Covid-19 epidemic. In this cross-sectional study, 258 elite athletes (M = 22.05 years, SD = 3.08;148 male) participated and completed scales of multidimensional perfectionism, athlete burnout and coaching style. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by structural equation modeling .The results indicate that direct paths perfectionism to burnout, perfectionism to coaching style, coaching style to burnout, and indirect pathways to perfectionism to burnout were mediating by coaching style, significant. The results indicate that during the COVID 19 , athletes who are less able to organize performance standards and expectations of themselves and others, and who are more committed to meeting external demands, are at higher risk of burnout. One could develop coach-education programmes that challenge beliefs regarding the effectiveness of controlling coaching behaviors to reduce perfectionist tendencies and expectations in athletes. In doing so, one might curtail the risk of burnout in athlete during the COVID 19. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of severe problems in the world. This study investigated the epidemiology of the disease in Tehran in the first quarter of the epidemic's beginning. Method(s): The available information recorded for patients from 20 February 2020 to 20 May 2020 in Tehran was used. To prepare disease-related distribution maps, the addresses of patients' residences in Google Earth were called to ARC-GIS version 10-4. The methods used in GIS include IDW, Hotspot and also software development. Result(s): Overall, 3699 individuals whose PCR results were positive in Tehran were included in the study. Out of the total number of them, 550 people died and the fatality rate of the disease in hospitalized patients was 14.9%. One thousand five hundred thirty patients (41.4%) have recovered, and the remaining 1619 patients were under treatment until data collection. Of the total, 1479 confirmed cases were women (40%). The average age was 57.4 years (SD=16.5). The density of cases in areas 4, 8 and 13, and the existence of some cluster diseases in neighborhoods such as Tehran Pars, Ayat and Pirouzi streets are noteworthy points. Conclusion(s): The trend of the COVID-19 epidemic is dire and requires long-term measures. Nevertheless, to control this disease, the health system, the policy of isolating patients and suspicious people, wear masks especially in densely populated areas, are the most important controlling factors.Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
ABSTRACT
Background and purpose: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) occurs after having COVID-19. The severity and outcomes of COVID-19 with gastrointestinal symptoms are higher. The aim of this study was to investigate gastrointestinal manifestations in MIS-C patients in selected referral hospitals in Iran to obtain comprehensive information about the treatment and prevention of MIS-C. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, all MIS-C patients <21 years in Dec 2019 to Oct 2021 were included. The patients were identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) checklist and data were analyzed applying t-test and Chi-square in STATA11. Results: There were 225 patients with a median age of 55 months (26-96 months), including 59.56% boys and all had fever on admission. At least one gastrointestinal symptom was seen in 200 patients and the most common symptoms were vomiting (60.9%) and abdominal pain (45.77%). Almost 60% of the patients had positive RT-PCR results. Among the patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms 85.5% and 48% were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU), respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in respiratory symptoms, ALT, AST, NT-pro BNP, ESR, and PLT (P < 0.05). All patients without gastrointestinal symptoms were discharged but nine patients in the group with gastrointestinal symptoms deceased. Conclusion: According to the current study, gastrointestinal symptoms are common in MIS-C patients and are associated with higher rates of death and intensive care unit admission. Therefore, in providing services to COVID-19 patients, all typical and atypical signs and symptoms should be considered to prevent unnecessary interventions.
