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Lung cancer is the most common cancer in males and the second most common among females both in Europe and worldwide. Moreover, lung cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancer in males. The European region accounts for 23% of total cancer cases and 20% of cancer-related deaths. Relationships have been described between a number of infectious agents and cancers, but our knowledge of the role of viruses, both respiratory and systemic, in the pathogenesis of lung cancer is still rudimentary and has been poorly disseminated. In this chapter, we review the available evidence on the involvement of HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, cytomegalovirus and measles virus in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of lung cancer.Copyright © ERS 2021.
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Background: Current published Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH) guidelines recommend annual cervical screening for women living with HIV(WLHIV) but do not reflect current evidence. Aim(s): 1. To assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on frequency and interval of cervical screening in WLHIV 2. To report any changes in outcomes of cervical screening in WLHIV during Covid-19 Method: Data were collected retrospectively over 3 years defined as Pre-Covid (23/3/2019-22/3/2020), during Covid lockdowns (23/3/2020-22/3/2021) and Post-Covid lockdowns (23/3/2021-22/3/2022). Data was collated on demographics, HIV-related data, previous abnormal cervical screens/colposcopy, smoking and high-risk Human Papilloma Virus(hrHPV) vaccination. Result(s): Data was available for 70 women. Mean age was 48 years, 44.3%(n=31) were of African ethnicity. Mean duration of HIV diagnosis was 19 years. 22.9% (n=16) had a previous ADI, median CD4 was 768(range 35-1891), median nadir-CD4 439(range 3-1472), 94.3% (n=66) were taking ARVs and 87.1%(n=61) had HIV-VL <40 copies/ml. 42.9%(n=30) had a previous abnormal cervical screen and 78.6%(n=55) had undergone colposcopy. 4.3%(n=3) were vaccinated against hrHPV. 18.6% (n=13) currently smoked. 60%(n=42) women underwent cervical screening Pre- Covid, 41.4%(n=29) during and 78.6%(n=55) Post-Covid. 19.6-37.2% fewer women were screened during Covid compared to Pre and Post-Covid. 9.5%(n=4) women screened Pre-Covid tested positive for hrHPV compared with 6.9%(n=2) during Covid and 12.7%(n=7) Post-Covid. No cytology changes were seen for the majority however cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN) grade 1 was detected in 2.4%(n=1) Pre- Covid, compared with 3.4%(n=1) during covid and 5.4% (n=3) Post-covid. Post-Covid 1.82%(n=1) had CIN grade 2 detected, no women pre or during covid had CIN grade 2 detected. No women Pre, during or Post-covid had CIN grade 3 or cervical neoplasm detected on cytology. Conclusion(s): Covid increased cervical screening intervals for WLHIV but did not result in delayed cervical cancer diagnosis. FSRH guidelines are currently under review regarding screening intervals. This data, although small in number, may support European AIDS Clinical Society and Department of Health and Human Services guidelines which have extended screening intervals for PWLH especially for those who tested negative for hrHPV.
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Objective: Although these days the priority is to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is not to be neglected. Mechanism: Cervical cancer is caused mainly by a chronic infection with one or more of the high-risk subtypes of HPV -most commonly a sexually transmitted disease acquired early in life. Most HPV infections go away on their own, but some can lead to a precancerous state that, if left untreated, can undergo complete neoplastic transformation. Findings in Brief: There is a hope that in the future the combination of screening tests with vaccinations against oncogenic strains of HPV will allow reductions in the percentage of those contracting cervical cancer. Conclusion(s): The importance of educational activities should be emphasized in developmental gynecology in the context of oncological prevention. The roles of both doctors and nurses are important here. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, these kinds of activities are not to be abandoned. In addition, efforts should be made to develop more practical and workable HPV and cervical screening strategies for use during a pandemic.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory condition affecting the central nervous system. Infection is a major consideration in the MS population due to its relevance to several stages of the disease process: (i) it has been suggested that infective processes may be 'triggering' or aetiological factors for MS, (ii) concurrent infection is known to exacerbate symptoms in MS, (iii) people with MS are at higher risk of infection when compared to the general population, and this risk is exaggerated in those receiving disease modifying therapies (DMTs). This guidance document was developed by specialists in the field of MS, Immunology, Infectious Disease and Pharmacy. A modified Delphi approach was used to develop clinically relevant, evidence-based consensus guidelines to help physicians navigate the complex interaction between DMTs and infectious diseases. We focus on specific risks predisposing people with MS to infection and how to manage these risks. We also provide recommendations on how to screen for, prevent, and manage infection in this population, in particular tuberculosis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, herpetic and other opportunistic infections. We also discuss vaccination and the COVID-19 pandemic in people on DMTs.
