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Background: This study aimed to identify the incidence rate of post-coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) conditions in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army and to investigate the trend of the incidence rate according to changes in dominant variants. Method(s): We used the results of a 19-item, self-completed survey of those who had recovered from COVID-19 in the ROK Army between March 24, 2020, and April 30, 2022. We used both descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with the incidence rate of post-COVID-19 conditions. Result(s): Among the total of 48,623 COVID-19 episodes in the ROK Army, the overall incidence rate of post-COVID-19 conditions was 32.9%. Based on the survey, the incidence of cough was the highest at 15.4%, followed by fatigue (15.1%) and sputum (13.8%). The delta variant had the highest incidence rate of post-COVID-19 conditions at 50.7%, whereas the omicron variant had the lowest at 19.7%. Concerning the type of post-COVID-19 condition, the neuropsychiatric symptoms had the highest incidence at 27.4% when the delta variant was dominant, and the respiratory symptoms were highest at 37.3% when the omicron variant was dominant. In the case of smell and taste symptoms, the incidence rate was high at 21.1% only when the delta variant was predominant. Conclusion(s): The overall incidence rate of post-COVID-19 conditions in the ROK Army was 32.9%. When the delta variant was dominant, the overall incidence as well as the proportion of neuropsychiatric symptoms were high. However, as the omicron variant became dominant, the overall incidence decreased, but the proportion of respiratory symptoms increased.Copyright © Korean Medical Association.
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We analyze four online concerts by K-pop group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 to the present) from the view of participant observation. The pandemic served as a catalyst for the evolution of these concerts. BTS set new records for revenue generated by a single online concert in June 2020, only to beat their own record in October 2020, and again in June 2021. While BTS delivered high-quality online concerts to its fans, known as ARMY, these concerts highlighted the challenges to both audience members and performers despite the use of "virtual reality" technologies. We argue that BTS's online concerts represent a new type of concert production and consumption that expands the accessibility of performances to fans all over the world, and also enabled new forms of interactions between artists and audience members. However, these concerts inadvertently highlighted the importance of in-person interaction between fans and performers as K-pop relies heavily not only on cheering and banners that support artists, but also on light sticks, fan chants, and other activities.
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Objective To analyze the changes of disease spectrum in pediatric inpatients before and after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods The data of gender, age, habitual residence, diagnosis and other relevant information of 1 931 hospitalized children in Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University) from Feb. 2019 to Jan. 2020 (1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic) and 618 hospitalized children from Feb. 2020 to Jan. 2021 (1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic) were collected. The total number, habitual residence, gender and disease spectrum of hospitalized children 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic were statistically analyzed. Results The number of hospitalized children decreased by 68.00% (1 313/1 931) 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic. The number of hospitalized children from other provinces and cities was decreased (17.80%[110/618]vs 29.00%[560/1 931]) and there was significantly difference in the distribution of habitual residence of hospitalized children between 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (P<0.01). One year after the COVID-19 epidemic, the number of children with respiratory diseases decreased by 92.04% (971/1 055), and the proportion was also decreased (13.59%[84/618]vs 54.63%[1 055/1 931]);the number of children with endocrine system diseases increased by 20.71% (29/140), and the proportion was increased (27.35%[169/618]vs 7.25%[140/1 931]);the number of children with neonatal diseases decreased by 43.01% (166/386), but the proportion was increased (35.60%[220/618] vs 19.99%[386/1 931]). Compared with 1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic, there were significant differences in the proportions of respiratory diseases, endocrine system diseases and neonatal diseases in hospitalized children 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (all P<0.01). The age distribution of hospitalized children 1 year before and 1 year after the epidemic of COVID-19 was different (P<0.01), and the number of hospitalized children was also different in different seasons (P<0.05). One year after the epidemic of COVID-19, the number of hospitalized children with respiratory diseases was decreased most significantly, and the number of children with pneumonia decreased by 93.71% (655/699), with a significant difference found in the proportions of pneumonia between 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (52.38%[44/84]vs 66.26% [699/1 055], P<0.05). Compared with 1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic, the proportion of endocrine system diseases such as short stature/growth retardation was decreased and the proportion of precocious puberty/early puberty development was increased 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (P<0.05). Conclusion The COVID-19 epidemic has led to a significant decrease in hospitalized children in department of pediatric, especially in the proportion of respiratory diseases, but it has led to an increase in hospitalized children with endocrine system diseases, suggesting that epidemic prevention and control measures can effectively reduce respiratory diseases requiring hospitalization, but may increase precocious puberty and early puberty development. These changes should be considered by department of pediatrics in general hospitals.Copyright © 2022, Second Military Medical University Press. All rights reserved.