ABSTRACT
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated morbidities are a great global concern. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and high mortality in patients with COVID-19. Objective(s): This study examined the frequency of BM, newly diagnosed hyperglycemia, and their impacts on hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Method(s): This retrospective study examined 810 medical records of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to Razi Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. The clinical presentations, severity, and impacts of COVID-19 were compared between patients with and without DM. Disease severity was determined based on the NEWS2 scoring system. Result(s): This study included 810 medical records of COVID-19 patients, of whom 326 had pre-existing DM, and 484 were non-DM. The rates of diabetes and newly diagnosed hyperglycemia were 40.2% and 11.2%, respectively. The most common underlying diseases were hypertension (35.3%), ischemic heart disease (17.9%), and chronic kidney disease (11.9%), which were higher in people with diabetes than non-diabetics. The rate of acute kidney injury was higher in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetics (30.7% vs. 19.2%;P < 0.001) and in patients with severe COVID-19 than in those whose disease was not severe (27.8% vs. 21.5%;P = 0.04). The rates of severe COVID-19 (46.3% vs. 34.7%;P = 0.093), ICU admission (40.7% vs. 27.4%;P = 0.012), and mortality (18.5% vs. 10.5%;P = 0.079) were higher in patients with newly diagnosed hyperglycemia than in euglycemic patients. Conclusion(s): This study showed that COVID-19 infection is linked with newly diagnosed hyperglycemia and pre-existing DM, both associated with severe COVID-19, more need for ICU admission, and mortality.Copyright © 2023, Author(s).
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Life expectancy and the consequences of its impairment may affect quality of life and suicide. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy in residents of Gonabad city. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 Gonabad residents (general population) from February 2021 to April 2022 using stratified-random sampling method. Data collection was performed through phone interview. Demographic questionnaire and Schneider's life expectancy scale were used. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 23. Findings: Of the 300 participants (53% female and 47% male), 153 were COVID-19 recovered and 147 did not have the history of COVID-19. The average life expectancy score in COVID-19 recovered participants was significantly lower compared to those without the history of COVID-19 (29.17 +or- 5.96 and 31.94+or-4.34, respectively, p=0.001). Also, there was a significant and positive relationship between mean scores of life expectancy and age, gender, education, economic status, the presence of high-risk individuals at home, history of underlying diseases, and smoking (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study stated that life expectancy score in COVID-19 recovered participants was a lower than that of participants without COVID-19 history. Therefore, the role of other variables, including age, gender, and disease history on life expectancy was more prominent on life expectancy in COVID-19 recovered participants.
ABSTRACT
Background and purpose: The present study investigated the effect of six weeks of endurance and resistance training on pulmonary indices, physical performance, and quality of life in COVID-19 patients after discharge from hospital. Materials and methods: Thirty six patients with COVID-19 (mean age: 38.76+or-0.98 years, mean weight: 81.86+or-2.88 kg) were selected. At the beginning and end of the study, pulmonary (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and MVV), physical (6-minute walk test), quality of life (SF-36), and anthropometry tests were performed. The patients were divided into three groups: Endurance training (45 minutes at 60-75% estimated HR), Resistance training (45 minutes at 40-70% of I-RM), and controls. The intervention was conducted for 6 weeks (3 sessions). One-way ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Findings indicated a significant increase in FEV1 (P=0.029), FVC (P=0.047), FEV1/FVC (P=0.043) in the endurance training group compared to the control group, while difference was observed in MVV (P=0.041) and FEV1/FVC (P=0.022) between endurance training and resistance training groups. The 6-minute test distance increased in the endurance training (P=0.0001) and resistance training (P=0.001) groups compared to the control group, but no difference was observed between the training groups (P=0.48). Endurance and resistance training programs induced significant improvements in physical performance (P=0.024 and P=0.09, respectively) and general health (P=0.022 and P=0.015, respectively) dimensions compared to the control group. Conclusion: Moderate-intensity endurance training can improve pulmonary function, physical performance, and quality of life in patients with COVID-19 after discharge from hospital and can be used in rehabilitation programs of these patients.
