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Objective：To analyze the influencing factors of vitamin D in pregnant women in three stages of pre⁃outbreak，post⁃outbreak and normalization of COVID ⁃19 pandemic. Methods：The pregnant women who received prenatal examination in the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from May 2018 to May 2021 were selected as the research objects to detect vitamin D level，and analyze the effects of different pregnancy methods，delivery methods，age，gestational age，parity，number of parities and season on vitamin D level. Results：Totally 1 679 pregnant women were involved，the level of serum 25（OH）D in pregnant women was 18. 70（ 12. 60，27. 20）ng/mL. The rate of vitamin D deficiency was 24. 41%，51. 01% and 34. 23% of three stages of pre⁃outbreak，post⁃outbreak and normalization of COVID ⁃ 19 pandemic，the difference was statistically significant（P<0. 001）. Orderly multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that early pregnancy［ OR=0. 359，95%CI（0. 257，0. 502）］，maternal age <35 years old［ OR=0. 766，95%CI（0. 598，0. 980）］，winter ［OR=0. 388，95%CI（0. 290，0. 520）］，spring［OR=0. 350，95%CI（0. 258，0. 475）］ and summer ［OR=1. 533，95%CI（1. 166， 2. 014）］ had an effect on vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women. Conclusion：The rate of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women is high. Pregnancy，season and age are independent influencing factors of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women. After the normaliza⁃ tion of COVID⁃19 pandemic，pregnant women should supplement vitamins scientifically and individually，strengthen the education of nutrition during pregnancy，and regularly monitor the level of vitamin D. 目的:分析新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情前、疫情暴发到疫情常态化3 个阶段孕妇维生素D 水平及其影响因素。方法:选取2 0 1 8 年 5 月--2021 年5 月在山西医科大学第一医院产检的孕妇作为研究对象，检测维生素D 水平，分析不同怀孕方式、分娩方式、年龄、孕 周、胎次、胎数、季节等对维生素D 水平的影响。结果:共纳入1 679 例孕妇，血清25（OH）D 水平为18. 70（12. 60，27. 20）ng/mL。疫 情前维生素D 缺乏率为24. 41%，疫情暴发期间维生素D 缺乏率为51. 01%，疫情常态化后维生素D 缺乏率为34. 23%，差异有统计 学意义（P<0. 001）;有序多分类Logistic 回归分析显示，孕早期［OR=0. 359，95%CI（0. 257，0. 502）］、孕妇年龄<35 岁［OR= 0. 766，95%CI（0. 598，0. 980）］、冬季［OR=0. 388，95%CI（0. 290，0. 520）］、春季［OR=0. 350，95%CI（0. 258，0. 475）］及夏季［OR= 1. 533，95%CI（1. 166，2. 014）］对孕妇维生素D 缺乏有影响。结论:孕妇维生素D 缺乏率较高，孕期、季节、年龄是孕妇维生素D 缺乏 的独立影响因素。提示孕妇应科学、个性化地补充维生素，加强孕期营养，定期监测维生素D 水平.
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Aim. The study is aimed at investigating the incidence of lung cancer (LC) at the population level with the analysis of key analytical indicators in the context of coronavirus. Materials and methods. We have used data from the IARC, statistical reference books of P.A. Herzen Moscow Research Oncological Institute, data from N.N. Petrov NMRC of Oncol¬ogy, and the database of the Population Cancer Registry of St. Petersburg (DB PCR St. Petersburg) for the current study. Results. The study has established a steady decline in the incidence of LC among the male population in the worldwide, in Russia and in St. Petersburg. Among the female population, a significant increase in the incidence has been revealed. On the basis of the database PCR St. Petersburg, the patterns of age-sex indicators of the incidence of LC have been analyzed. It has been established that the largest number of cases is registered in the age group of patients over 70 years old, here the largest losses due to coronavirus have also been identified. An increase in the proportion of early stages of the disease has been noted. The accounting reliability index decreased from 2000 to 2019, with the exception of 2017. Comparison of yearly lethality in the DB PCR St. Petersburg showed a signifi¬cant difference in the data. The detailed localization structure of LC has been studied, where it has been found out that the first place is occupied by cancer of the upper lobe, bronchi or lung, although over 19 years of observation, a decrease in the proportion of this localization in the total volume of C34 has been noted. The proportion of patients with LC without histological verification has decreased. The influence of the smoking factor on the increased risk of LC has been studied.