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Case report Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRT) is a rare condition associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) 1 and HPV 6 infection. Complications of the disease include dysphonia and upper airway obstruction. There is currently no curative treatment for RRT, and mainstay of management remains surgical excision of papilloma. We present a case of an 83 year old male, with a 20+ year history of RRT who has required over 80 surgical procedures for papilloma excision during the course of his disease, despite immunization for HPV. His IgG was decreased (5.02 g/l), with no recurrent bacterial infections and normal vaccine responses (HPV titers not measured). A trial of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) 10 g /week (weight 91 kg) was initiated for possible passive antibody or immunomodulatory effect. Over 14 months there has been a reduction of progression and no need for surgery. This is the first report of RRT treated with SCIG described in current literature. The results of this case suggest further investigation into the use of SCIG as an adjunctive therapy to surgery in RRT. The patient has provided verbal, telephone consent due to the COVID pandemic, with written consent to follow.
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Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has now morphed into the most serious healthcare challenge that the world has faced in a century. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020, and a pandemic on March 11 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The number of cases and the death toll are rapidly increasing frequently because of its fast transmission from human to human through droplets, contaminated hands or body, and inanimate surfaces. Objective(s): SDS has been found to exhibit broad-spectrum and effective microbicidal and viral inactivation agents through the denaturation of both envelope and non-envelop proteins Methods: Viable SARS-COV-2 particles may also be found on contaminated sites such as steel surfaces, plastic surfaces, stainless steel, cardboard, and glass surfaces that can serve as a source of virus transmission. We reviewed the available literature about the SARS-CoV-2 persistence on inanimate surfaces as well as the decontamination strategies of corona and other viruses by using Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as well as other cleaning chemicals and disinfectants. Result(s): The efficacy of SDS has been amply demonstrated in several studies involving human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). SDS has also been found as deactivator of SARS-CoV-2. In toxic profile, up to 1% concentration of SDS is safe for humans and showed no toxic effect if ingested. Conclusion(s): Since no specific treatment is available as yet so containment and prevention continue to be important strategies against COVID-19. In this context, SDS can be an effective chemical disinfectant to slow and stop the further transmissions and spread of COVID-19.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide. There is no effective medication for COVID-19 as of now, so it would be good to take preventive measures that not only boost our immunity but also fight against infections. The use of traditional Chinese medicine in China to treat COVID-19 patients sets the prototype demonstrating that traditional medicines can contribute to prevention and treatment successfully. In India, the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeop-athy) released a self-care advisory during the COVID-19 crisis as a preventive aspect. This review article discusses the therapeutic potential and clinical relevance of some herbs [(Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Tvaka (Cinnamon), Maricha (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingi-ber officinale), Munakka (Dried grapes), Lavang (Syzigiumaromaticum), Pudina (Mentha arvensis), and Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi)] advised by AUYSH to take during COVID-19 infection. They are effective in COVID-19 management, therefore, authors have discussed their detailed traditional uses as therapeutics and spotted scientific insight and clinical significance of the herbs mentioned above along with their mechanistic viewpoint, adequately, on a single platform. Provided information could be a treasure to open up a new research arena on natural products to manage human health crises effectively, caused not only by COVID-19 but also by other infectious diseases.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.
