What are People in Bali Doing in Pandemic: Understanding the Shape of Health Behavior and the Pitutur Tua

In the early occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesian and the world regarded Bali having a unique mechanism. Balinese or Bali residents are assumed excellently immune or difficulty infected from Covid-19. Interestingly, Balinese do not show overwhelmed panic as occurs in other areas although the Covid-19 cases in Bali are not low. There are various reasons why Balinese's actions to protect their health consider beliefs, religion, and culture. This paper is a survey of the Balinese's distinctive perception and behavior to face Covid-19. The information was gained from comments, opinions, and information about typical behavior posted on mass media and social media. The main source of the information was the WhatsApp groups of Banjar community (60 people), Bali academicians (76 people), Hindu organization alumni (113 people), and Bali medical staff (30 people). This study collected the information and conversations during early months of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 when the Covid-19 cases skyrocketed and the government implemented the Community Activities Restrictions Enforcement (PPKM). This study concludes that the belief in the power of nature makes the sincerity and acceptance more easily appear. Moreover, tradition strengthens the trust. Support in social life also increases cooperative actions to the rules or advices of the Bali government and the custom village assembly to protect society from the pandemic.Copyright © 2021 Muslim OT et al.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Knowledge and Acceptance among Obstetric Population in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) poses expectant mothers to a higher risk of serious complications and mortality. Following a risk-benefit review, a number of governmental and professional bodies from across the globe recently approved the COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. Aim(s): This study aimed to investigate knowledge, actual acceptance, and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine among the obstetric population. Material(s) and Method(s): Participants were selected from among the expecting women who came for antenatal checkup during the study period (October 1, 2021-November 30, 2021). About 150 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and consented were recruited into the study. Data related to socio-demographic and clinical characteristics as well as knowledge, actual acceptance, and concerns about COVID-19 vaccine were collected through in-person interviews using a prestructured questionnaire. The SPSS version 23 was used to analyze data. The association between the attitude (acceptance and hesitance) of participants toward the COVID-19 vaccine and their sociodemographic and clinical profile was found by Fisher's exact test. Result(s): The actual acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among expecting women was 52.0%. The primary motive for accepting COVID-19 immunization was to protect the fetus, followed by the protection of one's own health. A significant association was found between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and the level of education, socio-economic status, and presence of comorbidities. The leading causes for vaccine reluctance were concerns about the efficacy and safety of the vaccines and lack of awareness about their usage during pregnancy. Conclusion(s): Multifaceted activities are required to promote the effectiveness and safety profile of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as disseminate knowledge about its usage during pregnancy. Clinical significance: Unlike numerous other studies that have investigated the accepting attitude only, the present one has investigated the actual COVID-19 vaccine uptake among the obstetric population.Copyright © The Author(s).

Efficacy of Corona Pandemic Lockdown related various activities on youth and the role of Mass Media in Uttar Pradesh, in

The media plays a constructive role in today's society from increasing public awareness to collecting view and opinions of people in various issues. Along with the central purpose, researcher also analyzed the role of media during lockdown. This paper aims to point out the effectiveness of lockdown related various activities on youngsters and role of mass media in it. The objective of this study is set up the preference given by the young generation for which type of television programs during lockdown. Survey research methodology has been used to achieve the objectives of the research using manual statistical tools. Through this research paper it is accomplished that the lockdown was found to the very effective which was imposed on people of India at time when infection was at peak. Lockdown in pandemic worked as a blessing in disguise. Government reschedules DD National programs like Ramayana and Mahabharata. To make their lockdown bit interesting mass media helps to generate information about various activities initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's such as 'Tali Bajao Thali Bajao. By this paper it is recommended to media organization to know the impact of lockdown related various activities on different age group people because it will definitely help media agencies in showing various perspective of pandemic.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Impact of mass media on the population as a precautionary prevention from COVID-19 in Iraq

The aim of this study was to identify the impact of both traditional mass media and social digital media on the population to prevent the Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19). Three hundred twenty participants were included. A questionnaire was prepared consisting of socio-demographic characteristics and the effect of traditional mass media and mobile digital media on the population. The sources used for information included TV (72.8 %), Facebook (71.2 %), health professionals (64.4 %), Instagram (28.1 %), Twitter (16.8 %), Radio (14.4 %) and mobile Apps (Viber and WhatsApp being 30.9 %). Social Media could be blamed for aiding the spread of stress and hysteria among people.Copyright © 2021 Health Biotechnology And Biopharma. All Rights Reserved.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Preventive Measures of COVID-19 Pandemic during Ramadan 2020 and Quarantine in Some Egyptian Governorates

