Vaccination against COVID-19: the opinion of healthcare professionals

A prerequisite for effective vaccination is the formation of proper collective immunity in society. The attitudes of healthcare professionals towards vaccination directly impact the population's adherence to this method. Objective. To study the attitude of healthcare professionals toward COVID-19 vaccination. Material and methods. The sociological survey method with the author's questionnaire based on GoogleForm was used. In the sur-vey, 450 physicians aged 25 to 70 participated voluntarily. It was a cross-sectional study carried out in the autumn of 2021. Results. Of those surveyed, the majority (86.8%) of physicians and almost all (96.1%) nurses were vaccinated against COVID-19. When studying the motivation for vaccine prophylaxis, a direct average strength of a statistically significant correlation between the adherence to COVID-19 vaccination and the emergence of a sense of safety was established (rxy =0.346;p<0.05). The most common reasons for the refusal of doctors from vaccination were the fear of complications, beliefs about low protection against infection and the subsequent decrease in immunity. According to healthcare professionals, the most effective means of prevention, in descending order, were a healthy lifestyle, the absence of fear of becoming ill, vaccination, drugs that stimulate immunity, the use of barrier measures, and other means. Conclusion. The ambiguous attitude of healthcare professionals towards vaccination against COVID-19 does exist and deserves the closest attention. Considering the issue's complexity, further research on the attitude of healthcare professionals toward vaccination is required.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Constructing and Validating Iranians' COVID-19-related Stressors (ICRS) and Its Relation with Mental Health: SEM Approach

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused stress and anxiety for various parts of society all over the world. This concern and stress are not limited to being affected by COVID-19 because this condition has also caused changes in people's lifestyles. Objective(s): The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate the validity and reliability of the COVID-19-related stressors questionnaire and determine the contribution of each of the stressors to the prediction of mental health in the Iranian population. Method(s): This descriptive-analytical and correlational study was performed on 301 volunteers living in Tehran, Iran. Due to the prevalence of COVID-19, questionnaires were distributed by convenience sampling method and online conduction. The instruments used in the present study were the researcher-made questionnaire on Iranians' COVID-19-related stressors (ICRS) and the mental health questionnaire general health questionnaire (GHQ-12). Content validity (qualitative and quantitative), face validity, structural validity (exploratory factor analysis), Cronbach's alpha, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 24 and AMOS24 software. Result(s): In exploratory factor analysis, the final 25 items were obtained in seven factors with an explanation of 66.25% variance. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that worrying about changing economic status, getting COVID-19 and change in lifestyle increased the chance of developing mental health disorder up to 1.29 (OR = 1.29), 1.28 (OR = 1.28), and 1.18 times (OR = 1.18), respectively. The variable of changing family interactions reduces the chance of developing a mental health disorder by 0.85 times (OR = 0.85). Conclusion(s): The COVID-19-related stressors questionnaire is valid and can be used in future research. Identifying the most im-portant stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and determining each contribution to mental health prediction will help health policymakers to make better decisions.Copyright © 2023, Author(s).

SARS-CoV-2 antibody determination in a vaccinated and recovered cohort in Austria

Since December 2019 the world has been dealing with a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. The first SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was made available in Europe at the end of 2020. 202 volunteers from the vicinity of the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt took part in this study;their IgG levels recognizing the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 were determined. The aim was to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 titer levels of vaccinated, recovered and vaccinated plus recovered persons. We could show that there is a significant difference in the antibody levels of vaccinated, vaccinated plus recovered and only recovered probands. Additionally, the highest antibody levels were found in triple vaccinated persons. Furthermore, the Moderna vaccine seems to have a higher immune response.Copyright © 2022

Fear and Anxiety Caused by COVID-19 in the Iranian Society and the Influential Factors