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This work tested the hypothesis that infection causes unexplained production of anti-centromere protein antibodies (ACA) via autoimmune cross-reactivity. To further examine the clinical origin of ACA, the overlapped peptides between human pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and fungi and centromere proteins (CENP-A, CENP-B and CENP-C) were assessed. We found a broad overlap of pathogenetic peptides with human centromere proteins. These data indicate potential immune cross-reactivity between pathogens and human centromere proteins. Additionally, the current findings corroborate a molecular and mechanistic framework for autoimmune disorders related to infection. Moreover, preliminary evidence for a potential role of infection in ACA-related autoimmune diseases was presented. © 2022 The Scandinavian Foundation for Immunology.
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Background: The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is now being connected to medical equipment to make patients more comfortable, offer better and more affordable health care options, and make it easier for people to get good care in the comfort of their own homes. Objective(s): The primary purpose of this study is to highlight the architecture and use of IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) technology in the healthcare system. Method(s): Several sources were used to acquire the material, including review articles published in various journals that had keywords such as, Internet of Medical Things, Wireless Fidelity, Remote Healthcare Monitoring (RHM), Point-of-care testing (POCT), and Sensors. Result(s): IoMT has succeeded in lowering both the cost of digital healthcare systems and the amount of energy they use. Sensors are used to measure a wide range of things, from physiological to emotional responses. They can be used to predict illness before it happens. Conclusion(s): The term "Internet of Medical Things" refers to the broad adoption of healthcare solutions that may be provided in the home. Making such systems intelligent and efficient for timely prediction of important illnesses has the potential to save millions of lives while decreasing the burden on conventional healthcare institutions, such as hospitals. patients and physicians may now access real-time data due to advancements in IoM. Copyright © 2022 Wal et al.
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Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a cancer prevention tool, yet vaccination coverage among adolescents remains suboptimal in the United States. Research shows significant disparate incidence and mortality rates of HPV-related cancers in Puerto Rico (PR). In 2018, the PR Department of Health (DOH) enacted an HPV vaccine school-entry requirement for adolescents 11 to 12 years old, and on August 2020 extended the requirement to include adolescents up to 16 years old. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, during March-August 2020, national data showed that HPV vaccine uptake rates decreased about 75%. Public health measures, such as stay-at-home orders, may have caused this decline by limiting access to preventive services. Our study explored, using a qualitative assessment, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of the HPV vaccine school-entry requirement in PR. Method(s): We conducted 26 interviews with stakeholders from schools, DOH employees, Department of education staff, health providers, and community-based organizations from 08/2021-03/2022. Interviews were recorded and transcribed in Spanish. Data were analyzed using applied thematic techniques by two trained coders using Atlas-ti 8. We discussed eight of these interviews among the team to identify major barriers related to the HPV school-entry implementation during the pandemic. Result(s): Our analysis identified the following preliminary emergent themes including: (1) lockdown limitations and access barriers to the vaccine and (2) shifting immunization priorities. Most participants noted that the March 2020 lockdown limited parents' ability to get their kids vaccinated and for schools to monitor the vaccine requirements;however, as vaccination centers and schools re-opened, gradually, vaccination processes increased. Participants described how during the pandemic, public health agencies prioritized the COVID-19 vaccine missing other vaccines that are required for school-entry, including the HPV vaccine. Discussion(s): Continuation of the implementation of the HPV vaccine school-entry requirement was challenging during early stages of the pandemic due to public health measures enacted to stop the spread of COVID-19. Moreover, once the COVID-19 vaccine was available, public heath vaccination priorities shifted. Nonetheless these barriers, efforts to increase HPV vaccine to pre-pandemic rates should continue, including providing educational support to parents, increase vaccine promotion, and creating community collaborations. As new guidelines recommend COVID-19 boosters, for everyone ages 5 years and older, this opportunity could serve to vaccinate against HPV as part of the bundling implementation of the HPV vaccine school-entry requirement.