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global crisis. The month of Ramadan has coincided with the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) toward the preventive measures during Ramadan 2020 and quarantine, among the Egyptian population. METHOD(S): This cross-sectional study is conducted among Egyptians >=15 years of age. A convenience sample of 1150 responders is taken, over the period of the month of Ramadan 2020. An online self-administrated questionnaire is used and shared through social networks. KAP toward preventive measures for COVID-19 during Ramadan are assessed. RESULT(S): Results show that mean scores of KAP are higher among participants >20 years, mean +/- SD (3 +/- 1.1, 5.6 +/- 1.4, and 11.2 +/- 2.6, respectively). A significant difference is found between KAP scores and age with p-values (0.012, 0.002, and 0.000, respectively). Furthermore, there is a significant difference between practices score and gender (p = 0.010). Greater Cairo has the highest KAP mean scores, in comparison with other regions, mean +/- SD (3.3 +/- 1, 5.8 +/- 1.2, and 11.6 +/- 2.5, respectively). A significant difference is recorded between urban and rural areas, regarding KAP with p-value (0.000, 0.050, and 0.000, respectively). CONCLUSION(S): In conclusion, low KAP scores are recorded among participants below the age of 20, and in rural areas and regions outside Greater Cairo. Low practices are associated more with males than females. The present study recommends raising awareness through the use of mass media, and health education programs that are to be directed to male members of the population, people under 20 years old, and to people residing in rural areas and in regions outside Greater Cairo, such as Upper and Lower Egypt, and border regions.Copyright © 2022 Suzan Hagag, Amira B. Kassem, Noha A El-Bassiouny, Sherouk M Okda, Mohammed Mustafa Abdel Razik Mohammed.

Chilblain: a brief history of cold comfort remedies

Chilblain, also known as pernio, has gained publicity in recent years as a result of its association with 'COVID toes' during the COVID-19 pandemic. Long before this, chilblain had left its mark throughout history and literature. The word 'chilblain' has Anglo-Saxon roots. 'Chil' comes from Old English ciele meaning 'chill' or 'frost', while 'blain' comes from the Old English blegen meaning 'inflammatory swelling' or 'sore'. The two words were brought together in the 1540s. The choice of words somehow acknowledges that cold is the aetiological factor that brings on this painful swelling. The Victorian novel Jane Erye, written by Charlotte Bronte in 1847, described the physical hardships that children had to struggle with through the winter at Lowood, the charity school for poor and orphaned girls. Her work masterfully sculptured the essence of chilblain and its effects on the children. Multiple notable figures proposed various remedies to treat the bothersome symptoms of chilblains. Pedanius Dioscorides was a Greek physician and botanist whose monumental work De Materia Medica in the first century AD compiled a list of topical remedies for chilblains, including quince oil, fenugreek oil, frankincense gum, burnt figs in wax, a mixture of gentian, crab ashes and honey, burnt ass hooves, bear grease and decoction of turnip as a warm pack. To cure chilblains, Nicholas Culpeper, an English herbalist, advised grating horseradish and applying it as a mustard plaster. We now know grated horseradish root produces a powerful mustard oil that acts as a rubefacient, which irritates the skin and increases its blood flow. Dr Lewis Johns was a recognized medical officer in the field of medical electricity in charge of the Electrical Department of St Bartholomew's Hospital. He noted a reduced incidence of chilblains in children with poliomyelitis who were treated with a warm electric footbath in 1899. The beneficial effects most likely originated from the warm bath rather than the electricity itself. Sir Thomas Lewis, a British cardiologist, investigated skin responses to injury and vascular reactions of the skin to cold exposure. His careful observations and descriptions of chilblains published in the British Medical Journal in 1941 remain true to this day. Practices such as praying to the statue of St Benignus of Dijon with chilblains, wearing electric patent socks (invented in 1882) and using an electrical vacuum tube in 1922 had also made their way into the lives of sufferers as a potential cure. Despite the epidemiological study of chilblain in over 3000 servicewomen, carried out by the Auxiliary Territorial Service in the winter of 1942, no specific remedy was found. When it comes to chilblain, prevention is better than cure by keeping the hands and feet warm and dry and staying active, and chilblains usually resolve spontaneously within a few weeks.