ABSTRACT
Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease that resulted in 4533645 deaths until September first, 2021. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients receive immunosuppressive drugs. Thus, there is a concern that these drugs will reduce the patient's immune system resistance against COVID19. Objective(s): This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of COVID19 and its impact on MS patients in our university hospital in Tehran City, Iran. Material(s) and Method(s): A cross-sectional study was conducted based on hospital-based registry data from May 2020 to March 2021. Among more than 500 registered MS patients in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran City, Iran, referring within our study period, 84 patients reported SARS-COV2 infection. The diagnosis of MS was confirmed by the McDonald criteria. Moreover, the diagnosis of COVID-19 in MS patients was established by the real-time-PCR technique and chest computed tomography. Result(s): Out of 84 MS patients with SARS-COV2 infection, 55(65.5%) were women, and their mean age was 37.48 years. The most commonly used medications by MS patients were Rituximab 20 (26.3%) and Dimethyl Fumarate 14(18.4%). Totally, 9(10.8%) of the patients needed to be hospitalized due to COVID-19, with a mean hospitalization duration of 5.88 days. A total of 1 (1.2%) death was reported. Conclusion(s): Compared to the healthy population, COVID-19 is not more serious in MS patients. Most MS patients with COVID-19 infection were not hospitalized and continued their medication during the infection.Copyright © 2022 The Authors. This is an open access article under the CC-By-NC license. All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background and purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic have led to some psychological disorders and sleep problems that should be taken into account after recovery. After recovering from COVID-19 people are at risk of sleep disorders, depression, and low quality of life and there is paucity of information about this issue. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness and aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and sleep quality in recovered COVID-19 patients. Material(s) and Method(s): An intervention field research was performed in 60 male and female patients (mean age: 39.52+/-5.82) recovered from COVID-19 in Kermanshah, Iran. Participants were randomly divided into four groups (n=15): 1) attending mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, 2) aerobic exercise, 3) combination of MBSR and aerobic exercise, and 4) control group. The study was carried out at four stages: pretest, interventions, post-test, and follow-up test. Dependent variables included depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and sleep quality. Bonferroni Post hoc test in 4*3 mixed ANOVA was used for data analysis. Result(s): In this study, depression and perceived stress reduced in all experimental groups compared to the control group (P= 0.001). Also, sleep quality improved in these groups compared to the control group (P= 0.001). Post hoc tests showed the superiority of combination of MBSR and aerobic exercise compared to other interventions. Conclusion(s): According to current study, combination of MBSR and physical activity shows to be more helpful than mindfulness training and physical activity alone in improving psychological problems and sleep quality after recovering from COVID-19.Copyright © 2023, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Of all teenage deaths caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), 47% occurred in children aged 0-9. Like many other infectious diseases, reducing mortality in children requires widespread vaccination. Despite the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, a large percentage of children have not received the vaccine. Objective(s): This survey aimed to study parents' reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for their children in Shiraz, Iran. Method(s): An online questionnaire was sent to parents whose 5 to 11-year-old children had received no COVID-9 vaccine through the health educators of primary schools in Shiraz, Iran. The questionnaire contained demographic questions and 16 beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination that were answered as yes/no. Result(s): We assessed 1093 respondents, including 49.5% (n = 542) male and 50.5% female students' parents. The mean number of wrong beliefs was 7.21 +/- 2.80 in parents who had boys and 7.78 +/- 2.95 in girls' parents. Also, 78.6% of participants had at least five wrong beliefs or excuses for not vaccinating their children. Notably, 82.8% of mothers and 84.3% of fathers were vaccinated with 2-3 doses against COVID-19. The most common wrong beliefs were probable vaccines' side effects in the future, the undesirable effect of vaccination on children's growth, and the awful effect of the vaccine on fertility, with a prevalence of 82.7%, 81.2%, and 76.7%, respectively. Conclusion(s): This study identified that most participants believed that COVID-19 vaccines have side effects for their children and unfavorable effects on children's growth and infertility.Copyright © 2023, Author(s).