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Objective To investigate the clinical significance of serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) in elderly patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) omicron variant and its correlation with underlying diseases. Methods A total of 22 elderly patients (>80 years old) infected with omicron variant, who were admitted to Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University) from Apr. to Jun. 2022 and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, were included. The level of serum IL-6 was measured by flow cytometry, and the level of serum C reactive protein (CRP) was measured by immunonephelometry. Patients were divided into pneumonia group (16 cases) and non-pneumonia group (6 cases) according to the imaging examination results, and were divided into severe group (severe and critical type, 5 cases) and non-severe group (mild and normal type, 17 cases) according to the condition. Binary logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the correlation between serum IL-6 and CRP levels and the severity of the disease and whether it would progress to pneumonia. Meanwhile, the relationships between underlying diseases and serum IL-6 level were explored. Results Among the 22 patients, 6 were mild, 11 were normal, 3 were severe, and 2 were critical. The baseline serum IL-6 level in the pneumonia group was significantly higher than that in the non-pneumonia group ([20.16+/-12.36]pg/mL vs [5.42+/-1.57] pg/mL, P=0.009), and there was no significant difference in baseline serum CRP level between the 2 groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in baseline serum IL-6 or CRP levels between the severe group and the non-severe group (both P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the baseline serum IL-6 and CRP might be related to pneumonia after infection with omicron variant (odds ratio [OR]=2.407, 95% confidence interval [CI]0.915-6.328;OR=1.030, 95% CI 0.952-1.114). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve values of serum IL-6 and CRP in predicting the progression to pneumonia were 0.969 (95% CI 0.900-1.000) and 0.656 (95% CI 0.380-0.932), respectively, with statistical significance (Z=2.154, P=0.030). There were no significant differences in the baseline serum IL-6 level or proportions of severe patients or pneumonia patients among patients with or without hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (all P>0.05). The baseline serum IL-6 levels of the omicron variant infected elderly patients with 1, 2, and 3 or more underlying diseases were 12.50 (9.15, 21.75), 23.55 (9.63, 50.10), and 10.90 (5.20, 18.88) pg/mL, respectively, with no statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion For omicron variant infected patients, serum IL-6 level is significantly increased in patients with pneumonia manifestations and is correlated with disease progression. Serum IL-6 level is of great guiding significance to judge disease progression and evaluate efficacy and prognosis of elderly coronavirus disease 2019 patients.Copyright © 2022, Second Military Medical University Press. All rights reserved.