Background: Due to the changing nature of the spread of emerging infectious diseases, such crises could cause significant fear, especially when the disease is associated with high mortality. Fear and anxiety adversely affect health. Objective(s): The present study aimed to investigate the fear and anxiety caused by COVID-19 in the Iranian society and the influential factors in this regard. Method(s): This correlational study was conducted on 458 participants who were recruited for an online survey. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire of COVID-19 fear and Beck's anxiety inventory. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 23 using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, including t-test and multiple comparisons. Result(s): The prevalence of fear and anxiety was less than 20%. The correlations between the anxiety scores and fear of COVID-19 with demographic variables indicated that the COVID-19 fear scores had a weak correlation with an appeal to religion and efforts to prevent COVID-19 (P_0.05), while no correlation was observed with the other variables. In addition, the anxiety scores had weak, inverse correlations with the effort to prevent COVID-19 and satisfaction with the government's effort (P_0.05). Conclusion(s): According to the results, the fear of COVID-19 and the subsequent anxiety is mild in the Iranian society. Low anxiety and fear caused by the disease could lead to negligence and disregarding health standards, which will increase the number of these patients in the community.Copyright © 2021, Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.

Leadership Styles of Nurse Managers and Employees' Organizational Commitment during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the leadership styles of nurse managers and then determine the relationship of the respective styles with the organizational commitment of the nurse managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): A quantitative correlational study design was employed in this investigation. Simple random sampling yielded 259 nurses who participated in this study. It was conducted between October and November 2021 at the government hospitals of the Hail Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Result(s): The nurses' perceived that their nurse managers employed an idealized influence leadership style (9.15). Age, years of experience, and ward assignment were found to have no statistically significant difference on organizational commitment;however, a significant difference was found with nationality. No significant difference was found regarding age with idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, or management by exception;however, it differed significantly with individualized consideration, contingent reward, and laissez-faire leadership. No significant differences were found with the years of experience to idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individual consideration, or management by exception;however, it was found significantly different with the contingent reward and laissez-faire leadership. Concerning nationality, a significant difference was found with idealized influence and inspirational motivation. However, no significant difference was found between nationality and intellectual stimulation, individual consideration, contingent reward, management by exception, or laissez-faire leadership. With the ward assignment, no significant difference was found with idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, or contingent reward management by exception;however, a significant difference was found with individual consideration and laissez-faire leadership. Conclusion(s): During the pandemic, nurse managers employed idealized influence leadership styles. Age, years of experience, and ward assignment were found to be of no significant difference to organizational commitment, but they did have a significant difference to nationality. Age differed significantly with individualized consideration, contingent reward, and laissez-faire leadership. Years of experience was found to be significantly different with contingent reward and laissez-faire leadership. Concerning nationality, a significant difference was found with idealized influence and inspirational motivation. With the ward assignment, a significant difference was found with individual consideration and laissez-faire leadership.Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC). Usage and distribution for commercial purposes requires written permission.

"Emotional drinking" during quarantine by COVID-19 in Chile: the role of depressive symptoms on problematic alcohol consumption

Aim: To assess the pattern of alcohol consumption in the Chilean adult population in association with depressive symptoms in the context of the COVID-19 quarantine. Method(s): A correlational and transversal study was conducted. Alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms were measured through an online survey, including the PHQ-9 Chilean version and the item banks for alcohol use of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Mediational analysis models were conducted to assess whether the relationship between depressive symptoms and problematic drinking was mediated by drinking to cope with negative emotions. Result(s): 32% of the sample reported depression, 84% acknowledge having been drunk during the previous 30 days and 18% acknowledge an increase in the amount of alcohol use. The presence of depressive symptomatology positively predicts problematic alcohol consumption during the quarantine;however, when it includes analyzing the reasons for drinking alcohol, this relationship becomes negative and shows a significant mediation effect in the relationship between depressive symptomatology and problematic drinking through increased drinking to control negative emotions. Conclusion(s): The findings suggest that during quarantine, the increase in problematic drinking is related to depressive symptoms associated with an increased urge to drink to cope with negative emotions.Copyright © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Determinants of COVID-19 safety behaviors: Implications for preventive policy

Objective: To identify the predictors of COVID-19 safety behaviors (hand washing, physical distancing, & wearing masks), in Pakistan. Methodology: This correlational study was conducted at Karakoram International University, Gilgit and Combined Military Hospital, Kharian from November 2020 to April 2021. We used newly developed COVID-19 Safety Behaviors Scale-Urdu, COVID-19 Anxiety Scale-Urdu, COVID-19 Knowledge Scale-Urdu, and a brief version of the Big Five Personality Inventory, on 911 participants (395 women). Result(s): COVID-19 related anxiety (beta = 0.02, p < 0.05) and the personality trait 'conscientiousness' (beta = 0.02, p < 0.01) significantly moderated the positive relationship between COVID-19 knowledge and COVID-19 safety behaviors. This implies that people with a dominant personality trait of 'conscientiousness' were actively seeking COVID-19 related knowledge that led to higher levels of preventive behaviors. Conclusion(s): To control the current pandemic and associated negative consequences through 'safety behaviors' it is important to educate people while keeping the demographic variables in view.Copyright © 2023, Pakistan Medical Association. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine: is it an absolute need?