ABSTRACT
Variant Omicron was discovered as a newest severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first emergence of the omicron variant was detected in November 2021. In this study, we investigated the clinical manifestation, laboratory and radiological findings and responding to treatment of 70 pediatric patients with positive RT- PCR COVID-19 in Omicron peak. We described 20 criteria associated with efficacy, such as demographic data, clinical manifestation, laboratory and radiological findings. All of the patients received Remdesivir that 5.7% of patients responded to the treatment. No patients were given Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG). This is the first study aimed at assessing symptoms clinical manifestation among hospitalization pediatrics patients in pediatric Hospital of Amir kola, Babol. The findings of this study can be effective in preventing and controlling disease transmission among children.
ABSTRACT
Undoubtedly, vaccination can be one of the promising approaches to control infectious diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Inactivated viral vaccines have a history of "vaccine-induced enhanced disease", which may occur when neutralizing antibodies bind to viral antigens without blocking or clearing the infection. This can cause additional inflammation through the mechanisms described for other respiratory pathogens and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Since the structure and function of SARS-CoV-2 glycoproteins are well known, vaccine manufacturers appear to be careful when inactivating the virus to completely inactivate and maintain the viral epitopes necessary for protective immune induction. It seems that caution should be taken in the usage of inactivated vaccines in children to ensure they are safe and efficacious, vaccinated children should be well monitored and any symptoms should be reported immediately.
ABSTRACT
The spread of Coronavirus is an important challenge for health care systems in Iran. Attachment styles, self-coherence and spiritual intelligence are the variables that can have a significant impact on mental health and quality of life in the elderly during the outbreak of Coronavirus. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the mediating role of spiritual intelligence in the relationship between attachment styles and self-coherence with perceived stress during the outbreak of coronavirus in the elderly. This was a correlational study of path analysis type. The statistical population included all the elderly living in nursing homes in Sanandaj in 2021, among whom 270 (146 men and 124 women) people were selected using convenience sampling method. Data were collected using Collins's adult attachment styles, Antonovsky's sense of cohesion, Cohen et al.'s perceived stress, and King's spiritual intelligence scales. The results of path analysis revealed that the hypothetical model has a good fit in the sample of this study. As such, secure, avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles had an indirect relationship with perceived stress in the elderly through spiritual intelligence, and sense of cohesion indicated an indirect relationship with perceived stress in the elderly through spiritual intelligence (P < 0.05). The findings emphasize the importance of the relationship between attachment styles and a sense of cohesion with respect to the mediating role of spiritual intelligence in providing psychological assistance for the elderly in order to manage their perceived stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Today, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) treatment is an evolving process, and synbiotic administration has been suggested as a new therapeutic strategy. This study aims to investigate the effect of synbiotic supplementation in COVID-19 patients. Design/methodology/approach: In this placebo-controlled trial, 80 patients were randomized to receive oral synbiotic capsule (containing fructooligosaccharide and seven bacterial strains;Lactobacillus (L) casei, L. rhamnosus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, L. bulgaricus, each one 109 colony-forming units) or placebo for two months. Inflammatory markers (Interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and white blood cell (WBC) count were evaluated at two timepoints (baseline, two months later). The measured variables were adjusted for confounders and analyzed by SPSS v21.0. Findings: All 80 enrolled patients completed the study. The study adherence was good (approximately 70%). The mean changes for IL-6 were not significant ( = -0.6 +or- 10.4 pg/mL vs = +11.2 +or- 50.3 pg/mL, p > 0.05). There were no significant improvements for CRP, ESR and WBC. Originality/value: Administration of synbiotics for two months did not improve inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients.