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Micronutrient deficiencies are common globally. George Winter looks at the effect of zinc deficiency on health in various groups of people
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The Covid-19 pandemic meant that the delivery of asthma management in primary care changed virtually overnight, requiring the introduction of alternatives to face-to-face care. This study examines the experiences of nurses who were performing asthma reviews during the pandemic, identifying the key themes that emerged, as well as providing recommendations for future practice.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to considerable stress and anxiety, adversely affecting the quality of the sleep. A study was conducted to evaluate if the COVID-19 pandemic had any effects(s) on the sleeping pattern and on overall sleep quality. Study was conducted as a cross sectional, questionnaire-based survey in Indian population on an online platform utilising Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess pattern and quality of sleep before and during the pandemic. The survey questionnaire was conducted during pandemic;hence the data collected for "before pandemic” duration was retrospective. A total of 1615 participants' responses were received of which there were 756 female and 859 male participants. The mean PSQI score (global) before the pandemic was 4.68 ± 2.98 while that during the pandemic is 6.02 ± 3.62 indicating a significant change in the sleep quality. The proportion of poor sleepers also increased dramatically from 26.1% pre-covid to 49.3% during covid. Both sleep deprivation and poor-quality of sleep are well-known to produce significant mood disturbances and to lower the immunity. Thus, it can be extrapolated that those individuals who developed significant sleep disturbances during COVID-19 are likely to be at a greater risk for negative health consequences even if they did not develop active COVID-19 infection. As sleep is vital for both mental and physical health of the human body, adequate measures should be taken at an individual level as well as at the community level to maintain quality of the sleep during pandemic or other disasters like war that trigger considerable stress.
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The annual ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal® worldwide survey to determine industry trends by health and fitness professionals is now in its 17th consecutive year. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly made an impact on the 2021 survey and continued for 2022, but for 2023, some current trends are emerging whereas others are weakening because of the world's recovery from the isolation caused by COVID-19. The #1 trend for 2023, as it was for 2022, is wearable technology. Home exercise gyms was #2 for 2022 but has dropped to #13 for 2023. Fitness programs for older adults will make a comeback in 2023, breaking the top 10 at #4. Functional fitness training, a popular form of exercise for the older adult, is the #5 trend for 2023. Apply It!: From this article, the reader should understand the following concepts: • Explain the differences between a fitness fad and a fitness trend • Use the worldwide fitness trends in the commercial, corporate, clinical (including medical fitness), and community health and fitness industry to further promote physical activity • Study expert opinions about identified fitness trends for 2023
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Objective: To increase public awareness on importance of blood pressure (BP) screening for hypertension prevention and management through a national campaign in Nepal. Design: Opportunistic BP screening campaign was carried out among people 18 years or more in the year 2020, following the COVID-19 safety measures. The study used a cross-sectional survey design. Method: Systolic and diastolic BP data of the participants were obtained from three consecutive measurements of which second and third measurements were used to estimate the mean. Hypertension was defined as the systolic BP more than or equal to 140 and/or diastolic BP more than or equal to 90 mmHg or currently taking antihypertensive medicine. The screening campaign was conducted in 25 sites of the country. Measurement was done using OMRON automatic monitors. Altogether, 115 volunteer research assistants with public health background used mobilized for data collection. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with hypertension. Results: In total, 11,481 people participated in the BP screening campaign of which more than half were females (57%, 6568/11,481). Mean age of the participants was 45 ± 17 years. Mean systolic and diastolic BP were 125.8 ± 18 and 81.6 ± 10.5 respectively. Nearly a third (31.1%, 3592/11,481) of participants were hypertensive of which only 40% (1444/3592) were aware about their hypertension status. However, only about 80% (1146/14444) hypertensive participants were talking medicines. High age-group, high body mass index and smoking were found associated with hypertension adjusting age, sex and body mass index and smoking status of the participants. Conclusions: Blood pressure screening campaign provided an important opportunity to identify undiagnosed hypertension and raise awareness on hypertension among the general population. Awareness raising programs at the population and targeted interventions are warranted for prevention and control of hypertension in Nepal among older, overweight, and obese people and smokers.