Booster vaccine doses are meant to revive the fading immunity created by prior exposure to an immunizing antigen. They stabilize the antibody response ultimately leading to longer and higher protection against pathogens. Immunological studies done for COVID-19 vaccines have documented a steady decrease in antibody levels among vaccinated individuals and evidence of breakthrough infections over a course of time. With an emerging science behind the need for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, there equally is a contrasting idea regarding its absolute necessity. Copyright © 2021, Kathmandu University. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine: is it an absolute need?

Booster vaccine doses are meant to revive the fading immunity created by prior exposure to an immunizing antigen. They stabilize the antibody response ultimately leading to longer and higher protection against pathogens. Immunological studies done for COVID-19 vaccines have documented a steady decrease in antibody levels among vaccinated individuals and evidence of breakthrough infections over a course of time. With an emerging science behind the need for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, there equally is a contrasting idea regarding its absolute necessity. Copyright © 2021, Kathmandu University. All rights reserved.

The Relationship between Anxiety, Resilience, and Posttraumatic Growth of the Medical Students in COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran

Background: Medical students serve as frontline individuals to COVD-19 patients, and their mental health affects the quality and safety of the provided services. Objective(s): The present study aimed to identify the relationship between anxiety, resilience, and posttraumatic growth of medical interns during COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in Kerman and Isfahan, Iran, from June to September 2020. The socio-demographic questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RIS), and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were completed by 235 medical students. Pearson correlation test and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Result(s): The mean and standard deviation scores of anxiety, resilience, and posttraumatic growth were 10.49, 1.08, and 50.60, as well as 13.39, 65.70, and 15.90, respectively. The results showed no significant relationship between anxiety and resilience (r = 0.16 and P = 0.057). A positive and significant correlation was observed between resilience and posttraumatic growth (r = 0.42 and P = 0.000). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was found between anxiety and posttraumatic growth scores (r =-0.20 and P = 0.002). Conclusion(s): In sum, the more resilient and less anxious a person was, the greater his/her posttraumatic growth became. Therefore, it was recommended that appropriate psychological interventions be designed and implemented to improve the mental health of medical interns. Copyright © 2022, Author(s).

Hematologic findings and complications of SARS-COV- 2 in children and young adults

Background: Thrombotic coagulopathy is a predictor of SARS-CoV- 2 infection related mortality in adults (1-4). Incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in children seems to be lower (5), but there remains paucity of data on this in children. The current study describes the coagulation and inflammatory disturbances occurring in children <21 years with SARS-CoV- 2 infection and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and evaluates risk factors for hematologic complications. Aim(s): 1. Report hematological and inflammatory abnormalities and hemorrhagic/thrombotic outcomes, in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV- 2 or MIS-C. 2. Identify risk factors for hematologic adverse outcomes with SARS-CoV- 2 or MIS-C. Method(s): Single-institution, retrospective study of in children <21 years with SARS-CoV2 acute infection or MIS-C between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021. Laboratory parameters were collected at presentation, and during hospitalization. Bleeding was graded using the modified World Health Organizations (WHO) grading system. VTEs were diagnosed radiographically, or by strong clinical suspicion. Correlation studies were done to assess hematologic and inflammatory laboratory markers. (Figure Presented) Results: In pediatric patients with SARS-COV- 2 infection and MIS-C (n = 127), we identified thrombotic and bleeding complications incidences at 6.3% and 6.3%, respectively. VTEs and bleeding events occurred mainly in females. All thrombotic events occurred in patients not previously on anticoagulation. No patients in our study received post-discharge thromboprophylaxis;one VTE occurred 3 days after discharge for COVID-19 pneumonia. Adolescent age (>13 years) and indwelling central venous-access device (CVAD) increased thrombotic risk, while MIS-C diagnosis did not. Obesity was not a risk factor for VTE but was associated with increased bleeding risk. Seven of eight bleeding events (5.5%) were WHO grade 3. Conclusion(s): SARS-CoV- 2 thrombotic complications in children are occur at lower rates than in adults. Older age, female sex, and CVADs increase thrombotic risk. With higher rates of bleeding events our study, daily risk-assessment of the need for continued thromboprophylaxis is recommended.