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Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Puerto Rico (PR) had one of the highest Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine rates in the United States. Yet, widespread misleading information about the COVID19 vaccine might negatively impact HPV vaccine attitudes. This study aims to assess and compare HPV and COVID-19 vaccines attitudes toward school-entry policies among adults living in PR. A convenience sample of 222 adults (>=21 years old) living in PR were recruited through social media and completed an online survey from November 2021 to January 2022. Participants answered questions about HPV and COVID-19 vaccines knowledge (ranging from 0=none to 3=high knowledge), attitudes toward vaccination policies for school-entry, and perceptions of trusted and untrusted sources of information. Descriptive statistics were computed to identify the demographics characteristics of the participants. We also estimated the prevalence ratio (PRadjusted) using a logistic regression model to assess the magnitude of association between COVID-19 vaccination for the school-entry policy and HPV vaccination for school-entry policy agreement, adjusting for different confounders. The mean age of the study sample was 36.73 +/- 11.18 years. The majority of the sample were female (87%, n=194), with at least some college of education (92%;n=205) and employed (61%;n=165). One-fifth of the participants reported having children between ages 11 and 16 (n=46). Participants' perceived knowledge about the HPV vaccine was moderate (mean=1.72;SD=1.12), while for COVID-19 vaccine was moderately high (mean=2.47;SD=.68). The most trusted form of information for HPV and COVID-19 vaccines were health care providers (42% and 17%, respectively), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (35% and 55%, respectively), and the Department of Health (15% and 19%, respectively). The least trusted source of information included social media (40% and 39%, respectively), friends and family (23% n=47, and 17% n=33, respectively), and the Department of Health (15% n=30, and 18% n=36, respectively). More than half of the participants agreed that HPV (76% n=156) and COVID vaccines (69% n=136) should be required for school-entry. Agreement with COVID-19 vaccination for the school-entry policy was significantly associated with HPV vaccination for school-entry policy agreement (PRadjusted:1.96;95% CI:1.48-2.61) after controlling for age, sex, education, and having children between age 11 and 16. Findings suggest that adults living in PR have an overall positive attitude about mandatory HPV and COVID-19 vaccination school-entry policies, and these attitudes are interrelated. Yet, it is concerning that the Department of Health is identified as one of the least trusted sources of information, as it has a prominent role in implementing HPV and COVID-19 vaccine policies in PR. Further research should elucidate why the Department of Health is considered an untrusted source of information among adults living in PR and evaluate the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on HPV vaccine attitudes and adherence rates.