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Objective To explore the sociodemographic and psychological factors influencing the continuity of treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease under the regular epidemic prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods A total of 277 patients with chronic kidney disease who were admitted to Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University) from Apr. 2020 to Mar. 2021 were enrolled and divided into 3 groups: non-dialysis group (n=102), hemodialysis (HD) group (n=108), and peritoneal dialysis (PD) group (n=67). All patients were investigated by online and offline questionnaires, including self-designed basic situation questionnaire, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and self-rating depression scale (SDS). The general sociodemographic data, anxiety and depression of the 3 groups were compared, and the influence of sociodemographic and psychological factors on the interruption or delay of treatment was analyzed by binary logistic regression model. Results There were significant differences in age distribution, marital status, occupation, medical insurance type, caregiver type, whether there was an urgent need for hospitalization and whether treatment was delayed or interrupted among the 3 groups (all P<0.05). The average SAS score of 65 PD patients was 38.15+/-15.83, including 53 (81.5%) patients without anxiety, 7 (10.8%) patients with mild anxiety, and 5 (7.7%) patients with moderate to severe anxiety. The average SAS score of 104 patients in the HD group was 36.86+/-14.03, including 81 (77.9%) patients without anxiety, 18 (17.3%) patients with mild anxiety, and 5 (4.8%) patients with moderate to severe anxiety. There were no significant differences in the mean score of SAS or anxiety severity grading between the 2 groups (both P>0.05). The mean SDS scores of 65 PD patients were 53.42+/-13.30, including 22 (33.8%) patients without depression, 21 (32.3%) patients with mild depression, and 22 (33.8%) patients with moderate to severe depression. The mean SDS scores of 104 patients in the HD group were 50.79+/-10.76, including 36 (34.6%) patients without depression, 56 (53.8%) patients with mild depression, and 12 (11.6%) patients with moderate to severe depression. There were no significant differences in mean SDS scores or depression severity grading between the 2 groups (both P>0.05). The results of intra-group comparison showed that the incidence and severity of depression were higher than those of anxiety in both groups. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that high school education level (odds ratio [OR]=5.618, 95% confidence interval [CI]) 2.136-14.776, P<0.01), and unmarried (OR=6.916, 95% CI 1.441-33.185, P=0.016), divorced (OR= 5.588, 95% CI 1.442-21.664, P=0.013), urgent need for hospitalization (OR=8.655, 95% CI 3.847-19.476, P<0.01) could positively promote the continuity of treatment in maintenance dialysis patients under the regular epidemic prevention and control of COVID-19. In the non-dialysis group, no sociodemographic and psychological factors were found to be associated with the interruption or delay of treatment (P>0.05). Conclusion Education, marital status, and urgent need for hospitalization are correlated with the continuity of treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance dialysis.Copyright © 2022, Second Military Medical University Press. All rights reserved.
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The aim of this research is to describe the use of telemedicine applied to patients characterised by a particular state of illness, which often drives them toward a frail and chronic status, in a systematic manner. This work employed the Tranfield approach to carry out a systematic literature review (SLR), in order to provide an efficient and high-quality method for identifying and evaluating extensive studies. The methodology was pursued step by step, analysing keywords, topics, journal quality to arrive at a set of relevant open access papers that was analysed in detail. The same papers were compared to each other and then, they were categorised according to significant metrics, also evaluating technologies and methods employed. Through our systematic review we found that most of the patients involved in telemedicine programs agreed with this service model and the clinical results appeared encouraging. Findings suggested that telemedicine services were appreciated by patients, they increased the access to care and could be a better way to face emergencies and pandemics, lowering overall costs and promoting social inclusion.Copyright © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
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The proceedings contain 549 papers. The topics discussed include: interleukin-2 kinase-mediated T-cell receptor signaling is critical in the development of type 1 diabetes by OT-1 T-cells;the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and depression in adolescents in the military population;dollars sense: a school-based effort to increase financial literacy in high school students;fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders in a pandemic world;walkability of San Bernardino county?s elementary schools in relation to various school characteristics;placebo-controlled trial in tanner 2-3 males with Klinefelter syndrome: effect of testosterone gel versus placebo in motor skills outcomes;my implant is expiring: a national secret shopper study of extended use of the contraceptive implant;comparing the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on stress levels in college students;and are patients with a history of chest radiation therapy at higher risk for sternal wound problems after heart transplant?.