IDF21-0587 Correlation between glycemic profile parameters and chronic complications in patients with diabetic heart disease

Background: Glycemic imbalance has long been recognized as a major vascular risk factor, and in the can be considered an authentic vascular condition that accelerates the development of chronic complications and major cardiovascular events in diabetics. Aim: The main aim of this study is to determine the correlation between the deferential glycemic profile parameters in order to assess the linkage of these parameters with cardiovascular risk score and chronic complications. Method: During this Covid pandemic, a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was included 384 Algerian diabetic patients (189 men, 205 women) with a 9-month follow-up. The diagnostic criteria for diabetes have been defined according to FID and WHO guidelines. Fasting blood sugar levels, GPP and HbA1c, prevalence of chronic complications and cardiovascular risk score were evaluated. Multifactor statistical analysis was performed by Software R studio (Package for Social science software), significance was set at p < 0,05. Results: The mean ± SD age of the patients was 61.28 ± 10.04 with mean fasting blood sugar (61.28 ± 10.04), PPG (3.59 ± 1.02) and HbA1c (8.67 ± 1.64%). PPG and FPG are positively and significantly correlated with HbA1c (regression curves;Figure 1) with a stronger correlation between FPG and HbA1c (r = 0.698). A significant association between Hb1Ac and cardiovascular risk score was noted in patients at very high risk and those at high risk (p-value <10-3). This clinical adherence was the object of studying the multifactorial relationship between Hb1Ac, dyslipidemia and BMI, the correlation of which was significantly positive with r = 0.852. In view of these results and the emergence of significant links, the correlational study by the application of the Pearson test between the variabilities studied, the risk score and the chronic complications shows that there is a very strong association between PPG, Hb1Ac, cardiovascular risk score and macroangiopathy complication. Likewise, the correlation was also positive but moderately significant between FPG, Hb1Ac, and microangiopathy complications. (Correlation matrix in Figure 2). Discussion: The HbA1c is the essential tool for monitoring diabetic patients, its level reflecting glycemic equilibration. It is widely accepted that the glycemic balance of diabetic patients is a complex “alchemy” involving both changes in fasting blood sugar and changes in postprandial blood glucose. The study demonstrated the link between these three parameters and determined its relationship to chronic complications. In this way, glycemic balancing reduces the micro-vascular complications of diabetic patients.

IDF21-0523 Hemoglobin A1c prognosticates for dyslipidemia: Correlation between lipid profile and HbA1c in diabetic heart disease

Background: Diabetes is one of the main non-communicable diseases with alarming prevalence in the world, including in Algeria. Diabetes is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia accompanied by a metabolic disorder of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. A level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% was included as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes. The altered lipid profile is commonly present in type 2 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have an increased prevalence of dyslipidemia, which contributes to their high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aim: This study is an attempt to determine the correlation between the serum lipid profile and blood glucose and to assess the importance of HbA1c as an indicator of dyslipidemia. Method: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was carried out during this Covid pandemic, at the level of the diabetic house and the Khemis Meliana hospital (North Algerian) over a period of 9 months. A total of 384 patients with T2DM aged 30 to 89 years were selected for this purpose. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III). Diabetes has been defined according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association. The levels of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed by R studio software (Package for Social science software). The significance test was calculated by the unpaired Student “t” test. Correlation studies (Pearson correlation) have been performed between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid ratios and individual lipid indices. Significance was set at p <0.05. Results: The mean age ± standard deviation of the patients was 61.28 ± 10.04 years with a mean duration of diabetes was 14.32 ± 6.24 years. Significant positive correlations were observed between HbA1c and serum total cholesterol (p-value <10-6), triglyceride (p-value <10-3) and LDL-C (p-value = 0.002). In contrast, the correlation between HbA1c and HDL-C was negative and insignificant. Thus, the association between HbA1c and the atherogenicity index, especially the LDL-C / HDL-C ratio has been well established. Discussion: The study concluded that the HbA1c value correlated well with the lipid profile of diabetic patients. Thus, HbA1c can also be used as a predictor of dyslipidemia and therefore early diagnosis of dyslipidemia can be used as a preventive measure for the development of CVD in patients with T2DM.