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Background At least 80% of new cervical cancer cases and deaths occur in low- and middleincome countries. Vietnam is a middle-income country where cervical cancer is the second most common and the deadliest gynecologic cancer. Cervical cancer incidence in Southern Vietnam has been shown to be 1.5-4 times higher than that in Northern Vietnam. However, less than 10% of Southern Vietnamese women have received the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and only 50% have ever been screened for cervical cancer. No study has examined the perceptions toward cervical cancer prevention and screening in Southern Vietnamese women. Hence, this study aimed to explore cervical cancer awareness, barriers to screening, and acceptability of HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening among rural and urban women in Southern Vietnam. Methods In October-November 2021, three focus groups were conducted in the rural district of Can Gio (n=21 participants) and three were conducted in the urban District Four (n=23 participants) in Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam. All participants were cervical cancer-free women aged 30-65 years. Awareness of, attitudes toward, and experience with cervical cancer prevention and screening were explored using audio-recorded, semi-structured discussions in Vietnamese. During the focus groups, participants also watched four short videos with Vietnamese subtitles and voiceover about cervical cancer screening methods and discussed their views on each. The recordings were transcribed, translated into English, and coded and analyzed using Dedoose 9.0.46. Results Four main themes emerged. First, women showed low awareness, but high acceptance of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination. Second, screening barriers were related to logistics (e.g., cost, time, travel distance), psychology (e.g., fear of pain, embarrassment, fear of the test revealing they had cancer), and healthcare providers (e.g., doctors' impolite manners, male doctors). Third, women were concerned about self-sampling incorrectly and pain, but believed HPV self-sampling to be a feasible screening tool in some circumstances (e.g., during the COVID-19 pandemic, those living in remote areas). Fourth, women related cervical cancer prevention to COVID-19 prevention;they believed strategies that have been successful for COVID-19 control in Vietnam could be applied to cervical cancer. No differences in themes emerged by rural/urban areas. Conclusions Southern Vietnamese women showed low awareness but high acceptance of cervical cancer screening despite barriers. Strategies for successful COVID-19 control in Vietnam, including campaigns to increase public awareness, advocacy from the government and doctors, and efforts to increase access to screening and vaccination, should be applied to cervical cancer control. Health education programs to address HPV self-sampling concerns and promote it as a cervical cancer screening tool are warranted given its potential to improve screening uptake in this low-resource setting.
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Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers disproportionately impact Latinos. While data for English-speaking (ES) and Spanish-speaking (SS) Latinos is usually aggregated, differences in acculturation, sociodemographic characteristics, and health behaviors make it important to understand the factors impacting HPV vaccination among these groups separately. This understanding is crucial to improving HPV vaccination disparities as COVID-19 vaccinations have exacerbated issues of vaccine hesitancy and medical mistrust. Method(s): Self-administered online surveys examining HPV vaccine hesitancy in an urban, diverse community with low HPV vaccine uptake were completed by parents of adolescents (N=357) in English or Spanish. Bivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to understand if medical mistrust, vaccine hesitancy, HPV knowledge, healthcare utilization and sociodemographic factors impact adolescent HPV vaccine uptake among ES and SS parents of Latino adolescents ages 12-17. Factors significant at p<.01 in the bivariate analyses were included in multivariable logistic regression models for each group. Result(s): 136 parents of adolescents aged 12-17 identified as Latino;56% completed the survey in English and 44% in Spanish. Bivariate analyses found significant associations between decreased HPV vaccine uptake and male parent/caregiver sex, higher HPV vaccine hesitancy, higher HPV knowledge, male adolescent sex, not receiving the flu vaccine and not receiving a provider recommendation to vaccinate against HPV among ES parents. In SS parents, parents aged 41-50 (compared to <40) and higher medical mistrust were associated with higher HPV vaccination;while male adolescent gender, not receiving TDAP immunization, and not receiving a provider recommendation to vaccinate against HPV were associated with lower HPV vaccine uptake. Multivariable regression models found that adolescents of ES parents were less likely to have initiated the HPV vaccine series if the parent/caregiver was male (OR=0.07, 95% CI:0.03,1.28), had higher HPV knowledge (OR=0.53, 95% CI:0.29,0.96), and did not receive a provider recommendation to vaccinate against HPV (OR=0.12, 95% CI:0.003,0.55). SS parents with higher medical mistrust (OR=7.27, 95% CI:1.14,46.41) and those aged 41-50 compared to parents younger than 40 (OR=18.19, 95% CI:0.28,407.78) were more likely to have adolescents who initiated the HPV vaccine series, while those without a provider recommendation to vaccinate had lower odds of HPV vaccine uptake (OR=0.004, 95% CI:<0.01,0.11). Discussion(s): Aligned with the literature, provider recommendation to vaccinate against HPV significantly impacted vaccination behavior among ES and SS parents. Interventions should focus on improving provider recommendations and communications with Latino parents of adolescents. More research should explore the surprising associations between higher medical mistrust and higher odds of HPV vaccination among SS parents, and more HPV knowledge and lower odds of HPV vaccination among ES parents.