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Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, fear, anxiety, and depression have become global concerns among the wider public. This study aimed to examine the occurrence of fear, anxiety and depressive symptoms associated with COVID-19, to assess influencing factors that lead to the development of these mental health conditions and to examine any changes in the mental health patterns of the society since the initial study a year ago in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Method: An anonymous online survey based on Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patients Health Questionnaires (PHQs) was conducted in the general population of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Results: From 1096 subjects, 81.3% were females, 33.8% had a high school degree, 56.4% were married, 53.4% were engaged in intellectual labor, 42.3% experienced fear, 72.9% had anxiety symptoms and 70.3% had depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and their mean age was 35.84 ± 10.86. Half (50.1%) of the subjects were COVID-19 positive and 63.8% had COVID-19 symptoms when responding to the questionnaire. Experiencing COVID-19 related fear (OR = 1.972) and having moderate to severe depressive symptoms (OR = 9.514) were associated with the development of mild to severe anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were in turn associated with the development of moderate to severe depressive symptoms (OR = 10.203) and COVID-19 related fear (OR = 2.140), respectively, thus creating a potential circulus vicious. COVID-19 positive subjects (OR = 1.454) were also more likely to develop mild to severe anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: In conclusion, the prevalence of fear, anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms rose dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They were interconnected and were significantly associated with age, gender, marital status and COVID-19 status. Therefore, an urgent mental health intervention is needed for the prevention of mental health problems.
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The distribution of causes and mortality rates in Moscow and St. Petersburg (SPb) are different. Objective. To analyze changes in the distribution of causes of death in Moscow and St. Petersburg related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods. The data were used on the annual average population and the annual number of deaths in one-year age groups according to Rosstat for 2019—2021. Standardized mortality rates based on the European standard were calculated. An ABC analysis of the deaths and causes of death in the two cities was performed. Results. Despite the new coronavirus infection, mortality rates in St. Petersburg exceeded those in Moscow by 20% for three years. ABC analysis of the cause of death distribution showed a sharp decrease in the number of causes responsible for 80% of deaths. The 50 leading causes of death in St. Petersburg were more consistent. In the list of causes, mortality due to malignant neoplasms of various localizations in Moscow has shifted down by 3—11 positions, and in St. Petersburg, it increased by 10 positions. The proportion of malignant neoplasms exceeds half of the deaths due to gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. Mortality from cardiovascular diseases in Moscow was 30% lower in 2021. Mortality from diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract tended to decrease in both cities. Mortality from respiratory diseases was 15—20% lower in Moscow. The changing distribution of causes of death during a pandemic was expected for several reasons. In Moscow, compared to St. Petersburg in 2020, the «coronavirus infection» diagnosis was apparently used more «cautiously» as a cause of death. Conclusion. The coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on mortality rates and distribution. The trends of mortality changes during the analyzed period were often inconsistent;however, mortality from leading causes in St. Petersburg remained higher than in Moscow.
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Ventilation in confined spaces is essential to reduce the airborne transmission of viruses responsible for respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. Mechanical ventilation using purifiers is an interesting solution for elevator cabins to reduce the risk of infection and improve the air quality. In this work, the optimal position and blowing direction of these devices to maximize ventilation and minimize the residence time of the air inside two cabins (large and small) is studied. Special attention is devoted to idle periods when the cabin is not used by the passengers, in order to keep the cabin ambient safe and clean, avoiding that the trapped air in the cabin (after its use) could suppose a reservoir for contaminants. CFD numerical models of two typical cabin geometries, including the discretization of small slots and grilles for infiltration, have been developed. A full 3D URANS approach with a k-epsilon RNG turbulence model and a non-reactive scalar to compute the mean age of air (MAA) was employed. The CFD results have been also validated with experimental measurements from a home-made 1:4 small-scale mock-up. The optimal position of the purifier is on the larger sidewall of the cabins for a downward blowing direction (case 1 of the database). Flow rates in the range of 0.4–0.6 m3/min, depending on the size of the cabin, are sufficient to assure a correct ventilation. Upward blowing may be preferable only if interaction of the jet core with the ceiling or other flow deflecting elements are found. In general, the contribution of infiltrations (reaching values of up to 10%), and how these secondary flows interact with the main flow pattern driven by the purifier, is relevant and not considered previously in the literature. Though an optimal position can improve ventilation considerably, it has been proven that a good choice of the purification flow rate is more critical to ensure an adequate air renewal. © 2022 The Authors