The impact on clinical outcome of nutrition on severity and mortality among patients with covid-19 infection

Objectives: It is the objective of the study to assess the impact of nutrition on the clinical outcome of Covid-19 infection and its correlation with mortality. Materials and Methods: Among patients who were admitted for Covid 19 infection, nutritional parameters were evaluated at baseline and correlated with severity of Covid 19 infection and clinical outcome. This is a retrospective correlational study conducted in Fatima University Medical Center from March 2020 to October 2021 in adult patients admitted due to COVID-19 infection. Results: Among the two hundred and one patient were evaluated, 137 patients were malnourished (68%) with about 11 (8%) underweight, 33 (24%) overweight, Obese I 69 (50%) and Obese II 24 (18%). Among patients with abnormal BMI, hospital stay is significantly longer (14 days) than those with normal weight 11 days. Patients with abnormal BMI progressed to severe and critical cases (p-value 0.00010), while normal BMI are more likely to have mild cases. Mortality is significantly higher among those with abnormal BMI (29.2% vs 12.5%) p value of 0.0002. Conclusion: Patients with abnormal baseline weight showed a more progressive Covid 19 infection with direct correlation with hospital stay and mortality. Baseline nutrition is thus a predictor factor for mortality and suggest that prompt nutrition care or intervention and monitoring be performed.

Correlation between Mizaj and Frequency of Clinical Signs in Patients with COVID-19

Background and purpose: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) causes different symptoms. Mizaj or temperament in Persian traditional medicine is a specific feature of every human being. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between Mizaj and severity of symptoms in patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods: A descriptive correlational study was performed in patients with symptomatic COVID-19 during recovery and interviews were carried out to record patients’ symptoms (fever, cough, chills, etc.). Salmannezhad Mizaj questionnaire was used to determine the patients’ temperament (warm, cold, wet, and dry). The number of symptoms in each patient was determined and the severity of symptoms was classified into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. The relationship between Mizaj and COVID-19 clinical symptoms were assessed by Chi-square and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: In this study, 168 patients (48 ± 13.3 years) were cared for between 4 and 30 days in COVID Recovery Center. Fever, dyspnea, and cough were seen in 73.2%. Among the patients, 47.6% had cold Mizaj and 26.2% had warm or moderate Mizaj. The frequency of severe symptoms was higher in patients with cold Mizaj compared with that in patients with warm or moderate Mizaj (P= 0.204). Myalgia was found to be considerably higher in cold-Mizaj patients than warm-Mizaj people (P= 0.006). Significant correlations were seen between wet and dry Mizaj and severity of symptoms (P<0.046, R= 0.554) and warm and cold Mizaj and frequency of symptoms (P< 0.054, R= 0.489). Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19, who had cold or wet Mizaj had more symptoms, therefore, support, care, and preventive measures of Persian traditional medicine are recommended for people with cold or wet Mizaj exposed to Coronavirus.

Predicting the Possibility of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Based on Demographic Variables, Levels of Exposure to Covid-19, Covid-19 Anxiety and Sleep Quality Dimensions in Health Care Workers

Introduction: Evaluation of health care workers' mental status is critical in the trend of covid-19 pandemic;because it helps to investigate their real needs and expectations and helps them to present useful services. This study aimed to the prediction of possibility of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on demographic variables, levels of exposure to Covid-19, the anxiety of Covid-19, and dimensions of sleep quality in health care workers. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted on a sample of 180 health care workers (129 females and 51 males). The researcher-made demographic questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Checklist and Covid-19 Anxiety Scale were recorded. A convenience sampling method was applied, and data was collected through the Google form platform. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 24 software by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Scheffe Post Hoc test, independent samples t-test, Pearson correlation, and binary logistic regression. Results: The results indicated that 51.7% of health care workers showed severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress (pcl-5> 33). The severity of PTSD symptoms varied in different work shifts and levels of education. The morning shifts and master's degrees had the lowest mean scores of PTSD symptoms. There was a significant positive correlation between PTSD symptoms and Covid-19 anxiety and between PTSD symptoms and all dimensions of sleep quality (p <0.05). The Enter logistic regression analysis results showed that sleep medication use (OR = 3.21) and covid-19 anxiety (OR = 1.13) were risk factors that predicted the severity of PTSD symptoms (percentage correct = 85.5%). Conclusion: It is suggested extensive attempts have been made to PTSD symptoms screening. Also, informing the health care workers about methods to reduce anxiety is helpful, and it is proposed to administer online workshops to train and increase sleep hygiene.