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Background: Vaccine hesitancy is defined as "delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite the availability of vaccination services". When individuals choose not to get vaccinated, efforts to control the spread of the disease are hindered. Despite scientific evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, one in four adults in the United States is not fully vaccinated. However, some individuals, despite being previously vaccine-hesitant got the COVID-19 vaccine and vice versa, leading to an intention-behavior gap. In this study, we ask an important question: What sociodemographic, psychological, ideological, and communication-related factors can contribute to the vaccination-related intention-behavior gap? An understanding of these factors can also help create communication strategies to encourage the vaccine-hesitant to get vaccinated, especially in populations where there are greater vaccine disparities. Method(s): This longitudinal study uses two nationally representative surveys of Americans from 2020 and 2021 to determine the factors that contribute to COVID-19 vaccination-related intention-behavior gap and overcome vaccine hesitancy, using multivariable logistic regression. Result(s): The results indicated that 51% of previously vaccine-hesitant individuals were vaccinated against COVID-19, and only 14% of previously provaccine individuals remained unvaccinated. Some factors associated with a higher likelihood of vaccine-hesitant individuals getting vaccinated were high perceptions of risk, high vaccine acceptance, being informed about the vaccines, endorsing less COVID-19 misinformation, having confidence in scientists, being over 60 years old, and being female. Alternatively, some factors associated with a lower likelihood of pro-vaccine individuals not getting vaccinated were high perceptions of risk, high vaccine acceptance, being informed about the vaccines, identifying as a Republican, having confidence in scientists, having access to healthcare, and having higher education. Conclusion(s): The study indicates that it is possible to convince the vaccine-hesitant individuals to get vaccinated as well as prevent the pro-vaccine individuals from realizing their vaccination intentions. Developing evidence-based persuasive and targeted communication strategies can help convince the unvaccinated and increase the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Targeted communication strategies can also help reduce disparities among populations that have lower vaccination rates. Moreover, such strategies may also be useful to increase the uptake of other vaccines such as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to lower the rates of HPV-attributable cancers in the United States.
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Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination remains inadequate in the United States, and lack of provider-prompted initiation presents a critical barrier to broader coverage. This study aims to determine the efficacy of an electronic health record (EHR) intervention on primary and catch-up HPV vaccination. Method(s): A retrospective analysis was performed of 22,517 patients aged 9 to 26 years receiving HPV 9-valent or quadrivalent vaccines by primary care providers in a single health care system from 2016 to 2021. Vaccine administrations and sociodemographic characteristics were compared before and after the implementation of an EHR health maintenance reminder (HMR) prompting HPV vaccination in February 2020. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to ascertain independent variables associated with early (<18 years) vs late vaccination (>18 years) across the study period. Result(s): In the cohort, most were female (52.7%) and White (55.9%). Mean age was 15.4 and 16.3 years before and after HMR implementation, respectively (P<.001). There was a 48% increase in vaccinations given in those over 18 years in 2020 compared with the year prior. Of patients, 34.5% receiving the vaccine post-HMR were older than 18 years, compared with 26.2% pre-HMR (P<.001). On multivariate analysis, Black (odds ratio [OR]=1.27;95% CI, 1.18-1.36;P<.001) and Asian (OR=1.52;95% CI, 1.36-1.71;P<.001) patients were more likely to be greater than 18. Notably, outpatient visits decreased by about 18% in 2020 during the pandemic compared with the prior 3 years. Conclusion(s): EHR reminders are an effective provider-level intervention in improving catch-up HPV vaccination numbers, despite waning health care utilization during the COVID- 19 pandemic. This may be particularly important for patients who are more likely to have received the vaccine at a later age.