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Background and Objectives: Guidelines recommend deferral of elective surgery after COVID-19. Delays in cancer surgeries may affect outcomes. We examined perioperative outcomes of elective cancer surgery in COVID-19 survivors. The primary objective was 30-day all-cause postoperative mortality. The secondary objectives were 30-day morbidity, and its association with COVID-19 severity, and duration between COVID-19 and surgery. Methods: We collected data on age, gender, comorbidities, COVID-19 severity, preoperative investigations, surgery performed, and intra and postoperative outcomes in COVID-19 survivors who underwent elective cancer surgery at a tertiary-referral cancer center. Results: Three hundred and forty-eight COVID-19 survivors presented for elective cancer surgery. Of these, 332/348 (95%) patients had mild COVID-19 and 311 (89%) patients underwent surgery. Among patients with repeat investigations, computerized tomography scan of the thorax showed the maximum new abnormalities (30/157, 19%). The 30-day all-cause mortality was 0.03% (1/311) and 30-day morbidity was 17% (54/311). On multivariable analysis, moderate versus mild COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.95;95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52–7.30;p = 0.32) and surgery within 7 weeks of COVID-19 (OR: 0.61;95% CI: 0.33–1.11;p = 0.10) were not associated with postoperative morbidity. Conclusions: In patients who recover from mild to moderate COVID-19, elective cancer surgery can proceed safely even within 7 weeks. Additional preoperative tests may not be indicated in these patients. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Objective: To determine risk factors associated with development of AKI with regards to mortality rate among covid-19 patients taking in consideration risk factors such as age, sex and chronic diseases like diabetics considering renal function to outcome. Design and method: This is a retrospective cohort study using de-identified data retrieved from clinical records of patients from two COVID 19 isolation centers. Medical history, demographic data, symptoms, disease complications and laboratory investigations were extracted from clinical records of 406 confirmed COVID 19 hospitalized patients in the period between Feb 2020 and July 2021. Continuous variables were presented as means ± standard deviation (SD) while categorical variables were presented as percent proportions. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors associated with development of AKI with regards to mortality factors rate among covid 19 hypertensive patients. Result: Out of 406 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 59.6% had a history of hypertension. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors associated with AKI among hypertensive and non hypertensive patients of covid-19. Age factor is highly significant factor for development of AKI for hypertensive (odd ratio [OR]: 4.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: (1.93-1.36, P = 0.001) and non-hypertensive patients (odd ratio [OR]: 4.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: (1.58-4.18, P = 0.001). Urea (odd ratio [OR]: 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: (1.63-5.76, P = 0.001), creatinine (odd ratio [OR]: 3.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: (1.82-6.32, P > 0.001) and potassium[K] (odd ratio [OR]: 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: (2.23-3.83, P = 0.035) are highly significantly increased for hypertensive covid- 19 patients, whereas urea, creatinine and K are not significantly changed for non-hypertensive covid-19 patients Gender and morbidity factor (diabetes mellitus) has no significant effect for AKI development for hypertensive and non-hypertensive covid-19 patients. AKI is considered as a risk factor death among COVID-19 patients (OR:284, CI:1.56-5.15, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The present study indicates that 71% of patients with AKI are hypertensive. The results also highlight the alarming high incidents of hypertension in the studied population. On conclusion hypertension is considered as highly morbidity factor for development of AKI.
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Analytical reading is a necessary cognitive skill for advancing to other skills required in the digital age. Thailand is focused on the instructional development and use of digital media to enhance the digital natives' analytical reading skills, which will assist learners of all ages in effectively and quickly adapting to changes in the digital environment. After the COVID-19 pandemic situation, educational institutions in Thailand have begun to embrace a hybrid learning approach like never before. The limitations of the existing learning process for boosting digital natives' analytical reading skills are the lack of integration between reading techniques, hybrid pedagogies, and emerging learning technologies to enhance learners' seamless learning experiences. Thus, this study aims to propose the Cloud-powered Hybrid Learning process (Cp-HL process) to enhance digital natives' analytical reading skills. This study consisted of two main stages in the research methodology: 1) learning process development;and 2) learning process evaluation. The developed Cp-HL process had four main learning phases: (1) preparation for hybrid learning;(2) presentation for interactive learning;(3) practice with analytical reading;and (4) progress reports on analytical reading skills. All the experts agreed that the newly developed Cp-HL process performed extremely well in terms of overall suitability. © 2023, International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications. All Rights Reserved.