Prediction of Self-care Behaviors in COVID-19 Prevention Based on Persuasion Techniques

Background: Persuasion is a method used to correct and modify the attitude and behaviors of community members to protect collective benefits, especially during crises. Objectives: The present study aimed to predict COVID-19 preventive behaviors based on persuasion techniques in five countries. Methods: This descriptive, correlational study was conducted on the population aged more than 18 years in Iran, Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Canada. The sample size determined by Morgan’s table was 498 individuals who were selected via convenience sampling in the spring of 2020. Data were collected online using a Demographic Questionnaire, a Persuasion Scale (2020), and the Questionnaire of Healthy Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19 (2020). The inclusion criteria were the age of more than 18 years and basic literacy, and the exclusion criterion was incomplete questionnaires. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 21 using Pearson’s correlation-coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results: A positive significant correlation was observed between persuasion techniques and healthy preventive behaviors for COVID-19 (P < 0.001). Among the components of persuasion, fear, interest in the messenger, frequency of the message, and reliability of the messenger could most significantly predict healthy behaviors (P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results, the mass media and authorities could enhance the effectiveness of their agenda by identifying the influential factors in the success of persuasion techniques. These findings could be beneficial to social psychiatrists, authorities, and the mass media.

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax in Covid-19 Pneumonia

Background: Covid-19 disease has become a dreadful and deadly disease over last one year with numerous methods described in recent medical literature for early diagnosis ad monitory the course of disease. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax findings in Covid-19 pneumonia have been described with high specificity & moderate sensitivity. Aims & Objectives: We conducted this study with the aim and objectives of determining the common pulmonary radiological findings in HRCT thorax of Covid-19 patients and their relationship with category of clinical symptoms as well as correlation with CT severity score. Materials and Methods:This retrospective, observational & cross-sectional study included HRCT thorax of 100 cases proven to be RT-PCR positive for Covid-19 disease. The spectrum of pulmonary findings was noted along with their frequency in different symptom category of patients. CT severity score was also correlated with category of symptoms. Results: Approximately two-third patients in our study revealed radiological findings on HRCT thorax with GGO being the commonest finding followed by consolidation & characteristic signs in the decreasing order of frequency. More than half of patients in mild and more than 90% patients in moderate category revealed findings on HRCT thorax with average CT severity score of <10 in mild and >11 in moderate category of symptoms. Conclusions: Though HRCT thorax cannot be used as a screening tool for diagnosis of Covid-19 disease owing to its moderate sensitivity yet its high degree of specificity especially in moderate category of patients makes it useful in objective assessment during treatment as well as in predicting the prognosis of patients high CT severity score.

HSMC: Hybrid Sentiment Method for Correlation to Analyze COVID-19 Tweets

Along with other catastrophes during covid-19, it is required to grasp the public opinions and reaction to detect how COVID-19 is affecting people emotions? This work proposes a Hybrid Sentiment Method for Correlational (HSMC) analysis to discover and distinguish the people’s opinions toward the recent outbreak by manipulating the English tweets of six countries from January to December 2020. The proposed method’s novelty is an assembling method of a modified Pearson Correlation Coefficient (mPCC) with NRC (National Research Council Canada) Emotion Lexicon dictionary. It engaged four different machine learning algorithms, to measure the HSMC method’s efficiency and compare the accuracy by confusion matrices. The experiments revealed that the NB’s accuracy with HSMC outperformed the LR and peak correlational fear level (27.5%) discovered in the USA tweets, and maximum sadness (20.96%) is detected in Brazilian tweets. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.