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Vaccination: Administration of microorganism or virus in a weakened, live or killed state, or proteins or toxins from the organism to help the immune system develop protection from disease;vaccination is by far the ultimate achievement of humankind. Vaccination is derived from the Latin word Vacca, meaning cow, due to early studies of viruses and immunization on cows. Immunity due to vaccination is mainly responsible for the worldwide eradication of smallpox and eliminating diseases such as polio and tetanus from much of the world. When smallpox was finally eradicated in 1979, it had already killed an estimated 300 - 500 million people in the 20th century. COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the significance of vaccination were all known human scientific establishment has been mobilized to develop a vaccine for it. This presentation discusses several necessary vaccines for viruses and diseases, including hepatitis, pneumococcal, meningococcal, rotavirus, human papilloma virus in children and pregnant mothers. Challenges in achieving herd immunity and many of the programs and initiatives to conduct mass immunization are discussed.
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Objective: This study sought to determine the level of knowledge, practices and barriers towards the COVID-19 infection prevention strategies among University Students in Northern Jordan. Design(s): This study adopted a descriptive quantitative design. Material(s) and Method(s): The researcher administered a survey to 501 participants, who were University Students in Northern Jordan. Categorical data was then analyzed using three statistical tools of SPSS (v 25);descriptive statistics, spearman's cor-relation and linear regression analysis. Result(s): Participants reported proper knowledge scores (84.4%), proper adherence to general hygiene (89.2%) hand hygiene (87.7%), and respiratory hygiene (80.8%) practices regarding COVID-19 infection prevention strategies. Lack of personal pro-tective equipment and the inconvenience of staying at home are the leading barriers to stopping the spread of COVID-19. Gender, marital status, level of education and age have a statistically significant impact (p < .05) on the participants knowledge towards the overall prevention of the corona virus spread. Discussion(s): This study reports outcomes that correlate with some previous quantitative research studies regarding level of knowledge. However, level of knowledge does not consistently correlate with the practice. Conclusion(s): The university students in Northern Jordan exhibit sufficient knowledge and reliable attitude regarding the prevention of COVID-19. Copyright © 2020 Japan Health Sciences University & Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation.
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Background: Vaccine hesitancy is common and increasingly relevant in the current medical landscape. Simply based on volume, dermatology practices intersect with the community more than most medical providers. At risk populations for vaccine preventable illnesses are also relatively commonplace in dermatology clinics, as is the practice of injectable therapeutics. Based on these factors, we hypothesize that dermatology clinics have a unique opportunity to positively impact the public health of the population they serve through vaccine administration. Methods: From May until August 2021, 220 patients received a single or two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine at their local dermatology clinic as part of a vaccine outreach initiative. A 5-question survey was provided to these patients exploring perspectives, satisfaction, and interest in further vaccinations if offered. Compliance with second dose regimens was also measured. Results: Preliminary data shows high degrees of satisfaction with vaccines administered at the dermatology office. 97% of eligible patients followed through on second dose regimens. “Convenience” and “comfort with the practice” were the two most common listed reasons for vaccine compliance. 88% of patients stated they would receive other vaccines at their dermatology clinic if recommended and available. Conclusion: Based on these data, it appears that Dermatology clinics can positively impact vaccine hesitance and play a role in public health through offering certain vaccines at their facilities. This data could be extrapolated to make an argument for expanded vaccine administration targeted toward conditions salient to everyday dermatology practice (eg, vaccines for human papillomavirus and varicella zoster).