Essential Communication Aspects in Telemedicine: Opportunities to Strengthen Digital Health Services in Indonesia Post- Pandemic Era

This study reveals essential aspects of communication done by medical practitioners through telemedicine during the Covid-19 pandemic and their relation to increasing the quality of telemedicine services in Indonesia post-pandemic. The study used a qualitative approach with 22 doctors participating in the Bandung City area, Indonesia. Data collection uses semi-structured interviews, which are then analyzed thematically to reveal essential aspects of communication through telemedicine. The results of the analysis consist of several things, namely: (1) personal aspects;including knowledge, psychological conditions, and socio-cultural background (2) process aspects;including interactivity, time context, spatial context, and sensory context;and also (3) technical aspects covering information systems, quality of communication media, availability of health technology, and work coordination systems. Each aspect relates to instrumental and socioemotional information that plays a role in medical decision-making. The results also suggest that to support the usage of telemedicine services, the literacy of its users needs to enhance. Sensitivity to psychological and socio-cultural variations is also required to communicate effectively through telemedicine. Strengthening the technical aspect of telemedicine services, such as integrating information systems, increasing communication media quality, and providing access to health technology instruments, is also essential to improve the completeness and clarity of information, doctor-patient relationships, and confidence that meet the expectations of all of the users in telemedicine services. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Perceptions of the COVID-19 Vaccine within the Sudanese-American Community

Background. One of the primary issues affecting COVID-19 vaccine uptake in high-income countries is vaccine hesitancy, which is prevalent in people from different countries of origin. Characterizing vaccine uptake in immigrant and refugee populations in the US could provide a unique window into both local and global health behaviors. The goal of this project is to characterize Sudanese American perspectives on the COVID-19 vaccine. Methods. We conducted an anonymous, online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey directed toward Sudanese Americans, with survey development guided by principles from the Vaccine Examination Scale. The survey was distributed in both English and Arabic and included questions about vaccination history, motives for getting the vaccination, reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and barriers to vaccination. Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze evaluate possible associations between vaccine uptake and sources of information on the vaccine and social media use, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using STATA SE v17.0 (StataCorp, College Station, TX). Results. A total of 108 survey responses were received;4 were excluded for failing to meet inclusion criteria. A total of 92% received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with the primary motivation being to protect oneself (62%). Only 8 had not been vaccinated and, of those, 2 were willing to take the vaccine. Of the 6 unwilling to take the vaccine, the most cited reason was a belief that it had not been studied enough. Of the 14 possible hesitancy responses, 9 were selected at least once. When asked about their primary source of information on COVID-19, 44% used government websites, followed by mass media (22%), social media (12%) and health personnel (11%). Using Fisher's exact tests, no statistically significant conclusions were drawn between vaccine uptake and primary source of information (P = .097) or specific types of social media. Conclusion. Vaccine uptake among our survey population (92%) was much higher than that of the US (77%) or Sudanese population (11%). Overall motivators for vaccine hesitancy and vaccine uptake varied and no specific correlations were found to be associated to vaccine uptake. Future research should evaluate high levels of vaccine uptake in this community.

A Study to Assess the Impact of Mass Mediaon Quality of Life during Covid 19 Pandemic among Parents of Nursing Students in Srm College of Nursing, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District

Corona disease (COVID-19) is a deadly disease which continues to affect the world. Media started constant reporting on COVID to the public. The main aim of the study to assess the impact of mass media on quality of life among parents of nursing students.Cross sectional study design was adopted. 203 parents of SRM nursing students who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected by Non- Probability convenient sampling technique. Structured questionnaire and Cross - sectional study design was used to conduct the study through google forms. During COVID pandemic most of them prefer (31.6%) social media, participants spent mass media about 1-2 hours (45.6%) per day. Most of the impact form of mass media is television (39%). Many of them have not been attended the psychiatric counselling (66.9%). The people are mostly convinced and moderately satisfied with mass media (45.6%). In the overview opinion of parents of nursing students there is no influence of mass media in relationships (27.9%).They were very satisfied with access to health service (32.4%). They felt panic, most of the time after watching the news (43.4%). They felt very depressed or hopeless after watching the news (41.9%). Most of the time they cannot concentrate on daily routine work and job life after watching the news on COVID-19 (37.5%). Most of the time they are affected emotionally due to physical distancing (36.8%). They felt either satisfied and dissatisfied with energy for every day life (39%). Majority of them dissatisfied with the conditions of living place (30.1%). Parents of nursing student's quality of life were moderately affected during COVID-19 as compared to the pre COVID-19 period (39%). The demographic variables corresponding to the p values which are less than 0.01, are significantly associated high with "quality of life during COVID-19 such as sex, family income per month and medium of information. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Essential Communication Aspects in Telemedicine: Opportunities to Strengthen Digital Health Services in Indonesia Post-Pandemic Era