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Objective. To analyze diagnoses, clinical characteristics, incidence and specifics of comorbid mental and other disorders in Russian patients with a main complaint of headache before and after the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic and special military operation. Material and methods. We have retrospectively analyzed primary medical records of all patients over 16 years old with a main complaint of headache who appealed to the University Headache Clinic between April 1, 2019 and July 1, 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic), in 2021 (COVID-19 pandemic) and 2022 (after onset of special military operation). Results. There were more visits of patients diagnosed with migraine in April-June 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. In April-June 2022, the number of patients with migraine and aura significantly increased from 11.7 to 18.5% (p=0.03). Other migraine characteristics remained the same throughout 3 years. Indicators of emotional status changed significantly. In 2021, the number of patients with anxiety increased from 28.0 to 44.9% (p=0.001). In 2022, anxiety continued to be high. Prevalence of depression did not change significantly in 2021 compared to 2019, but its manifestations have changed. Anhedonia and an-ergy became more common. The number of patients with depression significantly increased among people with headache from 28.7 to 43.9% in 2022 (p=0.0001). The proportion of patients with a first-time depressive episode significantly increased (from 2.7% in 2021 to 21.3% in 2022, p=0.0001). The number of patients referred to a psychiatrist was 10.2% in 2022 that is significantly higher compared to 2021. Conclusion. Significant socio-economic events can be triggers for onset or relapse of comorbid anxiety-depressive disorders in patients with primary cephalalgia.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.
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We analyze four online concerts by K-pop group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 to the present) from the view of participant observation. The pandemic served as a catalyst for the evolution of these concerts. BTS set new records for revenue generated by a single online concert in June 2020, only to beat their own record in October 2020, and again in June 2021. While BTS delivered high-quality online concerts to its fans, known as ARMY, these concerts highlighted the challenges to both audience members and performers despite the use of "virtual reality"technologies. We argue that BTS's online concerts represent a new type of concert production and consumption that expands the accessibility of performances to fans all over the world, and also enabled new forms of interactions between artists and audience members. However, these concerts inadvertently highlighted the importance of in-person interaction between fans and performers as K-pop relies heavily not only on cheering and banners that support artists, but also on light sticks, fan chants, and other activities. © 2023 by the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, U.S. Branch (IASPM-US).
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This study aims to determine the interaction and communication patterns of the Persit-KCK (Army Wives Association) organization that have an impact on harmony and cohesiveness among members of the Persit-KCK organization and that build a strong commitment to providing benefits to the wider community in Indonesia. This commitment also increases the loyalty of every soldier of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI-AD) and their responsibility for upholding state sovereignty, maintaining the territorial integrity of the country, and protecting the whole nation and all of Indonesia from bloodshed from threats and disturbances. The research method used by researchers is a qualitative research method. Researchers used qualitative research in this study to obtain more detailed and in-depth findings and to describe the reality that cannot be measured numerically;however, to obtain the best findings from qualitative data analysis, this research was assisted by Nvivo 12 Pro tools. The study assessed an organization for "soldiers' wives” and "military wives” by focusing on activities carried out by the Persit-KCK organization (the Army Wives Union, "TNI”, in Indonesia). This activity reveals the use of symbols in a social communication that helps each Persit-KCK member to build an understanding of their duties and roles as soldiers' wives (TNI-AD), and to contribute positively to the wider community. The study also reveals that institutional communication patterns of Persit-KCK prioritize integrative communication among members (activities that strengthen communication among TNI-AD wives) in all regions in Indonesia. Volunteer and non-profit activities of Persit-KCK have made it a driving actor for the growth of social capital during the COVID-19 pandemic in various regions in Indonesia. © 2023 by the authors.