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Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) prognosis is determined by a wide range of factors, such as the severity of the disease manifestations, the psychosocial aspects of patients, the proper management of comorbidities, adoption of a healthy lifestyle and adherence to treatment. Studies on chronic diseases highlight the value of patient education to foster treatment adherence and improve prognosis. Objectives: To promote health education to SLE patients and their families providing accessible and comprehensive Scientific information, in order to improve adherence to treatment and the patient's prognosis. Methods: The Waiting Room Project is linked to the Extension Health Care Program for SLE patients and their families of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, since 2011. A total of 700 patients under SLE treatment at the Rheumatology Unit of the University Hospital are involved. Medical students and rheumatology fellows, altogether, developed high-quality informative texts, with clear content and layman language appropriate for the patient, under the supervision of the rheumatology professors. The texts are illustrated by the team of the Communication Department of the Medical School and medical students, and are printed in a leafet format. The material is handed out to the patients, while they wait for their medical appointment, by the students and the care team. The content of the leafets is discussed, making sure that all the concerns and doubts are properly addressed Results: The Waiting Room Project has produced 17 leafets, addressing different aspects of SLE, comorbidities, and treatment. The texts approach the traditional cardiovascular risk factors (Smoking, Arterial Hypertension, Diabetes, Obesity, Physical Activity), and some medical conditions related to general health and SLE treatment (Sun Protection, Healthy Food, Oral Care, Vaccination, Pregnancy, Osteoporosis). In 2020 and 2021, two leafets about Covid-19 were produced in order to clarify important aspects of this disease, its impact on lupus patients and to solve questions about SLE medications: one regarding the association between Lupus and Covid-19 and another about the treatment of lupus and Covid-19. Other four leafets were produced concerning SLE treatment, including Adherence to Treatment, the use of Antimalarials, Corticos-teroids, and Immunosuppressants. Information about the drugs, general importance on lupus treatment, recommendations and possible adverse events were described. Futhermore, additional content is currently in production with themes such as Intravenous Corticosteroid and Cyclophosphamide, Human Papilloma-virus Infection, Malignant Neoplasm, and specifc cancers frequently affecting women, such as Colorectal Cancer, Cervical Cancer, and Breast Cancer. The leafets are also available online on the Medical School website in Portuguese and in English (medicina.ufmg.br/alo/material-didatico/), on the Minas Gerais Rheumatology Society website (reumatologia.org.br/orientacoes-ao-paciente/), and on the Instagram page @lupusufmg Conclusion: The leafets have been an important source of information and health education for SLE patients and their families, improving student/physician-patient communication. Despite the adversities caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Waiting Room Project has kept its purpose to make each patient with SLE an agent of their healthcare. Improving the patients' access to evidence-based information must be a goal of healthcare professionals that treat patients with SLE.
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I am truly honored to be invited to present during the lecture named after Prof. Lazlo von Dobszay, who was a remarkable Hungarian PAG Pioneer. This lecture will highlight the HPV vaccination path, where it comes from (from Good), where it stands today (to Great) and what it can expect in the years to come (to Excellent) HPV is a virus we can all beat, if we want to and if we put in the necessary effort. Yes, we can, … but unfortunately on our way we have encountered a game changer: the COVID pandemic. As a result of this roadblock, there is a worldwide HPV Coverage Gap. This worldwide crisis will affect health care for many years. Now we have to be fast and effective to get the HPV coverage back on track. Only then can we achieve the goal to fully vaccinate 80% of the adolescents, in order to obtain a herd immunity. Infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) constitute an important source of morbidity and mortality worldwide in people of all ages and genders. The HPV induced cancers show a remarkable trend with e.g. a greater incidence of head and neck cancers as compared to cervical cancers Gender neutral protection against HPV-related diseases is our moral duty. The success of that protection heavily depends on the timing of vaccination, especially before and even after unplanned exposure. Child sexual abuse requires even faster HPV action, the sooner the better. Unfortunately, HPV vaccine supplies are currently insufficient to meet the demand and some countries have already postponed its administration. Running out of vaccines is a reality, increases in supplies are imperative Recent research focuses on the non-inferiority of one versus two doses of the vaccine. If one-dose HPV vaccination became viable, some of the significant barriers to scaling-up and sustaining Low Income Countries/Low- and Middle Income Countries may be overcome. The limitations of preventive vaccines justify continuous innovation and adaptation of vaccination strategies.