This study reveals essential aspects of communication done by medical practitioners through telemedicine during the Covid-19 pandemic and their relation to increasing the quality of telemedicine services in Indonesia post-pandemic. The study used a qualitative approach with 22 doctors participating in the Bandung City area, Indonesia. Data collection uses semi-structured interviews, which are then analyzed thematically to reveal essential aspects of communication through telemedicine. The results of the analysis consist of several things, namely: (1) personal aspects;including knowledge, psychological conditions, and socio-cultural background (2) process aspects;including interactivity, time context, spatial context, and sensory context;and also (3) technical aspects covering information systems, quality of communication media, availability of health technology, and work coordination systems. Each aspect relates to instrumental and socioemotional information that plays a role in medical decision-making. The results also suggest that to support the usage of telemedicine services, the literacy of its users needs to enhance. Sensitivity to psychological and socio-cultural variations is also required to communicate effectively through telemedicine. Strengthening the technical aspect of telemedicine services, such as integrating information systems, increasing communication media quality, and providing access to health technology instruments, is also essential to improve the completeness and clarity of information,,doctor-patient relationships, and confidence that meet the expectations of all of the users in telemedicine services. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Challenges of COVID-19 prevention and control: A narrative review

This narrative review aims to highlight some of the factors contributing to challenges faced by many countries in controlling the spread of COVID-19 pandemic that continues to rage around the world, especially after stoppage of official prevention and control activities. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, and Google using search terms 'COVID-19', 'challenges', 'prevention', and 'control' in different combinations. COVID-19 prevention and control challenges are related to health-system, vaccines, administration, and society culture. Controlling the spread of COVID-19 necessitates cooperation between community leaders, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and the public.

Vaccine Hesitancy: Covid-19 Vaccination in Children

Aims Vaccination of children to protect them against COVID- 19 infection is necessary to prevent further outbreaks and has been heavily debated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The success of the vaccination programme relies heavily on parental confidence in the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. Misinformation has a negative impact on the uptake of vaccinations. We conducted a survey of parental opinion to understand reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Methods The parents of children between 5 to 11 years were contacted via telephone. A semi-structured interview was used in order to survey opinion on the sources of information that parents were relying on regarding COVID-19 vaccination in children and the impact this had on their decisions. Results Of the 30 patient's parents contacted, 12 responded. 11out of 12 of these patients had received their childhood immunisations and 9 out of 12 parents of these patients had accepted the COVID-19 vaccination themselves. 4 out of 12 patients stated they were likely or very likely when asked if they would accept the COVID-19 vaccination for their child, however, 7 out of 12 patients responded unlikely or never. Many parents referred to a concern of the safety of the vaccination as well as a concern over the lack of evidence of the long term effects. 3 out of 12 patients stating they rely on social media or family and friends to gather information surrounding the vaccination whereas a further 4 stated the would rely on the internet. Only 4 out of 12 patients confirmed they would speak to their GP, pharmacist or other healthcare providers if they had questions or concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion Parental confidence in the safety profile and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine is essential to improve the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination program for children. Public health need to counteract the negative publicity surrounding the vaccine. The delivery of clear consistent messages of the safety and benefits of the vaccination if we are to improve the uptake of the vaccine is essential.