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This chapter analyzes the legislative and policy response to the Covid-19 pandemic in France. It aims at assessing how the French policymakers adapted to the pandemic in terms of regulation and policymaking. The chapter relies on the cross-referencing of ongoing findings from two research projects financed by the French National research Agency, the first one, "ANR Army," on the role of the armies in the "war" against the coronavirus and its perception by the population. The second research project, "ANR Localex" focuses on local and regional normative dynamics. It then analyzes the nature of the exceptional legislative framework in place at the national level, in light of the use by the French government of the armed forces to help manage the crisis, in a context where the involvement of military forces domestically is extremely regulated. The chapter also analyzes the normative dynamics at other levels of legislative and policymaking. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Introduction: In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, emerged in Wuhan, posing a severe threat to global health. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are frequently found in COVID-19 patients, which is believed to be a critical factor in the pathogenicity of the disease. Similar to other outbreaks caused by new viral agents, an approved treatment has not yet been introduced, and treatment protocols presented in scientific evidence are all symptomatic and supportive. Despite the use of various drugs, including antivirals, innovative treatment approaches are urgently needed to enhance the prognosis of these patients. One of the treatment approaches that can be taken to reduce these cytokines is hemoperfusion. The association of increased cytokines releases with the severity of COVID-19 disease and the effect of hemoperfusion in the removal of these cytokines prompted this study to determine the survival and hospitalization outcomes of COVID 19 Severe-Critical patients after hemoperfusion admitted at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Health Service, Victoriano Luna Medical Center. Method(s): This is a single-center retrospective cohort study conducted at Armed Forces of the Philippines Health Service Command, Victoriano Luna Medical Center among COVID-19 Severe-Critical from November 2020 to November 2021. Eligible patients were classified into hemoperfusion and non-hemoperfusion groups. Demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were identified. Laboratory parameters were collected and compared before and after treatment between the two groups. Result(s): The total number of patients identified as COVID Severe - Critical admitted at Victoriano Luna Medical Center from November 2020 to November 2021 was 342. Due to the unavailability and incompleteness of several charts, there are only 68 patients who are included in the study who underwent hemoperfusion and 286 patients included under the standard regimen (non-hemoperfusion). The majority of the patients are males (55.9% for HP, 52.3% for non-HP) with an average age of 60-69 years old in both groups. The most common comorbidity noted was hypertension (70% for HP;62% for non-HP) in both groups. Among the inflammatory markers measured, Pao2, CRP, and LDH were noted to have improved after the fourth session of hemoperfusion. Regression of pneumonia on chest x-ray was also observed among the HP group. The average length of hospital stay for the HP group is 26.69 days which is greater than the non-HP group (19.12 days). Mortality is 45% higher in the HP group compared to the non-HP group (21.5%). However, there is no association noted between mortality and patient group. Conclusion(s): This study showed the clinical outcome of patients who underwent hemoperfusion versus the standard regimen. Most were hypertensive men in their 60s with severe to critical COVID-19 disease. Among the laboratory measures, there was noted improvement in the partial oxygen pressure (PaO2), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and pneumonia on chest x-ray among patients who underwent hemoperfusion. Even still, mortality rates are high, and hospital stays are lengthy. No conflict of interestCopyright © 2023
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Background: The Covid pandemic and the war created the conditions for the growth of cancer in Ukraine. Violence against women and mass migration of the population have increased the risk of HPV infection in the population, which may provoke a surge in the incidence of cervical cancer shortly (1). Method(s): In the front-line city of Zaporizhzhia (eastern Ukraine), HPV screening for cervical cancer was organized using the Self-sampling model from the first weeks of the war. Women aged 25-60 were offered to take part in the screening at the refugee reception centre where they received humanitarian assistance. For Self-sampling, the Swedish test Qvintip Aprovix AB (2) was used. Screening participants returned the test through volunteers to a certified PCR laboratory, where they tested viral DNA for six oncogenic HPV strains. Women received a response with further recommendations for monitoring and treatment via SMS or email. The organization and financing of screening in Ukraine during the war were taken over by the charitable foundation "World Against Cancer". Result(s): Consent for HPV screening was obtained from 180 women. A positive result of HPV testing was obtained in 12 (6.7%) women. Systematic analysis of screening results and the use of "Test and treat" tactics is the subject of our further research. Conclusion(s): Due to the small number of participants in the program and the short follow-up period, it is not yet possible to conclude the impact of the war on the risk of developing cervical cancer in Ukrainian women. Our pilot study showed that the Self-sampling model is the most optimal for HPV screening in a military conflict. However, this model can only be applied after the end of active hostilities in the region and the low probability of a missile and bomb strike on the city, when relative stability sets in after the phase of a humanitarian catastrophe. This model of cancer prevention can also be used during the mass migration of refugees in the aftermath of environmental disasters as part of a program of humanitarian assistance to the population.Copyright © 2023