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Objectives: In summer 2021, the number of COVID-19–associated hospitalizations in the United States increased with the surge of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. We assessed how COVID-19 vaccine initiation and dose completion changed during the Delta variant surge, based on jurisdictional vaccination coverage before the surge. Methods: We analyzed COVID-19 vaccination data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We classified jurisdictions (50 states and the District of Columbia) into quartiles ranging from high to low first-dose vaccination coverage among people aged ≥12 years as of June 30, 2021. We calculated first-dose vaccination coverage as of June 30 and October 31, 2021, and stratified coverage by quartile, age (12-17, 18-64, ≥65 years), and sex. We assessed dose completion among those who initiated a 2-dose vaccine series. Results: Of 51 jurisdictions, 15 reached at least 70% vaccination coverage before the Delta variant surge (ie, as of June 30, 2021), while 35 reached that goal as of October 31, 2021. Jurisdictions in the lowest quartile of vaccination coverage (44.9%-54.9%) had the greatest absolute (9.7%-17.9%) and relative (18.1%-39.8%) percentage increase in vaccination coverage during July 1–October 31, 2021. Of those who received the first dose during this period across all jurisdictions, nearly 1 in 5 missed the second dose. Conclusions: Although COVID-19 vaccination initiation increased during July 1–October 31, 2021, in jurisdictions in the lowest quartile of vaccination coverage, coverage remained below that of jurisdictions in the highest quartile of vaccination coverage before the Delta variant surge. Efforts are needed to improve access to and increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, especially in low-coverage areas.
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Background: To assess the efficacy of various anticoagulants being prescribed in the COVID 19 induced hypercoagulability, so as to know optimally effective anticoagulant. Methods: This was a Indian observational study conducted in our covid centre at vijayawada,Andhra Pradesh between june 2020 to January 2021 . Results: A total of 100 COVID 19 subjects were included. The patients were found to be matched with respect to age, gender, diet and past history of various illnesses. Gender wise more males (60 patients)are affected when compared to females(40 patients). Age group more affected are less than or equal to 50yrs . Comorbidites like Diabetes(67patients),cardiac problems(62patients), dyslipidemia(62patients) were seen. Risk factors like smoking(52patients), alcoholism(50patients) noticed. Almost all subjects are RTPCR positive. IL- 6,CRP,LDH high in most subjects. Ferritin and PT/INR are normal in more subjects. Out of 100 patients oxygen is required in 48 subjects and BIPAP/CPAP required in 26 subjects. Death occurred in 24 patients (2 with CVA,22 with myocardial infraction). Mortality rate is more in vegetarians. More patients in our study belongs to CORADS score 4 and 5. D-dimer are increased in 67subjects. IL-6 are increased in 68patients . Frequency of subjects with raised D-dimer (p = 0.049) and CRP (p = 0.002) levels were found to be benefitted on receiving nattokinase. However, no other parameters such as IL-6 (p = 0.068) ferritin (p = 0.396), ESR (p = 0.278), PT/INR (p = 0.47) LDH (p = 0.34) or CORADS staging achieved such significant association. Also need of interventions such as Oxygen (p = 0.001), BIPAP/CPAP (p < 0.0001) were low in patients on nattokinase. No significant difference was noted in follow up investigations such as PT/INR (p = 0.31) and other markers (D-dimer, IL-6, LDH, CRP) (p = 0.55). No bleeding episodes were reported in subjects on nattokinase. Significant low rate of death was found in subjects who received nattokinase (p < 0.0001) and rivaroxaban (p < 0.0001). Also, significantly higher mortality rate was observed in subjects who required to be put on oxygen (p < 0.0001) as well as BIPAP/CPAP (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Nattokinase simultaneously effects several key favourable benefits for thrombosis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidaemia, platelet aggregation, and neuroprotection in patients with COVID 19 infection. (Figure Presented).
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Introduction: Increased reporting of menstrual disturbances post-vaccination and inadequate inclusion of questions about menstruation in vaccine trials and disease progression studies have been the baseline for conducting this study. We aim to assess the influence of vaccines and COVID-19 infection on menstruation and identify patterns, if any, in cycles post-disease/vaccination. Methods: A multicenter observational study was performed using a questionnaire-based survey via an online link. The participants who filled the survey were predominantly in the age group of 21–25 years (80%). Participants with prior menstrual irregularities were eliminated from the study. Results: The prevalence of unusual menstrual cycles post-infection/vaccination was 21.7%. A total of 17.11% experienced changes post-vaccination and 22.8% of the infected individuals reported abnormalities post-COVID-19 disease. A substantial increase in dysmenorrhea was reported (p <0.001) post-infection/vaccination. An increase in menstrual flow was observed in 14.9% post-vaccination and 23.9% post-infection. Conclusion: Menstrual changes post-vaccination were insignificant;however, significant differences in menstruation were reported post-infection. The study strengthens the association between COVID-19 and menstruation and urges the inclusion of menstrual health in disease intervention studies.