The practice of and reflection on hospital publicity in post-epidemic era

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, only through whole-hearted cooperation and joined efforts can medical institutions, governments, and social organizations cope with emergency, convert the crisis into opportunities, promote modern governance and accomplish high-quality development in the fight against the pandemic. Taking the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University as an example, this paper analyzes the all-media communication matrix of "one network platform, 3W + N" that the hospital established during the pandemic by combining the authoritative official website with WeChat, Wesee, Weibo and that other publicity media. The study explores how to create a publicity brand that is mindful, poignant, compassionate and devoted and maintains its scientific and refined management, so as to achieve the professional goal of educating the public, shouldering the responsibility in the combat against the pandemic, and taking the lead in the research on the pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Sana’a, Yemen

Background and Aim: The development of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is ongoing. This study aimed to prepare for public acceptance of the vaccine. There is a need to identify the current acceptance and potential barriers to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in Yemen. Understanding the hesitancy and acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine are crucial to develop local evidence-based interventions. Materials and Methods: Twenty students were interviewed in this study. An interview guide was developed and it addressed the willingness to accept a future COVID-19 vaccine. In-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed, and manually analyzed. Results: The majority of participants agreed that they would take a COVID-19 vaccine for several reasons, including protection for themselves, their families, and others and to stop the spread of COVID-19, for which the vaccine is important, as in other routine vaccinations. However, some participants shared that they would not take the COVID-19 vaccine due to the following reasons: Concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine;feeling fit and healthy, and thus considering themselves to have strong immunity;feeling that the vaccine was manufactured in a rushed manner and thus it would require approval by the World Health Organization;being previously infected with COVID-19 and considering themselves protected, and placing their trust in God and believing no vaccine was needed. Conclusion: The willingness to receive a future COVID-19 vaccine was high among medical students. However, some students hesitated to take the vaccine. Therefore, mass media interventions are required to maximize vaccine uptake.

Virtual Social Network Communication during the Covid-19 Pandemic According To Muslim Community in Sabah (2019-2021)

Nowadays, Virtual social network communication is one of medium technological advancement in the field of information and communication. The use of virtual communication risen since the COVID-19 started in Wuhan 2019. The pandemic has changed the lifestyle of the Muslim community in Sabah, especially related to the use of virtual social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp and Twitter. The use of virtual social networks interrupted the local community stability communication life if it usage does not paralleled to ethics, religion and culture sensitivity. This study is a descriptive study that uses a quantitative design and questionnaires as it research instruments. The target respondents for this study are the Muslim communities in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and it suburbs. The results of the study found that the influence of virtual social network communication media had a great impact on the culture, religion and values of the Muslim community in Sabah. Hence, each Muslim individuals needs to have strong intellectual values to live in the world technological change.

Lessons for the future-psychosocial perspectives of vaccine literacy among beneficiaries at a COVID-19 vaccination center in a tertiary teaching hospital in Punjab, Northern India: A qualitative analysis

Background: Due to the unprecedented magnitude of the current Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccine development was fast-tracked;yet, there were barriers to vaccination uptake. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to understand the factors promoting vaccination and the barriers to vaccination, to explore the infection prevention and control practices followed after vaccination. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study using in depth interviews, both face to face and telephonic;among beneficiaries willing to participate and given at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the institutions’ vaccination center, stratified sampling technique was used. Informed consent was obtained. Absolute confidentiality was ensured. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and validated by back translation into vernacular. The results obtained were analyzed using framework approach and categorized into themes and subthemes and valid conclusions drawn. Results: Various factors promoting willingness for vaccination and barriers perceived by the participants in their community, social, and occupational setting have been revealed in the present study. Availability of vaccine along with clear and accurate information can go a long way in overcoming vaccine hesitancy and promoting vaccine literacy. Conclusion: Clear and accurate information should be disseminated. The role of social media, mass media, and dissemination of information by word of mouth cannot be undermined. It is hoped that results of the present study will aid in formulating future vaccination programs.