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The recent Outbreak of the Covid-19 from the Wuhan region of China has brought the critical situation and crisis to human species around the world. The issue of 'Human Security' has brought about the global crisis. It is now under discussion. There are new challenges around the world in the field of disease and treatment. The development of a health sector rather than military power can first protect the citizens of a country or nation. The same has been taught to the People of this generation. Basically, as a biological disaster, the disease has hit the socio-cultural and economic infrastructure of the world. 'Vasant roga' was recognized as a former world outbreak. The overall environment of the Concomitant outbreak after polio, plague, Spanish flu has caused a long-term crisis in the international economy, politics and health. The SARS-CoV-2 or the COVID-19 that affect more than 195 countries around the world at the same time are also challenges the scientific development of the world's advanced capitalist countries. The overall contribution of education technology and the discovery have been questioned. Out of the 195 countries around the world 84 countries have to be on the lock down. This is the first time in human civilization that so many countries are under lockdown. In this terrible situation every nation is moving towards economic slowdown. International communication, imports and exports have been stopped. There is a terrible danger to every government, private sector associated with labour and farmer class as well as the other professions. How will the future of a developing nation like India and a developing state like Assam be in this situation? How will this affect the society, literature and culture of Assam? The proposed issue is being researched for an academic discussion on the same.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.
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In November 2020, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation began mass immunisation of the personnel with Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V), the first Russia vaccine against the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Thus, it became necessary to assess post-vaccination antibody levels and the duration and intensity of humoral immunity to COVID-19. The aim of the study was to investigate the immunogenicity and efficacy of Gam-COVID-Vac in military medical staff after vaccination. Materials and methods: the authors determined the presence of specific antibodies in the serum of individuals immunised with Gam-COVID-Vac (477 volunteers) and COVID-19 convalescents (73 patients), using virus neutralisation (VN), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with reagent kits by several manufacturers, and immunoblotting. The results of the study were evaluated using analysis of variance. Results: VN detected virus neutralising antibodies in 90.7% of vaccinated subjects;ELISA, in 95.4%. Both VN and ELISA showed lower antibody levels in the vaccinated over 50 years of age. ELISA demonstrated a significantly higher concentration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG in the Gam-COVID-Vac group than in the COVID-19 convalescent group. The correlation between antibody detection results by VN and ELISA was the strongest when the authors used their experimental reagent kit for quantitative detection of virus neutralising antibodies by competitive ELISA with the recombinant human ACE2 receptor. Having analysed the time course of neutralising antibody titres, the authors noted a significant, more than two-fold decrease in geometric means of the titres three months after administration of the second vaccine component. Conclusions: the subjects vaccinated with Gam-COVID-Vac gain effective humoral immunity to COVID-19. The decrease in titres indicates the need for revaccination in 6 months.
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The COVID-19 pandemic posed many challenges in epidemiology, health care, and vaccinology. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies had to develop effective vaccines as soon as possible in order to halt the spread of infection outbreaks and enable the start of the National Vaccination Program. Firstly, medical services and security services (the army, fire brigade, and police), i.e., those most involved in the fight against the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, were included in the aforementioned program. The presented publication analyzes the amount and type of vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza among Polish soldiers. Influenza, like COVID-19, is a viral disease that can vary in its course (from mild to acute and life-threatening). Both coronaviruses and influenza viruses are characterized by high genetic variability, resulting in the need for repeated vaccination during each autumn and winter season. Acquired data comes from the Central Register of Vaccination of Professional Soldiers. The collected material was statistically processed. The average level of the phenomenon was presented as a time series using a chronological average. In the analyzed period (December 2020-December 2021), the lowest vaccinations against COVID-19 were performed in December 2020, which is due to the schedule of the National Vaccination Program in Poland. In contrast, the highest number of vaccinations were administered between April and June 2021, or approximately 70.5% of all vaccines administered. In the case of influenza, there is a clear increase in the number of vaccinations during the autumn and winter seasons, which coincides with peaks in disease during these periods. Between August 2020 and January 2021, there is a noticeable increase in the number of flu injections given, nearly 50% compared to the previous period, which may be related to the simultaneous persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic and greater attention to one's own health. Non-mandatory vaccination is an important point in the vaccination schedule for soldiers. Numerous public campaigns combating misinformation and raising awareness of the need for immunization will help convince even more people, not only among soldiers but also the civilian population, to vaccinate.