ABSTRACT
Background and purpose: Considering the global spread of COVID-19, it seems that correct information obtained from reliable sources and training based on the need for self-care behaviors are useful solutions to reduce the harm caused by the disease. This study aimed at assessing the educational needs of people in Mazandaran province about COVID-19. Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 1220 people were recruited via convenience sampling in 2020. A researcher-made questionnaire was administered and information such as demographic characteristics, disease condition, and educational needs for COVID-19 were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and parametric tests, correlation, analysis of variance, and t-test. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.34 +or- 8.74. Educational level included diploma (42.5%) and university education (38.9%). About 73.3% of the participants were women. According to findings the main sources of information about COVID-19 were social networks (68.4%), satellite programs (20.9%), Ministry of Health notices (8.1%), national media (1.6%), other sources (0.6%), and family members (0.4%). Online methods were the most desirable educational methods (94.6%) reported by the people living in Mazandaran province. The overall mean score for educational needs was 3.89+or-0.96. The educational need for the disease (3.76+or-0.84) and self-care needs (4.03+or-1.07) indicated high needs for educational trainings and significant differences between these areas (P=001). Conclusion: In this study, social networks and media were the primary sources of information about COVID-19. Designing and implementing self-management and self-care training programs could improve the health of people in Mazandaran province and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Background: Serological studies can demonstrate pathogen circulation in regional populations and reflect public health mea-sures' effectiveness during different pandemic phases. By late November 2021, coinciding with the third pandemic wave, the sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG antibodies among the Iranian population was 32.63%. Objective(s): This study aimed to assess the Iranian population's seroprevalence during the fifth pandemic wave by analyzing donated blood samples. Method(s): This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on Iranian blood donors referred to all 31 main provincial capitals between August 2021 and September 2021. The participants selected through quota sampling were asked to complete a questionnaire on socio-demographics and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related information. Also, SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG antibodies were measured in serum samples using SARS-CoV-2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The seroprevalence was weighted based on the gender and age groups of the population and then adjusted for test performance. Result(s): Totally 3,339 blood donors participated in this study. The overall population-weighted seroprevalence adjusted for test performance was 52.67% (95% confidence interval (CI): 50.14-55.21). Seroprevalence was higher among participants with a high school diploma (55.45%, 95% CI 50.61-60.29), a positive history of close contact with COVID-19 patients (65.23%, 95% CI 60.83-69.63), and previous positive COVID-19 PCR tests (86.51%, 95% CI 82.32-90.7). Conclusion(s): More than half of the study population was exposed to SARS-CoV-2, indicating a 1.7-fold increase in the seroprevalence between late November 2020 and mid-September 2021. Our finding illuminated the pattern of Iran's fifth wave of the pandemic.Copyright © 2023, Author(s).
ABSTRACT
When it comes to supplying oxygen, current standard hospitals in Iran have proven inadequate in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during infection peaks. Power disruptions drastically reduce the oxygen pressure in hospitals, putting patients' health at risk. The present study is the first to attempt to power an oxygen concentrator with a solar-energy-based system. The HOMER 2.81 package was used for technical–economic–environmental–energy analysis. The most notable aspects of this work include evaluating different available solar trackers, using up-to-date equipment price data and up-to-date inflation rate, considering the temperature effects on solar cell performance, sensitivity analysis for the best scenario, considering pollution penalties, and using a three-time tariff system with price incentives for renewable power. The study has been carried out at Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran. The study showed that, by supplying 60% of the power demand, the dual-axis solar tracking system offered the highest annual power output (47,478 kWh). Furthermore, generating power at—$0.008/kWh due to selling power to the grid, the vertical-axis tracker was found to be the most economical design. Comparing the configuration with a vertical-axis tracker with the conventional scenario (relying on the power distribution grid), the investment is estimated to be recovered in three years with $234,300 in savings by the end of the 25th year. In the best economic scenario, 6137 kg CO2 is produced, and the analysis revealed the negative impact of a temperature rise on the performance and solar power output.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 epidemic and its subsequent effects have become a significant global challenge. In addition to being affected by this crisis, Iran is also facing many other problems, including sanctions and economic problems. So, there is a concern that it will suffer more severe consequences. Methods: Scenario planning is one of the ways to recognize future changes and environmental uncertainties. This study used the so-called global business network (GBN) method, also known as the scenario matrix method. This method is based on two key uncertainties and six steps have been taken to examine variables related to health and socio-economic factors and use the opinions of relevant experts. Results: To be expected, Iran's health system will be able to manage the epidemic in the face of various conditions with severity and weakness, and only in the pessimistic scenario or in Worst-case scenario with the default assumption of the continuation of sanctions and the spread of the epidemic. It leads to global restrictions, loss of foreign exchange reserves, loss of performance or collapse of the health system, increasing the number of deaths and diminishing the quality of life. Conclusion: Regarding the COVID-19 epidemic and the existing background factors, scenarios of Iran's health and economic conditions were narrated. Given the ability of the scenarios to understand the complexity and help in decision-making, it is considered a useful tool for policy makers to have a broader, comprehensive and reasonable look to achieve a correct consensus. This situation leads to the preservation and continuation of society health and conventional economic decisions.
ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 epidemic was a biological disaster that may cause or exacerbate burnout in healthcare professionals (HCPs). Our goal was to determine the impact of the long-term COVID-19 epidemic on burnout in front-line healthcare workers and the factors affecting it. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey on front-line HCPs' job burnout based on an online platform was conducted at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. The demographic characteristics, medical-work-related factors, and COVID-19 exposure were collected by the self-reported Farsi version of the Maslach burnout inventory questionnaire. Results: Out of 2100 sent questionnaires, 924 participants completed them (44% response rate) of which 280 were male (30.3%). Overall, 850(92%) respondents had a high level of emotional exhaustion, 872(94.4%) had a high level of depersonalization, and 112(12.1%) had a high reduced personal accomplishment. There was a significant relation between higher burnout levels with higher education levels, working in hospitals as clinical staff, and pre-hospital operational personnel as well as having direct contact with a significant number of COVID-19 Patients. A significant number of participants (94.2%) were in severe and moderate burnout levels. Conclusion: There was a significant increase in job burnout among front-line HCPs during the COVID-19 epidemic compared to former similar studies at the beginning of the epidemic and non-epidemic periods. It is recommended that in disaster management planning, especially in long-standing ones like COVID-19, the proper programs should be considered for increasing the resilience of HCPs. © 2023, Negah Institute for Scientific Communication. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The region of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is diverse and retains a superior growth potential. It benefits from a privileged geographical location with big markets, a young and growing educated population, and competitive advantages in several industries. Regardless of their differences, countries face shared concerns, most notably in health. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MENA countries enact reforms to create a more robust and inclusive digital health systems to increase growth, development, and integrity. Throughout the coordinated containment and mitigation efforts, most of the countries have integrated digital technologies into the health systems. These procedures include digital government initiatives, the introduction of digital health training courses, live video surgeries and virtual patient monitoring, rural and remote telemedicine programs, and the development of a national electronic health records (EHR) system. Each country took necessary actions to address equity, literacy, and development of resilient health systems. The nine featured countries in this report illustrate the diversity among the MENA region and account for major opportunities and achievements as well as promises and challenges that digital health presents for its populations. © 2022 IMIA and Georg Thieme Verlag KG.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The nutritional and anthropometric status can be essential in determining their immune response to vaccines. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the association between diet quality and anthropometric indices with the side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G titer among Kurdish adults. Design/methodology/approach: This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted between December 2021 and February 2022. This paper included data on 115 adults, 20-89 years old, from the Kurdistan region. Dietary information was collected using a short food frequency questionnaire, and diet quality was assessed using a plant-based healthy diet score. A blood test was performed to measure the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobin G (IgG) titer after the vaccination's first and second doses. Findings: Overweight and obese subjects reported more local pain, myalgia, headache, local bruising and local reactions after receiving the first dose of the vaccine (p = 0.04). People on a less healthy diet reported more local pain, myalgia and headache (p = 0.04) and more local bruising and reactions (p = 0.01) after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. On the other hand, the authors observed that those with healthy dietary habits had more IgG titer after the first and second doses of vaccination than those with less healthy dietary habits (p = 0.001). Originality/valueThe results showed that participants with a healthy diet and normal weight status had fewer side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine than obese people and those with a less healthy diet.