QUALITY OF PANDEMIC PRIORITY SETTING IN THE U.S

Priority setting during public health emergencies presents an enormous challenge for federal and state decision makers in the U.S. Objectives We describe the degree to which U.S. priority setting adheres to established quality indicators and explore relationships between such indicators and states' demographic characteristics. Methods Data includes the U.S. COVID-19 preparedness and response plan of January 2021 and individual state plans. Purposive sampling of 22 states from multiple geographic regions considered total population,% rural residents, income per capita, health ranking, and political leanings. State plans were sought online and using multiple contacts with state health and emergency preparedness departments. We analyzed plans using a tool based on an established framework of quality indicators to evaluate priority setting, for example principles and criteria, stakeholder and public participation, publicity and accountability. Results The national plan included 7 of 20 quality parameters, including attention to at-risk populations, a comprehensive list of resources and interventions to which priority setting would apply, publicity, and the use of (and efforts to improve) evidence for priority setting decisions. The US plan describes the importance of 'engag[ing] the American people' and various stakeholders to inform the federal response. Enforcement, accountability, incentives, and assessment of impact were not identified in the plan. We obtained pandemic plans from 4 states and documents from 6 states that, while not explicitly labelled as pandemic plans, include priority setting. Analysis is in process;we expect to present results for 4-10 states. Discussion The US plan's consideration of various scarce resources, public engagement, and equity concerns recognizes the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 among racial and ethnic minorities and low-income communities. However, its lack of accountability and assessment of impact on outcomes may hinder achievement of goals. Difficulty finding and obtaining state plans suggests a lack of publicity and transparency.

THE ROLE OF PRIORITY SETTING IN PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC PLANS IN 12 COUNTRIES IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGION

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted health systems in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO-EMRO), where over half of the countries are affected by armed conflict. Active humanitarian and refugee crises have led to mass population displacement and increased health system fragility. This has exacerbated pre-existing resource gaps and increased competition for meager resources. With large proportions of vulnerable populations - refugees, migrants, and internally displaced people (IDPs) - their explicit consideration in planning documents is critical if equitable priority setting is to be realized during the pandemic. We examine what and how priority setting (PS) was included in national COVID-19 pandemic plans within the region. Methods An analysis of COVID-19 pandemic response and preparedness planning documents from a sample of twelve purposively selected countries in WHO-EMRO. We assessed the degree to which documented PS processes adhere to twenty established quality indicators of effective PS from Kapiriri & Martin's framework. Results While all reviewed plans addressed some aspect of PS, none included all quality parameters. Yemen's plan included the most quality parameters (12), while Egypt's addressed the least (4). Publicity of priorities was common to all plans. The next mostly commonly identified parameter was use of evidence to guide planning and PS. When considering equity as a PS criterion, despite the high concentration of refugees, migrant, and IDPs in the region, only a quarter of the plans prioritized these populations. Discussion When setting priorities in health emergencies, context is paramount. In areas experiencing conflict and crisis, PS can be an undemocratic and challenging process. Health system fragmentation is key contributor to COVID-19 inequities experienced across the EMRO region. Limited prioritization of vulnerable groups like refugees, migrant, and IDPs in planning documents, will have long-term health implications and exacerbate the disproportionate burden of COVID illness and death for these groups.

PROFILE OF PRIORITY SETTING INCORPORATED TO COVID-19 RESPONSE PLANS IN 86 COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a burden on all health systems budgets and pushed policymakers to rapidly set priorities for resource allocation. This study aimed to identify quality parameters of priority setting (PS) incorporated in a sample of the national response plans. Methods We reviewed a sample of COVID-19 national response plans from 86 countries across six regions of the WHO to assess the degree to which they included twenty quality indicators of effective PS. A quantitative descriptive analysis was used to explore the profile of PS according to independent variables. Results The countries sampled represent 40% of countries in AFRO, 54,5% of EMRO, 45% of EURO, 46% of PAHO, 64% of SEARO, and 41% of WPRO. They also represent 39% of all HICs in the world, 39% of Upper-Middle, 54% of Lower-Middle, and 48% of LICs. No pattern in attention to PS quality indicators emerged by WHO region or country income levels. As per the quality PS parameters, evidence of political will, stakeholder participation, use of scientific evidence/adoption of WHO recommendations were each found in over 80% of plans. Regarding the frequency of other parameters we found, description of a specific PS process (7%);explicit criteria for PS (36,5%);inclusion of publicity strategies (65%), mention of mechanisms for enforcing decisions, either for appealing decisions or implementing strategies to improve internal accountability and reduce corruption (20%);explicit reference to public values (15%);description of means for enhancing compliance with the decisions (5%). Conclusion We found some emphasis on PS according to contextual factors. For instance, LMICs receiving international donations presented more detailed descriptions of resources required, plans for allocating resources and improving internal accountability. HICs more likely described stakeholder participation, mechanisms for public communication, and explicit PS processes. However, no country included all twenty parameters of PS.