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Summary : This article examines the response of social services organizations and their workers to the COVID-19 pandemic in a northeastern U.S. state. Using an exploratory, cross-sectional survey design with a convenience sample (N = 1472), we ask: (1) how did agencies and social service workers manage service disruptions associated with COVID-19;(2) how did social service workers perceive shifts in clients' needs;(3) how did social service workers experience the transition to remote interactions with clients;and (4) how did social service workers cope with COVID-related transitions and demands. Findings : Our findings tell a story of unprecedented crises alongside powerful attempts at adaptation, innovation, and resilience. Faced with extraordinary need among their clients, fears for their own health, and a breakdown of organizational and community functioning and guidance, social workers were able to learn and implement new technologies, adapt to increasing demands, manage new work-life boundaries, and find ways to address gaps in service while experiencing symptoms of burnout. Application : The impact of supervisory and administrative fragmentation and communication breakdowns in the face of crisis put social workers in an untenable position despite surprising abilities to adapt, innovate, and manage their professional lives while under duress. Assuring better supervisory/administrative infrastructure to support workers as they deliver services during crises will help in future crises.
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The world is witnessing a pandemic of SARS-CoV2 infection since the first quarter of the twenty-first century. Ever since the first case was reported in Wuhan city of China in December 2019, the virus has spread over 223 countries. Understanding and predicting the dynamics of COVID-19 spread through data analysis will empower our administrations with insights for better planning and response against the burden inflicted on our health care infrastructure and economy. The aim of the study was to analyze and predict COVID-19 spread in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Data was extracted from lab data management system (LDMS), a government portal to enter all the COVID-19 testing details. Using the EpiModel package of R-mathematical modeling of infectious disease dynamics, the predictive analysis for hospitalization rate, percentage of patients requiring oxygen and ICU admission, percentage of patients getting admitted, duration of hospital stay, case fatality rate, age group and gender-wise fatality rate, and hospitalization rate were computed. While calculating the above-said variables, the percentage of vaccinated population, breakthrough infections, and percentage of hospitalization among the vaccinated was also taken into consideration. The time trend of patients in ICU showed men outnumbered women. Positive cases were more among 20–30 years, while 61–70 years age group had more risk for ICU admission. An increase in CFR with advancing age and also a higher CFR among males were seen. Conclusions: Analyzing and predicting the trend of COVID-19 would help the governments to better utilize their limited healthcare resources and adopt timely measures to contain the virus. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
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Introduction: Research on Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) seroprevalence in children and adolescent population across the globe is quite limited. In India, there is a dearth of data on COVID-19 seropositivity, especially in unvaccinated paediatric population, particularly in the Himalayan region. Aim: To estimate the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in children presenting in a tertiary care health institution. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted on 500 children, from October 2021 to March 2022 in paediatric age group, attending Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, for various health related concerns such as fever, cough, loose stools, vomiting and fast breathing using convenience sampling. Socio-demographic profile was recorded and blood sample was drawn for COVID-19 antibody titre estimation. Chi-squared and Fisher's-exact tests for proportions was used for testing statistical significance. Results: A total of 500 children, age ranged from 12 hours to 17 years 7 months were enrolled with maximum children belonging to 01-05 years age group and there was slight male preponderance. Seropositivity in males (27.3%) was significantly higher than females (8.3%). Highest (42.3%) seropositivity was seen in age group of 06 months to 01 year. About 10.8% of cases were positive for Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody, 4.4% were positive for IgM antibody, while about 6.6% cases were positive for both antibodies. Conclusion: The seroprevalence status of children and adolescents is quite low in this region, revealing the high susceptibility of children to SARS-CoV-2 in the study region. It further emphasises benefits of serological testing in children for SARS-CoV-2 as well as the need of safe and effective vaccination for the unimmunised, unprotected and vulnerable paediatric age group.