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COVID-19 , Influenza Vaccines , Influenza, Human , Military Personnel , Humans , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Poland/epidemiology , COVID-19 Vaccines , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , VaccinationABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 has become a serious public health issue throughout the world's healthcare system due to its rapid spread. Because COVID-19 is so contagious, workers must be properly trained to prevent the virus from spreading to them. Protective clothing, sanitised gloves, and respirators are just a few examples of the safety precautions that need to be taken. Dental institutions and their affiliated health centres and research stations have been severely impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. According to the World Health Organisation (2020), the risk of fast infection is higher among individuals who are close to or who operate near the COVID-19 patients, for instance, family members or health practitioners. This research was conducted to determine the level of knowledge, preparedness, and perception of COVID-19 among dentists in the private and public dental sectors. Method(s): A cross-sectional study was conducted that used a non-probability sampling method. The data were collected through online questionnaires between February 2021 and June 2021, where standardized close-ended questions were asked via Google forms from dentists in public and private dental sectors in five regions of Saudi Arabia. A total of 145 people responded to the questionnaire;three of them decided not to participate in the study, while 30 respondents failed to select the correct answer to the quality assurance question. The remaining 112 respondents were included in the analysis. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences (IRB-2021-DOH-021). Result(s): The findings showed that most dentists (58%) had high knowledge of COVID-19, which was followed closely by those who had average knowledge (34.8%), while the rest (7.1%) had insufficient knowledge about COVID-19. In terms of evaluating the level of preparedness, which included the method of prevention and practice of dentists while dealing with COVID19, results showed that most of the respondents (42.9%) indicated that they have the highest preparedness level. Concerning the level of perception of dentists toward COVID-19, the results showed that the majority (48.2%) of dentists had the highest perception. However, the perception level was higher compared to their level of preparedness but lower compared to their level of knowledge. Conclusion(s): Dentists in KSA have enough understanding of COVID-19 transmission and general information. As the number of COVID-19 cases in KSA and other countries continue to grow, dentists must stay up to date on the latest information concerning the disease. Continuous educational programs are required to improve the understanding of infection management. Copyright © 2022 Alharbi et al.
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Introduction: The purpose of the study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and the ensuing health problems associated with quarantine. Methods: All combatants who were hospitalized during the first and most severe quarantine restrictions in Ukraine (from 12 March 2020 to 22 May 2020) were surveyed. Through clinical, anamnestic, psychopathological, and psychodiagnostic examination, including psychoanalysis and the fear of COVID-19 scale, the authors identified combatants' health disorders and their association with pandemic and quarantine-related experiences. Results: The authors found that the following situations could provoke deterioration in the health of combatants due to fear: contact with a patient with COVID-19, planned posting to the hotbed of COVID-19, military service in the area of high risk of contact with patients with COVID-19, receiving information about COVID-19, receiving false information about COVID-19, disruption of critical infrastructure due to quarantine measures.the authorshave provided an algorithm by which these traumatic situations provoke the development of health disorders. In particular, they cause fear of social and work stigmatization due to infection with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), fear of suffering or death during COVID-19, ear that family members will become infected, erroneous conclusions about someone deliberately exaggerating the dangers of COVID-19, feeling of injustice and incorrectness of the quarantine measures, household discomfort and organizational stress. These experiences change the subjective picture of the future of combatants, and this provokes the development or exacerbation of pre-existing mental and somatic disorders. The impact of information on COVID-19 on combatant health disorders was investigated. Conclusions: The authors believe that this knowledge will help to develop special psychoprophylactic approaches that would prevent the development of mental and somatic disorders due to the COVID-19 pandemic and improve the quality of quarantine measures. It will also allow measures to be taken to prevent a reduction in the army's combat effectiveness through a pandemic and quarantine.
ABSTRACT
Background. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at heightened risk of exposure to respiratory pathogens, and occupy an important epidemiologic position in the COVID-19 pandemic. PAIVED, a multicenter, multiservice study assessing influenza vaccine effectiveness in the Department of Defense over four consecutive influenza seasons (2018-22), provides an opportunity to describe influenza like illness (ILI) experience and assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs compared to non-HCWs. Methods. PAIVED participants were randomized to receive either egg-based, cell-based, or recombinant-derived influenza vaccine and then surveyed weekly for ILI. At enrollment, participants provided key demographic data including whether they were HCWs with direct patient contact. ILI was defined a priori as 1) having cough or sore throat plus 2) feeling feverish/having chills or having body aches/fatigue. Participants with ILI completed a symptom diary for seven days and submitted a nasal swab for pathogen detection. Study recruitment was conducted from September-January over four consecutive years. Results. Of 13188 eligible participants enrolled, 4819 (36%) were HCWs. Overall, HCWs were more likely to be female (43% vs 31%), active duty military (86% vs 69%), and to identify as white (61% vs 56%). HCWs more commonly reported ILI than non-HCWs (25% vs 21%, p< 0.01). Of those experiencing ILI, SARS-CoV-2 was identified in a higher proportion of HCWs than non-HCWs (17% vs 12%, p< 0.01). Influenza was isolated in similar proportion of HCWs and non-HCWs (5% vs 4%). Each group reported similar ILI duration and severity (p< 0.01). Conclusion. In a prior analysis of the 2019-20 PAIVED season, HCWs were more likely than non-HCWs to report ILI, have shorter illness duration, and isolate influenza A (H1N1). The propensity for HCWs to report ILI persisted over the four years. While SARS-CoV-2 emerged as a major pathogen in both groups, HCWs were more likely to have it identified as a cause of ILI, suggesting increased risk of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 in our HCW population. Influenza incidence was lower than that of SARS-COV-2, and did not differ between HCWs and non-HCWs. Mean duration of illness did not differ between groups over four years;this equalization may relate to the higher incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs.
ABSTRACT
Background. Symptomatic COVID-19 screening has been a cornerstone of case identification during the pandemic. Despite the myriad of COVID-19 symptoms, screens have focused on fever, cough, and dyspnea. It is unknown how well these symptoms identify cases in a healthy military population. This study aims to evaluate the utility of symptom-based screening in identifying COVID-19 through different COVID-19 waves. Methods. A convenience sample of 600 active-duty service members who arrived at JBSA in 2021 and 2022 was included in this study. We compared 200 symptomatic service members who tested positive for COVID-19 in each of FEB-APR 2021 (prior to the emergence of the Delta variant), JUN-AUG 2021 (Delta variant was predominant), and JAN 2022 (Omicron variant was predominant). Collected data included test date, reported symptoms, and vaccination status. Comparisons were conducted via Chi-Square or Fisher's Exact test. Results. Of the 600 symptomatic active-duty service members who tested positive for COVID-19, the most common symptoms were sore throat (n=385, 64%), headache (n=334, 56%), and cough (n=314, 52%). While sore throat was the most prominent symptom during Delta (n=140, 70%) and Omicron (n=153, 77%), headache was the most common prior to Delta (n=93, 47%). There were significant differences in symptoms by vaccination status (Table 2). Overall, screening for fever, cough, and dyspnea had a 65.1% sensitivity in this cohort (Table 3) with its lowest sensitivity in the pre-Delta cohort (53.5%) and highest sensitivity in the fully vaccinated Omicron cohort (78.3%). Conclusion. In this descriptive cross-sectional study evaluating symptomatic military members with COVID-19, symptom prevalence varied based on the predominant COVID-19 variant as well as patients' vaccination status. As screening strategies evolve with the pandemic, changing symptom prevalence should be considered.